Grand Gala Esmeralda Beach Resort and Spa

We are looking to book at this new resort for our vacation. What is it like? What about the food? Is there a nice stretch of beach? It looks beautiful, but is it truly a 5 star?

We arrived May 12, 2007 on a Saturday and were allowed to check in early. They greeted us with a mango/pineapple fruit drink in the Lobby. It was very clean and the check-in person was pleasant. A golf cart took us to our room. Each building has their own concierge. They were able to make reservations at the French, Italian and Mexican restaurant. They also made reservations at the spa for me. What she couldn't answer, she called around and found out. I was impressed. Seemed like she went a little above board to be so helpful. The room was absolutely gorgeous. We were on the first floor, so right off the patio is a small swimming pool. It is only 4 foot deep but entirely enjoyable to walk 4 steps into the pool. Two bathroom. One is only a shower but the water pressure was really good and the water did get very warm. Nice comfy plush towels and two guest bathrobes. I would like to mention that the shower bathroom had kind of a watery/moldy smell, but it wasn't very strong or offensive. We took our two kids - both 5. They stayed at the Kids Camp. Miss Candy was an absolute angel. I enjoyed her. The kids did not want to leave her at night. They have a schedule of sandbox, pool time, craft time, lunch time, tv time, pool time. Times are 10am to 5pm. I did not leave mine all day but could have. They also provide night service at the Kids camp from 7pm to 9:45pm at which point they bring the kids to the entertainment. I did not use this option. The pool is breathtaking. Very nice. Lots of staff getting us drinks all day. They have ping pong tables, a hugh chess set and pool volleyball. Every day at 10am there is a spinning class. In the pool are 7 or 8 bicycles anchored to the floor. The activities personnel run the exercise class with loud music- just like a gym. After this they have a water aerobics class. Also very nice. In the afternoon, there is water volleyball or beach volleyball. The beach is ok. As you will read in other posts, I used the big pool, there are some great beds by the pool. Also, the breakfast and lunch buffet is not enclosed. It is open air and located right on the beach!! At night, the buffet is enclosed/air conditioned and located at the front of the hotel. It is a pretty good walk or you can call for a golf cart to pick you up. This was hit or miss. Sometimes the cart showed sometimes it didn't. But we probably needed the walk anyway. Food was ok. Not great Not bad. Just ok. Grounds were nice. They have tried to preserve the environment to the best of their ability while still building a resort. Mangroove trees and hibicus are everywhere. We saw iguanas and some interesting birds. I would mentioned that the mosquitos were a bit thick during our visit. Take some bug spray. Overall, great visit. Good staff. Good food. Beautiful grounds. Nice room. Excellent kids facilities. I do have to agree we others that this is really not a 5 star. They are trying hard but ever so slightly missing the mark. Definitely 4 stars