Trip Report/Seasplash Update

Hey everyone -- I've learned not to promise trip reports -- too much pressure!! But there have been several inquiries about Seasplash this past year, and now that we're here and can see for ourselves, I'm happy to say that things seem to be progressing nicely here under new management. I've seen managers and executive chefs come and go over the past 12 years here, some have been better than others ... but for us every year is great no matter who's in charge because it's a beautiful property and it's home for us.

Many of the promised-for-years updates to the rooms have been accomplished. There is fresh paint, new upholstery on sofa and comfy chair/ottoman, newly refurbished wicker dining set and hutch and new chairs on the patio. There are crisp linen drapes on the windows with new bamboo blinds -- a nice look. New air-conditioners, and no water problems. The internet service has been great this trip too, which makes it easier for me, who works while here.

New manager Diana Marley is working really really hard on many levels -- and the staff seem to be happy and supportive of the new regime. Natasha is at the bar, and all the old-time staff are all still around. So things here are good overall.

As for Norma's, they're trying some new things and freshening up the menu. (I understand an effort to take the tuna melt off the menu met with near-revolt from staff who said lots of people liked this item, so back on the menu it went! Who says the "little people" have no power!)

Tonight they are trying a special "spring menu" which is featuring grilled chicken with pineapple glaze and fresh red snapper with a citrus side-sauce, with a complimentary cocktail and choice of dessert included. They even made a jamaican-flavored potato salad that I just tried and it's fabuloso! Good for them that they are trying new things. I hear rumor they are trying to get a webcast going again -- hope they do it while we're still here.

Oh, and thanks Kahuna for posting pics of Cake Lady - I asked for her at White Sands earlier in the afternoon yesterday, but it was too early. And then like a vision -- I turned around last night just past sunset and she was standing in front of me on the beach! What a sweetey she is! We got four big slices of banana cake - and it was just delicious. I made her promise to come back this way soon, hopefully she will.

Other than that we are taking it slow. Took longer than usual this year for the stress to wash off, and the climate change took a bit of a toll and caused various congestions, but we are running at full=-throttle now (well that would be full-throttle Negril style -- not very fast!)

Looking forward to a beach crawl with Lady Jane, and a day at the Nature place (won't try to spell it) with Ms Annie. Will post again.

Thanks for the post, good to know! What is the beach like? It was small last year in February, and I've seen recent photos of how washed out it is at Treehouse.

Enjoy your vacation!

My Dear Mrs. Wilson, :cool:

One of these years you and your husband will need to schedule the trips at the same time or I do. Or I need schedule mine to fit yours. :cool: That way we could split the cost for Malcolm.;) We keep saying we are going to do that but it seems to evade us doing such. But I think you wait for airfares to go down but being from St. Louis we have limited airlines to choose from so I try and get a seat as quickly as I can.

I have mine scheduled for February 5th to the 12th for next year but I could change that.

I am very happy to read your thoughts about what is going on at Sea Splash. I had a good feeling about the care and attitude shown by Diana and her huband, Chris when I was there in January.:D

Tell Edward, Claudette, Natasha, aw heck, just tell everyone Bob says hello. And don't forget to include telling the girls in the front office, Avonette (sp?) and Shanek that Bob says hello.

Hey Mrs W. I am so happy you found the cake lady. She was here the other night
and I thought of you. We should end the crawl w the cake lady to soak up some of the rum
plus it would be a nice dessert after the subs

Great night last night -- a fun group who all enjoyed. The dinner was killer btw, and quite a few dining at Norma's. As for the beach, it has shrunk for sure. There is enough beach in front of seasplash for a comfortable row of loungers, and still plenty of room for walking and hanging - in other words, smaller than usual but not a tight squeeze yet. However, Tree House and Country Country are absolutely no beach - the walking there requires going up and over the sandbags which is not so awful, just a small challenge! The first time I walked that way I chose the water route vs the sand bags and was sorry. Looked like a little old lady taking such careful baby steps to avoid the rocks in the water there. People were watching from shore, I'm sure thinking "that lady looks like she needs help" but I just went slow and on the way back I took the (easier) sand bag route. Today I'll walk north though.

Buzzbag -- I will share your greetings with all. It's true that we wait for the right airfare to show up -- but every year we happen upon people we didn't expect and meet new ... our time will come to meet I'm sure. Ms. Ann McLeod joined us last night with her lovely husband Andrew. And a couple of hysterical ladies from Montreal and others -- and a new friend and his son, also from Canada, who showed up mid-party with his own sound system, shut down the bar sound, and started blasting tunes. Once we toned him down a bit, he added a lot to the hi-energy buzz (smiling). Monday a whole group of people are excited to go to Abeokuta. Very excited about that as I've never gone on a single trip beyond Negril in 17 years. Just never wanted to leave the beach for any amount of time. Our farthest point reached has been Jackies on the Reef. But Monday we'll head 40 minutes from Negril. You'll all seen the pics - the beauty of this place has caught my attention, so we will go.

Going to Treehouse the breakfast buffet, which is the best as it keeps us full all day. They have a church that meets there on Sunday and I've always wanted to go -- so I'm putting on real clothes, and once church starts I'll decide -- largely dependent on the singing I must admit. I like a church with a lot of singing and action ; )

The "coconut telegraph" is always working on the beach in Negril. Tell any security guard or vendor who you are looking for and the word will get to that person eventually.

Nice Jimmy Buffett nod, Marcia....;)

Hey Nancy, it was a blast last night! Seasplash was definately in party mode. Diane is truly lovely and very attentive to all her guests. It was great to see Sea Splash back in the groove with the great food, staff and a magical atmosphere. A great place to once again recommend. You Mrs Wilson are on TOP FORM! We are looking forward to your special visit to Abeokuta tomorrow. Give my boy a big hug from Anny!

Mrs W.

happy you are having fun at seasplash...what is the best room to book....how much was the breakfast buffet at treehouse??

lathomas my favorite rooms are 7 and 8, however any of the one bedrooms suites are nice. I always describe them as like a small apartment with bedroom, bathroom, dressing area, living and dining area and full kitchen. The patios are spacious. Upstairs suites are best as you get the nicer balcony. Are favorite room was always room 20, upstairs suite in the building closest to the office/front of property.

I love 16 and 17 for the suites. They were just redone at the beginning of December and are just beautiful and quiet. They are in the middle building.

I remember when it was called the Sun Splash....

Mrs W:
thank you for your room review...we stopped for a drink at the hotel in Jan...really cute place ...I think they did show me room 8...full kitchen is nice..how is the night life at the hotel..it appeared to so relaxing...when you get back would like a contact person for booking the hotel...did someone mention they have a driver on site...cute place ..
everyone talks about coco la palm...but seasplash ...any feedback on chelsea inn...want to plan a trip
have fun

lathomas - I've been meaning to report on Treehouse breakfast, wanted to be sure of the price. Its $13 for buffet. It sounds a bit pricey, but it's all you'll eat for breakfast/lunch. They always have hot and cold cereal (corm porridge is really good), callaloo, a meat dish (brown stewed chicken, hash, bacon, sausage, etc) dumplings, mini-coco breads -- usually 4 items on the hot side. Then omelettes and waffles made to order and big fresh fruit platter and options of bread/cakes. Coffee, juice, etc included. So it's a feast - and always something for everyone to eat.

Mrs W
thank you for the info on Treehouse....who is your contact person for room reservations...

Mrs. Wilson,thank you so much for the Sea Splash up date and for telling us "our" room is looking so fresh and new! I'm so happy to hear of all the positive changes for us as guests,and staff as well!