Originally Posted by Kacee

We just completed a four night stay. Mixed experience. Setting and staff are lovely and there were some very nice moments and memories. But the five-star pretensions are misplaced, as the service - with occasional exceptions - was not five-star level. A high percentage of staff are not especially well trained or managed, and we encountered numerous service miscues throughout.

"Premium" Rainforest Villa was also something of a let down - ours was located at the top of the property, close to the road, and we got a fair bit of road noise (motorbikes) while sitting out on the deck enjoying the "premium" view of the creek (which is what you pay extra for). We also had a very large number of ants in our villa, particularly the bathroom. Picture 50-100 dead ants on the floor and in the sinks and bathtub every morning.

Food was generally good, though not cheap, and restaurant service was generally quite passive, especially at breakfast, where staff tended to simply disappear for lengthy stretches (which was frustrating, because most of the best items - including any fruit beyond melon and papaya - were special-order).

The beach set-up was very nice, with ample comfy loungers. But the water was not clear at all. Don't know if it's better at other times of year.

We had some issues with mosquitoes, particularly in the lobby and at reception. But it was not a constant battle and we were able to enjoy meals outside and the spa villas (which are open air) pretty much bite free.

Wound up spending about $1200 per night, all in, including meals and spa, so cheaper than most true beach resort five-stars in Bali or Thailand, but would probably not return.