Guest Reviews - Villas on Bluefields Bay

After the many years of visiting your breathtaking villas, our first visit in 1998, I never once sent in a review. However, I tell absolutely everyone about our many journeys and how wonderful the staff treats us and now feels like we are coming home every time we return.

Our most recent visit in December 2007 was at Mullion Cove and brought our family with us for the first time. Harry's meals were exquisite and Earl met our every desire while Greg and Yakesha took wonderful care of our three children. Our friends joined us for the week and reminded us of our first visit with them. The kids were able to learn to kayak and fish the Jamaican way at San Michele and have a band at a party for my husband.

Rented Mullion Cove, February 2008:

Debbie,

I just wanted to let you know that this vacation was by far the best we have ever taken. We loved the home, the view, the food and the staff. We had a saying all week long, "we feel like rock stars!" We are just a couple of cotton farmers from Texas and we were so pampered the whole week we were there.

The staff is unbelievable! Earl took such good care of us, as did the rest of the staff.

Thank you so much for you opening your home up to us.

We are starting to work on our trip for next year, and we are thinking of doing it again! I will let you know on that!!! The other couple is planning on going back at Christmas with their children.

Thanks again!!!

Yours Truly,

Jami

Rented Mullion Cove, January 2008:

Hi Debbie, I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had last week. I enjoyed my honeymoon at Milestone, but really appreciated my stay this time and all the pampering since I am a busy mom now. I wish I could send every mom I know there for a week! The beach gazebo was awesome, I find myself taking little sniffs of the little cedar trinket boxes we brought back for our girls because the smell reminds me of the gazebo! Earl was fantastic, as was the rest of the staff. We felt like we really got to know everyone much better than last time. And we got to enjoy a party at San Michelle our last night with live music. All 6 of us are already planning our next trip back. Thanks again for everything! -Sharon

Rented San Michele, January 2008

Hi Debbie

We're back and having a difficult time readjusting.

We felt as though we were in paradise, heaven or something other worldly. It was magical- a dream fantasy. The aqua sea, blue sky and greenery was a delight in January. Such a break from our reality.

Here we were for a week with 10 of our favorite people, enjoying each other in a tropical paradise.

Our wish was the command of the staff in the most gracious way. They became extended family while we were there. My 5 and 7 year old grandsons as well as my Dad (83) had the time of their lives. Kirk had the uncanny ability to manage the little boys- he seemed to know exactly when it was time to let them share with the family and when it was time to whisk them away w/o any struggle. It was a beautiful thing.

We had definitely chosen the most appropriate house for our group. It worked seamlessly for the young, the seniors and all the in-between.

I will be back! Thanks for making your paradise available to us.

Jill

Rented Mullion Cove, December 2007:

Dear Debbie, Braxton, Rachel and Houston,

I want to send you our sincerest thank you for an absolutely wonderful week at Mullion Cove.

Your staff ( Carmen. Earl, Morris, Greg ) to name just a few, were helpful beyond compare.

Never once did we ask for something and were not accommodated. From drinks on the beach to accompaniment on hiking trips to shell hunting excursions at the best spots, all wishes were granted.

The food was great and service was nothing short of 5 star.

I look forward to the next time we can gaze out at spectacular sunsets from our very own perch and go back in time for a glimpse into true luxurious living. I loved the antiques.

Thank you from all of us for a once in a lifetime 50th anniversary celebration week.

I know I speak for everyone when I say it could not have been better.

Sincerely
Steve and Family

Rented Cottonwood Cottage, December 2007

It seems too simple to say that the Villa experience, which is new to us, is different from the regular hotel in that you have all the same facilities but they are wholly dedicated only to you in the villa. The villas in the group are separate and sufficiently spaced that there is no interaction unless specifically organized. The villa pool is yours and used by no one else. The food is cooked especially and only for you and is different from the food in the other villas. And all is supplied by a large staff who are available as you want but disappear when not required. This is very refreshing and calming.

