We recently returned from a 1 week stay at Liz and Don's adjoining 6th floor suites at Coral Beach (Dec 23rd - 29th) and can truly say we absolutely loved it (and yes, the units were exactly as described and pictured). From the fully furnished/decorated suites and their accompanying views, to the laid back and gracious people (locals, residents, and fellow travellers alike), Coral Beach met our whole families needs (a pretty impressive feat for 2 adults and 2 teenagers). While the grounds and buildings still reflected some scars from the only 2 months earlier hurricane, we were so very fortunate that the pool and its adjoining restaurant had just returned to full operation the day we arrived (we drank and ate there copiously every day of our stay:). The white sandy beach and emerald ocean just steps away from the pool and bar were awesome, although the water was a bit sandy/murky for snorkelling - bad on us for not trying the recommended snorkelling spot just a 10 minute walk down the beach. While we spent most of our time hanging by the pool/bar/beach, there were 2 things we did do that we can't say enough about (both big hits with our 15 and 17 year old teenagers); we booked a 4 hour catamaran excursion with Bootleggers Tours (call Tony at 242-646-1051; visit their facebook page to read our review) and attended the Wednesday night fish fry about a 10-15 minute cab ride from Coral Beach (we ate at Outriggers and stayed for the dancing and music videos on the big screen).
We also want to give a shout out to the cast of characters who made our stay so memorable; condo residents Congo Man and Irvine Palacious (island historian, boxing enthusiast, and taxi driver), Congo Man's sister Gerri (also a taxi driver), security staff Marilyn, Katie, and Marco, bartender Nate and bar assistant Shirelle, handy-man and aspiring singer/music maker Logan, and the restaurant's dedicated chef and her magic elves. Not surprisingly, all the other holidayer's we met at Coral Beach - which included numerous condo owners and repeat visitors - were friendly and happy to be there.
This was truly a 5 star, 4 thumbs up vacation for this British Columbia, Canada family!