As we had access to the Melia I used the gym there. I've posted some photos of the gym (and others of the spa etc. to go with Geri's report) on my photoblog at
the best hotel gym I've seen anywhere, bar none. I include in that comparison all the hotels I stay at for work purposes here in Canada.
Some will have noted (passed over might be a better way of describing it!) my complaints about most other resorts gyms. On doctor's orders I started attending gyms regularly some years ago and have found myself addicted. Don't feel up to par anymore unless I get to one at least a few times a week. So gyms are something I notice, even if they aren't the determining factor in a decision to go somewhere in particular.
The new Melia CSM gym has lots of cardio equipment, alll TechnoGym stuff, brand new. Lots of space between the machines. Treadmills, bicycles, rowing machine and two of the best stairclimbers I've ever used.
The weight room has top-of-the-line machines (TechnoGym again). Some of the stuff beats anything I've seen before and very little would be missing if you were to compare it to my YMCA or a commercial health club. And again, lots of space between stations.
And really big windows too, making for a steady breeze.
There's a central courtyard. Washrooms.
Roman bath theme to the place.
Outside there's more of the Roman effect with a statue in a colonnaded seating area.
Some spectacular tennis courts that include a ball launcher, shaded benches and even small bleachers for an audience.
Most unusual feature is the climbing wall. I didn't get a chance to try it out as I never had the time (you must get a safety harness first, get basic instruction), but there will definitely be a note on the experience after our next visit.
Back at the SOL, the only update I have to add is to the effect that all the fish pools have been re-stocked. So whomever visits between now and 3 February, please feed them (grab some bread after breakfast) and pass long my best!
One perennial complaint: there's still no Canadian news channel,
despite the fact that 75% of the guests must be Canadian. If you work
at it you can get the RDI feed to TV5 at 07:00 (as I recall), but that's
it."By Geri - Comments on general entertainment at SOL: (as reply to Justin)
"You will arrive on the Sat if you are going to the Melia and so you will have to wait until the following Friday night to get to go to the beach party at the Sol, but it is good fun and not to be missed. It immediately follows the show and the dancers lead you down to the beach for a big party at the beach Grill and dancing in the sand.
Also be sure to make your way over to the Flamingo bar at the far end of the Sol. It can be a lively place and has a hot tub and serves pizza and fries etc. There have been some good parties there.
have fun and get to know the entertainment staff. They will assure you have a great time and they are always looking to meet up with young people for fun.
Do not miss the volleyball in the pool. It's a hoot and the play will stop while you get a drink or take a sip. And you don't even have to be good."
Melia Cayo Santa Maria Comments on the DISCO
by Geri - Nov. '05
by Geri - Nov. '05
"My 2 cents re: the fun club/disco---- It opens once the nightly show is over. The show always ends with the entertainment staff dancing with the guests to the Sol Melia songs, and the dances. They are taught during the day, usually twice, at noon and about 4 pm. Be sure to check the schedule for the entertainment for the day as you will then meet the YOUNG staff members and they will ensure you have a good party time if you want to party.
The disco stays open as long as people are thre and willing to party. If you have your favorite dance music, bring it with you and the DJ is always happy to play it for you. In fact if you make him a copy of a few CDs they will play you anything. Sometimes it is only open for 1 hour as us old folks have trouble staying awake. I think if they had the disco before the show it would be good as it is more energising to damnce than to sit and wach a show. Just my opinion, of course."
Spa and Gym etc.
We were very lucky to be at the resort when they opened the Spa. Alexander Martin is the manager, and O’Daisy is the Sales Promoter and so Judy and Derek and I received an invitation to explore the facilities.
We were very - very impressed. I will try to walk you through the entire facility. Then I will get Derek to post all of the pictures I took and hopefully you will get a sense of how fabulous it is.
I would suggest that everyone set aside some time to enjoy a day at the spa. If you are staying at the Sol, you may enjoy the spa by calling and making an appointment. The gym and massage facility at the Sol is closed and may be renovated, but for the time being guests may use the Melia.
The Spa has definite Roman, Pompeii theme. It is beautiful to see as you walk up to it. There is a large lobby with a reception desk and Carlos will greet you with a big smile and will inform you what is available and cater to your every wish. There are 2 roman style couches to lounge on in the lobby, if you have to wait for any reason. They are very comfortable.
To the left of the lobby is the hair salon, quite large and well appointed.
To the right is an office and a supply room, where fresh towels and other supplies are stored.
Behind the reception is a marble counter with fresh fruit and juice available and then the pool is in front of you. We have pictures of Judy and I at the pool. There are chairs available if you wish to sit in the sun or you can have a swim. On either side is a hall leading to (separate men and women’s) locker rooms, with showers, washrooms, lounge chairs, special private sunbathing area, dry sauna, steam sauna, sensation showers, 3 multi hole shower heads, a whirlpool with an open window looking out to the pool area, all decorated in the roman bath theme.
There is a separate room with marble benches and footbaths for pedicures and a small massage room right off to the side. This is followed by a sunroom/lounge with comfortable full-length loungers where you can rest after your “Wellness Through Water Journey”
There is music everywhere and it is soothing and we found it to be very relaxing.
Towels and bathrobes are supplied for the journey as well as lockers to keep your clothes.
To view Geri's SPA photos, please click here!
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