As is clearly indicated in the conflicting reviews, the Carambola Beach Resort is not for everyone. If you want a high-energy, modern resort experience then look at Diva Carina. If you are concerned about cell phone reception or in-room Internet access, go to Buccaneer. If you want to move at the local pace and listen to the surf while taking in a spectacular setting from your hammock, then this is the place.

Based on my experience, I would give this resort a 3-star rating with exceptional value. It has way too much local character to merit 4 stars, which in my book is a GOOD thing. I’ll save the 4-star resorts for business trips.

For my family, the location was ideal. It is secluded, and I do recommend a rental car if you are going to stay for more than a few days - taxis are very expensive. We did not get a rental car for our 4-night stay, and that is the one item I would have changed. Of course, you must drive on the left side of the road…

We were fortunate to stay in a newly-renovated room. It was immediately adjacent to a rock outcropping with tidal pools and hypnotic surf. It was just perfect. I asked the resort staff, and only a handful of the rooms have been renovated - mainly on the east side of the resort. I believe the resort may be preparing for transfer of ownership.

Service is friendly and very slow, but what’s the rush! Lunch could take 90 minutes or more, but you are seated on a verandah overlooking one of the most picturesque beaches in the Virgin Islands. I do agree with previous reviewers that the limited off-season menu got old very quickly. Some of the items were good, some were only passable. Food variety/quality is one area where the resort could definitely improve. If you can, catch a ride to the “Off the Wall” bar & restaurant about 2-3 miles to the east. Hang out with locals, toast the sunset with free shots, and eat pizza… definitely a highlight. Oh, and make sure you can get a ride back (Thanks, Jeff!)

Snorkeling is top-notch, and the hotel provides free snorkel gear to guests. My wife and daughter took advantage of the SCUBA offerings from Sweet Bottom Dive Center - Tony and Gwen were fantastic! I also highly recommend the hiking trail to remote(-er) Annaly bay and tide pools; wear sturdy running shoes (at least) for the hike, and bring water shoes for the tide pools and a bottle of water for survival. I am astounded at the teenagers I saw gasping for air on the way up. You should be in decent shape for this.

To summarize, Carambola is near perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all and have a laid back, relaxing experience. A rental car is recommended. The resort is indeed an exceptional value.

My fiance and I travelled to the Carambola for our weddingmoon in May of 2009. We scoured trip advisor for the right resort for which to get married. We were looking for someplace with character, yet clean; great pool and beach; scuba diving available; not too expensive; spa; good wedding location; convenient to get to. The Carambola seemed to offer all of these.

If you're looking for a massive, multi-story Marriott/Sheraton, this is not it. It's has much more character - 2-story , fully air-conditioned bungalows with decks over looking the ocean; quiet beach and pool; shore diving right off the resort. Our rooms were recently renovated with kitchenette, doubled-sinked bathroom and tile shower. We found it to be very clean and well maintained. The staff was courteous and always helpful. Make sure you don't miss the Moco Jumbies show on Friday evenings!

Being off-season coupled with the recent economic downturn, the resort was only 30% full. That made it wonderful for privacy, however only one of the four restaurants was open. The food was very good, but it was the same menu for lunch and dinner.

Carambola is listed as a 'resort & spa'. However that is a bit of a misnomer. The spa is not run by the resort - which is not a problem. The spa is beautiful, however not well manned. They market a whole menu of spa activities, but many of them are not available (ie: there is only one masseuse so it is impossible to perform a couples massage). That being said, we did have manicures, pedicures, haircuts and massages there and they did a wonderful job.

There are a couple of 'dive' bars just a couple of miles from the resort (you'll need a car to get to them). But other than that, there isn't much in the way of nightlife. Even that shuts down by 11pm every night.

Cindy Clearwater was our wedding planner and officiant and was phenomenal! Highly recommended.

Quiana Duncan was our photographer. Her pictures came out pretty good and were available to us in only a few weeks. However, we had a miscommunication about her hourly rate - I would recommend that if you work with her, you clarify upfront the amount of time she'll be taking pictures.

We dove with Cane Bay Divers - great outfit. Ask for Nick for a dive guide - he's also very good. There are two dive spots which are shore dives from Carambola - both were great dives. The visibility was the greatest, but had some nice turtle encounters.

It is a hike from the airport, I believe $40 taxi to and $25 from the hotel. No internet but dial up. If you just want to relax its nice, otherwise a little boring.

Returned home June 11 2009. Arrived early at the hotel - no problem able to check in right away. No light outside the room or remote for television - no problem taken care of immediatley. Room right on the beach. The ocean was warm and clear - beaches soft white sand. You must go to the Pirates Buffet on Friday night. You will not be disappointed! We ate in the hotel restaurant twice on the deck and the service and food was excellent. This resort is romantic and ideal for honeymooners. Security is monitored. You will have to hire a car to get around. This is one of the best resorts on the island. We were not sure where to stay and read many reviews. When we arrived we went to the other hotels on our list and definately made the right choice. Internet is available in restaurant/pool area, however it is FREE! Explore the Island there is everything you need. Food is a little expensive after all this is an Island and locals depend on tourists to survive. This resort is what you make it - relaxing or a central location to get around.