We stayed at Samphire Resort for 3 nights on a Winter Package that included the ferries for 2, breakfast each morning at Lontara Restaurant, 2 drinks vouchers, a bottle of Prosecco and a dessert platter on arrival. It was a good deal. We were very excited about staying. Our room was in Beach Lane. We hadn’t expected to have our ground floor outdoor area looking straight on to a construction site. Might have been advisable to tell guests when booking. After trying to enjoy a coffee but having to endure less than delightful language of the construction workers, we asked for another room. We were moved to a first floor poolside room which was very kind. It seems though that someone cut corners with the Resort design. The painted wooden deck has peeled badly. The first floor balconies have no roof just wood slats that don’t protect you from the rain. . We had to dash out to rescue the Resort’s outdoor chair pillows on our balcony chairs. Just seems like a poor design. The concrete is failing on a number of locations at the perimeter. The outdoor settings are lovely but perhaps someone needs to ensure they are cleaned? Don’t ask us why but there are no toilet brushes in the bathrooms. We asked for one but were told housekeeping cleans. I’m not sure housekeeping wants to be called every morning. There is a very small toilet fan and...We stayed at Samphire Resort for 3 nights on a Winter Package that included the ferries for 2, breakfast each morning at Lontara Restaurant, 2 drinks vouchers, a bottle of Prosecco and a dessert platter on arrival. It was a good deal.

We were very excited about staying. Our room was in Beach Lane. We hadn’t expected to have our ground floor outdoor area looking straight on to a construction site. Might have been advisable to tell guests when booking. After trying to enjoy a coffee but having to endure less than delightful language of the construction workers, we asked for another room. We were moved to a first floor poolside room which was very kind.

It seems though that someone cut corners with the Resort design. The painted wooden deck has peeled badly. The first floor balconies have no roof just wood slats that don’t protect you from the rain. . We had to dash out to rescue the Resort’s outdoor chair pillows on our balcony chairs. Just seems like a poor design. The concrete is failing on a number of locations at the perimeter. The outdoor settings are lovely but perhaps someone needs to ensure they are cleaned?

Don’t ask us why but there are no toilet brushes in the bathrooms. We asked for one but were told housekeeping cleans. I’m not sure housekeeping wants to be called every morning. There is a very small toilet fan and no toilet air freshener. As the toilets and bathroom are frosted glass walls, it’s not ideal if the meal the night before creates a reaction. Just seems like basic hygiene?

Our breakfast choices at Lontara were brilliant. The Chia and Granola bowls are very good. Poached eggs and sourdough were perfect. Coffee was excellent.

The key ingredient to make a great Resort is staff who are enthusiastic, cheerful, happy to see you and help. It was missing at Reception. Very stern staff who made us feel like we had been sent to the headmistress/master’s office.

Most delightful staff were those doing the cleaning. Very cheerful and happy to say hello and have a short chat about the weather.

We realised they were short staffed as staff told us. So we did our best to be encouraging and supportive. We are in a pandemic. We get it. But as guests we came with reasonable expectations of being made to feel welcome. Some staff clearly missed any training on offer (assuming they do train).

The stand out staff member was the delightful American woman (Maryland)managing the bar. She was so kind, personable and professional. We hope she gets to stay in Australia. She would certainly assist in raising the hospitality bar.

Overall, it was a a good experience but not the luxury one we thought we would be getting.More