I am amazed when I return to the island 11 months after I last visited and find a whole new resort in a place when none existed the year before. Case in point: Bahai Del Rey. I understand that it was an onerous task to peel back vegetation on the shoreline and then stabilize it to add a marina. I imagine that the yacht owners were pleased to have another place to moor in calm waters. When we enjoyed a sunset cruise last year, I was surprised at all the boats that have permanent homes in the inlet between Sac Baho and Medina.

We walked to the end of the dock after being seated at an enormous dining platform where we sat in cushioned Adirondack chairs (I guess they don’t call them that here).

After dinner Mauicio escorted us to a second story palapa, (overlooking the dining palapa) that when finished, can host private events (like weddings) when they won’t have to close the main facility to accommodate them.

I imagine that many guests will appreciate this because there are different zones that you would consider using daily (and there is no day pass charge): a kids spray pad,

a beautiful “everybody welcome” pool with a waterfall at one end, the bar where a corn hole tournament goes on every Wednesday and then the zone where we dined at the water’s edge that could be designated “adults only”. On Thursdays they feature Ken Wanovich on guitar and cook up Barbeque Ribs, Friday there is music from the 60 and 70’s and they serve burgers with a “fixins” buffet! There are working on being opening for breakfast in another couple of weeks. It has the potential to become your “one stop shop” with all their plans.

Our friend Melinda says: “I would be tempted to come frequently for a beer and Coconut Shrimp at sunet” if I could. She pronounced them the best she had ever tasted on the island.

Which is the perfect segue to why we were actually there….the food!

We started with a “from scratch” guacamole that was much appreciated as we are beginning to determine which restaurants use the premade option.

I am a confessed mango lover and Bahai Del Ray’s Shrimp Ceviche is elevated by nuggets of my favourite fruit. So too, the ceviche was not drowning in lime marinade as is sometimes the case (certainly with the version that I make at home).

Richard indulged in a burger and since I have tasted the wicked burgers that he makes on his barbeque, this was high praise: The meat was properly seasoned and cooked. Cheese, lettuce & tomato were all fresh & tasty. His only suggestion would be a smaller bun to better align the meat/bun ratio.

As mentioned above, Melinda was so pleased with her Coconut Shrimp that she generously shared them so we could appreciate them too. Bless her as when I eat something that delicious, I am the opposite when it comes to sharing. She made mention too of the scrumptious mango chipotle sauce that was served alongside for dipping. I even have a coconut shrimp to enjoy at lunch with our other leftovers!

D loves whole fish and especially the grouper that is served on the island. It was perfectly prepared so that the delicate fish tastes were not overcome by the breading or frying. He picked the fish clean (remember he is one of 7 children) and then I could see his delight as he flipped the fish over and got to start again on the second side!

I understand that octopus is not for everyone but it was recommended by Mau so I was happy to oblige. The spicy, curled legs were juicy all the way along which is a difficult fete when one end is broad and the other tapers to the tinniest morsel. The seafood came with salad and Mexican rice and when I heard that Bahai del Rey makes their own bread, I asked to sample some.

We were accommodated with a sample of their garlic toast and oh my, it was perfection! Too bad my four-year-old grandson wasn’t on the island as well-prepared garlic toast is his favourite food!

I neglected to mention the drinks that we started with! Richard had a Classic Margarita with a lovely flower garnish,

Melinda an Aperol Spritz

and I enjoyed a Cadillac Margarita but the big hit was D’s Watermelon Margarita, for its beauty as well as taste!

I often speak of the sacrifice that Isla Restaurant operators make, Mau has not had a day off for months and he shared that he looks forward to that time so that he can go visit his kids…in Germany!

Insider Tip: Their menu is a work of art! The photos and graphic design make it look like it came from an upscale Manhattan Advertising Agency. Don’t order too quickly so that you can linger over the beautiful images.

Kath’s quote: “There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it”. -Forrest Gump

Love never fails.

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