Tag: Luxury Hotels

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A Weekend at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport – South Africa

Getting off my plane at the Johannesburg airport in South Africa, I was ecstatic to discover that my hotel, InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is merely 67.8 metres away from the arrival terminal. I was met by a handsome gentleman in a beautiful grey uniform holding up a digital tablet with my name on it. He assisted me with my luggage and escorted me to the entrance of the hotel lobby. After a long flight it is a great delight to be able to immediately check into a luxurious Hotel.

The hotel’s lobby lounge has an electrifying energy as it is filled with a combination of foreign and local business executive, corporate experts as well as leisure guests visiting the economic hub of South Africa. The hotel features modern and elegant décor, While the interior design boasts beautiful African design elements with art pieces that makes guests want to stop to admire and take a picture.

The hotel lobby leads into the Quills Restaurant and Cocktail Bar to the left and the corporate meeting rooms to the right. The exquisite high sealing gives the impression of a modern African palace.

Going up the elevator I found my room on the 6th floor. Room 619 features a beautiful view of the busy airport hub. The room is generous in size and featured an entrance lobby, huge bathroom, a seating area, big elegant desk, modern television and bed fit for an African king.

In the lobby of my room I was presented with complimentary sherry in a beautiful crystal decanter on a table. Upon entering the room I found delicious savoury treats that consisted of South African biltong, nuts and dried fruit. This was an extra gift from the concierge team, along with a welcome card personally written by the hotel General Manager. The room amenities include an espresso machine, minibar, DVD player as well as a special device that can be used to press trousers. I enjoyed the big comfortable bed when resting as well as the broad desk when completing work on my laptop. The wireless internet is fast and efficient, making it a breeze to connect. The room is beautifully decorated with subtle African features and is enhanced by the ample natural light that creates a calm environment but also features blackout curtains when darkness is required. The shower head in the bathroom was huge, the towels and linen soft, comforting and room service is as fast as lightning. What more can a guest need?

Quills Restaurant serves a selection of international dishes. They have taken the most popular dishes around the world and have given them a South Africa twist. I stayed at the hotel for two nights. The first evening I ordered room service and had the delicious Caesar salad that was served with a deep fried bacon and cheese covered egg. The second night I dined in the restaurant. The restaurant is very busy and I would recommend to book in advance. For dinner I had the most delicious salmon dish to date. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the combination of sauce, garish and seasoning was absolute perfection. The cuisine at the restaurant provides an interesting and refreshing twist on classic dishes, but also features exotic game dishes like crocodile warthog, kudu and ostrich, paired with outstanding South African wines. The portions are generous and the ingredients fresh and delicious. The waitron staff are extremely social and friendly. Even though you are in a formal restaurant setting they make you feel comfortable and at home.

Quills Restaurant also features a bar and cocktail lounge which is perfect for relaxing at leisure or meeting business associates over drinks. It is a very popular spot and the lounge is always busy, giving it an electric atmosphere.

The hotel boats a selection of elegant meeting rooms and an impressive business centre. There is also a special smoking room where guests can relax, read a newspaper, have a beverage or get up to date with the latest news via the television.

Going up to the 8th floor is where you will find the spa, the swimming pool as well as the gym. The swimming pool and gym have a spectacular view, which makes working out even more pleasant. The gym is big in size and well equipped with a full range of fitness machinery allowing a full body workout.

The Camelot Spa offers a variety of impressive treatments including beauty treatments, body scrub, body wrap, facials, foot reflexology, manicures, pedicures, paraffin hand treatments as well as waxing. The products that they use in the spa includes, Thalgo and Milk Solutions. The Spa caters to both male and female guests and also offers the standard locker room and steam facilities.

The Camelot Universal Signature Massage is a good option to experience a combination of Hot Stone, Kahuna, Balinese and Indian Head massage techniques. This massage incorporates the use of a unique massage candle, where the fragrance and softness of your skin lingers in guests’ mind long after you have left the spa.

