We just returned from a wonderful week of great weather and rest. We stayed at Sorobon and were interested to note the changes going on there. Before getting in to that, here are the high points of our stay.

Many thanks to those who posted tips on snorkel spots; we found Cliff and Bari's reef and really enjoyed them both. The old broken down wharf at the latter was filled with wonderful fish and coral; hope the pix we took come out.

We did a snorkel trip on the Woodwind at Klein and it was worth every penny. Dee is helpful and keeps you seeing new things. Of course the big interest was turtles, and there were plenty to see.

Restaurants were a little disappointing in comparison to past trips. Several were "good" but don't merit special mention. Mona Lisa was outstanding; our two best meals. The two disappointments were Bistro Paris; I would not recommend rack of lamb as it was tough. We were shocked that Casa Blanca which used to be crowded was nearly deserted. Small, tough steaks with more gristle than meat; an anemic salad bar with 4 items; no surprise that beside one other couple; we were alone in the place.

The building boom on the island is evident everywhere, with a noticeable increase in traffic. The number of access points to the water is slowly decreasing. The people were as friendly and helpful as ever. One man in the super market told us they will be converting to US $ soon. Already the changeover is in progress.

As to Sorobon. Change is going on there too, as the new owners are at work. One of the units was finished and open for inspection. It is very attractive; all in white with modern fixtures; no kitchen; very mod with driftwood and pictures more of Hollywood style than nature etc. We could imagine naturist guests who were celebrating special days; weddings, anniversaries etc. paying for the lavish settings, but hard to think of wind surf people showing interest……but that may not be so.

In any case, we had several opportunities to talk to Floris the owner. He is personable, polite, a good listener, and quick to express his growing understanding of naturist thinking. We got no sense that his goal was to convert the place into something completely different. Rather, he seemed interested to learn more about how to protect as much of the useful past as he could. He acknowledges that the groups using the place are not really compatible, but he also stressed that as a business man, there needs to be clients to pay the bills, so some change is inevitable.

We were left with the impression that the picture is not so hopeless; given some of the concessions being made such as a time for naturists in the fall, and kitchens available in some of the units. Those who appreciate this special place might do better to try and be flexible; accept the changes; go for a visit when the door is open, and who knows what may happen as a result. One thing is certain; the new owner is very open to discussion and hearing feedback when respectfully given. Those are just our thoughts……..

Thanks for the report, John.

I have to admit that, as clothed type person, I've never looked at Sorobon, but all the chat has made me curious.

Glad you had fun!

Thank you John for the balanced trip report on Sorobon. we are going to look ourselves to see the changes in a few months.

Glad to here that the Naturist climate has not altered completely--makes me think that a booking during the non-windsurf season might be feasible.. You are right in saying that the naturists have a different was of looking at their vacation styles, and may not be all that compatible with the windsurfers. It will be interesting to see how things shake out. I would strongly advocate for keeping the kitchens, however!!