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.
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.