Overall I had a fantastic experience at the hotel. The staff delivered on all my requests at a rapid pace and with precision. Even when I had to leave the hotel for an appointment the service did not end. I was provided with an excellent driver and a luxury vehicle to transfer me safely to and from my destination. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the staff, their conduct was always professional but extremely charming and warm. I would recommend InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport to anyone heading to Johannesburg.

Reviewed by Michelle Snyman

Brand Manager & Events Coordinator – World Luxury Hotel Awards

To enjoy a stay at this beautiful Hotel:

Book Here

 

 

 

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A Romantic escape to Paris…

We arrived at Hotel Mademoiselle in Paris on a very cold day, our flight got delayed on our way to Paris as the weather was too bad to take off. Luckily we finally made it and arrived at our new home away from home for the night, The Hotel Mademoiselle.

We had quite the fast check in and once we arrived in the room we had some coffee before heading out to explore Paris. We got quite the weather as it started hailing on our way back to the hotel. I have never been as cold and as happy to take a warm shower once we arrived back at the hotel.

This Parisian hotel must be one of my favorites yet, we had a view of the Eiffel tower from our room creating the perfect French atmosphere. Behind the hotels discreet facade, hides a chic, yet unassuming establishment with couture style decor evoking the elegance and charm of Parisian women.

The next morning we enjoyed the delicious breakfast buffet before heading to the airport to fly back to South Africa.

Although we only had one night at this exquisite hotel I can fondly say that it exceeded all my expectations and is exactly what a Parisian hotel should strive to be.

I would love to go back someday and explore the hotel and Paris some more, the hotel has a lot of character, charm and the staff where amazing and so friendly and accommodating – it really made our stay feel special.

Reviewed By Jana Stoman – World Luxury Awards Representative

To book this hotel click the link below

hotel-mademoiselle-paris.com

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A historical journey through Amsterdam…

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has quite the history, from a 15th-century convent to royal lodgings to Dutch Admiralty headquarters to the city hall of Amsterdam, the hotel boasts a rich history. Now, after a careful renovation by French designer Sybille de Margerie, it is a place of hospitality, art and culture. Furnished with French elegance and grandeur, the hotel blends sleek design with five star facilities, including 52 luxury suites with Butler Service and an indulgent spa. With the Michelin star restaurant Bridges, a Parisian themed bistro, the Library ‘Or’, a brown café, the banqueting halls and the beautiful garden terrace, this is definitely the perfect spot for the discerning business traveller or for a luxury stay in Amsterdam. Poetry and a rich history captivate and seduce everyone into visiting the hotel.

We checked in quite early for our three night stay at the hotel. We went up to our room and marvelled over how big, modern and beautiful it was. We had the most amazing view of the hotel garden and couldn’t wait to make ourselves some coffee to warm us up.

 

The hotel has so much to offer and one will definitely not get bored while staying there. My husband and I really enjoyed the So Spa and of course the marvellous breakfast they serve at Bridges. My favourite? I really can’t choose between the chefs special eggs Benedict and the amazing waffles. My husband and I had quite the appetite as there was just too many amazing things to try.

The hotel has the perfect location. We walked everywhere during our stay and while the wind was sometimes cold we actually enjoyed roaming around the streets and getting lost. There are many restaurants and bars in close proximity of the hotel, and it is also located in the Red Light District.

I would recommend this hotel to any traveller, the service was superb, the food was delicious and we could not have wished for a better location to explore Amsterdam from.

Reviewed by Jana Stoman- World Luxury Awards Representative

To view this Beautiful Hotel or book click the link below

Book Now

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Honeymoon bliss at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa…

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa

My husband and I arrived at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Sandton, Johannesburg to start our honeymoon. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by Ntekozo who offered to take our luggage and escort us to the lobby and reception area.

When we arrived at the reception area we received a warm welcome with referring welcome drinks. One of the staff member Stephan escorted us to our room and took us on a tour to see what the hotel has to offer.

We were completely drawn in by the elegance of our hotel room. The room was beautiful and spacious, with chandeliers and a uniquely designed bath tub.

The next morning we were happy to start the day with an early gym session. The gym entrance is right next door to the Fairlawns Spa which leads to great temptation to book a treatment at the Spa.  The gym had all the equipment that we needed for a good workout, so convenient to have a gym at a hotel.

