The Amsterdam Manor Resort was in the news lately having completely refurbished its rooms. The intimate and picturesque resort on Eagle Beach switched from rustic plantation-style furniture to sleek and elegant décor overnight.

With the upgrade of the rooms came the beautification of the gardens and the inner court-yards, making the resort even cuter than it was - which must have been difficult since it was charming to start with.

With quaint Dutch Colonial architecture on the outside and contemporary stylishness on the inside, the rooms, pool and restaurants are surrounded with gorgeous clay flower-pots and flaming bougainvillea.

Pete van Schaijk, co-owner and the father of the resort's Managing Director, Jurgen, lent a hand in garden and restaurant upgrade and Selva, his wife is the interior decorator.

On the truly pristine white beach, Marc Giesbers the Dutch-born sometimes chef, most of the time Food & Beverage Manager operates a toes-in-the-sand restaurant. With a couple of tables under the coconut trees Passion's food is fresh and simple. The all-grilled-to-order main courses include fresh catch, Caribbean shrimp, rock lobster, Black Angus USDA filet mignon and sirloin as well as surf & turf combos. Dinner at night is romantic, with torch light flames dancing in the dark. The bar on the beach is the island's best kept secret. It simply offers an excellent seat in the theater of endless sunsets, live music and a very handsome pair of bartenders, Angela & Diego.

Inside the resort Mango's restaurant also enjoys a new face with crisp linen, and elegant touches under the helpful and friendly guidance of Humphrey Heyer possibly the most veteran Maitre D' on the island, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a Continental touch. Mango's Caribbean ambiance combined with a menu of all-favorites makes it a busy place at the heart of the resort. With front desk renovations underway, the Amsterdam Manor, a Green Globe hotel for the past six year, and a proud member of the Eagle Beach Coalition of environmentally conscious hotels, boasts 72 rooms and 60 employees and is a true family-run establishment.

If you have a moment, also visit Ignacio Ortiz at the Tulip Restaurant at the Eagle Beach MVC, down the boulevard. Their Sate sticks are very nice!