Just got back from a week at Eden Bay - my first visit. The resort looks absolutely stunning right now; everything is freshly painted, the gardens are well-tended. Aircon seems to have been installed everywhere, but many of the rooms are still not usable (strangely, even including some of the Ocean Front Villas). Workmen are around most days, ripping out old fittings and installing new stuff. They're not particularly intrusive, and there wasn't much hammering (although it did start at 8am one day <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />). Only one of the two Seacliff blocks is apparently in use, and even some of the "rentable" units there aren't finished, as I spoke to one or two guests who had demanded to be moved to other accommodation because their rooms were unsatisfactory (no hot water, etc). I was in an Ocean View Villa (the second row) and it was fine. Very clean throughout, excellent bed, aircon worked. There are still many finishing touches being made, even sometimes to villas which are in use! Judging by the pace of work, I'd guess that it'll at least be close to Christmas before it's anywhere near done.

When I arrived, there were about 30 guests, and this increased to 55-60 by the end of the week. Because most people stayed down by the beach bar during the day, the upper pool was virtually unused and the pool bar wasn't staffed during the day (although I'm sure it would be easy to ask reception for a bar attendant to serve a drink). With so few guests, there was a pleasant "club" atmosphere, and naturally the service was good.

The new activities team are young and enthusiastic (and clothed, incidentally). They arranged lots of daytime events, and it was easy to join in or not as you wished. If I had a criticism, it's that the resort needs to help the activities team to enhance their English skills quickly.

Without exception, the staff are quite outstanding. They're pleasant, attentive, responsive and charming. If you could bottle their enthusiasm and sell it, you'd make a fortune. How they find such high quality people in such a desperately poor country is amazing. Indeed, the taxi ride from the airport is a grim reminder of just how lucky we are to be able to visit such a luxurious resort.

The food was fine - not 5 star, but the pricing isn't either. The "theme nights" were reflected in table settings and restaurant decorations, a nice touch. About half the guests made some effort to wear something in theme, the rest were nude. It was Halloween during my week, and most of the guests wore something spooky, plus there was a great show after dinner, with dancers, music, fire-eating, etc. There was other entertainment every night after dinner, and the standard was generally good (apart, of course, from the karaoke night!).

Downsides? Very few. My main concern was that almost all buildings are surfaced with shiny tiles on the floor, and walking around is hazardous if there's any water about. Some of the pathways are quite rough concrete, but even then I was barefoot the whole week without problems. The phone system is installed but doesn't work for outside calls yet (you have to stand at the reception desk to make calls).

Verdict: would I go back? You bet! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />