June 2000 Bushiri (Resort is closed)

The food was better than I expected (and better than the Tam from what I've heard).
Breakfast had a buffet or you could get omelets made to order or fresh pancakes. There was plenty of fresh fruit as well as meats and cheeses, cereal, bacon and sausages, coffee, tea and juices.

There was a sit down lunch everyday, but our group usually had lunch at the beachside Barbeque hut, by the outdoor bar. (the convenience factor) Ribs, chicken, burgers and hot dogs were served everyday with fries and salads available. You were given a little bracelet to wear at all times to get the food and drinks, so there was no need to carry ID or wallet. You could eat and drink as much as you wanted. There were 2 nights when the dinner was a buffet and those were the nights we went out to eat. The regular sit-down, off the menu dinners were surprisingly good. There was a choice of three appetizers and three enrtries every night (red meat, fowl, seafood) with a vegetable medley and dessert cart (or table) and salad bar. They also served red and white wine (no special vintages). They also put out a snack tray around 10:30 PM. You won't go hungry.

The beach itself was large enough that you could have enough privacy so you didn't hear other conversations. There were plenty of beach chairs and shade trees so you didn't have to go out early and claim a spot. Were rarely got to the beach before 10am and there was always a shaded area available. There is a swimming pool, 3 hot tubs and 2 outdoor bars for your convenience. If you walk into the water you will find the bottom alternates between sand and stony areas. Not sharp but uncomfortable. Buy water shoes. They are cheap and can be found at wal-mart, K-mart etc. Non-motorized water sports are included in the price, including floats,. paddle boats and snorkling equipment. For a fee they will teach you how to SCUBA and take you on a trip.

The location is good and bad. You are close to downtown but also away from the other resorts on Palm and Eagle beach. If you face your chairs to the northwest you'll never know the container port is there. There are no smells or noise and when we were there, the activity was minimal.

You get the most bang for your buck here. The rooms were clean, but not fancy...standard hotel configuration. The grounds are OK. You're not going to find sculpted pools, with jungle-type foliage and man-made waterfalls with someone tickling the ivories in the near distance. It's a plain resort.

For the first time visitor, this place is great. You get to stay for relatively cheap and can tour the island to see what the more upscale places are like. I would stay there again, but I think if I go again I might want to try a place up on Eagle beach.

Our room was on the second floor of the old building overlooking the pool area. I would recommend you get a ground floor suite in the tower so you can walk right out of your place to the beach. I don't know what the additional cost is.

P.L.