The Mill Resort

October, 2008 by Kathy Bradley

Can't believe we are back! Had a great time. Will attempt to capture highlights as 13 days was too long to remember daily details. We were meeting up with friends who own timeshare at PlayaLinda and other friends who own at Divi Village.

Left Boston at 5:45 am on American through Miami with no problems at all. Arrived Aruba and Royal was there to meet us - upgraded to a convertible for free - very nice. Headed right over to Phoenix and was able to check in by 3:30. We unpacked and headed up to Bugaloe to meet our friends for drinks and dancing and some munchies. We were sad to hear our favorite bartender and friend Lob was no longer there - he has moved on to Moombas so we would find him later on in the week. Had a great time and ordered Patron margaritas, a salad and two cheesburgers and our bill was close to $300 for 4 people - no more Patron Magaritas for us!!!!!!!!

Spent most of our days on the beach at Phoenix - the weather was beautiful for the first week and a half but the last three days were crappy with rains, floods, thunder, lighting, etc. I felt so bad for those who were just arriving.

Restaurants

Yamanji (sp) - this was our first time here. I had filet with scallops and my friend had filet with shrimp - neither of our fishes were cooked and we both felt sick that night. The guys had some fish dish and they were both happy. It was very hot and quiet here. We would not go back.
Sunset Beach Bistro - wonderful and our first time trying it here - ending up eating here two nights. We did the dinner for $35 pp and being Divi owners we were given a free bottle of wine each night. The food was very good and the candlelight dinner on the beach is very romantic.
Old Man and the Sea for our anniversary - romantic and beautiful setting, food was okay - not great. Service was TERRIBLE!! We arrived at 7:15 for our 7:30 anniversary reservation. We had reserved online for a table by the waters edge - we were seated further back. Asked to be moved and had to wait 45 min for a table to open up. We met the owner (female) and she was very nice. The setting is so beautiful and the most romantic I have been to. When we finally got our table we sat down and waited another 15 min for menus and cocktails. Had to ask for water and bread 3 times. This was the slowest and worst service we have ever received. Our waiter and all the people who worked here were trying very hard but They were clearly understaffed, overworked and more interested in making room for new tables of people waiting than taking care of the people seated. The Food was good but not wonderful. We will try again next year as hopefully they will have worked out the bugs.
Salt and Pepper - just okay - heard a lot about it but would not go back. Too many other really good places to go.
Fishes N More - six of us went - 5 were happy - me not so - I ordered a grilled chicken ceasar salad with dressing on the side. I was served a pan fried chicken ceasar salad with dressing on the side- sent it back for grilled chicken - it took 15 minutes to receive it and it came drenched in dressing - by this time everyone else had finished their meals so I told them to forget it as I would have needed to wait for another salad without dressing. Then they tried to charge me for it - and I had to have them remove it from the bill - the waitress was surprised they I wouldn't pay for it. Like I said everyone else was happy but I was starving!!
Casa Tua - wonderful pizza and appetizers. We will return here next year.
Gianni - Loved it here -first time and will definitely go back. Had the Veal Parm and it was sooo tender - plenty of food to take back too.
Ruth Chris - we had the special dinner for two for $89. Wonderful. While it is very pricey on the regular menu, for the special price it was definitely worth it. Have been to the one in Boston and this was just as good - Service was excellent and a nice selection of wine.

Had leftovers on our balcony with a bottle of wine a few nights. We also had reservations at Passions but it was on Monday night with all the bad weather so we cancelled. Had many lunches at Sunset Beach Bistro, Bugaloe, Iguana Joes, and Pelican Nest.

Casino slots were very tight. Didn't really hear or see many winners.

Mr. Jazz - WOW - this is our favorite new night spot. The band and music is wonderful. It was fun to just watch all the people dance - love the Salsa and decided to take lessons now that we are home. Didn't try eating here but heard the early dinner special ($20pp) is good.

We walked or ran the beach every day. The Divi beach is beautiful as usual but as we got near the Radisson it was full of seaweed and smell. By the time we would reach our friends at the Playa Linda the smell was unbearable. Not sure what the problem was. We always find the beach by the holiday inn and Marriott to be a little smelly and dirty but not at the Playa. Saw quite a few weddings on the beach during our stay.

Went to town a few times and the stores are sooo quiet - a few jewlery stores told us they were dying for business. Unfortunately we had none to give them

As for the Divi - the new buildings are coming along - we had been in January and noticed a big difference. They say one will be open in December but we will see. We spoke to the timeshare rep and the prices have come way down from last year on the new units - just not down enough to make it worth it for us as we spend so little time in our rooms.

The Phoenix beach seemed more crowded this year than last - not sure if there are more people from the new construction who there waiting for their units to be ready or just from other Divis. One day at the beginning of our stay we went out to the beach around 4 and were approached by staff to show proof that we were staying there. Did notice people from the Westin (blue and white towels) snagging front row beach palapas a few times. I guess you just can't beat our beach.

Can't wait to go back next year - so sad it is over!!

Have posted some of our photos: Link to photoalbum

Kathy Bradley