What can I say? Truly EXCELLENT.
Why? Well – let me start by saying how truly GRATEFUL I am, to the staff of the Barcelo Coconut Island hotel, for making my stay an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT. I stayed 6 days in total – the first three with my family and the second three by myself (I loved it so much after 3 days, I decided to stay myself for another three!).
In 3 words what made it excellent for me was: the FOOD, the STAFF and the FACILITIES. But it was mostly the staff!
What do I mean?.. I mean the Front office staff, the kitchen staff, the waiters/waitresses, the activities team, watersports team, garden team, cleaning team, Spa team, guest relations and the many members of the dedicated front office team.
Why? Well how about…they ensured our stay was impeccable from beginning to end, catered to our every need, resolved incidents smoothly and efficiently and were courteous and helpful throughout.
What specifically? Well how about I use this review to thank the individuals personally and I’m sure you’ll see why. Ready?
Let’s start with:
- Jhun (Front office) – Thank you Jhun, for sorting out my room at short notice, when I decided to stay for 3 days, once my family left. Your expertise in recognising I had made a last minute decision to stay was flawless and your execution in turning it around in just a few hours was super-efficient and much appreciated. Thank you.
- Zuli (one of the concierge/drivers) – for bearing with me, while I explained in pidgin Thai (via use of AI) that I wanted to stay, but my family wanted to leave, and getting me and our suitcases all where they needed to be to make that happen. Thank you Zuli – you’d be my driver any day ;)
- Laila (Assistant GM) – for taking time out to speak to me and filling me in on the journey the hotel had taken – especially how it managed to retain its individual charm (after being taken over by a large hotel chain). Thank you Laila – I learned a lot from our chat.
- The Head Chef, kitchen team, waiters, waitresses at the local Thai restaurant by the beach (within the hotel) – for the exquisite food + personal care and attention. I still have the pictures, can still remember the flavours, and have your recommendations for when I next take my wife for Thai food. Special call outs to Fa, Nui and Gochoi. (Gochoi - thanks for translating between the Chef & me. Not many have the patience!)
- Alex – for calmly dealing with a particular issue we had at the villa. No need to detail it here…you know what you did and I am extremely grateful. Best of luck with your pursuits. (Alex is Head of Customer Relations / Operations..or similar)
- Spa Team – Nam & Gondo – thanks for bearing with me when I was late for my first massage and humouring me while I stretched after my second! I’ve honestly learned to chill out more than I’ve ever done during my stay. Thank you😊
- Almost finally…Front office team and Guest relations – for answering all my qs and requests. I’m talking about Bianz, Era, Chris, Gracie and First. (apologies, for anyone I’ve forgotten, it’s been a while..)
Many more, but I’ll stop there (..but quickly add Ha-nee & Sa from gardening team, Nee from activities and Non, my Muay Thai instructor)
Best see the pics to capture the emotions. 5 star – highly recommend.
[For everyone’s information, I was/am a busy professional from UK with little time to relax. Married to my beautiful wife, who was treating her parents from India to a few days of luxury in Thailand as a belated “thank you” for everything they have done for her. My two daughters also loved it – especially the private pool at the villa.]
Thank you Team and pleased to say we are now safely back home in UK (wife’s parents back in India) and starting to unravel the many stories we had from our 6 days at the hotel – made possible from your hard work, attention to detail and relentless pursuit of our satisfaction. A credit to your hotel, Hasan and your culture!
Thank you so much and I hope we see each other again.
Regards,
Jay
