
Built in 1990, this three-story waterfront hotel sports Georgian-Mediterranean styling and Bermuda-pink coloring. As the only Caribbean all-inclusive resort for families that provides an all-day nanny (for those buying the whole package), this property proves that it takes its youthful claims seriously. In fact, the nanny caters to the parents, too, by handling daily chores around the accommodations. Note that the staff-to-guest ratio here is 1 to 1. Who said a little pampering can't go a long way?
The restaurant poised on the pier serves pasta by candlelight and maintains its tranquility by restricting entrance to adults. Children have a nightly buffet with a kid's menu, and adults can partake in a Jamaican feast each evening in Overproof, the hotel's own locally flavored eatery. Terrace dining is an option, and lunch is almost always buffet-style. Dinners are a la carte, except for theme buffet nights Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. A poolside grill keeps burgers and barbecue on the coals throughout the day.
The pool bar complements a piano bar and disco, the latter open until 2 am. The disco opens for kids until 9
pm, switches to preteens until 10:30 pm, and then lets loose for adults and teens until the wee hours.
One of the three pools has a 100-ft waterslide, but only children older than 8 are allowed to use it. Slick pathways lead to an adult-only whirlpool that offers some refuge from the kids. In addition to the broad sand terrace, beach lovers can only use a slight wedge of beach flanked by less sandy shores. The courageous (or curious) can walk through Breezes' nude beach to get to the public beach beyond. One dive per day is included in the rates (no flying and diving on the same day allowed), and a lighted tennis court has a pro on duty. The adjacent gym offers aerobic classes, and the weight equipment can only be used by those older than 16. Spa services are available but carry extra charges for the muscle-twisting and pore-cleansing procedures.
Children are pampered with a mini-club stocked with video games, cartoons and computers. Kids mimic their parents, with theme dinners and pajama and toga parties. Teens are entertained by rap sessions, fashion shows and treasure hunts. Family picnics are a weekly highlight. A nanny is available
9 am-5 pm daily and charges an hourly fee for keeping more than one child. Nanny services are included during the day for those on all-inclusive packages.
A business center is on-site, and three rooms for 60 people accommodate meetings. A cyber center offers Internet access, but free wireless Internet signals are available throughout the property.
Suites are housed in a series of eight low-rise, Tuscan-style buildings. Tropical touches tie together the decor and furnishings, such as hardwood pieces in spacious sitting rooms, paddle fans, bay windows and comfortable sofa beds. Most rooms center on a monochromatic theme of pomegranate pinks or sunflower yellows, with various tones providing variety. Full kitchens provide counter bars, stocked refrigerators, stoves and dining tables. Bedrooms have TVs, phones, king or twin beds, and balconies or patios, many with sea views. Island art and area rugs give a residential air. Business guests are accommodated with complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access and ample workspace.
Although all bedrooms are air conditioned and have ceiling fans, those sleeping in the living area of doubles may complain of the heat. Child-safety gates lie on the stairs in split-level units. Guests seeking privacy from their kids can pay extra for a two-bedroom suite. Children younger than 4 stay for free, and those ages 4-12 require an extra charge. A few maintenance hiccups (mold in corners, leaky faucets, broken stones) are noticeable, a sign more telling of the property's age than of its regular upkeep, since it recently received a complete refurbishment in guest rooms.
All quarters are accessible by wheelchairs, and pets are not allowed. Room service is not available. Generally, three nights is the minimum reservation requirement. Virtually all adult guests bring children along, so at times, this place feels like a hectic summer camp rather than a fine resort. Employees seem to get the m.o. by interacting regularly with guests in a jovial and playful manner. No stiff upper lips here. Guests without children in tow will find they have made a big mistake as they bask in the sun surrounded by bunches of kids.