Over ten years ago my wife and I purchased virgin oceanfront property on Long Island thinking we would have a winter home there. Needing a place to stay while there we had rented several places not to our liking until we stayed at GemsatParadise. While still in the workforce, we could only spend vacation time enjoying the wonderful sunny warm climate. Now that we are both retired, 3 months of the winter are spent with our friends at GemsatParadise. There have been many improvements at the resort since we first stayed there that adds a touch of class with relaxation in mind. We are greeted with warmth and a genuine interest in our every need. We have the same apartment every year with a most amazing view from the balcony. The private beach is always kept clean and the water is crystal clear. Our plans are to sell our property and return every winter with our friends at GemsatParadise Resort where you are made to feel like family.

We (a group of 8) spent 4 nights/5 days at Gems and it was all that we had hoped for and more. Our party stayed on the 2nd and 3rd floors and had 3 rooms w/ a kitchen and one room w/ only a bedroom/bathroom...all had balconies overlooking the gorgeous Atlantic. We found service to be exactly what we were looking for..there when we needed them but not in our way when we didn't. A few things you should be aware of is that the telephones are on party lines wherein all rooms share the same line and televisions are controlled by one remote in the hall so all rooms must watch the same channel. Since we weren't there to watch TV or to talk on the phone, we had no problem with this. Very few restaurants in the immediate area; however we purhcased fresh grouper and hog fish most days and cooked in the room. The "specialty" there is macaroni and cheese and peas/rice so we purchased each and had along w/ our fish. We stopped at Max's (near the airport) and it was fabulous. The entire island is extremely laid back and casual...exactly what we were looking for! No need to overpack clothing as we did....a few sundresss, shorts and you're set. Insect repellent is a necessity to keep the mosquitos away. Make sure you take any medical supplies you may need and a first aid kit...medical service is limited. Upon leaving, the owner of Gems baked our family a cake which we thought was an incredible nice gesture. If you're looking for a beautiful, remote, somewhat primitive island this is the place for you. If you're looking for more night-life, you'll likely be miserable. We had done lots of research on the Out Islands and the experience completely surpassed our expectations and we hope to return in early 2006. If you go, make sure to find the Blue Hole....it's an amazing experience!

Although the grounds are nice, the service is terrible. We stayed three nights at GAP and it was not worth the money we spent. We also stayed at Stella Maris Resort, which was much better in regards to food, service, rooms, pool. Don't spend your money here.

This is a beautiful Hotel with great views. The beach at the hotel is usable and of course the water is beyond compare. The hotel has an honor bar where the guest is the bartender and when having a drink just write it down to pay at the end of your stay. I felt that the continental breakfast was overpriced and in one of the rooms the air conditioner quit, was reported, and never repaired and the occupant was never offered another room. Mitzpah was our attendant and she could use some coaching on customer service. She did not seem to want to be there. When making a reservation make certain that it is understood a roundtrip ride to the airport is included....if not, on departure day Mitzpah will tell you your stay only includes a one way transfer and she will attempt to charge you for the return trip to the airport. Your choices are slim on this island, Clarence town is truly beautiful. On the other end of Long Island is Stella Maris. We had lunch here and the resort was nice with a great restaurant and bar. The Stella Maris is a full service hotel. Check both out before making a choice.