Just back from the HVGB.
Well just back from the holiday village and we had a fantastic time.
Party of 8 with ages from 75 to 16.
The HVGB lived up to our expectations and exceeded some.
Rooms please note these numbers if mums & dads do not want split up.
Recommend standard rooms which my In-laws stayed in the left end of a block of 16 rooms (45-2 & 45-3), these rooms are adjacent and uppers.
These rooms had a secluded balcony, very clean and large. Two queen sized beds.
Tastefully decorated with nice pictures and a very high roof.
Toilets were average but spacious, clean and nice.
Clothing space ? Two built in wardrobes (including safety deposit box) and chest of drawers. Enough room for a couple travelling with about ten outfits for the evening.
Note the block of 16 rooms are split in to 4 sections 45-1, 2, ,3 & 4.Layout for all sections are rooms 45-1 and -4 on the ground and -2 & -3 on the upper. Weird way of numbering. The other sections were numbered this way also.
46-1 to 46-4.
47-1?..etc,
48-1?..etc,
Each section is staggered back and secluded.
We stayed in the same block, but at the opposite end. (section 48-1 & 48-4), these rooms are adjacent.
Smaller than the uppers with a king size bed in 48-4 and a queen in 48-1.
Be warned if couples do not want split up. My son and I took the room with one King size bed (needless to say).
My wife and 18 year old daughter got the Queen size room.
Again tastefully decorated with nice pictures and a very low roof.
Toilets were average but, clean and adequate.
Clothing space ? Two built in wardrobes (including safety deposit box) and chest of drawers. Again enough room for a couple travelling with about ten outfits.
Restaurants
Buffet ? Food very good and not tiresome if you stagger the Ala-carte restaurants around it.
Cereals and full breakfast available up to 10, then continental from then till 11.
Omelette and fried egg station in the morning.
Sandwich or wrap station at lunch (next to roast and pasta station).
Pasta station at lunch and dinner.
Fresh roasted chicken every day at its own station. Sometimes you got pork in the evenings.
Selection of buffet trays had a variety of chicken with sauces, stews, fish and great selection of Veg, salads and fruit.
Help yourself fizzy & fruit juices.
Kids section with chips, small sandwiches, nuggets and ice creams etc.
Note the buffet was very hot by the evenings and first choice must get this corrected.
It was very oppressive one night and I had to leave the table.
Sit in Otto?s section (near the front and slightly to the right hand side in the no smoking section). He is very attentive waiter, very polite and really looks after you.
Other than the heat it was good and better than I had expected.
Tip- You can take your drink in with you. The Buffet is large and it can take a while if busy. We always went in as it opened. Water is great and fine.
4 out of 5.
Mexican
Waiters are very good and great fun. Celebrated a birthday and even the chefs came out to sing. Food very good choice and recommend the Sea Bass.
Ask for a table near the door as it does get very hot in the early evenings.
Does Pizza at lunch tips and late evenings
4 out of 5.
Italian
Waiters here are more in to the etiquette. Bit more air conditioned and comfortable.
Enter via the casino which is being renovated along with Mango?s.
It is air conditioned and comfortable.
Enter via the casino which is being renovated along with Mango?s.
Children?s selection is poor but when we asked for a full meal of Carbanara (only available as a starter) the waiter was, only to pleased to oblige.
Good variety of menu.
4 out of 5.
Asian
What a place. Excellent menu and service.
Angel you are a top man (waiter).
Child friendly, for food (as long as they sit at the table and behave).
Remember this is an ala-carte and other guests are entitled to have there dinner in a tranquil atmosphere which this restaurant does provide.
Food is exquisite well cooked, with a great variety and special service.
Air con is excellent but First choice please note this restaurant needs sound proofed.
When the Theatre kids shows start the bass drowns out the Asians own music and spoils the ambiance.
Tip - Ask for a table near the entrance and a 6.30 start.
4.5 out of 5.
Caribbean
Well we had visited the Asian twice and it was our favourite till we tried the Caribbean towards the end of our holiday.
