Two heavenly weeks at the Paradisus Rio de Oro, Holguin June 2-16. 2007.

Our last visit was October 2004, so we were very eager to return for our fourth visit to our favourite resort. Some new exciting additions since we have been there.

The beach restaurant is done now. It is on the second floor with the beach bar below it. The old location has been turned into an outdoor patio for drinks. Fabulous lunches and musical accompaniment at each one, not to mention the excellent service. Have to try the red snapper! The spa is world class, and very in line price wise if not cheaper than you get at home. We did a spa day on our anniversary and it was great. Both having massages overlooking the ocean for an hour. Then to the pool , hot tub or private beaches for as long as you wished. We booked all our ala cartes online before we went, which saves lining up the day after arrival. Pablo has them all ready, you pick them up and if there is any they can't accomodate you work out a better time. Very efficient.

The Cuban restaurant has improved 100 % in our opinion from the last time. Service and food were impeccable. El Patio is top notch, once again, impeccable. We had our anniversary there with rose petals on the table and a cake, it was lovely. The Mediterranean is a treat too ,with again , great Cuban musicians. Wonderful meals both times. Don't forget to do tepanyaki at Tsuru, the Japanese restaurant, it is so much fun and you make great friends with your international dinner mates. Once again, impeccable service and food. mmm Sake!

We were treated to an appreciation dinner for repeat guests, meeting first at the Mediterranean for champagne, enjoying a cappella group , which were amazing. Taken by trolley down to the beach for a magical dinner in the sand under torch light.

Serenaded by musicians, served delicious food, Argentine sirloin, cooked the way you wanted, ocean rolling in beside you, feet in the sand.. it was perfection.

It was a fantastic way to show they really care about our coming back . Meeting with our tour rep was a bit disappointing. We had known in advance, scuba diving is all inclusive now at the Paradisus... but were not told that. We went to an employee who arranged it all for us through the animation club. Two dives per day for certified divers, and free lessons in the pool for beginners, A very significant deal in our books. This trip we upgraded to a superior junior suite, since it was our anniversary, I have to say the outdoor shower is wonderful! We never used the indoor one at all! The room was spectacular with a view of the mountains and lush gardens. Had welcoming flowers, champagne and fruit plate.

We have never been unhappy with the junior rooms, but this was a nice change.

The gardens are especially stunning, and we loved seeing all the different growth, and watching the gardeners at work.They are a treasure. We may be a bit biased, but to us , the staff at every place we were at , are absolutely priceless to the PRDO. From the friendly greetings at breakfast every morning, the guys at the pool, the service staff, the maids, the bar staff...the disco staff , PR staff, porters.,,,, It is the people who make this resort the place it is. We value their friendship and their warmth whenever we visit.

I won't mention names, because we each know different people, and interact with not always the same ones as others. But this is what keeps us coming back.

It is like a homecoming. In a paradise setting.

This will always be "our spot" and I am sure we are not the only ones!