I said most of what I needed to say after last year's trip, but it's worth taking a moment to reiterate my main point which is that RP service can't be beat.

If I thought they pampered us last year I can only say that they surpassed that this year. From the moment we set foot on the property everyone we met last year greeted us by our names and "Welcome Home" and that's how they treat everyone. Little extras like trays of cheeses and crackers and fresh fruits with bottles of wine were sent to the room. A special "returning guests" dinner and photo and little gift also added to the feeling that we really were being welcomed back. It felt like old friends.

I was afraid we'd get bad weather because of some reports I had been previously given about May being one of the rainiest months in Ocho Rios, but we got lucky and it was beautiful all week, so we did spend most of our daylight hours lounging (and drinking) on the beach. (it's been a tough year at work....we just wanted to lounge and be served and this is a perfect place to do that) It was a little more crowded since it was Memorial Day weekend (we went for our anniversary in June last year and the hotel was not full which gave us SO much room on the beach that it really felt huge in spite of the size) but we weren't on top of anyone (and, more importantly, no one was on top of us). But it did feel like we had to get out there earlier to get situated the way we wanted. I did not have any problems with the beach service even with more people there, however, contrary to some reviews I read elsewhere. All we had to do was hold up a flag, and most of the time we didn't even have to do that since Cleon was walking around checking on people. From the first mangosa in the morning to the fresh fruit served on the beach to being sprayed with rosewater when you're hot, you can just feel the tension melting away.

I know that RP changes the menu regularly, so I was concerned that the food would not be as good this year because of some of the reviews I had been reading on another site. Although there were a couple of things I wasn't impressed with, I was pleased with most of the choices I had that week. I particularly like the dishes made with shrimp, including those they made for me that were usually made with lobster (which were out of season in May) and things like the avocado mousse with crab. But the beef in Le Papillon was also great. Greg's a carnivore, so he had it twice that week. I'm fussier about red meat, but I loved it the night I had it too. It was a nice cut and cooked perfectly. The best part was that they were willing to adjust the menu for you. If I asked for something a little different than the offering on the menu the general attitude still seemed to be "Whatever you wish." At the returning guests dinner the first thing they did was to ask us to look at the special menu and tell us if anything at all did not meet with our approval. If anyone didn't like anything, they immediately offered another special substitute more to your tastes, and all the courses were wonderful even if you asked for a last minute change. And that's really the best thing about RP. I just can't say it enough....the service is outstanding. The only other place I've been that comes close is Four Seasons or some restaurants I frequent in NY where we're friends with the owners.

On our first day when I realized that they had changed breakfast from a served meal to a buffet my immediate reaction was "Uh oh...have they gone "downhill?" I was concerned they might be falling into the usual "all inclusive" resort kind of traps. But RP is not your usual AI. It gives AI a whole new meaning and takes it to a new level. The made to order omelets were wonderful and the buffet had a nice selection and made it easier to eat and go quickly if you wished, as opposed to waiting to get served, so it was a nice addition and I was happy with it. And you can actually still order from the menu and be served if you like and they won't give you an attitude about it.

The new show that they added once a week was also a lot of fun. What's the Caribbean without a show featuring fire eaters and dancers? I thought it was a pleasant addition to the bands they have during the week. (and, of course, you can always catch Siboney singing in the Appleton lounge later, too!) I had as much fun this year as last year. There always seems to be someone friendly around if you want to hang, but you can be alone if you want, too. The fun is really yours to make. If people like a lot of games and organized fun, this probably isn't the place for them. It's great for people like Greg and me because we want to be left alone sometimes and can make our own fun and get to know people easily enough when we want more to do. We met a great bunch of people both years, RP does seem to attract a classier crowd than a lot of places. (but not pretentious and snooty) I even ran into someone I met this year in the Times Square subway station and she greeted me like an old friend. I was on my way to work one morning and I hear someone say "Hi Tina!" as she came up and hugged me hello. That's the atmosphere here and the kind of people you meet.

I love RP. My husband is working so hard right now that it's almost impossible for him to get a chance to relax, but he's already made it clear he'd love to go back again for our anniversary next year because he felt great the whole time we were there. Vacation should not be aggravating and yet travel can be really aggravating. (if there's one complaint I have about Jamaica it's that it's the longest 3 1/2 hour flight you're ever going to take from NY....they really need to improve the air travel) We've been all over the Caribbean and there are a few places to which I'd gladly return and a few more I'd still like to try. But this is the one place where I really felt like they meant it when they said "Welcome Home." I just love everyone here.