This was my 3rd stay here, and it was great... again.
Friends and I began our 5-night stay, welcome drinks in hand, watching leatherback hatchlings scramble to the sea. The next morning and throughout our stay, we woke to a beach covered with new nests and tracks. Each day, we climbed out of bed before dawn to watch the last turtles still nesting.
For long-time Florida turtle patrollers, it was perfect!
Leatherback nesting is winding down in June. I can only imagine the beach when nesting is at its height!
The Mt Plaisir is directly on the beach, which is a bit less than a mile long. Night access is restricted to guided groups. Tickets (~$14 US pp) are obtained at the Turtle Center next door. Our guide Darren was very informative, committed, and clear. His message was positive and strong.
We stayed in 4 upstairs rooms overlooking the beach. The rooms were large, had good reading lamps, shelves, a wrack for hanging clothes, chairs, and balconies. I was in room #11. I had a large bed with a very firm and comfortable mattress.
We all spent a lot of time sitting on the balcony reading or talking.
We slept well. Nights were quiet and the A/C was fine.
The communal breakfast included in our rate was excellent. Besides eggs, juices, coffee, tea, and breads, we were served a variety of local dishes each morning. My favorite: eggplant dishes.
Soups at the Mt Plaisir and everywhere during our trip were very good. My favorite: callaloo.
For our gluten free AND corn free friend, no problem. Special pancakes and breads for her!
There was always plenty of water on the tables. And the wine was wonderful.
There was consistently good wifi service in the dining room and office area. During our stay, the power was fine also.
I think we were the only people (ever?) to not see piping guans with Nicholas. Others did the very next day. The chocolate tour was quite interesting. Several of our group also went on a much-too-long hike in the woods.
Host Piero Guarini arranged our transportation from the Mt Plaisir. (Oda with the Pax Guest House had arranged our transportation to the Mt Plaisir.) All drivers throughout our trip were excellent.
The staff took very good care of us! Thank you to Lydia, Loretta, Lisa, Brinette, WendyAnn, and Thea! And to others whose names I don't know.
A special thank you, Piero and staff, for supporting sea turtle conservation!
