After being a member for more than a decade, we went with some trepidity this year feeling the time was coming for us to consider other resorts. We expressed this during check in and wished to sit for the "pitch" early in our visit in order to have some legit questions answered. The staff did not disappoint.
Each question we had/situation we brought up since Eden opening/new owners/previous CEO regime was answered almost exactly the same-
"Yes, this has been a consistent complaint. Yes, we acknowledge this was happening and we are sorry for it. THIS (insert solution) is what we are doing to fix/adjust/rectify that situation in hopes it doesn't happen any longer". We were very impressed by this openness and transparency. MANY of the solutions were initiated by the new CEO and the staff is wholeheartedly behind him and his ideas. The "transformation" from last years experience to this years was tremendous.
Check in- Wonderful, beautiful, efficient. Didn't care for the new "cucumber infused sparkling whatever the drink is" this year but hey
. We arrived around 1:30, our "usual" room was ready and perfect. Butlers INCREDIBLE (as always). We prefer to stay on the "Old Desire" side vs Eden. Our preference only. Bags delivered, clothes off, pool time begins.Grounds- Meticulously maintained, orchids in full bloom everywhere. Watch for falling coconuts, there were quite a few this year. Poncho the kitty, the new racoon FAMILY, and kutamunde were all a joy to see each day/night
Beach- Wonderful and usable the first 4 days. They have constructed a new "second barrier" outside the first for the sargassum and it worked VERY well, holding back a solid 15+ feet of the weed. We then had a couple significant storms which compromised the barrier and forced MOST of that inside the barrier and onto the beach. The poor staff did what they could but the task was nearly impossible and the beach went from "VERY nice and usable" to "OMG where is the sand".
Pools- Both were kept clean as always. The foam party (main pool) was fabulous this year. The music volume and selection was excellent (loud but could still talk to whoever was next to you without having to scream) as was the live band that played. It was a solid mix, not 90% salsa. They do have a sort of small pool "jumbotron" now which may be better utilized with music vids or something similar to Chive TV vs scrolling the theme nights over and over again.
One thing we did not care for (and yes we know it is an LS resort), there is a certain demographic that consistently seems to disregard the rules during our yearly visit. This year was no exception. Vaping marijuana cartridges is not something we enjoy being around and there are designated play areas for more personal activities.
Openly "plowing your partner" on the side of the pool, or on the lounge chairs poolside (not even in the cabana), is something we would see at H$d@ sure - but this place isn't that place. When the pool staff "interrupted" these folks, they were (sadly) ignored. We are all about the "fun and show" upstairs at the hot tub, on the hot tub deck area, on the bar, balconies, playroom etc ... not so much in the lounge chairs at, or on the side of, the main pool. The staff did try to address this.
Food -Phenomenal this year. We did not have a meal we could have found a complaint over. From the members dinner, to the Brazilian BBQ, the Teppanyaki grill... EVERYTHING was amazing this year. Flavorful, well prepared, beautiful presentation. It should be noted - The resort has now contracted for PEPSI PRODUCTS ONLY. So, "Jack and Coke" is now Jack and Pepsi, "Rum and Coke" is Rum and Pepsi. Squirt has replaced Fresca etc.... This was a point of humor at the pool bar.
Influencers - THANKFULLY ABSENT this year. Them AND their cameras. This was one of the things we spoke on with the pitch team and they understood this as a significant issue. New CEO-> no influencers encouraged.
Butlers / Playmakers / Pool & Bar staff- So many friends in this group who we are fortunate to see year after year. Daniel, Jorje, G, Abel, YiYi, Candace, BamBam, Chocolate, Zazi.... the list goes on and on... Such wonderful and personable folks. We are fortunate to enjoy their company and friendship. Each and every one.
Bottom line- we were DULY IMPRESSED at all of the POSITIVE changes that were made since last year and have already (happily) booked our next visit.
Joe and Shannon