Breakfast at Amuse-Bouche was definitely the highlight of our stay. Such a great selection and variety of food to choose from. Freshly baked and prepared for us. We really enjoyed the breakfast and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

Our next few days we only spent in the hotel room, the weather was not as sunny as we anticipated, but we were lucky enough to have one sunny day which we were more than happy to spend at the pool. Sometimes we had to remind ourselves that we were in Johannesburg City, the hotel has a very relaxing feel to it with beautiful surrounding gardens.

Our stay at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa was very memorable, we had wonderful service and will gladly return again.

Reviewed By Franca Smith and Hakeem Smith representatives of the World Luxury Awards

To book this hotel please click the link to their website. fairlawns.co.za 

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A wonderful Balinese experience with the gentle giants of Mason Elephant Lodge …

Although I did not stay at the Mason Elephant Lodge in Ubud, I was invited to come and visit this beautiful property for the day.

Arriving at Mason Elephant Lodge we were immediately warmly greeted by the staff who would be showing us around for the day. Just beyond the reception is a beautiful museum filled with rare and beautiful elephant skulls,tusks and even the only complete mammoth skeleton in the world. This was so informative and a great way to learn all that there is to know about elephants!

The Lodge offers 27 rooms, beautifully decorated and situated within the Elephant park. A stay here will give you everything you would expect from a luxury lodge as well as being amongst the herd and able to see them from your room balcony, or even bathtub. Guests can literally hop onto an elephant from their front door and explore the area.

After taking a look at the lovely rooms and the owners stunning Art Gallery we were taken to the Elephant Park area, and oh what an experience we had! We got to wash the elephants, take a ride through the Ubud jungle and even feed them some treats.  It truly is a special experience to get so up close and personal with these gentle giants and spend time with them.  Daisy was our assigned elephant and it was a real treat getting to know her and her quirky, friendly personality.

The park is the only rescue park in Bali and has been involved for the past 20 years in the upkeep of the elephants who were originally saved from camps in Sumutra. The team at the park are dedicated to giving this heard of endangered elephants a happy and safe existence.

There are 31 elephants in total and each elephant has their own dedicated handler. It was so amazing for us to see the bond each elephant has with there handler. After spending a few hours with the elephants we were treated to a buffet style lunch, with views of the elephant Park.

This is definitely an experience I will never forget and I hope to be back in the near future to stay at the Lodge.

A huge thank you to Jian and the entire team for looking after us and treating us to this once in a lifetime experience!

Some of the wonderful Mason Elephant Lodge team.

Reviewed By Tanique Echardt – World Luxury Hotel Awards Executive Manager

To book an experience or accommodation of this piece of paradise visit: www.masonelephantlodge.com

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Dash Hotel Seminyak – Dashingly different!

If you are looking for a unique, hip and fun place to stay whilst in Seminyak – look no further than Dash Hotel. With their hallmark assortment of red, yellow and blue mannequins standing outside on the hotel balcony, it is tough to miss the Hotel.

Upon entering the Hotel we where immediately bewildered, yet drawn in, by their unconventional architectural style that creates a unique atmosphere, the style mostly comprising of designs made from recycled materials. In the lobby we also noticed the Dash Hotel’s World Luxury Hotel Awards Winner trophies and plaques are proudly displayed in the reception area for all to see, confirming the appreciation and global recognition for that unique style and atmosphere.

On our way to our room we were able to observe more of the Hotel’s décor, and we were completely fascinated by the Hotel’s choice of art and other decorative pieces scattered all over on the walls and floor of the hotel. The Hotel’s use of this unique contemporary style surely surpassed our expectations.

The theme that we were now seeing continued into our room, which had a unique artistic style which also managed to incorporate elements of glamour, with the Hotel’s iconic bunny laid upside down on our beds.

Our balcony overlooked a sea of green trees, which is something pleasantly different for a place situated in the epicenter of the busy, yet vibrant Seminiyak.

After checking in and been shown to our exciting room, we were spoiled with a 15-minute complimentary arrival-massage at the Rabbit Hole Spa situated on the rooftop of the Hotel alongside the fitness centre.