The bedrooms have an ambience which is a class above any other hotel in Jamaica, large, cool, classical, hard-wood, filled with antique furniture and “things” and a four-poster bed, with balconies overlooking your villa’s grounds. Hotel rooms in comparison are concrete and sparse, even the marble and glitz of Ritz Carlton does not match. That is not to say that all of the usual, slightly tatty nature of Jamaican structures, well known to the experienced traveler, and caused by the usual low level of Jamaican craftsmanship and the corrosive atmosphere of the coastal environment and the encroachment of nature, have been eradicated. But if you are willing to overlook this, as you should, the rooms are an absolute treat.

The dining table overlooks the bay from magnificent balconies and in some of the villas is high above the sea in the trees. An experience totally different from the typical hotel where the dining room is filled with “outsiders” and is often located indoors or at best away from the sea and with limited or no sea view.

The food is selected with the chef often based on what he has best available and is beautifully prepared to a high level of cuisine but with a delightful Jamaican character. One advantage is that, leaving the chef to do his thing caused me to be served food which I would not normally select from the hotel buffet or menu and stretched my palate to new experiences which I enjoyed immensely. Chef Harry is a delight and will create for you whatever you require

The twins were looked after by two lovely ladies who loved them and kept them entertained by carrying them on walks around the properties introducing them to people we never get to meet and waving to the passing traffic in the Jamaica road outside

The staff are all from the small rural community to retain their native Jamaican friendliness which has been squeezed out by more formal hotel training.

Bluefields Bay is untouched by development and mostly empty of tourists and their traditional entertainment so that the view over the bay contains only the occasional fisherman and owner Debbie paddling each morning in her kayak.

Anything you want is available either included or if you want special wines or other unusual item they are readily available at the fully stocked supermarket in Sav-la-mar or the liquor store in Mobay.

We had the pleasure of meeting the owners Debbie and Braxton who have done marvelously in Rural Jamaica to create a uniquely elegant, beautiful but slightly quirky atmosphere mirroring closely their own beautiful, charming but slightly eccentric nature.

What a treat. We are going back next year to a different one of the villas with a larger family group for quiet family fun and in May with a group of friends to party heavily.

Adrian

Rented Mullion Cove, December 2007:

Debbie,

Thanks for your email. Everyone in our party loved our week at Mullion Cove. The house, with its covered portico and veranda and its setting on the hill overlooking the ocean, was just lovely. My parents really took a liking to it. Earl is a gem and Jackie's cooking was fantastic. The picnic she packed us for our day trip to the Black River and YS Falls was to die for. (The best fried chicken ever!) All in all, the week was just what we all needed -- totally relaxing, with all our needs quietly and graciously taken care of.

Thanks again for a wonderful week. We are not the plan-ahead types, and our usual winter-holiday plan is to visit my parents in New Mexico, so we won't take you up on your offer to reserve for next year. But we will definitely keep Bluefields Bay in our future vacation plans.

Best,
Jessica

Rented San Michele, November 2007

Hi Debbie and Braxton:

We had a delightful stay at your wonderful San Michele! Your entire staff in the house were especially attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. We commend Neville for his inspirational driving which could have been a white knuckle experience. However, he made the whole drive seem easy - the trait of a true professional.

Harry and staff had prepared a lunch for Dick and I - totally unexpected (we'd read the material carefully) and delicious. Marvin, Lawrence, Artman, and Tamara and others were equally helpful and attentive. It was hard to leave and get back to the realities of life.

We were also very interested in knowing the entire staff looks at each other and you both as family. The length of tenure for most of them speaks volumes about the way in which they are regarded.

Highlights of our stay were:
1. Early morning tennis for four of us
2. Our marathon domino games
3. Tasty food and drink
4. Breakfast and lunch near the pool
5. Formal dinner
6. Hunting for beach glass and shells
7. Swimming in both ocean and pool - normally we'd get one or the other
8. Lunch at the Tree house
9. Being together with "no worries"
10. Exquisite sunsets (thanks for having the rainy time clear up by Wednesday)

Thank you also for the hospitality of Carmen and her assistant (can't spell her name but remember her wonderful smile.)

Please come and join us in Ocean Park some time - preferably not the winter - brrrr.

