917linettec
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Review of Palm Bay Resort, Long Island, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia.||We came to Palm Bay Resort expecting seclusion, tranquility, and a premium escape to “paradise" experience. Instead, we found the place seriously lacking in many fundamentals, where the setting largely carries the weight and everything else feels like an afterthought.||What went seriously wrong: Promoted as a 4 1/2 Star resort property, and from Palm Bay Resort’s own website information, we expected immaculate rooms, top-tier amenities, and service to match. Instead, we encountered bungalows that were unclean and dusty, with broken tiles, poor lighting, and room services only available on every 4th day.||We felt we had been promised beach front luxury, when in fact our experience was marred by neglect, where outdoor areas look worse for wear, with wasp nests on balconies, external fixtures falling short, along with the very unpleasant smell of sewage that wafted throughout the Resort.||The promotional information suggests comfort, self catering options and abundant services. The reality is different, the bungalows lack self catering, with the only choice being the Restaurant which had the same unchanging daily menu, so be prepared to eat the same food each day. Two 300ml bottles of water were placed in our room on day 1 (which were half empty), and any further bottles had to be purchased from the restaurant. The rooms have a fridge, kettle (but no coffee), and microwave if you bring your own food from the mainland. There is no hand sanitiser anywhere.||There is a Tennis Court at the rear of the Restaurant, but it is unusable due to surface mould, no net, and no functional equipment. In addition, you can use the snorkelling equipment and “stinger suits” at no charge, however these items are not cleaned or disinfected after use and simply placed back in the storage area by the user. There are also no laundry facilities, so be prepared to re-wear your sweaty clothes. The pillows are uncomfortable, and you have to ask for clean towels for your room, rather than being supplied daily.||The island has a lot of wildlife which is great, however the Cockatoos and a large Crow enter the restaurant regularly and walk all over the place matts, serviettes and cutlery, and although the staff try to "shoo” them away, the tables and chairs, etc are not cleaned afterwards. All staff are travelling “back packers” and that is fine, but a lack of training is apparent.||Even if you accept that this is an isolated, remote resort, there should be no excuse for staff being unable or unwilling to resolve basic issues: rooms not cleaned, minimal lighting, and limited menu choices. The “Sunset Bar” which is one of the “highlights”, has limited hours with a schedule that is unclear or inconsistent.||Yes, Palm Bay Resort is remote by design, but remoteness is only charming if the essentials are well handled. Getting there is expensive and logistically complex, with a ferry/water taxi, sea plane or helicopter from Shute Harbour or private charter from Hamilton Island. Wi-Fi is non existent, phone reception is “sketchy", and there are no TV’s, which might suit some people, but for many it is a serious inconvenience. There are limited options for snacks or groceries, with a self serve room which has trinkets, chips and chocolate, etc available to purchase at elevated prices.||On our third day, we were picked up by friends and sailed with them to Whitehaven beach for the day which was fabulous, however before leaving we asked for 2 coffees at 7am and were told that’s not possible as the staff don’t start work till 7.30am !||Where does Palm Bay Resort excel? The natural beauty on this island is undeniable. The location is gorgeous, the views, the wildlife, the beach scapes and sea are all breathtaking; and the staff are generally friendly which helps soften some of the rougher edges; but when you pay a premium to get there and stay in what is supposed luxury, those rough edges stick out more than a budget location.||Palm Bay Resort is a lesson in how a beautiful location is just not enough! If you want “paradise", yes, the setting here is close, but only if you can accept multiple compromises. You’re paying for potential, not polish. For people who care about cleanliness, consistent quality facilities, reliable service, and modern day conveniences, Palm Bay Resort fails to deliver.||I would not recommend this resort if you expect luxury, even “rustic" luxury. If you are happy with “rough around the edges”, and are okay with paying premium prices for the views, you might muddle through. But for what it claims to be, Palm Bay Resort falls far short. A day trip to see the location is a far better option.||In Summary: This accomodation product is not fit for purpose, the promises made were not delivered, and a full refund of the tariff should have been forthcoming.||Footnote: My husband and I raised all of the above issues with the Palm Bay Resort staff and our booking agent “Luxury Escapes” on day 1. Unfortunately there was no available accomodation available at Hamilton Island or elsewhere, due to the “High Season”, and no immediate “escape" from the Island. If there was, we would have left Palm Bay Resort ASAP on day 1. Subsequent contacts with Palm Bay Resort, Luxury Escapes, and the ultimate owner, “Oscar’s Hotel Group” have failed to result in any refund. The “Oscar’s" representative did thank us for bringing these issues to their attention !||Linnie Crowhurst|Very Disappointed Guest
