I’m a bit overdue in writing my review of our most recent stay at Somerset (we were there for 10 blissful days in June). Not due to neglect, just due to trying to find the right words to express how amazing our most recent experience at Somerset was! 💙 This was our 14th trip to TCI, 2nd stay at Somerset, & from the moment we stepped foot onto the property, it felt like we were coming HOME! We were immediately welcomed like family by JOHNSON, who helped us with our luggage, & had a big smile & hugs for us, & then JON at the front desk, who checked us in. So wonderful to see familiar faces from our last visit! We were greeted with rum punch (fruit punch for my 14 y/o son), & refreshing towels. HOME AWAY FROM HOME: We booked the same unit that we stayed in last year - the 2 bedroom penthouse unit in the Stirling building (403). This condo unit is what vacation dreams are made of! 🤩 (I wrote a very lengthy, detailed review last year with all of the specifics so I don’t want to be repetitive here; please read my previous Somerset review!). The highlight (for us) of this unit is the private rooftop area, complete with jacuzzi, multiple seating (& dining) areas, & SPECTACULAR 360 views of the entire island. We spent so much time up here, especially in the evenings….stargazing, eating dinner, watching fireworks, hanging out together in the bean bag chairs, laughing, soaking in the jacuzzi, & making so many great memories. 🥰 Both bedrooms are gorgeous, comfortable, large, & have private balconies. Plenty of closet space (& hangers!). Each has a full bathroom with tub & separate shower. Comfy robe & soft slippers provided as well! Kitchen is extremely well-appointed with luxury appliances (even a grill on the deck!) & every accessory you could need (glassware, flatware, plates, utensils, etc). Washing machine & dryer are so convenient (laundry soap provided)! Pack light & throw a load of clothes in the machine in the evenings - super handy! Water is provided by the gallon (very nice amenity!). We brought reusable, insulated water bottles with us, so we could refill them & take with us to the beach or pool. (You can always ask housekeeping for extra waters if, like us, you are extra-thirsty! The sun in TCI is no joke! 😅). Coffee & tea is stocked in the room, as are creamers in the fridge. Our housekeeper, JACQUELINE, (who took care of our room last year as well) is the best of the best! Not only did she keep our room spotless, but she made sure we were well-stocked with water, coffees, toiletries, laundry soap, etc. She was always so friendly, & she is such a joy! Somerset also has a nightly turn-down service. 😴 WATER SPORTS: Somerset’s beach area & pools are stunning! What really sets them apart, from other resorts we’ve stayed at, is the service! AJ is one of the most outgoing, friendliest people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. He genuinely cares about the guests & making their stays as relaxing & pleasurable as possible. COLIN, LOXLEY, & ANDRE also took good care of us! They help set up chairs for you, grab you a towel or cold bottle of water, help you with the water sports equipment, chat with you, etc. We always felt like we were in great hands. (And speaking of towels, there were always plenty available at all times of the day!) We enjoyed taking out the clear bottom kayaks a few times! It’s relaxing to glide along the coastline, seeing Grace Bay from a different perspective. My son & I also snorkeled quite a bit. Somerset isn’t near a reef, so fish-viewing is a bit limited, but we were not disappointed! Some of our favorites were the sting rays, a conch, & lots of baby peacock flounders. (If you love snorkeling (like me), head to Coral Gardens or Smith’s Reef!) SAFETY: We always felt safe at Somerset, & they clearly care about their guests’ safety & security. Every evening, a security guard arrives & takes over the post at the beach attendants’ station. He patrols the property throughout the night as well. The property is also gated, so anyone driving onto the property has to go through the front gate, which can be opened with your room keycard or by someone at the front desk who has a clear sight line to the gate. SOMERSET PERKS: We enjoyed the complimentary breakfast that was included with our stay, but I wish there were more options (included are eggs, meat, toast, juice, coffee/tea, & table-shared plates of fruit & pastries). Other TCI resorts of the same caliber/price point we have stayed at include a nice breakfast buffet & made-to-order items. Service at breakfast was always outstanding & friendly! - The Manager’s Party is on Monday nights from 5:30-6:30p. Such a fun time, great to meet & socialize with staff & other guests! They have music, complimentary beer, wine, rum (or fruit) punch, plus appetizers such as coconut shrimp, conch fritters, & veggie spring rolls. - Tuesday night is the Beach BBQ (from 6:30-10p; $65 adults, $35 kids). It is all you can eat with a cash bar. DJ really gets the crowd going, with music, dancing & games (limbo, anyone??) & there is a fire eater/breather who engages with the audience. 🔥 The staff really works hard to make this a great night for guests! - A private, romantic dinner on the beach can also be arranged by the on-site restaurant, Barbetta. We saw several couples doing this, & the staff does a great job setting up the table with soft lighting & decorations! - The Kids Club, run by Miss Sharon, is highly rated! She plans lots of fun activities for the kids, including s’mores-making by the beach & movie nights on the lawn by the townhomes section, complete with popcorn machine! - The two on-site restaurants (Barbetta House, where breakfast is served, & Barbetta by the Beach, right next to the pool) offer lots of options! (The fish tacos at the poolside location are amazing! Best fish tacos we’ve ever had!!). Food & drink service is also available at the beach & pool. - Also worth mentioning is the cute gift shop located in the front office! Well-stocked with snacks, clothes, sunscreen, & nice gift items, including locally-made goodies! We got a Somerset-branded Corkcicle bottle & a couple pairs of TCI-made earrings! GOING THE EXTRA MILE: The staff at Somerset is top-notch! This is really what sets them apart, compared to other TCI resorts we have stayed at. Everyone is friendly & outgoing, quick to greet you with a smile & a “hello,” always making guests feel welcome. A few people (other than those I previously mentioned) who made our stay extra special ~ STEVONYA in reservations helped us with our booking this year & worked with me on this trip to secure our booking for next year as well. GIOVANNI from maintenance/electrical helped us with a few minor issues with our room safe, & he remembered us (& our son) from last year. We met FOSTER (front office manager) at the Manager’s Party our first night there, & he was a pleasure to talk to & run into throughout our stay. THE COUNTDOWN: We are already counting down the days until we return to TCI, & our Somerset home. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if this trip was going leave us feeling a little disappointed, as the bar was set pretty high last year. But Somerset came through again, & this stay was just as amazing as last year’s! If anything, it was more special because we felt like we were “coming home” - seeing old friends & familiar faces again. 🩵…
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