Dick and Patte

Rented The Hermitage, November 2007

Good Morning Debbie. It's hard to believe that we've already been to Bluefields as time passes quickly. We all totally enjoyed our visit and weren't ready to leave. We will and have already recommended Bluefields to acquaintances! The house and grounds were beautiful and the staff and food were both very good. The total package was exactly what we were looking for...a week together as a family where everyone could relax, enjoy each other and also enjoy themselves. The individual privacy of Hermitage yet the accessibility to each other was great! Thanks again for your hospitality and we all enjoyed the evening sunset conversation with you and your husband! Happy holidays, Tom

Rented Cottonwood Cottage, November 2007

Hi Debbie,

Thanks so much for the email. Everything was absolutely perfect on our trip, and completely exceeded our expectations. It was just a
great place for a much-needed relaxing honeymoon. The house was beautiful, the food was excellent, but it was really the people that
made our visit so special - from the minute Percy picked us up at the airport! Matthew, Rose, and Annette took great care of us, and we immediately felt like it was our home away from home. We can't say enough about how great the food was!!! We have already been trying to figure out how soon we can come back, as well as recommending it to all of our friends, and sharing some of the great photos we brought back.

We made the excursion to the Black River, which was very nice, and unfortunately YS falls was closed because of some heavy rains the night before we went. We both got massages from Patrick Hickey, who did an excellent job. Other than that, we just enjoyed the wonderful setting and service! We can't think of anything that we would change!

As I mentioned above, we plan to come back again soon, and hope to bring friends - we were able to check out The Hermitage while we were there, which would be great for a group of us! Please keep us on your email list so we can be up to date on what is happening there.

Thanks again, keep in touch!

Jeff and Heather

Rented Milestone, October 2007

Debbie,

As usual Jim and I had a wonderful time. It was very relaxing and the staff was outstanding. You have outdone yourself with the addition to Milestone. Its like another room in the house. We would stay down there all day and only come up at night to take a shower and eat dinner. We had lunch down there everyday and it is so hidden when out in the water, its just great. The other touches that you have done at Milestone are also wonderful.

We met Art and he showed us his house which I understand you designed. You are truly gifted with your work. We really enjoyed our time with Art and look forward to seeing him again.

We are glad to be home, but are also looking forward to our next trip to Bluefields.

Best,

Caroline

Rented San Michele, July 2007

Debbie,

We have returned and I am now back in the office, sad to say. I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you we had a fabulous time and plan on returning next year. If all goes well we will want to stay for 2 weeks. Of all our summer vacations, this one had left us in a state of sadness. Not yet ready to return to our hectic lives. It is definitely a unanimous decision to attempt a two week stay.

The staff at San Michele, is what will be missed the most. Of course the Villa, scenery, weather and Jamaican lifestyle is all incredible and we loved every minute of it, but without Ricardo, Marvin, Harry, Valerie, Malita, ThelmaJean, Robert, Oneil and Artman...It would be just another summer vacation. They truly made sure we wanted for nothing. Please let Carmen know her behind the scene organization is incredible and her smile and laugh will be remembered through the year.

Our 8 children that were there had a great game of futbol and most have said that is what they will remember the most.

Thanks again and I will get in touch with you at a later date to secure next years trip. We have found our new home away from home.

Stephanie

Rented San Michele, July 2007

Dear Debbie,

We had high expectations about our week in Bluefields, but once we arrived, every single one of them was exceeded, starting with the most beautiful people, from Lawrence and Carmen, Ricardo and Matthew, and Harry, oh, sweet Harry, everything he makes tastes like a piece of heaven because you can tell he makes it with love. Often times I got in the kitchen with him and enjoyed so much his company, to see him cook, to get special hints and recipes.

We were a large group, 17 people between two houses, but the staff made everything so easy, smooth, pleasant and incredible!
The San Michele and its charm, views, comfort, and beauty made us forget there is a world outside that paradise!
The Cottonwood, intimate and peaceful, has a special well being feel to it......

The most relaxing place ever...........Bluefields Villas and the most amazing staff, a combination I imagine almost impossible to find anywhere else....pure magic, looking forward to our next visit.

