Mr & Mrs Smith

Communication with restaurant staff can be very limited so it is worth speaking to the head chef { English speaking} for special dietary requests or variations of the menu if you are staying for a long time. A phrase book would be very useful.

One might prefer to avoid the expeditions offered by the hotel as they omit to mention extensive traveling times in uncomfortable conditions {not to mention extortionate prices}

The cookery classes are well worth the time - most enjoyable.

It is worth stocking up on soft drinks at the local stall just outside the hotel as they are a fraction of the price and can be stored in the hotel room fridge.

If you fancy a few quite nights in - take your own DVDs which you can watch in the bedroom.

The wine list is limited at the hotel {despite being described as extensive}. It is well worth stocking up in duty free {it might also save you a small fortune}. If you like champagne, take it with you or take out a new mortgage.

If you have irrational fear of arachnids, insects, lizards and the like, one might consider not wearing your glasses/ contact lenses.

Do not stroke the cute little frogs and toads which roam the grounds as they are poisonous and can cause permanent loss of sight.

If you go into town and plan to take the free shuttle service back {provided by hotel}, don't forget to let reception know. There will otherwise be no return shuttle service and a long uncomfortable wait!

Don't waste luggage space by packing towels as the hotel provide them if you wish to visit the beach.

There are very few alternative restaurants and bars and the ones recommended on this website are no longer up to scratch. { Monsoon was empty, hot unfriendly and unpleasant} It is best to stick to other major hotels/ resorts for a guaranteed pleasant experience.

The massages are amazing, but are much more pleasant in the air conditioned spa room attached to your bedroom and one can avoid mosquitoes and falling beetles which are par of the course in the Spa