Middle East

Burj Al Arab – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Jumeirah
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel deluxe (some say world’s only 7 star hotel)
Official website: http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/

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Internationally renowned as world’s most luxurious hotel, I had the opportunity to experience the famous Burj Al Arab in Dubai. It is located on a man-made island, 280 meters from the Jumeirah beach. It is the flagship of the Jumeirah hotel group.  Only hotel guests (or guests with a reservation in one of the restaurants) can enter the hotel, so there is no sightseeing here.  This is a good thing, as I saw a number of people at the front gate taking pictures of the hotel.

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Location

Located at Jumeirah beach, Burj Al Arab is located between Dubai Marina and Business Bay. There’s a holiday vibe around the area.

When I approached the entrance, I was impressed with the height of the hotel… 321 meters above sea level… Trust me, it is HUGE!  As soon as you enter the Burj Al Arab, you will enter in a completely different world.  I truly was blown away… Gold everywhere.  It is reportedly the only 7 star hotel in the world and I can easily understand why.  After taking the escalator — with a huge aquarium – you can look up 200 meters. A lot of looking up!  Did you know that the Statue of Liberty would fit inside?  Also, there are dancing fountains all over the place with tons of different programs, so you’ll never get bored when watching!

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The suites

There are no rooms in the Burj al Arab, only suites. Starting at 170m² (1,829 sq. ft.), all of the rooms are duplex suites, each with the highest level of comfort one could wish for.  The Burj has 1600 staff members looking over “only” 202 suites.  So that’s… eight members for each suite? Yep! There is a private check-in and butler service for each suite. No waiting times here at the reception. They explain everything you need to know and will do anything you ask — like making reservations in one of the restaurants, booking day trips to the city, making sure you will get the dessert you want, etc.

Every suite in the Burj Al Arab is beautifully decorated. Although the hotel opened back in 1999, the suites look very up to date and brand new. From the marble entrance with large staircase to the oversized living rooms, you will feel like a king or queen while walking around. They have the world’s most expensive mattresses, which can be adapted to customer needs and preferences. These things are making this hotel truly unique; returning guests are assured they will have a wonderful night.

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The bathrooms are huge — they used Italian marble – and you will be so relaxed after spending some time in the oversized jacuzzi.  Oh, a great thing: did you know that Hermès produced a special edition of perfume for the Burj Al Arab?  That is right, full-size Hermès Burj Al Arab amenities (female + male) are offered to guests at no additional charge. Of course, you could take them home as a souvenir.

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Spa facilities

A full spa – the Talise Spa – is located on one of the top floors. I was not able to take pictures of the spa area, but there is an indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness, etc. Several treatments are offered and after a relaxing massage you can relax in the spa resting area, accessible for guests only, of course. From there, you can look straight down (200 meters!) to the ground level. Very impressive and not recommended when afraid of heights 🙂

Spa treatments are excellent! They exactly know how to make you feel at ease and so relaxed. Just tell them which pressure you prefer and you will enjoy every single minute. The soft music all over the place made it even more relaxing.

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There is also an outdoor pool area — and the Burj has its own beach across the bridge. The recently opened Terrace is stunning! For water fun, there is complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which is located across the bridge.

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The famous Burj Al Arab hotel is one of Dubai’s highlights and one of world’s best hotels… The hotel’s immaculate reputation is well earned and you will be impressed with every aspect of your stay!

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

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Hotelchain: Rotana
Location: Abu Dhabi – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: rotana.com/…/saadiyatrotanaresortandvillas

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Situated on the beautiful island of Saadiyat, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas is one of the top beach resorts on the amazing island in Abu Dhabi. This luxurious five star resort has only opened 1,5 year ago and everything still looks brand new.

Location is perfect! It is peacefully located at the beach. It is one of the nicest beaches I have seen throughout the UAE. Louvre Abu Dhabi is only a few kilometers away. Make sure to visit this architectural wonder.

The entrance of the resort is truly spectacular. You enter the large beautifully designed lobby area and immediately notice the fantastic view all over the resort. I couldn’t believe my eyes, it is so beautiful… so peaceful and oh so romantic. When I think of a peaceful stylish five star beach resort, this is exactly what I would expect. Check-in was very efficient and personal. A nice smile and useful information about the resort was offered and the administration only took a few minutes.