Thanks for everything,

Elda

Rented Milestone Cottage, June 2007

Hi Debbie:

Robert and I had a wonderful honeymoon at Milestone cottage. In fact it was the honeymoon one dreams about. There were some bumps on our end getting on the plane, but once we arrived we felt like we were in heaven. Our stay could not have been more pleasant. Everything was done as it was advertised, and better. We love Jamaica so it was only natural for us to want to go back. The villas were, in my opinion, the best way to see the country for all the beauty it holds. The water, the plants and wildlife, the food, the sun, the culture, and the people.
I told Jackie I was going to pack her in my luggage and take her home with me. We got along like long lost sisters. She is fun and an amazing cook. Marvin took us on a nature walk into the hills to a point where you could see the ocean for miles. Along the way he showed us native plants used for various ailments and talked about the Jamaican culture. It was a beautiful time. Curtis, our gardener, always greeted us with a smile and enjoyed whatever it was he was doing at the time. Therma-gene was wonderful. Her smile was so warming and comforting and her presence was heart-felt. We always had such a blast joking with one another. Our night man, Levi, was very attentive to our needs and his conversation was welcomed. Carmen, what can I say, she is a gem. Always vibrant and never glum. She made sure the drivers knew about our travel issues so that our arrival was easy as pie. She took us to the Sav-la-Mar market and showed us how Jamaican's shop for their groceries. She did everything she could to make sure everyone was happy and her job was much appreciated. We felt as if we were at home all week. All our other staff members: Nevil, Marcus, Greg, Nicardo, James, and everyone else were also very wonderful people. They were fun to be around and always so full of life. Their work was appreciated. Everyone was working hard and hardly working at the same time. I only wish I enjoyed my job that much.
We enjoyed the company of the staff very much and we know that it was because of them that we had such a fabulous time. Yes, the food was amazing, the kayaks were fun, the beach was beautiful, the snorkeling was wonderful, the home and site were gorgeous; however, it is the people of Jamaica that make the country the jewel that it is and the staff at Bluefields confirmed that.

Thank you so much and rest assured that we will be contacting ya'll again in the future.

Robert and Sabrina

Rented Cottonwood Cottage, June 2007

Hi Debbie and Braxton,

Many thanks for the wonderful opportunity to experience Bluefields and Cottonwood. I can not imagine being more spoiled than I was last week. What a magnificent setting with natural and human beauty surrounding us at all times. Each staff member was great, friendly, accommodating, and they gave us the right amount of attention as well as privacy. You have trained them so well and they take such pride in their work. The beautiful white sand was perfectly combed every day, everything was impeccably clean, and my mind was often read when I wanted something. I'm embarrassed to say that I can get used to having our laundry done every day. I can honestly say that every meal was delicious with so many special touches and such attention to detail from the beautiful China and silver, floral table arrangements, and the multitude of napkin designs. I even discovered how much I liked conch, which was a first for me. It was also great to experience dinner at the Hermitage and Mullion Cove.

Thank you again for providing everlasting memories and a very special vacation.

Helaine

P.S. If you've gotten a more hits than usual on your web site this week, I'm pretty sure that a number of my friends had something to do with it!

Rented The Hermitage, May 2007

Hello,

We just wanted to write and tell you that your place was out of sight!! We had the most fantastic
"2nd anniversary" ever!! We LOVE Percy! He has the great hook ups and is wonderful! Totally treated us like
VIP! Jackie and Sharon were equally wonderful! The food was amazing and I can't believe they even iron your shorts!

You have a wonderful staff and place! We will definitely tell friends and we will be coming back again!

Thank you so much!!

Toni

Rented The Hermitage, April 2007

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We had a wonderful time at Bluefields. The staff was wonderful, the place was beautiful and the food was amazing! We couldn't even think of a thing to improve. Even the staff at the neighboring villa brought us drinks while we lounged on the hammock. We had a wonderful time!

Stacey

Rented San Michele, April 2007

Dear Debbie,

Hi Debbie,

We all had a fabulous time at San Michele and Jamaica! The house and property are wonderful as are the staff how they treated us so well! We all came home spoiled rotten and 10 lbs heavier! We did get to see the other homes and they are all beautiful but the San Michele was the right choice for us and the two families with plenty of room and being right on the water.

