Caribbean Weather

Friday, September 24, 2021

Comforting yet sweet

Three decades into opening its doors, Comfort Suites Paradise Island can take pride in remaining faithful to its vision of excellence in service, value and product to its guests. And it is celebrating its Pearl Anniversary all year with spectacular rates that locals  are taking advantage of – including me, as I recently beelined it to the resort with relaxation on the mind for a staycation getaway.

In this COVID-19 era and everything that comes into play when traveling abroad now, staying at home while getting away from my home was enticing.

With thoughts of lounging by the pool and catching up on reading uppermost in my mind, I checked into the Comfort Suites Paradise Island for an extended weekend getaway. Having stayed at the resort before, I knew what I was in for, and the value for money that would be received. So, while comfort means many things and has many looks for people, I found it both comforting and sweet to return to the family-friendly property where I was greeted with a smile, that I noticed actually reached the guest services representative’s eyes behind a mask that hid most of her face, so I knew the welcome was genuine. And to be honest, it’s the staff that make the difference – a genuine smile, asking what they can do better to make your stay better, chatting you up for a quick minute – that makes an experience amazing.

It’s at the “little” resort where you can also find the Crusoe’s Restaurant, this hidden gem of a restaurant that really gets me excited every time I dine there. People … the guava bread pudding is not to be missed. (And, yes – I skipped all the way to dessert. It’s that good). But if you have some semblance of self-control, start with their homemade Johnny cake which is only served with the Abaco conch chowder. It’s a must-have item.

At Crusoe’s Restaurant I’ve also enjoyed their conchy conch fritters in the past, which again is an item they are proud of, but I found a new offering that I have become addicted to – their Caribbean twisted wings (you would be taken aback to learn what comprises the sauce ingredients) which are offered mild or hot. Honestly, I ordered wings as an appetizer with most of my meals.

Crusoe’s Restaurant for delicious meals with generous portion sizes. Menu items pictured include the Meat Lover’s Delight, left, (eight-ounce grilled sirloin steak topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions served with rosemary garlic potatoes and sauteed vegetables); smothered Nassau Grouper (topped with steamed herbs and tomatoes and served with peas and rice and coleslaw) center; and their famous coconut Johnny cakes.

During my recent stay I decided I would go completely out of my comfort zone when dining and opted for the cracked conch, which to my surprise was one of the best cracked conchs I’ve had. It was tender, which is super important, and perfectly cooked. Well, to hear the conch being pounded in the kitchen after I placed my order, let me know that I was in for the real deal. The zesty chicken wrap – sauteed chicken and mushrooms with bell peppers, lettuce tomatoes, avocado, and a pesto mayo – was also a new item that I tried, and which I found to be an excellent recommendation.

Well the guava brioche bread pudding, what else can I say, but that it’s one of the most amazing ways to end a meal at Crusoe’s Restaurant, but don’t feel bad if you start off with it.

Retiring at the end of the day was no hardship either in the “cozy” king-sized bed, which I found offered me the perfect firmness and support, especially after a day of serious play.

When I checked in the goal of relaxation went right out of the window as neighboring Atlantis Paradise Island Resort’s Aquaventure, beckoned. As a guest at Comfort Suites Paradise Island, I had full complimentary access to the 141-acre water park with nine water slides, 11 pools, and a lazy river; and pool and beach access.

Trust me, I took full advantage of the play with my stay.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island also enjoy complimentary daily fixed hot a la carte breakfast, and registered guests also have access to Atlantis’ health spa.

Crusoe’s Restaurant’s signature salad – chopped iceberg and Romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, cranberries, walnuts and crumbled feta cheese.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island has cemented its reputation for delivering exceptional service and remarkable value, but it’s the attitude of its staff that struck me. From checking in with Alexandria Ferguson, the guest service representative, to Donnette Wright, Crusoe’s Restaurant food and beverage supervisor, Chef Dashanique Humes, who answered those questions foodies like me always seem to have, to mixologists Michael Sampson and Vanton Hall who I took time to chat with while they worked and made drink recommendations, and Florinda Brown, whose quick wit and smile is so inviting, it all added up to a lovely time. And I can’t possibly forget Charmaine Burrows, the night shift manager, who is one of the loveliest people you will ever meet.

Jermaine Wright, Comfort Suites general manager has said, “Every member of our team truly cares about the well-being and experience of each guest.”

He has also said that Comfort Suites Paradise Island has long been a second home for many guests with 223 junior suites

William Naughton, Comfort Suites senior vice president and managing partner said when he and his partners opened the doors to CSPI in 1991, that they envisioned becoming a landmark in the inventory of Paradise Island hotels by giving guests an unforgettable experience at an affordable price point. They have achieved that and so much more.

After a sizzling summer sale, Comfort Suites Paradise Island is continuing the fantastic deals into the fall – $115 per night plus taxes and fees.

In a COVID-19 environment, cleaning protocols are super important to me, and that was one of my questions to the CSPI team before I considered checking in. I was assured of their commitment to clean with increased frequency of general detail thorough cleaning procedures in public areas, enforcing social distancing measures, strategically placed hand sanitization stations throughout the hotel for guest usage at key areas and entrances, and implementation of mandatory hand sanitization, temperature checks and facemask use.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/comforting-yet-sweet/

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