Tom & Marianne - October, 2007

Travel: We got up at 3:00 only to have our plane grounded with engine trouble. So instead of arriving at 11:30 we landed a 7:30 at night. We did still end up in paradise so it wasn't the end of the world. On the return they made us leave the resort at 9:00 for a 12:40 flight only to find out our flight was delayed one hour. I believe they want you to spend some money at the airport but with the prices you may have a little sticker shock. We paid $15 for a Cocktail and a bottle of water.

Arrival: You are greeted by a door man who makes you feel very welcome and makes sure your bags arrive in your room. You then are handed a sandal wood scented ice cold towel for your face and a glass of sparkling wine. Check in is very fast and efficient.

Room: Our first room was behind the pool which I thought would be convenient but it was also under the hot tub and in the morning you can hear them dragging chairs while they clean up. They wear very helpful and changed us to a room right above our friends we had met last year and planned the trip with.

Resort: The vegetation was starting to mature after the hurricane a couple of years ago. It was well maintained with good eye appeal.

Staff: It was good but they lost some staff from last year and most of them were the ones that made our stay special. Sylvia runs drinks at the pool and works her butt off and is very friendly but she is by herself and you should order a back up as she brings them if you are a drinker. The breakfast waiter named Leo was outstanding but you need to pay attention to his area to get his services. The pizza chef at the bar at 11:00 PM is also very friendly. All in all the service was very good but not outstanding like last year. I guess its due to the new staff.

Food: Our first meal was outstanding. Filet with mash potatoes and green beans. Portions are small but when you add salad, appetizers, soup you wont leave hungry. Second night it was rack of lamb. Excellent. Enough said. The lunches are pretty good especially the BBQ ribs. Not everything is out on the steam tables. You have to request things off the menu. They added a nacho bar with a hot cheese dispenser. At least I don't remember it from last year. Add some hot peppers and a little chili and viola. Night time pizza is very good or maybe it was the 15 hours of drinking.

Drinks: Most of it was top shelf and they will make them as strong as you like. Variety may have been better at Hedo but it was good. Had my first mud slide. Good change up drink. Jack and a splash gets to you after 7 or 8.

Beach: Outstanding........and nude. They added more beds this year as well as sun netting for privacy. You still have to be discreet during the day on the beach.

I highly recommend the beds at night with your loved one. Very romantic. The stars are unbelievable. The air is warm and the sound of the surf will drive her over the edge.

Pool: Very clean except for one day we had a few deposits from the palm trees and a little sun tan lotion backing up on the floats. But no big deal. Temp was perfect a little cool when you get in but in 10 seconds its refreshing.

Hot tub: Good temp and seemed to be clean. Only in it two times but no complaints.

Disco: Toooooo Hot!!! This was the only real issue the whole trip. The first night was unbearable but seemed to improve through the week. I like to dance and had to tone it down so I would be soaking wet.

Play room. Very nice but under utilized. It depends on the trip. Of course we only went in there one night but enjoyed the time we spent in there.

PDA'S:  Not in your face. Very reserved. Actually I have seen more at the lake here in Tennessee but there were a few. It depends on the group as usual. During the day only the hot tub can you let it all hang out. But night time it is a little more wide open.

All in all a great trip. Made even more wonderful by the people we spent time with. A shout out to Mike, Dana, Steve, Donna, Leigh, Jane. Great Crew. Great fun.

Its hard to believe we had the perfect mix of personalities. Looking forward to the reunion.