This operation is the largest and least expensive of the island's growing roster of all-inclusive resorts. Hardly the holiday hotel for discerning clients, this place is geared toward lively couples and families whose tolerance for noise and lines is high. Unlike the relatively subdued Sandals, this place can sometimes feel like a Six Flags amusement park. Still, the 8,000-sq-ft pool, mile-long beach, long list of planned activities, and inexpensive grub are what most guests come for.
With 25 hectares shaded by palms and dotted with colorful plantings, most guests find it necessary to pull out their property map while navigating the confusing grounds. The scalloped four-story balconied buildings convey the architectural prowess of an L.A. apartment complex, but the landscaping thankfully softens the look.
The lobby and most public areas display colorful Caribbean fashion, with good quality wicker pieces and water-stained cushions. When large groups arrive, lines loop out from around the long reception desk, but this is more because of the green staff than the size of the groups. With its
low rates and long roster of activities, this place sees some of the highest occupancy levels on the island. An afternoon tea also draws crowds, but rarely enough to clog the public areas.
Five restaurants include the vast main international buffet room, Hemispheres, where island tunes entertain indecisive diners intent on having average fare with inventive breakfasts and meals that head downhill afterwards. A well-regarded Indian dining room serves succulent tandoori dishes (for a surcharge) attracting a local clientele, and the pool and beach bars and grills await with light fare. The Italian restaurant requires reservations, and fresh seafood at Lydia's is always a reliable favorite. Live entertainment during the evening hours encourages bar patrons and late-night dancing.
The complimentary recreational options are many, and rates include use of the two large (and recently retiled) pools, four lighted tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, gym, indoor and outdoor exercise classes, and all nonmotorized watersports. The main 8,000-sq-ft-pool features a splashing waterfall and convenient 
swim-up bar. The children's programs are also included in the rates, and the new Palms Wellness Center brings additional pampering and relaxation options to guests.
Use of computers in the Internet cafe is expensive, but wireless Internet signals can be picked up near reception and in the courtyard. Four meeting rooms can accommodate large gatherings of up to 500 delegates, and a casino is within walking distance to help entertain when large groups are on the island. Parking is free, but pets are not allowed.
The lack of elevators is disturbing for heavy packers although the staff happily accommodates ground-floor requests. Decor in the standard (disturbingly dubbed Supersaver) rooms is modest hotel-tropical, but all the units are tidy and attractive. Common throughout are air conditioning, phones, TVs, safes, and baths with hair dryers and limited toiletries. The more expensive superior rooms and junior suites are surprisingly stylish and worth the uptick in rates. Superiors add refrigerators, coffeemakers, wireless high-speed Internet (for a fee), large furnished patios or balconies, and 
larger closets with irons and ironing boards. Junior suites (actually suites) supply roomy living areas and separate bedrooms. Still, expect few frills to ruffle any feathers here as the perks are few and far between. It's the Beachfront Cottages that provide the best value albeit for large families or eager couples. Amenities run from flat-screen TVs to upgraded fabrics.
The newest addition constitutes the three new cottages added for the space-hungry traveler with double the bedroom and bathroom capacity plus living space.
This well-run large-scale tropical resort works well for antsy families and incentive groups, though anyone seeking a quieter, less frenetic environment should consider the Occidental Pineapple Resort. Despite a few maintenance and housekeeping issues such as unkempt public areas and stained fabrics, guests in basic rooms will be pleased with the fairly priced offerings. Others will leave questioning why they didn’t book elsewhere.
