FERGUS Cactus Garden

The spa circuit was worth doing, and I’d book another massage with Sara in a heartbeat. She was my masseuse and the spa manager that day, checking us in and looking after what we needed. Warm, kind and very professional, she gave me a perfect 30 minute massage. The steam room, dry sauna and jacuzzi were clean and well maintained. We used a Groupon for the day spa circuit, massage and lunch, and I can’t comment on the rooms. Lunch came from the buffet and was good, with a decent variety, though nothing stood out for flavor. The salad bar was nice and everything was fresh. There was beer, wine, fountain soda, coffee and tea. I spent some time by the pool, but it wasn’t my vibe. Kids were running and screaming, the music was too loud and the same track kept repeating. I didn’t think smoking was allowed around the pool, but people were smoking there. Towels were basically unavailable. As a local, I probably wouldn’t stay at the hotel because I’m not kid friendly. I might do the spa circuit again, and I’d 100% book with Sara.

We left after four days of an eight day break because the place was so poor. Its location is brilliant, and the two or three roof areas for sunbathing are well positioned. Those are the only things in its favor. It’s presented as a four star property, but barely feels like three. Our room was pokey, and the supposed junior suite just had an old sofa and coffee table. The room was cold, and sewage smells often came through. We expected to find something good to eat with all inclusive, but the food was bland, made with the cheapest cuts of meat, and seemed to have no care or seasoning. Really disappointing. We raised our concerns with management, but they didn’t seem to care. With a little effort and interest this could be a nice place, but neither seems to be there right now. Avoid it. We found plenty of nice places nearby, at or below what Fergus charges.

The staff were attentive and friendly throughout, and the restaurant had very good food with a balanced range of choices for different tastes. The hotel is about a 30m walk from the main promenade and under 10 minutes on foot to the beach. From the rooftop terrace and bar there are great beach views. Most entertainment takes place by the pool and bar, and the animation team did a great job for a relatively small hotel. We booked a last minute five-day deal before Christmas. On arrival, my family and I were made very welcome and got a nice surprise upgrade to a junior suite on the 7th floor, overlooking the solarium and jacuzzi. The room had a large double bed that could comfortably sleep three, plus a sofa bed for two. The bathroom was nicely decorated and the shower was good. The drains smelled a little on a couple of days, but a can of air freshener from the local supermarket would have sorted it.

The hotel is right by the shops and beach, and our apartment had an insane view. The standard room was basic, but the bed was comfortable. Some nights the food was questionable, though most of the time it was amazing. Lenni was wonderful with our family, and the bar staff were just as friendly. The entertainment made the stay, especially the performers on Lenni’s day off. The entertainment area is tiny, but when things got going the atmosphere was something else. The saxophonist was amazing, as were the singers. The activities were pretty good too, nothing to complain about.