Frommer's Review
This resort (named after its subterranean caves) is lushly planted with tropical fruit trees. A sandy but mediocre beach nearby offers a view of an unused series of railroad pylons, leading onto forested Coney Island across the bay. The beach is narrow, with rocky outcroppings, and unfortunately there are not a lot of other good beaches nearby. However, the nearby coastline is enchanting, with many natural caves and intimate coves. From the seaside, the airy public areas look like a modern version of a mogul's palace, with big windows, thick white walls, and three peaked roofs with curved eaves.
This restored resort appeals to young couples and families who don't need all the hustle and bustle and central location of a resort like Elbow Beach . Although it's unattractively located across from the airport, noise from planes is not a problem. The sprawling, 8.5-hectare (21-acre) property contains 11 three-story buildings with balconies and sea views (but no elevators). If your room is far from the main building, you may think you've been sentenced to Siberia (though there are secluded units that appeal to honeymooners). All accommodations are well furnished; the bathrooms are equipped with tub/shower combinations and are well maintained. The children's programs and playground make this a good bet for families. There are also a lot of activities offered, including nature walks, twice-weekly "cave crawls," daily cave swims, organized activities for teenagers, scavenger hunts, communal croquet near the bar, fish feeding, and bridge competitions. The best rooms are directly on the beach, but they're at the bottom of a serpentine flight of about 30 masonry steps. That's no big deal for guests of average fitness, but those with limited mobility might opt for oceanview, not oceanfront, rooms.
The on-site restaurants serve fair if unremarkable Continental cuisine, enlivened by fresh seafood. A multimillion-dollar renovation has perked up the look of all food and beverage outlets, including the Bayside Bar & Grill, the Rumhouse Bar, the Palm Court, and the Hibiscus dining room, which now offers an outside patio allowing guests to dine alfresco. The lounge books live entertainment nightly, and there are a handful of other bars on the property. Afternoon tea is served every day, and there's a daily happy hour. Blasted out of natural rock, the swimming pool has a swim-up bar. Solitude, tranquillity, and friendly, personal service are the draws here.
Facilities:2 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor freshwater pool; nearby golf course; 4 tennis courts (2 lit for night play), frequent tennis clinics; small health club; daily Jazzercise in Rumhouse Bar before breakfast; Jacuzzi; watersports/equipment rentals; excursion boat; moped rentals; summer children's program; game room; room service; babysitting; coin-operated laundry; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
