Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 6:00 am

We were up around 6 am to go for a nice walk and check out the two fitness facilities on the grounds. There was a small fitness center near our rooms and a larger, open-air fitness center closer to one of the other sections of the hotel grounds. Gale was denied access to the indoor facility because he didn’t have the proper footwear – his sandals were not acceptable. Maureen hopped on one of the elliptical machines while Gale went in search of tennis shoes. He found some water shoes at the gift shop that covered his feet and passed muster, however, his sandals would have been sturdier and better for a workout. Oh well, whatever it takes!! Maureen did not enjoy the elliptical machine very much because of a shorter range of motion than what she was used to so we left this facility to continue our walk and find the open-air gym. After locating the outdoor gym, Gale decided to lift weights and Maureen continued her walk. We met up again about 8 am and went to get the folks for the breakfast buffet.

This place is amazing! It is an all-inclusive resort the food and drinks at all the bars and restaurants are “free”! The property itself is beautiful, the food is fantastic and the outdoor setting couldn’t be nicer. The help is very accommodating and the weather is perfect!

Mark was able to arrange for a beachside room for Gale and Mary this morning. He and Eric got the folks settled into their new space on the ground floor. Everyone was very pleased with the move!

After breakfast we changed into our swimwear and headed for the beach. Even though the hotel complex boasts five very large and beautiful pools, we spent our afternoons on the gorgeous 2 km private beach. In the evening, we met the family for dinner at the Brazilian restaurant.