By:
Submission
My family just had a reunion on this island. I planned the reunion with the help of Shana and she was so prompt, had great attention to detail and really helped our large group have a fantastic time. The island is beautiful in pictures, but the pictures don't even do it justice. It's a beautiful place and the naturalist guided activities teach about the environment and natural habitat. Special kudos to Nate and Ben, who were so kind and informative.
The food is incredible. Chef Ulfet and her team executed every meal to perfection and they even honored our group with some traditional Ukrainian family recipes in celebration of Ukrainian Christmas that we requested. Everything was delicious and Ulfet and her team also honored the vegans and children in our group with alternative choices. REALLY FANTASTIC food!
The rooms and lodges were spacious but had a cozy feel. They were quaint but provided some up to date amenities. Everything about our family reunion was so memorable, and the entire staff of the island is to thank. Such nice people, and they paid attention to every detail to make us feel very welcomed.
The staff is exemplary and would rival top resort personnel in Germany and Austria. Everyone raves about the food and for good reason — it is fine quality. The environment surrounding the camp/lodge is quite beautiful with abundant birdlife and the assorted alligators and armadillos.
We stayed at Tom's House with was rustic but fine for 3 night stay—the only issue was the A.C which was so loud we couldn't sleep with it on. The tap water does have a bad smell and taste as it is drawn from a well and most likely has mineral deposits. Luckily soft drinks, tap beer, and wine is free!
There is a serious mosquito situation on the island, except on the beach or in a skiff, and it is necessary to apply insect repellent whenever you are outside. I would also suggest bringing or buying (in the lodge store) Insect Shield clothing as you will benefit from it greatly.
The big and rather unpleasant surprise were the multiple stuffed dead animals displayed on the walls and in/on cases in the lodge. There are many deer heads looking down at you.
Overall because of the staff and the birdlife it was a good stay and we will most likely return.
Rooms not really clean.
No housekeeping.
Continental breakfast 8.30 to 9am contains 4 cones for 30 guests, coffee and juice.
Vegetable garden not at all maintained.
Simple average tasting meals.
Chairs on the beach broken.
Very friendly staff that tries to keep the island‘s Mythos alive but you feel and see overall that it is on a very steep downstream!
This was my first trip here. I'm not even home yet and I'm already planning a trip to return soon. The staff were amazing, the activities were perfect, the rooms comfy and well-appointed, and the island is GORGEOUS! The folks here thought of everything, from little bags for shells to beach bicycles to ample supplies of bugspray and sunscreen. Chef Dave is INCREDIBLE; I have tons of food allergies and for every single meal he made me something that not only met all my dietary restrictions but also was unbelievably healthy and delicious. (Everyone who ate the regular food raved about it as well.) Julian in the dining room made sure we always had everything we needed at all times. The naturalists are not only knowledgeable but also a lot of fun.
If you're looking for a vacation spot where you can wear your fancy clothes and your high-heel shoes while you sip expensive champagne then look elsewhere. If you want to experience untouched nature, learn about the ecology of this incredible place while engaging in fun activities, stay in clean, comfy accomodations, eat fresh, healthy, delicious food, and be taken care of by a genuinely friendly group of people who love their jobs and this island, then this is the place for you.
What an incredible place and experience. Every meal was delicious. All of the staff are warm and friendly. The naturalists are knowledgeable and patient. It felt like we were there at the perfect time of year: no bugs, pleasant temperatures, and lovely skies. Loved the easy access to bikes to explore the island. We were there for the holidays with our large family group and there was something for everyone.