Thanks again for all of your help with this trip!

Sue and Jack

Our stay was absolutely delightful! We had the best time. The house is gorgeous, the views were extraordinary. The staff was fantastic.

The day we had the band, which included massages, was a highlight of the trip for all of us. All of us, parents and children alike, danced the night away and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves under the gorgeous Jamaican sky. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to have a PARTY!

You should be proud of your house and of the staff. We certainly would love to come back and I will communicate with you on that matter when we have a chance to look at our 2008 calendars.

Cheers!

Esko

Deb,

What an absolutely fabulous time we had at Bluefields. Our vacation was perfect in every way. We thank you so much. I am back to work and swamped but I will e-mail you later in the week with more details, thanks and photos.

Before I go, your staff is simply wonderful and made our vacation. Carmen is outstanding.

David

Rented Cottonwood Cottage, February 2007:

Debbie,

All week I've been meaning to send you a note. We were in good hands all around. Carmen is really great!!

EVERYONE was soooo great last week!! Matthew, Valerie and Annette were so attentive. They took such great care of all four of us. I think Joe kissed Val after every meal. He wanted to take her home. I'm sure you've heard that from me in past years.

Greg, Nicardo and Popolito are so sweet!

Every house was filled with the nicest people. The reggae party was so much fun. We danced the entire time!

I took a kayak trip to San Michele with the Wear boys one day. I'm extremely proud of myself as it was quite a trip, keeping up with 2 16 year olds. I've never seen so many star fish before. It was so nice.

We had our picnic lunch on the beach (by the hammock). It was so beautiful. One evening we had the pleasure of seeing a dolphin. What a site.

I, along with the four girls went to visit the school. Joy is such a nice person and the kids absolutely LOVED having visitors and especially having their pictures taken. I will have some to send very soon.

All of our trips to Bluefields have been successful, however, I believe this one topped them all!!

Hope you are well.........we will try to hold onto our tans.

Lisa

Rented San Michele, February 2007 (and sent to us from there):

Wow...we are having such a great time.

Your staff is superb...and fun. We are having a blast and are again ready to reserve for next year...same week; same location.

We are duly impressed.

I would tell anyone that if they are interested in the best combination of luxury and privacy; service and security, this cannot be beat.

Thanks....

Heidi/Greg

Rented Mullion Cove, February 2007:

Just wanted to drop you a line to provide you with some feedback on our stay at Mullion Cove. Out of our group, it's actually Brad and I that have been most frequently to Jamaica, and this was our sixth trip. It was actually our two-year old's third trip to Jamaica - but the first time he regularly ate with a silver spoon -despite the way his passport reads.;)

I actually like this part of the island better than any other I've been to (Braco, Trelawney, Ocho Rios & the Ritz). I loved the integration with the natural surroundings, the beautiful view of the mountains and the lack of obvious commercialization.

The four of us went on the walking tour up the mountain and it was great to see the geography of the area from that vantage point. We also went snorkeling one morning and it was amazing. I'm a diver and I was thrilled about the rich sealife we saw on the snorkeling trip.

It was wonderful, primarily because of the amazing staff. Therma-Jean and Nadicia cared for our children as if they were their own. Earl was great - I was really missing his scrambled eggs this morning. Rose is a fabulous chef - Brad put on 6 pounds (more than me and I'm eating for two!)

We went to see all of the other properties over the course of our stay and you've done a beautiful job with all of them. Each one is spectacular. We were pleased that we were at Mullion Cove because it really does seem to be the best-suited for young children in terms of safety. Can you please let me know the availability and cost for next year?

Thanks.
Krista

Rented Cottonwood Cottage, February 2007

Hi Deb,

Well just returned yesterday from Cottonwood what a wonderful vacation. With out a doubt the most relaxing holiday we have ever had. What a beautiful setting. Breath taking is the only way to say it. I will email you hopefully tomorrow with all my thoughts just had to tell you we both thoroughly enjoyed our time.

Thanks so much.

