Blue Horizons Garden Resort

Everyone was super friendly and helpful, the best part of our stay. One bedroom unit, more like a deluxe studio. Kitchen had LP stove, a couple pans, dishes and silverware. Basic but adequate. IGA 5-10 minute walk and needed to buy everything as there was nothing in the unit except a few coffee filters. We thought the restaurant was okay, but expensive. Breakfast was very expensive. Several good restaurants in walking distance and easy to get taxis to others. Short walk to the beach. We purchased day passes at Mt. Cinnamon for US$10 per person for chairs and umbrella. They serve a great lunch there. Splurged on excellent, very expensive dinner at Spice Island on our last night (10% discount for staying at Blue Horizon).

Maybe I had a pre-conceived idea about Blue Horizons … it wasn’t what I expected. As I was on my own I booked a Superior Studio and had asked the Virgin Holiday Booking Agent that I’d like to be “high up” as I wanted a view. She had obviously not visited the resort as the Studios are at ground level (nos 5 & 6 seemed to be higher up but weren’t available). This, of course, was NOT the fault of the resort … however I was allocated Studio No 1 which is located alongside the public road and at the open entrance to the resort (not the entrance where the reception is situated). After booking 11 months in advance and being on my own, I expected a better location. I saw “people” wander in the open gate of the resort, look around then wander out. I felt very vulnerable. It took me 8 nights to move accommodation as the resort was full. I finally moved next door to No 2 … anything to get away from the open gate. However the studios (both of them) was scrupulously clean but the kitchen facilities were very basic and absolutely NOTHING in the way of foodstuffs was provided. I had to wait a week to get an airer on which to hang my washing as they were apparently “all out”. How hard would it have been to allocate an airer to each unit? Saying all this though the pool area and adjacent restaurant was excellent … although expensive. The cost of food and drink has rocketed in the Caribbean so this expense was not confined to Blue Horizons. It made self catering very expensive. The grounds were superb but I was only asked if I wanted a tour on my last day. I made the most of my holiday but it could have been so much better if I’d been told of the location of the Studios (I would have booked a one-bedroom unit) and if I’d not been allocated probably the Studio in the worst location on the resort.

Just had a fascinating time at the Blue Horizons Independence Day event. Display of the wonderful fruit and vegetables of the island and tastings of local sweets. Chef demonstrated how to make Oil Down and dumplings. One hour over hot fire and it was ready to eat. Tasty treat. Celebration cocktails all round too. In national colours of course. Well done Kendra and team for a well run and enjoyable event.