Kind of expensive but excellent facility with a great staff, decent food and a beautiful location
So close to giving the Alexandra Resort an excellent.... First off, a quick reality check. As anyone who has been to the Caribbean will attest, things are different there- the environment is harsh on everything (roads, buildings, etc), everything is imported and expensive (gas, as of Nov 2022, was US $7.50 per gal) and the vibe is much more laid back (if you are an unrepentant A-type personality that demands everything RIGHT NOW, just don't go...) This little zinger right up front- this is a review of the Alexandra Resort but be aware that, with a stay at the Alexandra, you also get full access to the Blue Haven Resort as well. Very nice and you can look up the reviews of it if you wish. Shuttle runs hourly between them. The raw facts- The room was fantastic (one bedroom, 1.5 bath overlooking the pool with good view of the ocean.) We were on the fourth floor of the building named Marilyn. Full kitchen (why in a all inclusive resort? I'll get to that) tile throughout, crown molding, the full bath had a very acceptable tub and shower. The balcony had a dining room table for 6 AND additional lounge chairs. So close to perfect but..... for some reason the window treatment on the kitchen window looked like a stained bedsheet someone had found in a ditch and hung over the window. Why?? The condition of the facility overall was excellent, especially if you consider that a hurricane had come through about a month earlier. The staff was constantly working on, painting, fixing, trimming and upgrading the grounds and not in a way as to disturb the visitors. Nothing to sharpshoot on the grounds- they were great. The staff was wonderful as well. After a couple of days the wait staff remembers you, your preferences, and your name. Pro tip- remember their names, because they will remember yours. Very happy with the staff, but..... this falls under the island vibe thing- on more than one occasion, my food order wasn't quite right. I'd ask for coffee and milk for breakfast and only get the coffee. Or order a salad and sandwich and only get the sandwich.... Yes, I know, "First World" problems and I didn't say a word to the staff. Just be aware. All in all, they are pleasant, friendly and bring a good, warm atmosphere to the resort. The food.... My wife described it best- it was like taking a cruise on land. There are three restaurants on the property. The Asu, the Black Rock and the Fish Deck. All are located very close together on the property. The Asu was the dry land version of the all-you-can-eat buffet on a cruise, serving breakfast and dinner. Just as on a cruise, the food is presented in bulk and is acceptable but not remarkable. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, waffles, pancakes, sausage, bacon, various fruits. Mimosas for the asking or you could pour your own. You can stand in line and get a personalized omelet, which are very good. Dinner was usually themed; Italian night, seafood night, etc. Nothing to write home about but you won't go hungry. The Black Rock is comparable to the sit-down, reservations-required restaurant that all cruises have, and yes, reservations are required for dinner (not for lunch though.) Lunch is first-come, first-served in the open air pavilion right off the beach. Standard lunch fare- hamburgers, salads, etc. The dinner menu was more impressive with the signature hook (novelty) being that the meats are served still cooking on incredibly hot dark, square stones- the namesake Black Rocks. Very good and this is a more European dining experience. Don't come in thinking you will be in and out in 30 minutes. Worth it. The Fish Deck reopened from renovations the night before we left. As we had been nice to the staff and had tipped them appropriately (hint, hint) we were invited to the grand reopening. The fare was fresh, made to order sushi and it was very good. I am not a sushi expert, but both my wife and I liked it, as did the other patrons we chatted with. I think reservations are required. In addition to the restaurants, there is also a pizza shack, smoothie hut, three bars (beach, between the beach and pool, and in the pool) and a stand serving some of the best jerk chicken, corn on the cob and slaw I've ever had. It's on the path to the beach. Last thing on food. Thursday night there is a community fish fry that is easy walking distance from the resort. Less than a quarter mile. Do it. Just follow the crowds walking out the gate around 6 PM. There is the raw data. Now some other observations- ** Grace Bay beaches may be the most beautiful in the world. ** Bikes are available and there is a nice shopping district less than a mile away. Note to the Alexandra management- please invest in some new bikes. They're getting a bit rough. ** Another cruise-based comparison/observation- I think T&C (the whole island, not just the Alexandra) has made the conscience decision to pattern themselves on the Viking Riverboat/Norwegian/Royal Caribbean model and aim for more affluent clientele rather than appeal to the masses. Quality over quantity.... I think the Alexandra might be the most inexpensive all-inclusive on the island, and it ain't cheap. The upside: no drunken frat boys running around screaming at 2 AM. The downside: it ain't cheap. ** Remember the full kitchen? The unit also had a washer/dryer as well... Why? The unit was actually for sale. You can buy the units, and calm down, there was no "pitch." Just a flyer on the kitchen bar with a business card for the realtor. No time share BS or anyone actively trying to sell anything. I may take a look at that in a few years when I retire... So, having said all that.... Bottom line: Kind of expensive but excellent facility with a great staff, decent food and a beautiful location. And don't forget you get access to the Blue Haven as well! I'd go back.