Kevin & Eileen

Rented The Hermitage, December 2006

Dear Deborah,

Thank you for your e-mail. I understand the craziness during the holidays. I, too, have been under a lot of stress from all of it. " The Hermitage" was the most beautiful home we've ever visited. This by far was the most relaxing, wonderful vacation we've ever had. About the staff, I couldn't brag enough about them. We had the best service, the best food, the best home, we could ever ask for. I miss them all. Especially, Jackie!!! The woman can cook! We plan on making another trip, this time bringing the family. We have
been planning on sending the staff presents, but haven't had the time yet. Please let them know we haven't forgot them. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Tiffany

Rented Cottonwood Cottage, December 2006

We have just returned from our week at Bluefields. It was great, we have never slept for so long (12 hours at a time) and then rested all day as well down by the ocean just reading and enjoying the cool drinks provided for us. The staff were wonderful and we enjoyed the food. Apollo, Ruby, and Johnny protected us and often stayed with us while we were reading. It certainly is a lovely area and we would like to go again next year if possible. The week went by far too fast for us - are you quite sure you do not have a job down there for me?? Will be in touch. Best wishes.

We hope to be able to go again next year.

Rosemary and John

Debbie,

Very few things in this world exceed your expectations, but our second visit was even better than the first one and we cannot wait to get back. I anticipated a little bit of a letdown after the excitement of our first visit to Bluefields, however everything seemed more beautiful and more relaxing the second time. It was fun to have the same staff there and get to know them even better. They were Awesome!!!! Although we missed Keith, Ricardo was terrific and we even took him on the Canopy trip with us. You should have heard him scream. We did the horseback riding and had a massage from a local woman out on the island.

The weather was absolutely perfect with blue skies everyday. The water around San Michele was filled with Star Fish which was amazing to all of us. I had never seen a Star Fish in its natural environment. I read John Grisham’s new book and ate way too much food. My favorite thing is just to hang around the pool or island and swim for awhile then read for awhile. I am perfectly content if I never left the gates of San Michele.

Debbie, in all sincerity, what you have created at San Michele has become one of my favorite places in the world. It almost doesn’t seem real. We will be back many times and are constantly telling our friends about the “Ultimate Vacation”. Thank you so much for the generous deal you gave us this trip and we will be back soon.

Wade & Carolyn

Dear Debbie,
It was a fantastic vacation and the best birthday celebration ever! We realized the meaning of expression "heaven on earth". Everything was perfect. The staff was absolutely charming and the birthday party exceeded my expectations (entertainment was terrific). Of course, the Hermitage is a dream and everything that comes with it-tropical garden, the pool, the sea-simply unforgettable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for detailed information and brilliant organizing. We hope to return to the Hermitage, so please e-mail me the information about special events, rates, promotions, etc.
Best wishes,
Selena

Debbie,

We returned Saturday evening following a most wonderful and glorious vacation at Milestone Cottage. The weather was wonderful albeit the rainiest season in Jamaica, with brief afternoon showers chasing us from the beach to lounging pool side with our books and cocktails.

The entire team was most hospitable and gracious, making sure our every need was met. Marvin was superb and his colleagues Kirk and Levi made sure they pinched-hit for him after his normal hours. In fact, Marvin went above and beyond the call of duty when he went on two morning walks with Nancy - one of those days was his day off! Now that is outstanding service for sure! Every meal prepared by Rose was better than the last, and nothing short of delicious! Annette was invisible most of the time but we knew she was around, because clothes were washed and returned to the closet, beds were made, linens were changed and fresh towels were always found. Matthew helped out the day Marvin was off, taking us to the midweek James Jerk Chicken lunch at the Treehouse. We had a lovely time with Linda and Steve, who we traveled with from the airport, had cocktails with on Monday at St. Michele and then Tuesday paddled the kayaks over to their place from Milestone for a few beers. They are very nice people and hope to see them again, either in the States or at Bluefields. Neville made sure our trip to and from Milestone was safe, stopping along the way to allow us to do a little incoming and outgoing shopping.

Carmen stopped by to let us know the Bud Light was forthcoming and true to her word, it was delivered as hoped. Donna was most accommodating and made sure that we were taken care of in terms of getting back to the airport (the only sad part of the trip is returning). And yes, Althea came by and gave Nancy an hour massage - a great treat for sure.