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This actually was my first experience at a Rotana property and I had high expectations. The brand is well known for its service and overall quality. When I entered the hotel, everything felt right here. After check-in we were escorted to our beautiful Premium room with sea views which was located in the main building. Do note that Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas also has several types of villas. That’s right, the hotel is build up in several buildings and the resort does feel like a small luxurious village. At 45m², our room was huge and the king sized bed was heavenly. I read that several guests actually buy the beds after their stay? I can easily understand why! I loved the lay-out of the room and the minimalistic yet stylish decor.

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The semi open bath room has a tub, huge walk-in (rain)shower and large sink. The oversized balcony offered the most amazing views all over the resort and sea.

There is so much to do here and even just walking around the resort is so much fun. It is almost unbelievable how well maintained this place is. I saw staff working and maintaining the gardens each time of the day. There are several types of suites and villas at the resort. They even have access to a private pool. Let me share some pictures with you of the villas. They are mind blowing!

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There are 2 main pools located right at the beach. The pools are large and very clean. They are open all year long: they are heated during winter and cooled down during summer. There’s a great laid back ambiance around the pool and beach area with a lot of comfortable loungers. No need to put your towels here to ‘reserve’ your spot in the sun. Pool service was great too, they greet you as soon as you approach the pool area and make sure you’ll have everything you need. Your own ice buckets with complimentary water is offered as well and much appreciated with those hot temperatures in Abu Dhabi! They even provide complimentary flavored water. 

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There are several secrets spots to be discovered at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. Let me share some secrets: Aladdin’s Cave is the place to be for kids. Kids have their own pool area with a water slide and … a lazy river! So much fun! They even can enjoy themselves at the cinema zone. Did you know this resort has their own mini golf course? That is right. And the best part: it is all free of charge.

When I was there, I saw several kids playing together, making new friends etc. while the parents were relaxing at the resort.

The awarded Zen the spa at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas is enormous and one of the best spa facilities I have ever seen. They have a spectacular Turkish and Moroccan Hammam and 10 luxuriously designed treatment rooms. We thoroughly enjoyed the aromatherapy treatment. This treatment took about 1 hour and will make you feel like reborn! Without any hesitation, this was one of the best spa treatments I have ever experienced! It starts with a relaxing foot bath. After that it was time to relax with a complete body massage using inspiring oil that totally left me with a calm and tranquil feeling. The therapists were very knowledgeable and kind. Make sure to book your treatment here. You won’t be disappointed!

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There are several dining options at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, each impressed me. The first night we had dinner at Turtle Bay Bar & Grill. This unique grill restaurant offers delicious dishes. The hand cut steak tartare was one of the best I’ve ever had. You can request the food to be prepared exactly the way you want it. The potato & herb gnocchi with torn kale and asparagus I ordered was served exactly how I requested it to be. It came with sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and pine nuts. Service was so friendly… They will make sure you are enjoying your time here and every single request has been taken care of with a smile! On the top of that, the location of this place is so peaceful right at the water.

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The second night, it was time to explore Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar. Here they serve Italian dishes which tasted excellent. I was happy to find out they don’t only serve pasta … a lot of anti pasti options are available as well. The Sea Bass all Toscana tasted heavenly. It came with oven roasted cannellini beans with rosemary and peperonato. Oh, and do not skip dessert here. Nutella di Cioccolato gelato tasted amazing. So worth the calories!

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For dishes around the globe, Sim Sim Restaurant is the right choice. This buffet style restaurant has something to offer for anyone. This is also the restaurant where breakfast is served. The breakfast consists of a very large buffet with endless options. The food is of an excellent quality.

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It truly is all about service here! People are so nice, the level of service is very high. I never felt uncomfortable requesting for something and I was greeted every single time I met one of the staff members.

My Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas experience was amazing! From the beginning to the end, everything felt right here! Highly recommended for a romantic getaway in paradise!

