Before going to the resort, I had looked up many reviews on the resort and was a little nervous to stay there. However, the trip was booked and I was prepared to see for myself.

Based on past reviews, we were told to request building 5 or 6. Once there, we were told that they were not available. When we got to our room, it was air conditioned and basically clean. After being there a day or so, we realized that our room had a leak in it next to the bathroom. The beds were basic and clean. There was a day when our room was not cleaned because they had never come back after we took down our do not disturb sign. The grounds were nice. The restaurants were decent as well. The Italian place was by the far the best place and when it came to dining in the halls, breakfast was the best meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at set times and if you miss it you are stuck eating the snack bar food, which was decent. The bar staff was very friendly and after a few days we got to know them very well. We took advantage of the water activities provided. WE did the kayaking which was good and we paid to do the banana boating which was well worth it as well.

The beach is ok by the hotel. However, if you walk further down the beach gets prettier. So if you plan on doing some swimming, make sure to walk away from the resort. The water is clearer and cleaner.

If you get your hair done, be weary of the pricing. We knew someone who did not ask the price before sitting and at that point when they had already started they said it would cost him $110 to do the full head. Not worth it. We stopped at 3 braids and were still charged $25. The entertainment was amusing. They had some of the same entertainers and they were very friendly. They play fun games by the pool and try to involve everyone.

Overall, the resort was just ok. For us, we wanted to go to the beach, relax and have a few cocktails. So for us, it served its purpose. If you are going for good food, exciting nightlife, or amazing grounds, I would not recommend this resort.

2 Adults, 2 young teens. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Went with an open mind and were really pleased.
2 adoining rooms on the seafront, yes, they smelt a bit musty, but were cleaned daily. Staff friendly. Food excellent, plenty of choice. Pools lovely and clean. Sea superb. Lots of watersports and beach games. Plenty of room for kids to have a bit of freedom on the complex but totally safe.
Only downside was the amount of dominicans coming in at the weekend, not blessed with the best manners, but if youre going for 14 days and they are there for 4....its not so bad.
Lovely weather, bit of a welcome breeze, few days when we had rain, but short, sharp bursts then sunshine again.
For a good value for money family holiday, it was exactly what we wanted. Just remember you are on holiday. The people who complain and think it should be like home, should stay at home!! We came back happy.

The beauty of the lush green trees, flowers and water cannot be matched, however we should have been warned about the insects. I was bit by "no see ums" simply from walking on the beach and then in the evening while watching shows. This ruined my vacation because I literally had no relief and still do not and it's been a week. People should be warned from their travel agent or website about this potential problem.

The other disappointment was the draining of the large pool and swim up bar. During our stay we had a couple days of the pool and the next thing we know, the water was gone and several locals were chipping away the tiles by hand.

On a positive note the staff was extremely friendly and more than eager to assist and make you feel welcomed. The food was acceptable and the vendors were not over bearing. I would not return simply because of the insects.

Hi,

I spent two lovely weeks with my girlfriend here, and arrived home 19/05/08 (wish I was still there).

First of all, I really don't understand how all these bad reviews can be written. These people were either very unlucky with their holiday, or are the type of people that live to complain.

Right, here's my little summary of the holiday:

Flight:
Uneventful, smooth. Pretty boring, took us from A to B - Nothing to do with the holiday really.

Arrival:
When we arrived, our room wasn't quite ready. So we were given our all-inclusive band, and told to go and have a drink for a few minutes whilst we waited. Not ideal, but not the end of the world!

Room:
The room was basic and very clean - all you need from a room. There is a TV if you are planning on staying in, and I believe you could get a remote control from reception if need be. There was plenty of wardrobe space, a table, drawers etc... The bathroom was fine, hot water when ever we needed it, and the shower got you clean. We also had a balcony overlooking one of the pools (The larger one in the middle of the complex, it's quieter than the other). I do recommend requesting building 5 or 6, as these are nicer and better located.

Pool:
The pools looked lovely and were cleaned every morning before they opened. We used the larger pool near to our room. The pool opened at 9am and closes at 6pm, although most of the time people stayed in 'til around 7, it just means you're swimming at your own risk, as there's no lifeguard.

Food/Drink:
I found the food very nice, but I'm not a very fussy eater. At breakfast, there was lots to chose from, including fresh fruit, cereals or cooked breakfasts. There is a chef that makes omlettes infront of you or fried eggs, all you have to do is put what you want in it in a bowl, and hand it over. They were lovely. Lunch pretty much involved getting a hot-dog or burger from the bar, but I rarely ate at lunch time. Dinner was also great. You could either eat at the buffet, or book one of the 3 a la carte restaurants (Mexican, Grill & Italian). My favourite was the Grill. There is also a Pizzeria next to the smaller pool, which I didn't find out about until the last day - which I was a bit gutted about. Overall, lots of choice. The drinks were like anywhere that's all inclusive really, strong and plentiful. I once ordered a Jack Daniels & Coke, and it cost $8.

Entertainment:
Not my cup of tea really, but it was fine for some background noise whilst you drink and chat. They did try hard and rehearsed during the day.

Excursions:
I went on two. Ocean world and the VIP yacht to Cayo Paraiso "Paradise Island". Paradise Island was fantastic. You can either get the normal speed boat trip straight to the island, spend some time there, then come back. Or you can do the whole yacht thing, which costs a bit extra, but I think it's worth it. First we were taken by coach to the coast somewhere, where there was a speed boat waiting to take us to the yacht. Once we got to the yacht, we were greeted with a fruit coctail with rum (lovely). We then sailed to another place, taking about 1 hour and a half, whilst being served drinks. Then we all jumped off for a swim in the lovely warm, clear water and floated around getting your drinks bought to you on a floating bar (great invention). Once back on board, you could have champagne and oysters. We then arrived at another beach, where you get your lunch (all included by the way). After lunch, you are taken to Paradise Island on a speed boat. The sea there is amazing, like a pool. If you can swim, then you can snorkel over the coral reef where there are tonnes of fish (take an underwater camera). You then get taken back to the coach where you are driven home. Ocean world was cool too, swam with dolphins which was nice!

Overall:
Great holiday, great value for money. Would recommend to the pope, let alone a friend!