Kims Beachside Retreat

We have been going to Kims for 30 years. Although we had another lovely stay this February, we won't be going there again or recommending it. We inadvertently left behind some things in our bungalow on departure. One of them a camera tripod, which admittedly is awkward to pack. A staff member agreed that the items could be mailed to us. Of course we insisted on paying for the costs and postage. Great, just what one would expect from a five star establishment. Received a subsequent call from Kims to say that the post office didn't have the correct packaging for a tripod. I suggested some bubble wrap and cardboard? "Oh no, we only deal with what the post office has". (!?) We would have to have it sent by courier and they had no idea of the cost. Hmmmm.....not really going out of their way to be helpful or live up to the service they claim to offer. My 79 year old husband is now going to drive the 3 hours there and 3 hours back. Kim's very uncaring. Very unhelpful. Not five star anymore.

This review is about the main restaurant (we didn't stay at the hotel). Wife and I were excited to dine there as the menu looked great although the mid-week menu is somewhat small compared to whats on offer over the weekend. We ordered the Baked mushroom and Zuchini flowers for entree, The Eye Fillet Steak and Ocean Perch Fillet as main and Creme Brulet as dessert. Service was friendly and prompt, so no complaints there. Location was ok with a somewhat limited view to a small part of the beach. Unfortunately thats where the positive aspects end. I am not sure where the money from the steep prices of the meals go, but its certainly not reflected in the food. I would argue that most average pubs these days serve better meals than that. The single mushroom in that tomato sauce was half cold and really bland, not much taste at all. Not sure what those poor little cauliflower elements did on the plate, made no sense. And $28 for that??? The Zucchini flowers were pretty good and tasty, however I would again say for those poor little flowers to charge $24 is astronomical. Then the steak came, which was reasonably good but again - not worth $48. Presented like a cheap pub meal with some chips on the side - the price doesn't match what you get. The low-light was my wife's Ocean Perch. It looked and tasted like something out of a deep frozen McCain pack - $32 for that is a disgrace. Even if it was free, that dish should not be served that way in any restaurant. Overall - I felt the presentation, quality and overall taste of the food is an embarrassment for the resort. It does not match what the hotel is trying to be. Lovely staff as I said, but the food there is a big let down and rip-off, you better off eating elsewhere.

We stayed in the hideaway room, I really love this place but…… I was disappointed to realise that the outdoor furniture was white plastic chairs and round table and white plastic pool chairs with no cushions on any of them. We love to spend most of our time on the deck enjoying the sea breeze and serenity of this place but we couldn’t do that sitting on hard plastic chairs. Not really what I was expecting for over $1000 a night. When we explained this to reception they informed us that all rooms will be transitioning to plastic table and chairs as the others don’t last long.. The staff were great, food was amazing but unfortunately we will not be able to return knowing all of this.