posted July 08, 2003 08:35 PM                       

Well I'm back - I know I'm a 'junior' member but I did post my dates...

Not quite recovered from the disappointment of leaving so it took me a few days to look at the message board..and catch up with 'real life'.

The time at RP was just fabulous. From the moment we arrived everyone was lovely, cordial and accommodating. We were greeted with our champagne and then after a quick tour, we went to Bayside for lunch. We were greeted by Anthony who became a good 'friend' during the trip. Lunch was delicious - I think I had the mixed grill - and then after going to the room and changing we made it to the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

I'll provide the highlights of the trip....

We ate breakfast in the room every day and tried a bit of everything. Every morning was perfect. I overdosed on mango and papaya...since mango was in season it was plentiful and delicious. Hubby and I are quite into fitness so we went to the gym everday which is adequately done to get a great work out in. The spa is fabulous - well staffed, well equipped and everyone well trained. We indulged on the several massages including the moonlight massage one evening, the couples massage another, the spa manicure/pedicure 2x, hubby had a 4 hand massage and I had a facial.

We were fortunate enough to get there in time for lobster season to start. The lobster was the largest and most tender we had ever had and we spent every evening at Papillon. Derrick on staff there spoiled us every evening. The wine selections were ok - had better - but provided good enough pairings. The chef, Hugo, is doing a fabulous job across all restaurants. Also at Papillon we sampled the rack of lamb, tenderloin, pan-fried sea scallops, pan-friend yellow tail...all desserts were good but my favorite was the creme brulee.

Time at the beach was very enjoyable. There was a cool breeze the entire time and although I've seen some complaints about the size of the beach on this message board it was large enough to me. Whether we had the yellow flag up or not, they seemed to be right on time with whatever we needed. The soups were to die for and everything I tried on the menu was wonderful - jerk chicken, seafood salad, lobster BLT, etc. They accommodated any dietary requests desired. I'm a wine/champagne drinker but hubby does mixed drinks from time to time. The rum punch was pretty potent most days. Maybe it was because Stormin Normin was pouring Coming from caribbean heritage I am somewhat a connoisseur having it made from some of the best, in my humble opinion.

I am a cheese lover so I was pleased to have a fruit and cheese plate almost every evening after returning from the beach and/or pool.

What else...wasn't too impressed with the entertainment. A little too 'touristy' and 'cliche' for my taste but it seems like many found it enjoyable. More along the lines of karaoke style to me...Would have liked for it to be more up to date than Harry Belafonte and/or American tunes. When in the caribbean I want to hear soca, calypso, reggae....music that is indicative of where I am; not music I can hear when I am in the US.

The accommodations were great. We were in a deluxe room - 310 - so we had a great view and it was peaceful/quiet on this side of the building. I prefer this setting vs. near the restaurant or beach.

While we were there, the CARICOM nations had some meetings at the hotel so it was a bit formal for two days prior to them going to the Ritz Carlton for the official meetings. Although the staff wanted you to be relaxed, you couldn't help but be on guard with all the security floating around the property and being on watch.

Any questions..I'm available...