Apologies for the late review. Me, my daughter and partner stayed here in April 2018.
There was only us and another couple on the complex for our 2 week stay but we ft we had the whole place to ourselves. The beach was beautiful and my daughter loved exploring looking at the different fish and creatures. As we are not the best swimmers we didn't venture to far out snorkelling but did enjoy sea life we did see some rays, star fish and some very colourful small fish. The other couple who stayed did say they came every year and love snorkelling on the reef there and tried to encourage us to swim further out go explore to see more.
The rooms are very nice with a basic kitchen but that's all you need. The infinity pool is lovely. The only thing I would recomend that the sun lounger both on the beach and by the pool are updated or cushioned base provided. They look good and are functional but being made of solid wood are not very comfortable.
Staff are very friendly and you are provided with a mobile phone on arrival so you can contact the manager, house keeping, cheff and taxi driver asxand when needed. the bar is only open at certain times and the kitchen / restaurant is only open for breakfast. There is a supermarket near by to stock up on drinks,
Snacks, things to prepare a basic lunch. You can eat dinner in the resturant but you need to call the chef to plan in advance or ask him at breakfast. There is no menu the chef will explain the choices when you enquire about dinner. The food is really good.
We did venture out a lot so did use the taxi driver a lot who is reliable and friendly if he couldn't drop us off or collect us he would arrange for another trusted driver to take us out.
The complex offer 2 trips the poney trek and swim and the plantation walk with feeding of the crocodile. Both follow the same route. We did the walk oyr guide was knowledgeable about the plantation and the plants etc... we did see the crocodiles but where unable to walk along the bridge to feed them as it had collapsed into the lake but they explained this would be repaired at the end of season. They didn't charge us for the walk due to this. The pony trek and swim did look fun and rides were on daily.
The only thing that I would recommend is that they link up with tour operators so that they can offer guest excursions from the plantation. We booked all our excursions from the Riu while on a day pass. Most things you book or travel to independently such as Ricks etc.. but other's like dolphin swim, dunns river falls etc.. you are best to use a tour operator.
This is a gem of a place, your own private beach and pool beautiful views, relaxation then yes its just amazing. But if your after an 'all inclusive' bars open all day, entertainment, buffet meals morning, noon and night this is not for you.
