Cringed a little bit when I saw the thread title, thinking a bunch of the AI haters would be on this thread saying how AI's are breeding grounds for the plague and what not. Am relieved and pleasantly surprised to hear all the good comments -- thanks all!
For the record, dinners are served a la carte (closer to say a choice of three dishes served at your table). We did a year long trial run of lunches a la carte as well, but the feedback was that people preferred the buffet for lunch so they could zip in and zip out. Fair enough. The point was that we wanted to raise the level of service, and in my estimation, table service is a big step up from buffet service.
Nowadays, we do one buffet per week, but there are exceptions. Mainly when we have large groups staying at the hotel (as we will in July) we find buffet service better for everyone. No matter how on the ball your restaurant staff is, it's extremely difficult to handle 90 people sitting down at the same time and wanting to be served at the same time. So we do buffets at those periods, not only so the groups can get fed quicker, but just as importantly so that other guests don't get stuck behind the group waiting for food.
We do indeed have an outside agency doing inspections, seminars, follow-ups etc in our kitchen, and we do keep a high level of hygene. That being said, I always recommend guests go into town and try other cafe's, other restaurants, other experiences. You've come a long way to come to our country, why hide out in the resort? Note as well that we also offer a bed and breakfast rate for those who want to go out and about and sample the local fare. Truth be told, I would only travel bed and breakfast, because I don't mind spending extra to go out and explore and eat off the resort when I travel. To each his own.
Thanks to all for the kinds words, and I hope you enjoy your vacation and get out and see what there is to see.
Joe
PS: Apologies to DR1 if this post is viewed as self promo. Feel free to delete it if so, but since the OP asks specifically about SbS and seems misinformed about the buffet service, and a number of posters have commented on the resort, I feel obliged to reply.