Celebrating a joint birthday with a visiting friend to the island for the first time, it was a tall order to find somewhere special, with a gastronomic edge. Chef Didier excelled in his art, whilst the al-fresco ambience of the restaurant and it's vista unto Vigie peninsula added that magical touch. Chef Didier went all out to create a menu that clearly was made with love and attention, pandering to every taste. It was a journey in flavours through every corner of the globe. Every course excited the palate. The sparking rose accompanied the starters beautifully, and the pinot grigio was a good accompaniment to the fish main course. We ordered a Sauvignon Blanc which was deemed unavailable only after some bemusement with a Chardonnay from the same vineyard being presented at first. A perfect even was only tempered with the lack of wine knowledge by wait staff, and the surly attitude of one individual who had the potential to take away everything that everyone else worked hard to achieve that evening. The hostess needs particular mention for her attentiveness and attention to detail, picking up on our every expression or movement and ensuring we were being spoilt on this occasion.
We had a crispy shrimp wonton as an amuse-bouche, followed by a selection of tomato soup, octopus tempura, open shrimp ravoli as starters. Everyone of us regaled the dishes served. I tasted all - and wanted all!
There was a clever palate cleanser of a plum and hoisin frogs' legs, which was a total surprise but really did the job. Didn't even know that was sourced in the island. WOW!
Main course varied between snapper of mahi mahi, both cooked to perfection, accompanied by some crisp steamed vegetable. A simple, healthy yet flavoursome main course.
The hand made 'local chocolate truffles' finished off a perfectly rounded meal.
We could not manage any of the inviting desserts on the menu - we were stumped!
The most impressive part to top off this royal meal was the great value for money! I expected to leave there broke and in need of a second mortgage, but was pleasantly surprised.

Stayed for a week at the end of February 2013, comments as follows:

ROOMS
We viewed all 3 options having originally booked a standard suite. Unfortunately we were allocated 201. Others have posted about possible noise but my concern was the lack of a view. Having looked at the swim up suites and the cottages we opted to upgrade for a swim up.

Very nice, well appointed room, typical for a hotel of this standard. Was not as dark as others suggested although the terrace is completely covered in shade. Note the beds in the swim ups and cottages have a mosquito net, something I would recommend (read on).

Overall the room was nice, cleaned well but I can not help but think this is the one area that lets the hotel down. The word 'tired' comes to mind.

HOTEL RESTAURANT
Very good. Breakfast served quickly, contrary to other experiences I have read on TA. Evening meal varied enough and very tasty, good value as we were on the B&B option, which was better for us as we like a drink but not excessive. Lunch at the pool bar good.

STAFF
Outstanding. I can not comment highly enough about the entire team from the owner, reception team, waiters, gardeners, all engaging, considerate and wanting to help.

LOCATION
Approx 10 minutes taxi ride from Rodney Bay, $15 each way in a taxi. Worth going in to see the beach, restaurant options etc. Taxis booked by reception, great service from Tim the driver.

RESTAURANTS OTHER THEN THE HOTEL
We tried The Edge (expensive but good), Spice of India (very good and reasonably priced) and Spinnakers (great beach location, good value and a bit more family orientated).

BEACH / POOL
Loads of sun beds so no towels out early a.m. I'm pleased to say. Always options in the gardens, around the pool and on the beautiful secluded beach. Pool bar a nice touch to enjoy a cocktail in the sun.

GENERAL
All public areas of the hotel are very nice. Reception has the wow factor (the view), restaurant nice, infinity pool also good. Gardens manicured each day.

EXCURSIONS
We did the helicopter transfer to and from the airport. Highly recommended. So easy and carefree as opposed to the drive along winding roads others reported.

We also did the Segway tour (a must do - see separate review) and the big game fishing. We failed to catch but had a good day.

OVERALL
We would return for sure but would encourage the owner to look at refurbishing the rooms. Do not misunderstand, they are not bad, moreover need a spruce up considering we are talking 5star (but again, they are very clean).

Enjoy

This Hotel was nothing less than outstanding. My wife and I checked in on February 9 2013 with our 2 year old daughter and the exceeding of our expectations started as soon as we got out of the car and didnt end for 8 days. Rohan set everything up for us and nothing he told us didnt materialize. Chris, one of the managers was incredible. Callissi, I know I screwed up that spelling was wonderful, I have been to the carribean several times, Mexico 9 times including Cancun, Playa, Ixtapa, Cabo etc. not only was the Hotel outstanding but the Island was like a dream. We did several tours but spent alot of time in the pool, on the amazing Beach. There were times we were alone in both, it was like having a vacation home with great service...We ate out several times for Dinner although the restaurant had good food in the Hotel, breakfast everyday at the hotel was amazing. Big Chef twice, Coal Pot, Spinnakers. Cant wait to get back next Winter.
thank you to everyone at Calabash for a GREAT experience.

Relaxed hotel with a beautiful view. We got married here and our wedding coordinator was very organised and no details were missed. It was exactly the type of day we had hoped for.

The service can occasionally be caribbean style, meaning relaxed, but then this is what we came for, a relaxing experience! The staff are very friendly.

The food was wonderful and I enjoyed every meal time, including all the pre-dinner cocktails.