The Cove Retreat's Customer Comments
Mr and Mrs Hinton (Nicki and Clive!)
On our arrival at Mombasa airport we were met by a huge smile and great welcome from Benson, who was to become our companion on much of our trip, driving us to the Cove, Sable, on safari, Mombasa and to the airport. However, we felt right from the beginning that Benson was not just doing a job but doing everything he could to make sure we had the best possible experience we could. We felt completely comfortable having a bit of a nap in the back or whispering sweet nothings to each other (lots of reminiscing about the wedding!!) but Benson was always on hand to join in with our fun and banter and to explain things and pointing things out to us. While he was completely flexible in order to fit in additional things that we wanted to do, he also gave us good advice, direction and suggestions. On safaris I have never before seen so much determination to make sure we experienced as much of the wildlife and landscape as possible, and it was much appreciated. Even on our last day, when we had run out of time the day before, Benson arrived to take us to the airport early to do a driving tour of the old town along the way. Absolutely brilliant.
The Cove was our first glimpse of paradise and the attention to detail was what made the visit extra special. While I often feel uncomfortable if I feel people are running around after me, Rafael, Philip, Rosie, the Chef, and the guy filling our jacussi made me believe that it was ok for us to truly relax, and that we could do things on our own if we wished but that they really were happy to cater for anything we wanted. Philip was understandably called Radar by one of our co-visitors for his ability to know what you wanted even before you did and I could not have agreed more; in fact the staff at the Cove were the Radar Team!! We also felt looked after by the guys at the village shop on the beach. Saif, despite no longer being an official life guard, nevertheless took on this role brilliantly, running over to warn us of the dangerous rip tides and keeping guard over us, which was appreciated as it was not until I was in the sea that I realised how strong the current was. We also took the tour to the village and mangroves with Saif and Boris, which was interesting and educational but also much fun as they were both great characters. They had also ok'ed it with the teacher for us to stop by at the school and I enjoyed sharing some songs with the children.
You were right about the diving; the reef was beautiful and within our capabilities. Unfortunately as were the only divers on the boat both dives were at the same site, but our dive master David was both great fun and great at pointing things out to us. He and the other crew were also very very sweet during my prolonged bouts of seasickness and I chuckle when I remember David instructing the crew to take off my kit and just get me in as quickly as possible! I, nevertheless, very much enjoyed the trip, the diving and my lunch from the island with the beautiful views (I was reassured that the crossing to the mainland would be calm and I'd be safe!!)
The highlight of the trip for me was going to the Sable treehouse with Richard and our chef. The tears are welling up in my eyes now just as they did at the time, when I remember the spectacular treehouse, complete with flower heart on the bed and the uninterrupted view over the whole of the valley. It was truly the most romantic experience of my life, having a bubble jaccusi with a bottle of bubbly, a beautifully prepared and served 4 course candle lit meal and then sleeping outside under the stars in our four-poster bed. It didn't just take my breathe away it blew my mind and I will never never forget it.
Another highlight was dinner on the Dhow in Mombasa. What a great experience and the perfect way to end a perfect week. We even got extra lobster and king prawns as we had the prime seating position next to the chef!!
It was obvious to us that the backbone of the trip while we were there was Doris and I have been singing her organisational praises from the rooftops! It was also great to meet her; she was such a warm, shining person. I was particularly touched as, on Doris' request, Benson stopped by the office in order the she might say goodbye to us. She did an amazing job in organising a wonderful week and completely went the extra mile, following everything up and making sure everything was on track (I have kept the memo telling us we were able to have dinner on the Dhow for our scrap book!)
The accommodation and experiences throughout the trip were second to none. I did not believe we could experience such luxury, full stop, let alone within the budget we set you.
So what can I say? Thank-you so so much. Our honeymoon, as you predicted, was perfect and much much more than I could have possibly imagined. If you ever need a testimonial please feel free to share this with others in part or in its entirety. For our part we shall continue to recommend you to everyone we meet!
Please pass on our whole hearted thanks to all involved. Also very best wishes to you and thank you again,
Mr and Mrs Hinton (Nicki and Clive!) nicki@moreproduction.co.uk