Just returned from Valentine's week visit
Wife and I just returned. Some positive surprises--some not so positive. Here's a quick outline of each:
Pros-
nice, large pool
Rooms a bit rustic, but felt clean and the knotty pine is a throwback to simpler times
Very friendly staff--O Wayne, 3 separate Jeffreys, Tasha Lee, Shane, and a very friendly wait and housekeeping staff
Pier is nice for a cool breeze when one barely exists in the largely protected pool area
Nice beach area on the other side of neighboring 'Time and Place' bar.
Really good dinner available at either the main restaurant or Sabbia (Italian)
Beautiful foliage and well-kept gardens
The best thing about the resort was the friendliness of the guests! Met a number of outstanding people--young and old. Never stayed at a place with friendlier, more outgoing people.
Cons-
No phone service in any rooms
Tiny flat screens available if you wanted to relax in room during poor weather
Fit on doors is so poor, mosquitos easily enter rooms
Breakfast and lunch in the main dining room was weak...not even close to the quality of the dinner menu. I am surprised anyone could compliment these meals.
Gift shop inadequately stocked. Barely a reason to have it open.
One female member of the staff ( I won't mention her name, but the guests and employees will know who I'm talking about) was openly and unacceptably abusive towards the staff. She didn't seem to have any authority, but she ignored 5-7 guests at the pool bar one day while she verbally shredded one of the bartenders. Surprised Freddie would put up with this!!
Overall, the price is low enough to get folks to accept less. If another au natural resort re-opens (please Braco!), N will struggle to survive. I would hate to see this, as it's a nice setting with some really hard working employees. Needs about a $10,000,000 investment to bring the place to a competitive level facility wise.