All in all, we had a splendid time with no issues whatsoever and look forward to our return in 2007.

Overall, this was a spectacular vacation for us and we are most grateful for having had the opportunity to enjoy your property and employees. Our sincere thanks to all for a great time.

Kind regards,

Kevin

P.S. As an aside, can't believe I've already been back for a full week since having been to Milestone. This past vacation was a living paradise.

Dear Debbie,

Came back to Florida to immediately leave on a business trip….I miss Bluefields already! Jim and I had one of our best weeks ever at San Michele. The weather was better than it had been since one of our first visits – just typical afternoon showers. Although we had been back in 2005, it felt like much longer and it seemed as though 2006 was going to slip by without visit. We typically end up missing the service we receive at Bluefields when we stay elsewhere, and we were very happy our favorite villa was open for a last minute visit. It was good to know we had the option of booking for less time even though as it turned out we were able to stay a day longer than usual. The staff was wonderful and it was great to see them again. Tony was our first butler and takes care of us well, and we both think Harry is an outstanding chef. He has added quite a bit of enjoyment to our visits at San Michele. We had many massages - twice from Lisa and her partner who were excellent. The affordable prices for massage make this such a nice plus as we don’t feel the need to limit them to just one or two for the week (or live with the guilt for spending so much money on massages as can happen when go on a cruise).

It was nice to read the news below. I’m glad to hear the community fee is helping out in so many ways.

We did notice an increase in tiny fish this year – I have never seen so many schools both off the island and near shore when we were out kayaking. The water near shore would be dark with little fish at times. We also saw quite a few rays jumping out of the water – I don’t remember seeing so many of them in previous years. We didn’t see an increase in reef fish such as tangs, etc. out at the reef off San Michele however.

We hope to make time for a visit next year. A nice plus this year was flying on Spirit – we usually pay quite a bit more for our plane tickets with our truly last minute plans. They were very reasonable and we were able to fly straight from Fort Lauderdale.

I hope the weather hold out for you – seems it will this year. Please tell the staff thanks again, and we plan to visit again soon.

Susan

Deborah,

Tim and I had a wonderful time at Cottonwood Cottage. It gets better every year. We have no complaints about anything. The staff was awesome, especially Earl, Janice, and Nadisia. Janice' s food was excellent. They were all very attentive and even the gardeners and beach attendants worked hard to make sure everything looked great.

Tim had 5 massages, mainly with Lisa since that is who he used last year. She was wonderful and even brought him some homemade aloe for his sunburn. I didn't have any because of my pregnancy. We also went fishing twice with Herman and had a great time.

We didn't see much of the couple from Madrid since they came in Friday afternoon and only spent a little time on the beach Sat. morning. We spoke with them only briefly. We did however enjoy our jerk lunch with Harold and Ann. They are such a nice couple. Tim saw them again Sat. when he tried to kayak out to the reef and passed San Michele.

We are planning to come back next year with the baby. I' m trying to get my sister to come for her honeymoon next year too.

Dear Debbie,

What a great time we had! We finally got to visit Bluefields Villas and it was well worth the wait!

You have a very good system going… everything went smoothly, the meals were delicious, and the staff was very kind and organized. We especially loved the sunset from the gazebo below Mullion Cove, it was a perfect ending to our stay.

Thank you again for arranging it all for us in such a short time, we appreciate it very much.

Hope to visit the villas again!

Regards,

Judith & Michka-Mae

Hi Debbie,

Thank you for the update on Bluefields. This is still the BEST vacation we have ever experienced! We have yet to find the service, beauty, and grounds that Bluefields offered. You may remember, but I put together a group trip for 6 of us, and my husband and I treated as a thank you to very special people....anyway, I was just on the website yesterday looking, and here was your update today! We have a 25th anniversary coming up this June, and your beautiful place keeps coming up in my mind. But we also have friends that want us to wait until Sept 2008.....

We will see what the stars have lined out.

Thank you for all you do....

Caren
Minden, NV

We hope that Carmen, Laurence, the rest of the staff are doing well.

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