It is sandwiched between the Golf Course and the beautiful beach. What a setting and view. It is really fantastic.
We had the 6.30 sitting again and in June when the sun stats to go down the colours of the sea and sand are mind blowing. Nice music, excellent food and service, makes this the tops.
Understand why this is adults only. Our 16 year olds (who we paid adult fair for), are well behaved and are respectful of other guests.
We took a chance and booked the table for 8. We were not disappointed. We were received well and had no problems. Infact one of the hotels supervisors was in the restaurant at the same time and we were made very welcome as a family unit.
It is a very romantic setting. All it needed was the food to go with it and we were not disappointed.
Recommend the Soup Stew to start, with the main course of beef scallops with a tremendous sauce and round it of with the Banana flamb?.
We expressed our thanks to the staff in kind.
The Head Waiter made it known the table was available for our last evening if we wished.
Needless to say we returned two nights later and had another excellent meal. Our 16year olds went to the buffet and us, selfish adults returned for another chance to share in this exquisite and special atmosphere.
It was just as good and the Head Waiter even asked where our teenagers were.
10 out of 10.
Bars.
Wave pool bar ? Small and very busy as you would expect. Nice breeze makes it a good alternative from the Buffet restaurant at a lunch time. Expect lots of kids though. You are on there territory.
Pool Bar- Large and very busy as it also caters for the theatre.
Staff try hard to please and a wee tip will not go amiss. One $ is about 54p and the smile and appreciation goes a long way.
Aquinox Bar ? Haven. Wonderful please to go to get out of the heat.
Never got to see the great Steve Walsh (of to the village in Turkey).
His replacement is good but I can not remember her name.
Bit loud for a small room at 8 in the evening. Or am I just getting old.
Watch sport through the day, music 8 ? 9. Karaoke, from 11 till 1 and its loud. That time is ok by me.
Bar staff worth a mention and in no particular order are Edgar, Adrian, Rafael, & Wilson.
What this complex needs for adult paying visitors.
Is a bar on the beach open in the evenings only, near the entrance to the beach. Were they can retreat to away, from the noise of the theatre. Somewhere to watch the sun go down with soft Caribbean background music playing and giving unspoilt views of the beach.
Say 7 till 11pm.
That would be awesome.
Activities
Zip line and Arial obstacle course is awesome.
Plenty activities to do if you are a kid.
Adult?s. More imagination required. If you are in to pub games you are ok.
Why arrange water polo at lunch times. Mad!
After having been at the Marien coral who have it just right. Break for lunch.
Plenty to do for Adults between 10 & 12 then 2 & 5 there.
First choice note there is more to do than Killer Darts & Pool.
You have a big activity team and the adult side is poor to say the least.
Water Aerobics should be every day and on time please. It is fun. Well done Chocolate.
Water polo every day please at a reasonable time.
How about more beach sports like a section for Windsurf boarding and teaching!
Get your times right also and leave gaps for lunch.
Entertainers.
Work very hard and try hard to involve everyone.
Kids shows ? Understand the need.
Bingo ? Well it is short.
Name that tune. Can be funny but can also be dangerous.
Half on adults running and pushing each other to get on a chair is asking for trouble.
Need to look at organising this better.
Suggestions - Tables at the front for competing teams only with one spare seat which gets occupied when answering, will reduce the chance of someone getting injured.
The evening entertainment does get drawn out though and the main show should start at 9.45 at the latest.
Special mention for Ronan and the lovely and very talented Lorne.
Please take my small criticism?s as room for improvement only.
In closing this is a family orientated complex with adults space to and this should not be forgotten regarding entertainment.
Complex has a fantastic beach, great restaurants and is ideally located with a short safe walk to the Plaza if required.
Our party of eight had a wonderful holiday. I particularly rated the resort as somewhere between 3 to 3.5 star.
Royal suites the bar is raised certainly.
Would I go back? YES but to the Royal suites only. My kids will be doing there own thing now.:cheeky:
irate::knockedou
Well just back from the holiday village and we had a fantastic time.
