This was our 2nd trip to SLB – the first time back in 2013 felt magical, the 2nd time – not so much. Now overall, it was a fun and relaxing time but it lacked the polish compared to our 1st stay many years ago. Here are just some of the first world problems that I felt:

1. Too many guests for the SL staff to handle from arrival at the airport leading to a long wait time
2. All of us squeezing on the bus transport from the airport to the port lounge
3. Just lack of proactive customer service at the port lounge. Again, guest to staff ratio was skewed and the staff were busy running around trying to take care of everyone. Can’t really fault them as they did their best to ensure everyone was taken care of.
4. The overall stay didnt feel exclusive – when we stayed in 2013, the staff were super proactive in taking care of us and would always greet us no matter where we were on the resort grounds. This time, it felt like a bit of a factory experience i.e. breakfast, pool side service etc. The experiences where there was no one else around us felt better as we were the only people there and there were more staff to look after us.

The port lounge where there were departing and arriving guests. Seats were all taken and we had to stand in a corner. I went up to the front to hand my passports for them to take our information.

At least I got a hot towel

It was a 15 minute wait when one of the staff came by and advised specific guests to board the boat.

Quick boarding, speedy safety announcement and we were on our way.

15 minutes later …

The band welcoming us.

There were many buggy’s waiting for everyone. The three of us piled into one and we were on our way.

We pulled up to the front where we were greeted by another staff member and were escorted to the Lobby Lounge.

The concierge and check out desks.

We were asked to take a seat and were handed to another member of the staff who welcomed us and went through all the check in formalities.

Pineapple juice as a welcome drink

Once all the check in formalities were done, we were escorted to our room located on the 5th floor. Booked a partial ocean view room this time compared to a full sea view previously. The rooms are showing signs of age – the shower area tiles showed a little mould and grout cracking here and there, the wood floor was cracking or warped in certain areas and the overall decor of the room had not changed at all.

We quickly changed into swim gear and headed to the pool area for a dip. The weather was nice in the evening and the heat toned down.

Sunset

Tree lights

Breakfast was included as part of the cash rate package but we had to pay 50% off the rate for Junior since he was above 7 years old. The selection was excellent and there was always different food everyday – Western, Filipino, Asian, Indian etc. As mentioned before, service was lacking here – we were shown to our seats, our drinks orders were taken and despite specific instructions everyday, the order was always messed up. Other than that, the staff were moving around quickly due to the breakfast rush and looked like they were flustered a bit.

Wall of Donuts

Ice cream for breakfast? Yes Please!

Kids station

Bakery

More baked good and pastries

SL has two beaches – one in front of the pool and the other bigger beach near the dock where guests arrive to and depart from.

Smaller beach

Bigger beach area, less people in this area versus the smaller beach.

Lots of shade under the trees

Junior liked spending time at the pool more than the beach.

SL has an onsite Scuba dive centre – it’s where I got my OW certification many many many moons ago and 11 years later, got my Nitrox Air certification. I was lucky enough to be the only diver (other than the DM) on the 2 dive sessions.

On a couple nights, we spent some time at the arcade before dinner. Great time for both adults and kids.

Business centre

We didn’t notice the Adventure zone until the last day but Junior had a great time.

It was a relaxing 4 days and despite the minor gaps in service, we had a good time and enjoyed ourselves. Newer resorts have opened next door to the SL, so it’s probably worth a try to check out the competition in the future.