Thereafter, we enjoyed a much needed cool-down swim session in the red pool with the Hotel’s iconic red bunny mascot lying next to the pool at the centre of the hotel. On the rooftop of the Hotel, there is another pool, this time yellow, where you can enjoy cocktails at ‘The Shack’ lounge bar whilst watching the beautiful sunset over Seminyak Beach.

The Hotel’s Mya Restaurant is situated on the ground floor, where guests have the option to enjoy a variety of reasonably priced meals and drinks throughout the day and night. We ate breakfast at the Restaurant which was absolutely divine. Instead of having a conventional buffet breakfast, the Restaurant brings you a menu from which any dish is available, leaving you unrestricted in your choices of what to eat. The Restaurant further features an entertainment section with a balcony on the street, where you can enjoy live music and DJ events, and play pool and various other games. The Restaurant comes alive in the evening, with the people and the atmosphere making it very difficult to leave.

Dash Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Seminyak’s night life and shopping district, whilst at the same time being close to the beach, which makes it the perfect place from which to experience all that the destination has to offer. Be sure to visit this trendy and unique hotel, we assure you that the red rabbit will not disappoint.

Reviewed By Jana Vos and Lindi Smuts – World Luxury Awards Representatives

To book this vibey hotel follow the link to their website below

dash-hotels.com/seminyak-bali

 

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A piece of heaven in the jungles of Ubud…

Ubud is located a hour and a half’s drive from Denpasar. The magical Ubud consists of green terraced hills, artists, yogi’s, silversmiths, stone carvers, painters, traditional dancers, temples, restaurants, bars and live music, all surrounded by an untouched jungle. Located 4 km outside Ubud is where you can find Tejaprana Resort & Spa, nestled in the lush jungles of the Petanu river valley in Tegallalang.

 When I arrived at Tejaprana Resort & Spa after making my journey through the vibrant street market, I was left speechless by the sheer beauty and serenity of this luxurious jungle sanctuary. If heaven is a place on earth, I believe Tejaprana Resort & Spa might be it. I was welcomed at the beautiful reception area with a refreshing wet towel as well as a vibrant yellow welcome drink. The reception consists of wood carved furniture as well as beautiful orchid plants. Once I was checked in the friendly staff showed me to my villa. Upon entering my villa, I was blown away by the sheer size, the beautiful décor, the view of the jungle as well as the special features. In all my years travelling I have never seen a more lavish yet cozy villa.

Tejaprana Resort & Spa is an architecture marvel, blending effortlessly with the organic growth of the jungle. The entire concept reminds me of a modern organic palace. The design elements are beautiful, modern and luxurious but also embodies the concept of being one with nature. The resort introduces travellers to Balinese culture and teaches a respect and admiration for their rituals and beliefs.

Whether you are taking a break, seeking a place to rejuvenate your soul, explore Balinese culture or enjoying a honeymoon, Tejaprana Resort & Spa is the perfect destination. The resort offers a variety of interesting activities for energetic travellers, but also offers privacy and serenity for travellers wanting to rest and soak in the splendour of the natural surroundings.

Tejaprana Resort & Spa comprises 28 cozily furnished villas, all facing east allowing you to take full advantage of the warmth of the morning sun. Each villa is complemented with a gazebo, an infinity plunge pool and an outdoor natural stone bathtub bringing you yet closer to the Balinese landscape embracing the resort. Tejaprana Resort and Spa was designed by Arte Architect and Associates.

One of my favourite activities was taking a refreshing swim in my infinity pool, followed by a relaxing bubble bath in the outdoors stone bathtub. All of this was enjoyed with a spectacular view of the jungle. I truly felt free and in touch with nature.

The resort features the spectacular Chatraka spa where guests can enjoy a view of the jungle while having their treatments. The extensive treatment list offers all pamper options as well as wellness rituals that will improve health. The resort also offers a special yoga space, Maitra Bale, where yoga is practiced twice a week. Private yoga sessions are also available.

