This was our 3^rd trip to Jamaica. Couples 7 years ago, GLN April 2002 and GLB April 2003. At times I found myself comparing GLB to the other spots that we’ve been to in Jamaica as well as ST. Martin and Mexico.

Pretty routine (means the room isn’t ready no matter when you check in). Why did we fill out pre-registration forms at the airport only to fill out the same information several more times at the resort. Good database design at the resort would only require your name address, etc. once. We turned down the first room in A block because it was too far from the pool. It took at least an hour to move (by the time we received our new keys). As it turns out that was an hour well invested. Our room in B block was right next to the Au Natural clubhouse. Most of the week there was a terrible garbage smell outside of A block.

I don’t know if we had a renovated room or not. It was very plain considering that it cost 6 times as much as our gorgeous decorator room at the Renaissance by the airport in St. Louis. We didn’t expect much so it was no big deal. It walked right out on to the au natural beach in back and the pool in front. That’s worth a lot in my book. Why haven’t Superclubs figured out plumbing yet? Our toilet seldom flushed and our shower either burned us or froze us. This was a problem at GLN as well. Showers at the beach didn’t work at all.

Let me start by saying that I am allergic to garlic and am on a low carb diet. Neither of these makes eating out any easier. I spoke to Keith Samuals the food services manager on arrival and he made sure that the chefs were aware of my garlic allergy. The maitre ‘d at the French restaurant, Ralston Samual did an excellent job and even found us an additional night’s reservation. The food in the French restaurant was top notch. Unfortunately Victoria Market was poor. Breakfasts were always the same. Service was slow at noon and breakfast, but unbelievable in the evening. It took an hour for us to get to our salads. Food at lunch was o.k. but not much to eat if you’re allergic to garlic. One day a ham sandwich was the only thing that I could eat. That wouldn’t be a big deal except this trip was averaging about $750 a day. It would be nice if room service had something hot available for breakfast. On departure date we had to leave by 7:00 A.M. and cereal and bagels was as good as it got until the airport. Bottom line – the food at GLN was much better.

I play and sing in a band so I’m a bit of a critic in this area. The stage and sound system were much better at GLN. The band was also better there. The disco is still playing almost exactly the same tired 70’s disco that we have heard during every Carribean trip since ’96. Isn’t it time to things a little more up to date. Even the renewed interest in old disco has come and gone.

Toga night and PJ party in the disco were packed full. Much better attended than at GLN. They were both a good time. My only complaint is that the 20 year old entertainment directors completely ignored my wife and the other women who were over 30. I’m biased but I thought that she and some of the others looked pretty hot (you can see her outfit in the pictures section in Jeff & Janice). The sexy woman contest they conducted looked more like a baby sitting seminar to me (I’m giving away my age).

As I read this it sounds very negative. Sorry it came off that way. We will probably go back in spite of the areas that need improvement. Most of the employees were very friendly. The nude beach and pool are the primary draw and the best that I’ve seen anywhere. It’s great to be walking back from dinner and just start peeling my wife’s clothes off past the sign on the way to the room. How do you put a price on walking naked from your room right out onto a beautiful beach? Where else can you shoot pool in the buff?

I mention areas that need improvement in hopes that Superclubs will make corrections. This is an expensive place and people expect the best. Several people that we talked to indicated if there was another resort that had great nude facilities comparable to GLB that they would switch and try the other place.

Even though I come off sounding like a crab, we had one of our best vacations ever and intend to go back. We may try a ¾ split with Hedo III next in order to have a little spicier atmosphere.

Jeff