Emerald Palms Resort Hotel

The part I’ll remember most is finding the blue holes ourselves on our last day. We asked for a map, took the bikes, and came across one, then a trail to three more. It was one of the trip’s highlights, and I wish the resort suggested more things guests could explore on their own, especially since the guided blue hole tour costs $75 per person. We stayed five nights at Caerula Mar Club. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I depend on them when I book trips, so here’s my honest impression: about 3.5 out of 5, rounded up because TripAdvisor doesn’t offer half stars. We loved the remote setting, though being so far from everything has downsides. Our upgrade to a beachfront room was a huge plus, especially with the weather we had. The room itself was excellent, with lovely linens, quality furnishings, and a beautiful view. Most of the food was delicious, and the coffee and pastry bar was great. The staff were generally friendly, down to earth, and helpful, though one bartender seemed completely uninterested one evening. The biggest problem was the no-see-ums. By the end of our second night we were covered in bites, despite usually not getting bitten. They burned and itched for well over a week, and are still bothering me at home. The resort’s “natural” bug spray didn’t help us, so bring DEET. I felt the resort played down how bad the bugs can be. There isn’t much to do on the island unless you’re really into bonefishing, and you’re mostly relying on the resort for meals and drinks. We tried the two off-site places staff mentioned, but they were tiny shacks and one was never open when we went. Prices are high: cocktails were $24, dinner was $75 per person for two courses or $95 with dessert. Drinks were hit or miss too, with cocktails great one night and nearly undrinkable the next depending on who made them. There are no coffee makers in the rooms. Complimentary drip coffee is available from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m., but late risers have to buy coffee. At this price, having coffee in the room would be a nice touch. Paddleboards, kayaks, and Hobie Cats are available, but wind and rain spoiled about 3.5 of our 4.5 full days, so we couldn’t use them. I was glad we had the beachfront view. They also offered a coconut-themed bar event and a mocktail class, which we appreciated, but we only heard about each by phone ten minutes before it began. A daily activity calendar would help. Free yoga starts at 7:30 a.m., which is easy to miss if you sleep in. There’s plenty to like here, especially the setting, rooms, staff, and most of the food. Still, the bugs, limited options off property, and high prices mean I probably wouldn’t return. If you want to unplug, relax, fish, get good weather, and bring bug spray, it could suit you well.