The design of the Aruna restaurant incorporates a 180’ jungle view, high above ground level. Enjoying a meal at Aruna is a special experience in itself. The cuisine ranges from local and traditional to international dishes all cooked with fresh and organic ingredients. I often ordered room service in order to maximize my time spent in my private villa. The dining service is very quick and attentive, and I enjoyed sampling different Balinese dishes and desserts. My favourite was a banana and chocolate dessert. In addition, I was also impressed with their wine selection as they even had a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.

A delightful corner of comfort and art is the Oja Lounge & Gift Shop. It is a lovely boutique filled with radiant handmade jewellery, scarfs, hand bags and souvenirs to take home, it is also a good place to curl up with a book or enjoy afternoon tea or a cocktail.

Other amazing activities include, Kedisan village cycling, cooking classes, Kepitu village trekking, Yoga classes, and Canang making. The resort also offers a very unique activity where you can go with a guide on a special journey to participate in a traditional Balinese cleansing ritual. A guide takes you to a Hindu Balinese water temple that has a sacred stream. One is then cleansed underneath a waterfall.

Regardless of religion, beliefs or nationality, visitors often rave about this powerful and beautiful experience.

 Tejaprana Resort & Spa holds a special place in my heart and I would recommend any travellers to visit. Do be warned that once you have arrived at Tejaprana Resort & Spa, it is difficult to leave such a majestic place.

Just before I got into the car to depart for the airport, I was surprised to be handed a Polaroid image of myself and the Tejaprana staff that we had taken the day earlier. What a special departure gift and a way to remember my visit.

Reviewed By Michelle Snyman -Brand Manager and Events Coordinator World Luxury Hotel Awards.

To book this amazing jungle experience go to www.tejaprana.com 

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2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards Winners Announced

10th November 2018, AYANA Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia was the venue of the prestigious black-tie event celebrating the 12th anniversary of the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Over 360 guests flew in from around the world to attend the event, which awarded the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service delivery.

Set across 90-hectares along Jimbaran’s golden mile, AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI, is a world-class destination resort. As the property approaches its 22nd birthday this November, the privately-owned resort holds more fame than ever. AYANA is recognized for prolific sunset and ocean views, as well as offering a choice of five-star accommodation and facilities, coupled with the genuinely warm Balinese hospitality that has put AYANA on the map. Over the years, AYANA has received many top-shelf accolades including Luxury Honeymoon Resort Global Winner for the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017.

Participants from over 100 countries sipped on cocktails after being welcomed on the red carpet. During the cocktail’s guests enjoyed Jegog instrumental background music followed by Okokan and Kecak dancing. Jegog is a form of gamelan music indigenous to Bali, played on instruments made from bamboo, and the Kecak Dance is a form of Balinese Hindu dance and music drama that was developed in the 1930s, but that was not all as the guests where welcomed to the gala dinner by the Panyembrama Dance, which is a traditional Balinese welcome dance followed by Gus Teja who is a maestro of the flute.

After Prof. Dr. I Gede Pitana Msc. delivered his keynote speech, the incredibly entertaining Masters of Ceremonies, twins Maria and Elizabeth Rahajeng, who are TV hosts for E! News Asia, guided the audience through a dazzling awards ceremony where awards were presented to luxury hotels and resorts in over 100 categories on a Country, Regional, Continent and Global basis.

Special congratulations go to the inspirational Gaia Retreat & Spa, who received the 2018 Global Hotel of the Year Award. Founded in 2005, Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John and Warwick Evans, affectionately known as G.R.O.W, set out as a close-knit team to realise a shared dream, offering the highest of standards and service excellence, true to the World Luxury Hotel Awards overall winner criteria. Gregg Cave, Co-Owner and General Manager of Gaia Retreat & Spa proudly collected the award on stage.

Gaia Retreat & Spa- Australia

Mr Gregg Cave

The prestigious Chairman’s Award is the decision of the Owner and CEO of World Luxury Hotel Awards, Brandon Lourens. This year Imrhim Inad, Director of Sales, attended the ceremony and was privileged enough to collect the award on behalf of the Velaa Private Island Resort in Maldives. This boutique private hideaway can only be described as “beyond luxury”.

