Updates as of Early 2017

It has been a while since we have given an update in the blog. Sorry for that…we have been quite busy. Both of us have had a wonderful vacation at our second home in Paradise, staying once again in the Grand Village section being pampered as all guests are. Sue in November 2016 and Sunlover1960 in January 2017.

First, we will start off with some sad news unfortunately (get the box of tissue out). We all knew that Carme, our little Hummingbird of Ensenachos, would be leaving after her year term as Grand Village Manager. Knowing her final date did not make it any easier. In mid-January with sadness staff saw her off to head back home to Spain. She certainly made and impact on the Grand Village section of the resort, implementing lots of improvements and changes…..those that could be done as we know that hands are tied when it comes to getting things approved in Cuba. She could be seen rushing around the Grand Village from the dawn of day into the late of night ensuring everything was in tip-top shape and everyone was happy. We are awaiting her replacement who should be arriving shortly once the paperwork is signed off. This new lady will certainly have big shoes to fill and we wish her the best as well as wish Carme all the best in her next adventure.

The second news is that at the end of January José completed his tenure as Director General. José achieved so much while heading up Iberostar Ensenachos as Director General. He gave direction, vision and lead by respect. Improvements he implemented during his reign were certainly noticed by the guests. José was constantly visible around the resort, checking on things, taking time to chat with guests ensuring they were happy. It is certainly nice to see a DG that cared about everything including taking the time to get feedback from guests. He will certainly be a big asset to the next hotel he manages.

Carme and José, life is full of great adventures and you’re about to embark on a brand new one. Good luck from all of us! Until our paths cross again one day. Take care. ¡Abrazos y besos!

Our third sad departure. Alain, the Grand Village lifeguard has moved to the Melia Cayo Santa Maria beach. Those who have had a chance to meet him will certainly agree he is kind young man and pleasure to talk to. He will surely be missed on the Grand Village private section of Playa Ensenachos. We wish him all the best ensuring safety of vacationers on Cayo Santa Maria.

Now onto other news, Alicia who you may have met over the years as a bartender at the Main lobby bar and the Grand Village bar has returned to the IBE as a waitress in the El Colonial at the Grand Village. About 100 new palapas were built on Megano during the slow season, however a cold front came in the end of January unfortunately taking out most of the palapas on the east side of the Playa Megano (from the Ranchón and eastwards). It seems the never-ending fight against Mother Nature. Repairs on the Park section pool was completed just before the Christmas rush. Only the main part of the pool was shut down; the children’s aqua park pool was not affected and remained open to be enjoyed throughout the repairs of the main pool. However, during this time Park section guests were allowed to use one section of the Spa section pool. This was only temporarily during the repairs. As always general maintenance like re-fresh painting of some of the fountains were done. In the Grand Village improvements are continuing. New chairs and furniture for the El Colonial, villas are being painted and things such as fans and shower heads are slowly being replaced. All the private Jacuzzis that were not working in the Grand Village (all were on the causeway side) were repaired, so all villas now have a working Jacuzzi. This is just a start and if all plans go through there should be more updates in the near future. We do hope with the new management change that the vast improvements continue as they have been under José and Carme. We are sure Jorge, the Rooms Division Manager, will bring them up to speed swiftly and wish him the best in taking on the additional roles while awaiting the new Director General and Grand Village Manager.

And now time to dream of sitting on this beach looking at this view wile sipping a drink on your lounge chair, whether it be under a palapa or soaking up the sun's rays.......ah paradise.