At the hotel there were many activities you could take part in. In the pool area there is a bulletin board that had all of the activities of the day posted. There was always a Water aerobics class in the morning. Then there was either a DJ or something for the kids at pool side. Denis and I were mostly on the beach. You can be by a pool anytime. We wanted the beach!
There were plenty of non motorized sports for you to enjoy! I have to say this, there were no jet skis ANYWHERE! Every other island we've been to that's all you hear, the slapping of the jet ski in the water with the revving engine. Not here, not ever. It was PEACEFUL! Okay, back on track here. They had kayaks, paddle boats, snorkeling gear, and sailing, NO COST. If you wanted to go diving, you had to pay for that, as well as the glass bottom boat. Here is a picture of the set up..
The beach itself is a 1/2 mile long for this resort. It is 'cut up' but you can walk it all. I'll describe each area of beach,
East Side: This is the Quietest. You can explore the water and find really cool shells, and fish. There is a Shuffle Board and Volley Ball area.
Center Side: That is exactly what it is, the center of EVERYTHING! The busy pools and stage are here and it gets loud. This is a child friendly resort, so lots of kids in this area. (Stay tuned for kids activities a little later.) There are several things that happen here. Just look at the bulletin board for daily details. This is also where all the nightlife happens. Like me getting hauled up on stage to take part with 11 other women on a scavenger hunt...
My husband took this photo...I'm 3rd from the left. I want it made known that I was not intoxicated, and I was the only one wearing proper foot apparel. This plays an important part later on down in the story. So the object of this 'game' was to bring back the item the emcee requested. Not being the last one back, if you were last you were out. Here is what I had to get, one item each time out. A straw, room key, $5.00 (us), a man's belt, (my husband wasn't helpful on that one..I got it from a guy from Australia!) So, this got me to the 'final 2'. I was going up against a woman from Maryland. Our challenge...get as many guy's T-shirts in 2 minutes. I looked over at my 'cheering section' and low and behold, the T-shirts were coming off. "oh good grief" was my first thought. "This is so not me..." Oh well! So we were off, I was going up and down the rows getting shirts, promising to return them as I ran at about mach 1 (proper footwear!) I run back and the other girl is coming across as well. The final count was, I had 13, she had 14. Oh the HORROR! But I got a prize anyway! A new glass from Margaritaville! Now about those shirts...The emcee made the guys run up and find their shirts...
I thanked them all for their sacrifice, and I hugged the girl from Maryland saying 'good job!'
We also had a Steel Drum band perform for us one night.
West Beach: This is the Adult side ONLY! There is a pool with swim-up bar, the boat dock is out there as well. This is where you see a BUNCH of fish! It was really amazing!
Children's activities were endless. They had many things to do! Now I do believe there was a charge for dropping your child off at the care center, but if you want a couple of hours of peace, this is the way to go. Here is the children's center!
There were a couple of duty free shops on sight where you could pick up items. Anything from your souvenir shot glass, to aspirin, they had it! They also had a cute clothing store as well!
The hotel organized off site tours as well. Depending on what you wanted to do. Denis and I decided to take a shopping tour. This was fun. $30.00 for us together and it was a 3 hour trip around town. It was just perfect! Just be careful. They see Americans coming and they want your money! They will do anything to sell to you! So watch out. Be ready to bargain! This place especially was a little creepy. We walked off the bus, looked around really quick, and got back onto the bus...
The folks that run these shops (there were about 50 in this compound) follow you. "Come look what I make!" Everyone wants your business. They sometimes trick you as well. They have been known to say "What is your wife's name?" husband says her name, "here this is for your wife!" Husband is handed a figurine with his wife's name on it. The cops get called all the time on this. So BE CAREFUL!
If shopping isn't your thing you can also go to the Dunes Falls and go on a zip line! We didn't get a chance to do this. However, we heard from everyone it was a great trip! There was also a rafting tour. All you have to do is go to the 'Tour Desk' at the hotel, and they will tell you what they have to offer and the cost in American dollars.
One last place that we checked out was the Coral Cliff Casino. It's the only one around. Very nice set up, and a lot of security. You feel safe in there. Here is a picture of the outside. No photos allowed inside.
That concludes the tours and activities portion of this trip! My next blog will be on the FOOD, additional photos, and leaving the country! Stay tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment