Castaways Couple – October 2016

Hidden Beach Resort Trip Report and Review 10/2 to 10/10 2016
beautiful shot of a naked woman on the beach hidden beach resort Castaways Couple - October 2016 
This is in part a review of Hidden Beach and partly a trip report. This is our fifth visit and we had already booked the May 2017 Anniversary week. Yes, we do like Hidden Beach. First off I want to direct my comments to Alfonso Lopez General Manager EDSS. Although we have never met I will congratulate you on the Management and staff at Hidden Beach. You have a great team from Management to all the staff. We will mention some in the review but all staff represents the resort in the most professional and friendly manner we have experienced. Thank You for organizing such a great team. They are your greatest asset.
 
We book our trips using Castaways they have a relationship with the resort and Lomas. Transportation to and from the resort is provided by Castaways using Lomas. That gets you there and back. On average the time to Hidden Beach is about 55 minutes. There was a problem with Lomas this trip. Castaways books private cars for its customers. We were late arrival by 2 hours and we shared a ride to Hidden beach. Due to lateness, we did not have a problem with that. On the return trip, we were scheduled as shared transportation. This was a medium size bus with several stops on the way to the airport. The trip took one hour and fifty minutes. Not Happy!!
We have referred the problem to Castaways; waiting for response. We have tried to remember questions we have when going to a resort for the first time and will use them to describe our stay.
 
What are the people like?
 Sociable and welcoming, helpful, fun, from all over. This trip first day getting into the pool I mentioned that the pool water was warmer than ours in Florida. Next thing I know I was talking with two couples that live within 25 miles of home. Another couple from Cocoa Beach. Not to mention couples from Venice Italy, Texas, Iowa. Many repeat guest and first timers, many planning for a return trip. Note: just in case you did not know this is an AN resort with policies of no PDA’s or in your face stuff. A rule supported by all guest that we have met over several visits. The only problem we have encountered are people who smoke. As long as you are up wind no problem. Many smokers do tend to move away from groups to grab a smoke. It is appreciated. Note: All rooms are non smoking as are the enclosed restaurants. The open air bars permit smoking.
 
What is there to do?
There are exercise rooms, one in the resort ( 2 treadmills. 1 eliptical. 3 bikes. and weights. About 30 x 40 feet with AC). The exercise room at Sensimar (next to Hidden Beach) is available but I have never used it. Note: exercise room is not AN. Towels and bottled water & fruit are on site. In addition water Volleyball several times daily. Loads of fun (rules???) enjoy and have fun. Water aerobics most days. Yoga or stretch classes. Kayaks are available. Should you choose to be a slug like myself there are many recliners and Palapas to Relax, Read, Sleep, enjoy drinks delivered by Esperanza.
How is the entertainment?
Varied. There are theme nights each night and Music in the Moonlight Lounge. Acts on a few nights. Bands some evenings and afternoons by the pool. A recent addition was a band called “The Lovers” on the afternoon they played many people were dancing in the pool and having a great time. Songs from the 50’s, 60’s 70’s. Another band played traditional Bob Marley music. One evening at dinner in La Vista there was a Mariachi Band.
 
What about the food?
La Vista is poolside at Hidden Beach. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner is served. Lunch is also available poolside and is enjoyed by most guest. Some enjoy La Vista. We ordered the Risotto with roasted veggies from La Vista and retrieved the rest of our meal from poolside. There are several restaurants available: La Vista at Hidden Beach, The Italian and Asian in the main building, The Mexican, The Pub, another Italian and an international in Sensimar. Reservations are needed for the Asian (tends to be booked up) and The Pub. You can make reservations on arrival or later at the front office. Our favorites are La Vista, Mexican and The Italian in the main building. Portion size at all are excellent. It’s your call on portion size at poolside lunch. Note: there is a policy to ask about food allergies at all restaurants. You will be accommodated. Note: A new practice is to have breakfast prepared poolside on Sundays and Thursdays. Nice change of pace.
 
Bars?
Pool Bar and Moonlight. Most top shelf brands. Beer in cans and draft. Wines and many mixed creations. Bottled water as well. The bars on the dark side are available if you are willing to get dressed and walk over. Never have. Note: There is a mini bar and fridge in your room.
 
Resort?
Grounds – Spotless and well maintained. Lush with plants.
Rooms – Very clean and comfortable. Sheets and towels changed daily. Smoke free.
Beach – Did not make it to the beach this trip did see several guest wading out in the water.
Hot Tubs – One poolside and one in the Moonlight Lounge. Poolside hot tub attracts guest around 4 or 5 PM.
 
Staff?
Excellent!!! Despite all the other great things about the resort, without the current staff we could never give Hidden Beach 5 stars. It would be nice but not like visiting family and friends. The bartenders Alberto and Pedro with Esperanza are always excellent. The wait Staff Ancieto. Angel. Erick and Arnulfo excellent. They also are very tolerant and helpful in my efforts to speak Spanish. Housekeeping staff are almost invisible they accomplish their task and you rarely see them Thank You all for your wonderful service. The activity directors and or entertainment staff, Adrian and Daniel keep things lively and fun. No pressure but you are always welcome to join in. Last but not least the front office and reception Claudia, Alejandra and Daniel. When you want or need something they are there and always willing to help.
 
My Bucket List????
This trip was my for birthday. I made up and completed a few bucket list items for my 73 birthday. Three games pool volleyball. Spent my birthday in my birthday suit.
Toasted the sunrise with a scotch in my birthday suit on the beach. Its not that I have not done these things before but I did them on my birthday. Had a great time and the staff did sing Happy Birthday. Hope you enjoy Hidden Beach as much as we did.