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Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

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Hotelchain: Jumeirah
Location: Abu Dhabi – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: jumeirah.com/…/jumeirah-at-saadiyat-island-resort

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Rated as one of the best beach resorts in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort definitely deserves its good reputation. The hotel is located right on the stunning beach and offers five star facilities. As you would expect from a Jumeirah property, we were greeted with a smile and the staff made us feel at home right from the first moment we stepped in. I immediately knew that this stay was going to be an amazing one … and it was … let me tell you why.

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First of all, location location location… Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is a beach resort with a prime location on Saadiyat Island. The Louvre museum – an architectural master piece – is only a short drive away. The city center of Abu Dhabi is 20 minutes away. Do note that the hotel is offering complimentary shuttle service to the Abu Dhabi mall and the sister hotel Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

As you know, I visited Jumeirah properties before and was impressed by all of them. They definitely know how to treat their guests and service here is on a very high level. Most staff members remembered my name which made me feel like a VIP guest. Every time I met someone, they were all very warm yet professional.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is one of the newer hotels in the area. Everything looks brand new and feels very ‘2020’. The contemporary minimalistic style is noticeable all over the resort and I loved it. The lobby area is luxuriously designed with some nice features such as the impressive glass blown chandelier which reflects the different colors of the Arabian Guls. The chandelier also refers to water.

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We stayed in an Ocean Deluxe room and were pretty impressed. The room was very comfortable, had a good size and had all the amenities I would expect at a high level five star hotel. I appreciated the minimalistic design. The beds are among the best I have ever slept in. It was great to hang out in the room and we couldn’t hear anything from the neighbors. The view we had was the best we could ask for, watching the ocean while enjoying the sun was a blast!

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The luxurious bathroom featured an oversized walk-in shower and separate (gorgeous) bath tub! Fancy toiletries were provided. Everything was very clean. They maintain their rooms in an excellent way, several times a day your room will be cleaned and turn down service is provided every night.

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Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island not only has room, there are villas as well. They are the perfect choice for families. The villas have their own pools.

There are a lot of fun things to do here at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island! The pool area for example is just stunning. This is the perfect place for adults to relax and unwind. Palm trees, comfortable loungers, etc. it’s all there! There’s a separate kids pool as well. During the day, soft music is playing which creates a great atmosphere. I must highlight the nice temperature of the water. The beach at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is mind blowing! Some even refer to the beaches of the Maldives. with natural white sands and turquoise clear waters. I could spend here days. And spending some hot days at the sea, you need to drink a lot! A very cool thing about this resort is that each guest receives a water bottle which can be refilled at the many water stations all over the resort. The plastic free mentality is pretty impressive. It seems Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort does care about the environment and encourage the guests to think about it. Very nice!

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Kindly note that as a Jumeirah guest you have access to the Observation Deck at 300 which is located at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. From up here, you have stunning panoramic views over Abu Dhabi at 300 meters. Very impressive! There’s a complimentary shuttle service available at several times a day to/from Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and the Abu Dhabi Mall which is the place to be for shopping.

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The Talise spa area is one of the nicest I have experienced. The place is just beautiful … It is like entering a world of pure relaxation. Fantastic, I loved it! Decorated with high quality materials, relaxing music and the most wonderful staff … This is how every spa area should be like! I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment here. The therapist was a professional and advised me to use the steam room before she started the treatment. A great advice! It definitely stimulated the muscles. I felt like reborn after the treatment, like I could handle the world 🙂 I highly recommend to book a spa treatment here! Oh, by the way, you can use a vitality pool after your treatment to even more relax.

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Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort has several dining options. Let me start with ‘White’. This is the buffet restaurant and is definitely an eye catcher! Decoration is fantastic, the way they combined the colors with all the decoration and furniture is lovely. We were both very impressed and not only by the decoration, also the food was just delicious. Each morning, they serve a delicious breakfast. It is one of the best breakfasts I have ever experienced. All the food items were of such a good quality. The large buffet will please anyone. Make sure to check out their frozen smoothies! You will love them! I didn’t have lunch as the food from the breakfast buffet was so good and I just had to try everything 😊 At night, there’s an East meets West buffet with show cooking stations.