Party of 8 with ages from 75 to 16.
The HVGB lived up to our expectations and exceeded some.
Rooms please note these numbers if mums & dads do not want split up.
Recommend standard rooms which my In-laws stayed in the left end of a block of 16 rooms (45-2 & 45-3), these rooms are adjacent and uppers.
These rooms had a secluded balcony, very clean and large. Two queen sized beds.
Tastefully decorated with nice pictures and a very high roof.
Toilets were average but spacious, clean and nice.
Clothing space ? Two built in wardrobes (including safety deposit box) and chest of drawers. Enough room for a couple travelling with about ten outfits for the evening.
Note the block of 16 rooms are split in to 4 sections 45-1, 2, ,3 & 4.Layout for all sections are rooms 45-1 and -4 on the ground and -2 & -3 on the upper. Weird way of numbering. The other sections were numbered this way also.
46-1 to 46-4.
47-1?..etc,
48-1?..etc,
Each section is staggered back and secluded.
We stayed in the same block, but at the opposite end. (section 48-1 & 48-4), these rooms are adjacent.
Smaller than the uppers with a king size bed in 48-4 and a queen in 48-1.
Be warned if couples do not want split up. My son and I took the room with one King size bed (needless to say).
My wife and 18 year old daughter got the Queen size room.
Again tastefully decorated with nice pictures and a very low roof.
Toilets were average but, clean and adequate.
Clothing space ? Two built in wardrobes (including safety deposit box) and chest of drawers. Again enough room for a couple travelling with about ten outfits.
Restaurants
Buffet ? Food very good and not tiresome if you stagger the Ala-carte restaurants around it.
Cereals and full breakfast available up to 10, then continental from then till 11.
Omelette and fried egg station in the morning.
Sandwich or wrap station at lunch (next to roast and pasta station).
Pasta station at lunch and dinner.
Fresh roasted chicken every day at its own station. Sometimes you got pork in the evenings.
Selection of buffet trays had a variety of chicken with sauces, stews, fish and great selection of Veg, salads and fruit.
Help yourself fizzy & fruit juices.
Kids section with chips, small sandwiches, nuggets and ice creams etc.
Note the buffet was very hot by the evenings and first choice must get this corrected.
It was very oppressive one night and I had to leave the table.
Sit in Otto?s section (near the front and slightly to the right hand side in the no smoking section). He is very attentive waiter, very polite and really looks after you.
Other than the heat it was good and better than I had expected.
Tip- You can take your drink in with you. The Buffet is large and it can take a while if busy. We always went in as it opened. Water is great and fine.
4 out of 5.
Mexican
Waiters are very good and great fun. Celebrated a birthday and even the chefs came out to sing. Food very good choice and recommend the Sea Bass.
Ask for a table near the door as it does get very hot in the early evenings.
Does Pizza at lunch tips and late evenings
4 out of 5.
Italian
Waiters here are more in to the etiquette. Bit more air conditioned and comfortable.
Enter via the casino which is being renovated along with Mango?s.
It is air conditioned and comfortable.
Enter via the casino which is being renovated along with Mango?s.
Children?s selection is poor but when we asked for a full meal of Carbanara (only available as a starter) the waiter was, only to pleased to oblige.
Good variety of menu.
4 out of 5.
Asian
What a place. Excellent menu and service.
Angel you are a top man (waiter).
Child friendly, for food (as long as they sit at the table and behave).
Remember this is an ala-carte and other guests are entitled to have there dinner in a tranquil atmosphere which this restaurant does provide.
Food is exquisite well cooked, with a great variety and special service.
Air con is excellent but First choice please note this restaurant needs sound proofed.
When the Theatre kids shows start the bass drowns out the Asians own music and spoils the ambiance.
Tip - Ask for a table near the entrance and a 6.30 start.
4.5 out of 5.
Caribbean
Well we had visited the Asian twice and it was our favourite till we tried the Caribbean towards the end of our holiday.
