Re: Divi Resort
Posted by:
Karin
(---.proxy.aol.com)
Date: January 12, 2006 09:22PM
Do you know if you're staying in a hotel unit or timeshare?.. there's quite a difference between the two. The hotel units (usually labeled Beachfront Double or Beachfront King) are based in 2-story buildings that run parallel with the beach. Although the view is spectacular, the rooms are nothing to write home about. Basic rooms. The Casitas, are located behind the main hotel rooms. More of a garden view, but more privacy. As for the timeshare units (Studios, 1BR, and 2BR), these are located throughout Great Bay side or Little Bay side. There are plusses and minuses to both sides. The Great Bay side rooms are the original timeshare units, built back in the late 1980's. Throughout the years they have had some type of refurbishment, but more patchwork than complete rehab. The Little Bay side rooms were originally hotel units that were converted over any time from 1995 thru now. These units tend to be larger and more kept up. You can get a pretty honest view of the rooms and property by looking at Expedia's Virtual tour as they were down there in August 2004 making it at www.expedia.com. (I tried to paste a link directly to that site, didn't work - sorry)
The studio they show is a newer set-up on the Little Bay side, where as the 1BR suite is one of the older units on the Great Bay side.
The beach by the hotel side, is a tad smoother than the timeshare side. Personally, I'd suggest bringing down a pair of beach shoes as it would make getting into and out of the water easier.
As for the rest of the property the restaurants are good. For Breakfast and Dinner there is Toucan's cafe. Sure, not gourmet food, or anything like that, but still a good value. You can dine inside or outside, depending on your preference. Different nights they have a Lobster buffet and BBQ buffet option. Last year they opened up a beach grill type of restaurant for quick hamburgers and such, or there's always the Sea Breeze cafe where you can have lunch as well. You're in the caribbean, so don't expect speedy service.
Onsite, they have a small fitness room, sundry shop, watersports center, and the Bayview Cafe (pastry's, sandwhiches, and internet access available here).
If its your first time to the island, i recommend renting a car and driving around one day. There is a car company located on premises. Used to be Thrifty (as of last August), not sure if it still is.
One thing worth mentioning, Divi has an agreement with a cruiseline to use their beach (hotel side) certain days of the week. On these days there could be up to 200 extra people there. For the most part, it's not that bad of an intrusion as I stay on the Timeshare beach area. And they're only there from 10ish to 4ish. If you think this would bother you, make that the day you drive around the island exploring some of the other beaches and restaurants the island has to offer.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Karin.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2006 09:25PM by Karin.