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Paradisius Rio de Oro 10/20/2004
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
Paradisius Rio de Oro….Third time’s a charm!
Time to give my review, we got back October 3rd/04.
It takes a couple of weeks to settle back into daily life
And get over the post vacation blues!
While I can see there have been some negative reviews posted
Lately about Rio de Oro, I have to respectfully disagree, or say I did
not experience the same problems.
This is our third time back, been away since 2001. We were curious as to
The new changes that come with being a Paradisius. Upon arrival we were greeted
with hugs from staff that knew us from before. I had e-mailed ahead for information
On scuba diving and to request a room (which we didn’t get, but one in the next building over, just as nice, no big deal). It was so nice to see them again after three years.
We got our dinner reservations, and luggage taken to the room. Sparkling wine and a fruit plate were already there. Nice touch.
We were tired, as we flew out early from Toronto, so had dinner at La Cieba. It was even better than we remembered…(one thing to remember…long pants or capri’s for men at dinner, learned that the first night) We met our Sunquest rep, Sonia, the next morning for a refresher course. There were a few changes, not many…..but she was very thorough, and gave us very good practical advice as well, as far as eating, renting mopeds etc.
We could tell our room had been redone, not sure how long ago…..if I have to think of something we would have changed, it might have been a larger shower head (but with a water shortage, that’s a little ridiculous!) Maid service was very good, complete with swans, flower pictures etc. I left a note in the fridge for more “gassy” water, as I like that better and they added another one, not every day mind you, but enough.
We did not see any bugs of any sort in our room or building.
Food was awesome! Especially the abundance of fresh fruit and fresh fish. The Japanese restaurant was fun and the food good. Mediterranean, was romantic, and quiet, with musicians we had seen previously at El Patio. Also good food! El Patio, also romantic with violin player and an excellent wine waiter, Raymundo, who is a friend from before. So professional and nice. Also the sole was so good, and the rest of the menu.
We usually had lunch at the beach restaurant for the fish of the day, or the pool restaurant for hamburgers or pizza. La Cieba was always so good, breakfast, with welcoming hostesses and fresh coffee and orange juice. I know it is an open air restaurant, which makes me wonder what some people expect of it?…there were no flies or bugs that we saw….a crab crawled by one night, found it quite interesting in fact. There are some cats on the property but are not a problem.
We both had the massage in the glass-bottomed hut, so relaxing….If I want to be picky, I could say, she wasn’t as good as the massage therapist at home, but the location was way better!
My husband did four scuba dives at Luna y Mares, and was thrilled. Things didn’t always go according to plan, they had some boat problems, which were ironed out. Prices were very good and he had the time of his life. We also snorkeled and went to the private beachs. They now have thatched sun umbrellas on them, which makes it easier to stay there longer and enjoy them. I must say , though, there were some mosquitos at the farthest beach, you might want to take repellent there.
We watched quite a few of the shows in the two weeks, and they are very professional. The opening band is very good. They practice a lot during the heat of the day for these shows. The disco is fun too, after the show. Once you get dancing or karaoke, you don’t even realize its air conditioned! *G* Having internet access is a bonus, much cheaper than phoning.
The gardens are breathtaking...the quiet walk on the pathways back to your room or out for the night are heaven. They have just planted a few beds of jasmine, the national flower so by the time they are in bloom the fragrance should be wonderful.
A lot of people ask us why we keep going back to the same place. I think if you ever try going there, you might know why. I am not saying we will never go anywhere else, but we always know we can count on this resort for a magical time.
I am probably leaving things out ….cannot think of everything that people might want to know. I have no hesitation in recommending this resort to anyone. Just do your research and make sure it’s the one you want for the type of vacation you want.
We can’t say enough about the Cuban people who open their hearts and homes to strangers and welcome them.
They really are the epitome of hospitality above and beyond.
Until next time…..
Karen and Martin McKenzie
Brantford ,Ontario, Canada
Karen and Martin McKenzie
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