It is sandwiched between the Golf Course and the beautiful beach. What a setting and view. It is really fantastic.
We had the 6.30 sitting again and in June when the sun stats to go down the colours of the sea and sand are mind blowing. Nice music, excellent food and service, makes this the tops.
Understand why this is adults only. Our 16 year olds (who we paid adult fair for), are well behaved and are respectful of other guests.
We took a chance and booked the table for 8. We were not disappointed. We were received well and had no problems. Infact one of the hotels supervisors was in the restaurant at the same time and we were made very welcome as a family unit.
It is a very romantic setting. All it needed was the food to go with it and we were not disappointed.
Recommend the Soup Stew to start, with the main course of beef scallops with a tremendous sauce and round it of with the Banana flamb?.
We expressed our thanks to the staff in kind.
The Head Waiter made it known the table was available for our last evening if we wished.
Needless to say we returned two nights later and had another excellent meal. Our 16year olds went to the buffet and us, selfish adults returned for another chance to share in this exquisite and special atmosphere.
It was just as good and the Head Waiter even asked where our teenagers were.
10 out of 10.
Bars.
Wave pool bar ? Small and very busy as you would expect. Nice breeze makes it a good alternative from the Buffet restaurant at a lunch time. Expect lots of kids though. You are on there territory.
Pool Bar- Large and very busy as it also caters for the theatre.
Staff try hard to please and a wee tip will not go amiss. One $ is about 54p and the smile and appreciation goes a long way.
Aquinox Bar ? Haven. Wonderful please to go to get out of the heat.
Never got to see the great Steve Walsh (of to the village in Turkey).
His replacement is good but I can not remember her name.
Bit loud for a small room at 8 in the evening. Or am I just getting old.
Watch sport through the day, music 8 ? 9. Karaoke, from 11 till 1 and its loud. That time is ok by me.
Bar staff worth a mention and in no particular order are Edgar, Adrian, Rafael, & Wilson.
What this complex needs for adult paying visitors.
Is a bar on the beach open in the evenings only, near the entrance to the beach. Were they can retreat to away, from the noise of the theatre. Somewhere to watch the sun go down with soft Caribbean background music playing and giving unspoilt views of the beach.
Say 7 till 11pm.
That would be awesome.
Activities
Zip line and Arial obstacle course is awesome.
Plenty activities to do if you are a kid.
Adult?s. More imagination required. If you are in to pub games you are ok.
Why arrange water polo at lunch times. Mad!
After having been at the Marien coral who have it just right. Break for lunch.
Plenty to do for Adults between 10 & 12 then 2 & 5 there.
First choice note there is more to do than Killer Darts & Pool.
You have a big activity team and the adult side is poor to say the least.
Water Aerobics should be every day and on time please. It is fun. Well done Chocolate.
Water polo every day please at a reasonable time.
How about more beach sports like a section for Windsurf boarding and teaching!
Get your times right also and leave gaps for lunch.
Entertainers.
Work very hard and try hard to involve everyone.
Kids shows ? Understand the need.
Bingo ? Well it is short.
Name that tune. Can be funny but can also be dangerous.
Half on adults running and pushing each other to get on a chair is asking for trouble.
Need to look at organising this better.
Suggestions - Tables at the front for competing teams only with one spare seat which gets occupied when answering, will reduce the chance of someone getting injured.
The evening entertainment does get drawn out though and the main show should start at 9.45 at the latest.
Special mention for Ronan and the lovely and very talented Lorne.
Please take my small criticism?s as room for improvement only.
In closing this is a family orientated complex with adults space to and this should not be forgotten regarding entertainment.
Complex has a fantastic beach, great restaurants and is ideally located with a short safe walk to the Plaza if required.
Our party of eight had a wonderful holiday. I particularly rated the resort as somewhere between 3 to 3.5 star.
Royal suites the bar is raised certainly.
Would I go back? YES but to the Royal suites only. My kids will be doing there own thing now.:cheeky:
irate::knockedou