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We review the key aspects of the resort on a scale from one to ten -- one being horrendously bad, and ten being perfection. Rooms: 8.3 First, we need to point out that we did not spend big on the level of room for this trip, so we were only one step above the bottom-level room. The newly renovated room was beautiful. It had lots of storage space, a stocked mini-fridge, and a wonderfully firm king-size bed. There was a large flat screen TV and a nice clock radio equipped with a jack for iPods or iPhones (old style plug). Housekeeping did a great job keeping us stocked with fresh towels and keeping the room really clean. Sadly, there was no view at all, and the deck outside the room was adjacent to a walkway for other rooms. We also had some daytime noise issues, starting at about 6 every morning (apparently the room abuts a work area in the back). The room was also close to the main performance area for the resort, but that night-time noise usually stopped around 9:30. Scoring for the room is challenging because the room itself was beautiful and elegantly appointed, but the noise issues and it's location certainly detract. Our really awesome customer representative (Tayshian) found another room possibility for us, but we were concerned about night-time noise in the other room (since it was close to the boom-boom room for a neighboring resort). We would strongly consider springing for an ocean-front room if/when we return to this resort. This would provide a nice view and (probably) minimize noise issues. Reception / Front Desk: 9.5 The reception (check-in / check-out) was nice. The process was easy, and the staff was really nice. Hali went down to get some bottled water one night when we were not feeling well, and the front desk helped her out with an armload to bring back to the room. Water Sports: 9.0 There were some really good points here. The water skiing equipment was great. The ski I used seemed brand new, and the knee-board Hali used was in very good shape as well. The main ski boat driver was outstanding, although I regret to report we have forgotten his name. They also had a seated tube ride that was fun. The snorkeling was excellent before the weather turned and churned up the water. There was great availability for the snorkeling trips, and they were well run. On the down-side, there was only 2 stand-up paddle boards available. It looked like they had at least a half dozen more that were being serviced. They also had a few Hobies down for service, but 3 were up and running. The boats we took out had working cleats, which was nice. The wind was never really strong, so I didn't even look at the windsurfing equipment (I should have looked just to know what they had, but I didn't). Bars: 9.3 There were generally good labels available, but some bars were better stocked than others. Likewise with the bartenders, some tenders seemed a bit more friendly (and knowledgeable) than others. The best labels and tenders were to be found at the piano bar. Restaurants: 9.7 We thought the food here was outstanding. The best of any Sandals we have visited. We especially loved the French and Italian restaurants (amazing staff, too). We skipped the Japanese and the Barefoot restaurants, but I'm sure they were good as well. Beach / Pool / Grounds: 9.8 / 9 / 9.2 The beach here is great for long walks, and it's super clean (especially when you consider the number of tourists that visit the area). The water was nice until the weather turned, and then it was a bit turned up. Some people don't like the sea grass that can found in some spots, and the bottom can be a bit soft in places. These thing don't bother us, but some others may feel differently. The resort staff worked (seemingly non-stop) to keep the beach as clean as humanly possible, and we think they did a great job. This also a great beach for sunsets, even though the weather didn't always cooperate in that regard. There are two pools of significant size, both with swim-up bars. We didn't spend much time at either. The main pool area was a bit loud for us mature folks, and the other pool was a bit too far away from the water sports for us to park there. We usually had chairs on the beach, but rarely spent more than 5 minutes at a time in the chairs. During some other trip we could see spending more time around the smaller pool. Both of the larger pools are small when compared to some other Sandals properties, but the layout is such that are not really focal features. Even though there was a good bit of construction underway, we still found plenty of room to walk about and explore (within the resort boundaries). The resort is generally long and narrow in shape, so there isn't much room to walk in away from the beach. Still, there is a very nice walkway along the length of the resort. The grounds seemed very well maintained, and we enjoyed some nighttime forays in the more quiet areas in search of critters to photograph. Overall Service: 9.7 The service is one of the things that really makes this resort stand out. The vast majority of the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. We both agree the level of service here is the best of any Sandals we have visited. An extra shout-out to Tayshian at the soon-come-back desk for all of her friendly help throughout our stay. Thanks Tayshian!! Overall: 9.5 This is really a very nice resort, and the service and food are truly exceptional. Certain room locations may have some noise issues, but this would not prevent us from returning. |
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