Further Global awards went to Vacala Bay Resort in Fiji who received both Luxury Contemporary Villa and Eco/Green Villa Award; Lamaraz Arts Hotel in Algeria received the Luxury New Hotel Award; Valamar All you can Holiday in Croatia received Luxury Hotel Group Award; Tintswalo Atlantic in South Africa received Luxury Beach Lodge Award and Okinawa Spa Resort EXES in Japan received Luxury Honeymoon Hotel Award just to mention a few.

The much sought-after World Luxury Hotel Awards trophy was presented to winners on stage. Thereafter, the proud winners were given an opportunity for one-on-one personalised video interviews to speak about their achievement with the media.

Okinawa Spa Resort EXES in Japan

There was not a dull moment as the diners were spoiled by AYANA Resorts Executive Chef, Patrick Callarec and his team, who wowed guests with Balinese inspired 6-course meal. The food was elegantly plated and paired with the finest of wines supplied by Bali Indah and Sababay. The room was in awe as the incredibly plated food was served all at once to the entire ballroom. The fact that the food was on par with any fine dining restaurant made it even more impressive.

UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant was the venue for the after party where guests danced to the sounds of Martin Denev, the resident DJ from Rock Bar and were entertained by Sasha on vocals.

“We congratulate all our winners for the 2018 Award Year, who through their tireless efforts and endless passion to elevate their guests experience, have received this honour tonight. True luxury is not easily attained, it takes a team of highly efficient and dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that every guest feels cared for and no challenged not solved. This is the definition of luxury, this is what makes the winners shine at the World Luxury Hotel Awards event”. Says, Michael Hunter-Smith, Group Marketing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

“The 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards will take place on Saturday, 12th October 2019 at Arctic Circle, Finland. The event will be hosted by Arctic TreeHouse Hotel and the gala venue SantaPark is an ideal location just before Christmas in the home town of Santa Claus. The magical Finnish Lapland is a bucket list experience and attendees can look forward to a winter wonderland, beautiful natural landscape wilderness, reindeer safaris, the phenomenon of the Northern lights, and of course Santa Claus” said Michael,“Applications to host the event in 2020 are now officially open”.

An event of this calibre would not be possible without our much-cherished sponsors France 24, Copenhagen Traveller, Caviar Spoon, Destination Golf, Santé Magazine, Singapore Brides and Spa & Wellness International who we thank for their continued support over the years. Thanks, is also extended to Bali Indah Beverindo, Captain Morgan, Coca Cola, Dewata Primi Lestari, Dolomia, Two Island Wine, Heineken Light, Kita Satu Bali, Strongbow, Global Seafood, Frizzante, Classic Fine Foods, Valrhona, Revolt and ABV Media Asia who were the sponsors here in Bali.

Please see our video of this prestigious event.

Everyone who attended the event was blown away by the professionalism of every person who works at AYANA Resort & Spa. Congratulations!

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Escape to the heart of Dubai…

Nassima Royal Hotel is located in the heart of Dubai, very close to many of Dubai’s top attractions. There are also many shops and restaurants within walking distance, including the Dubai Metro.

What an unforgettable stay, the architecture of the hotel is beautiful, and the service was exceptional throughout our stay.

We stayed in two executive rooms on the 45th floor which had amazing views of Dubai. The rooms were spacious, each had a big bath overlooking Dubai. The amenities in the room were great and they provided the most comfortable bath robes and towels.

The swimming pool was one of the best I’ve ever seen, it overlooks the Persian Gulf and many high-rise buildings. The pool bar had the most delicious cocktails and pizzas and the lounge chairs were very comfortable.

There were numerous restaurants and bars in the hotel which had a big variety of food. The breakfast was delicious, the chef made the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had. The staff were friendly and gave world class service.

The concierge staff were very knowledgeable and assisted us with booking our restaurants and excursions. For our transportation they offered us their hotel car which was so comfortable and stylish.

This hotel is definitely on my list of top hotels in Dubai and is a must visit hotel when in the city. Truly great hospitality.

Reviewed By Kayla Lourens- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book follow the link below

nassimaroyalhotel.com