We just recently returned from the SJC in January. I had won this trip on LIVE with Regis and Kelly (my 2nd win!!) and so happy the wheel landed on this prize! It was my husband and myself and when we vacation, we like to pretty much just relax. Getting thru immigration took a long time so dress in layers. It got very warm. Long drive to the resort but just ask the taxi driver to stop at the little store on the way and grab a couple brewski's and sit back and enjoy the views. After asking a few questions of the driver, he just took it all over and pretty much gave us an overview of the island and residents. Fantastic.

We were met with rum punch on arrival. Before heading to our room we went and had a couple drinks by the main pool. That is where we met Jeff, the manager. What a nice man. Spoke with us everyday by name making us feel so welcome. He also sent a bottle of rum, cokes and a beautiful fruit platter to our room before we even got there!

Food was good. A buffet is just that and hard to change up everyday but they do a nice job. We started out with breakfast the first 2 days and then scaled back to a small breakfast and then finally no breakfast as meals seem to roll right into the next. I was pretty darn stuffed the whole time. You can also book dinner one day in advance at any of the restaurants. Book early if you want a specific time. Docksider is really nice for the view. Coco's is nice and cool, Rainbow room, comfortable but definitely at least try Picoolo's once (they have a surcharge but worth it) as it is fine dining from wine service, food and table service. Very romantic. Tip them as you would at home please. I wholeheartedly suggest the all inclusive. You'll see what i mean when you sit down to non buffets and see the prices for the non exclusives as the food is very pricey.

We relaxed on the "windy beach" as we were in a premium oceanfront room. The Pineapple building. Book one of the three buildings as you walk in your front door, out the sliding glass door in the rear, few steps and your off your deck, three steps down.......sand......beautiful. Never wanting for a lounge chair ANYWHERE. Swaying Palm trees. Great for sunning as it doesn't get hot, reading, napping which we did alot. Grab a drink from the roaming cart as soon as you see it or they will just drive by. It is very rough swimming and was told, a sneaky undertow so be carefull. Also, didn't really enjoy the seaweed bottom, but with the breeze, cooling off was never necessary and just enjoying the veiw was enough for me.

Don't miss Shirley Heights on Sunday afternoon. The view is magnificent and the band highly entertaining. Gets very crowded, get there early and they only take cash!

We spent one day doing my husbands passion of sailing. Rented a 50 ft sailboat out of Curtain Bluff. Her name is Sentio. Book yourself (flyers in concerierge) and maybe catch a break on the price since they don't have to pay for the concierge service. Steven and Kate made a wonderful captain and first mate. Great stories. Felt like we were sailing with friends. Seriously. If you go, tell them Karen and Joe said "hi". Since it was just the two of us, we got to charter our own path. A wonderful lunch was served and the champagne and wine kept flowing (they have spirits and beer also). It was the highlight of the trip. But here again, it was a long taxi drive but worth it.

Use the water sports! Never a wait. While it doesn't look like the bay is windy enough for that Hobie Cat, once you get out there, it takes off!!! That beach does get hot, but some people like that!

Use the tennis courts. You are supposed to make a court time but we never did as we never saw anyone on them. Nice courts and nets.

Make sure to visit Inez at the main pool bar.......what a nice smile and she just makes you feel at home. Get the "blue drink"!! Tammy, who books your dinner reservations is a real sweetie.

Most guests during our stay were from the UK except for an incentive trip group of Rheme distributors from NJ. Fun group. The UK guests are very reserved but love their wine and champagne at lunch and dinner. If you strike up a conversation, most will chat and are very nice, otherwise very reserved and keep to themselves. You truly have to make an effort. We are 48 and 51 and lets just say, we felt on the shallow end of the age pool. Being an older group of guests, I'd say, most could lose a few pounds, us included, so it was more confortable than being at Sandals with nubile newlyweds that haven't hit the middle age bulge yet. We loved that part. :)

So, go, relax, and enjoy all it has to offer. As far as the negative reviews, I just don't know what could have been so bad. Maybe too uppity, too demanding? Who knows. It's an island resort and it's to get you AWAY from the rat race. Smile at the staff, talk with them, they are all very nice, but i think you need to make it clear you are open to that, otherwise, i think instead of what reviewers preceive as uncaring and rude, is just that they don't want to intrude. It was a great vacation. We came back well rested and just a few pounds heavier! :)

Liked - The oceanview and grounds

Disliked - Getting my coffee cups replace

My ratings for this hotel are :

	Value		Check in / front desk
	Rooms		Service
	Location		Business service (e.g., internet access)
	Cleanliness

Date of Stay: January 2009

Visit was for: Other

Traveling group: Spouse / significant other

Your age range: 50-64

Member since: March 12, 2005

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? Absolutely!

I recommend this hotel for: An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Tourists

I do not recommend this hotel for: Young singles, People with disabilities

I selected this hotel as a top choice for: Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine