Better late than never, been busy of late so here goes -
Had a short 4 day break just before Christmas and after much deliberation settled on GdS mainly because we hadn't been before and wanted the less is more factor as it was only 4 days.
Aquamarnina Apartments were enormous, well seen they were originally aimed at the golfers could easily live in it massive bathroom that had a double walk in shower full size bath his & hers sinks and then still had space to spare.
Living room large enough for 2 sofa's that would become beds, well appointed kitchen the bedroom was massive and the large balcony had access from both living room & bathroom, would mind a holiday apartment that size.
Complex was good large pool and overlooked the ocean, breakfast was good hot station manned for eggs pancakes etc. etc. along with sister hotel near by it runs a free shuttle bus down the coast which was good.
GdS has a lovely path along the front however it's broken up at the point of a hotel complex that hasn't been finished so you have to cross some waste land to connect the 2 parts together.
Path ends at San Blas which is nice area shops, bar & eateries in the square.
Bit of a trek walking back via the road path, we love our walks so not problem but if you have walking difficulties then GdS might not be the place for you.
Bar wise like the Emmerald Lounge in San Blas, had a couple in Sundowners which appeared a very 'locals' bar from the complex above the bar.
Grandees O'Donnell across the road was good nice outside seating area outback to get away from the sport, used the cut through in the Winter Gardens to get back down to Aquamarina saves a walk.
Volare showbar underneath the Aquamarina is decent very smartly decorated although the acts are very very cabaret a bit cringeworthy for us.
Wild Geese was our local and having it was rammed every night and bust during the day with a nice outside area, decent food usual Irish bar fayre, Irish Frank is a cracking singer with a great variety in his songbook.
Used bus to get along to LC & PdlA on the Monday as we'd arranged to meet friends who run a bar & someone who live in LC.
Wandered down from San Eugiene along front to our friends bar at top of Starco street then after a catch up walked straight down to the TRG saw the new Taurus Argentinean Restaurant, new entrance looks tidy but entry in TRG now look strange straight through the tables of the restaurant !
Then along las Vista's to Players for some food before meeting out friend in LC then bus back to GdS.
LC was sshowing signs of the recent storms the road down around the Princess Dacil were badly damaged and the slit & soil was everywhere.
Did have some kind offers to meet up for a drink but we where only in LC/PdlA that 1 day and had arrangements already, plus wifi in GdS was limited to bars so picked up messages at end of the day in the Wild Geese, if it had been a longer holiday where we had more time we'd have made arrangements.
GdS divides opinion but for our 4 days we enjoyed it did what we wanted it to do have a short break in the sun, for a longer holiday not sure if we'd go again but for a shirt break its spot on.
Was great to feel the sun on you again and see the island again, 2 years since we'd been and were back in love with the rock.
However it was tarnished somewhat by busting my knee getting into the taxi at airport on arrival, bent it too much trying to squeeze into taxi and was in agony.
Thought I done my cartilage but kept it to myself just how painful it was to avoid spoiling the weekend, all that walking was crippling but just grinned and bared it and took pain killers.
Had a short 4 day break just before Christmas and after much deliberation settled on GdS mainly because we hadn't been before and wanted the less is more factor as it was only 4 days.
Aquamarnina Apartments were enormous, well seen they were originally aimed at the golfers could easily live in it massive bathroom that had a double walk in shower full size bath his & hers sinks and then still had space to spare.
Living room large enough for 2 sofa's that would become beds, well appointed kitchen the bedroom was massive and the large balcony had access from both living room & bathroom, would mind a holiday apartment that size.
Complex was good large pool and overlooked the ocean, breakfast was good hot station manned for eggs pancakes etc. etc. along with sister hotel near by it runs a free shuttle bus down the coast which was good.
GdS has a lovely path along the front however it's broken up at the point of a hotel complex that hasn't been finished so you have to cross some waste land to connect the 2 parts together.
Path ends at San Blas which is nice area shops, bar & eateries in the square.
Bit of a trek walking back via the road path, we love our walks so not problem but if you have walking difficulties then GdS might not be the place for you.
Bar wise like the Emmerald Lounge in San Blas, had a couple in Sundowners which appeared a very 'locals' bar from the complex above the bar.
Grandees O'Donnell across the road was good nice outside seating area outback to get away from the sport, used the cut through in the Winter Gardens to get back down to Aquamarina saves a walk.
Volare showbar underneath the Aquamarina is decent very smartly decorated although the acts are very very cabaret a bit cringeworthy for us.
Wild Geese was our local and having it was rammed every night and bust during the day with a nice outside area, decent food usual Irish bar fayre, Irish Frank is a cracking singer with a great variety in his songbook.
Used bus to get along to LC & PdlA on the Monday as we'd arranged to meet friends who run a bar & someone who live in LC.
Wandered down from San Eugiene along front to our friends bar at top of Starco street then after a catch up walked straight down to the TRG saw the new Taurus Argentinean Restaurant, new entrance looks tidy but entry in TRG now look strange straight through the tables of the restaurant !
Then along las Vista's to Players for some food before meeting out friend in LC then bus back to GdS.
LC was sshowing signs of the recent storms the road down around the Princess Dacil were badly damaged and the slit & soil was everywhere.
Did have some kind offers to meet up for a drink but we where only in LC/PdlA that 1 day and had arrangements already, plus wifi in GdS was limited to bars so picked up messages at end of the day in the Wild Geese, if it had been a longer holiday where we had more time we'd have made arrangements.
GdS divides opinion but for our 4 days we enjoyed it did what we wanted it to do have a short break in the sun, for a longer holiday not sure if we'd go again but for a shirt break its spot on.
Was great to feel the sun on you again and see the island again, 2 years since we'd been and were back in love with the rock.
However it was tarnished somewhat by busting my knee getting into the taxi at airport on arrival, bent it too much trying to squeeze into taxi and was in agony.
Thought I done my cartilage but kept it to myself just how painful it was to avoid spoiling the weekend, all that walking was crippling but just grinned and bared it and took pain killers.