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We had lunch at Mare Mare. This beach side Italian cuisine restaurant is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch with sea views. The semi open restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and offers only the best of the best! The tartare di salmone which came with vzenere rice, figs, goat cheese and polenta crisp was delicious as was the Carpaccio di branzino… a sea bass ceviche with a citrus truffle dressing and pistachio. Thumbs up for chef de cuisine, Simone Federico!

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At night, I had dinner at Tean, their signature Levantine restaurant and is known for grilled spiced meats and seafood, all prepared the traditional Levantine way. The Head Chef, Mahmoud Bayoumi, is a true professional and makes sure each guest will have a great time. The Samak Seabass fillet tasted wonderful. It was perfectly prepared with olive oil, sage, garlic and butter. The smoked shallot was a perfect match! Of course, we tried a selection of yummie mezze, a must try!

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A stay at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is always top notch… Of course, it’s a Jumeirah property after all! I can not say enough good things about this resort. Location is great, food is yummie, rooms are luxurious and the service level is unseen. Highly recommended for a luxurious Abu Dhabi getaway!

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: kempinski.com/…dubai/mall-of-the-emirates

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Since I am a huge Kempinski fan, I had to explore Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, one of the top rated hotels in Dubai! Sun or snow? Kempinski Mall of the Emirates has it all 🙂

Location

The hotel is located between business bay and Dubai Marina and offers stunning Burj Al Arab views. Although the hotel has been here for a few years, it looks brand new. Dubai Marina and Burj Khalifa are reachable with the metro within just minutes. On top of that, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is directly connected to the Mall of the Emirates. We went shopping and entering the mall without going outside (it was so hot!) was very convenient for us!

Lobby area is gorgeous, they used a lot of marble and everything has been decorated in a very stylish way. We were welcomed and everything we needed to know about the hotel and its facilities were told in a kind way.

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The rooms

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is a pretty large hotel offering 393 rooms and suites including 15 chalets with views over the indoor Ski Dubai.

We stayed in grand deluxe rooms and luxurious they really are. I actually wouldn’t call it just a room, but a junior suite instead. The way they combined all the furniture is just amazing. There’s a small dining/living area with the most comfortable couches. The separate bedroom is luxurious featuring a king sized bed. Marble bathroom both has bath tub and shower. Loved the room, I could easily spend a week here.

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I did visit the three bedroom chalet which blew me away! While it was almost 40 degrees outside, it was so cool to see snow while looking through the windows. Did you know, by the way, that there logo represents the combination of snow and sun? The chalets are designed in mountain style and definitely have the WoW-factor.

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Pool area

The pool area at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is the best place to hang out after a busy day in Dubai. It felt like a small paradise with two large pools and the most comfortable loungers one could wish for. Pool service was great. Complimentary water is offered during the day.

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The spa

For total relaxation, the Spa area is the place to be! I experienced the Thai Compress Massage and the therapist did an excellent job. This long lasting treatment began with a 40 minute aromatherapy massage (I had to choose my favorite scent, loved it!) followed by a blissful Thai herbal compress massage. How could one be not relaxed after 75 minutes of pure relaxation? My sister experienced the 75 minutes luminous “C” & “Sea” facial mask treatment and enjoyed every second! Her skin was pampered and protected with high tech medically formulated Vitamin C. This facial hydrates, nourishes and protects the skin with its vitamin enriched, anti-oxidant formulation. It would rate the facilities with five stars!

Restaurants/bars

One of the things l like most of Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is their Tapas restaurant Salero Tapas & Bodega. Honestly, I have eaten at many Dubai restaurants, but this lunch was the best I have ever experienced at any place in Dubai. We ordered several small tapas and each of them were delicious. From the patatas bravas to the Cantabrian anchovies, from the homemade chicken and mushroom croquettes to their signature paella, every bite was divine. Go check out yourself, you will love it! I love the food sharing concept and will be back, that’s for sure!

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We had dinner at Olea with a Levantine cuisine. Again, the food was amazing and service was top notch. I loved the decoration and set up of this restaurant. There’s an open kitchen so you can actually see the chefs preparing your food. We enjoyed several mezze and the Arabian mixed grill. El Homos and Fatoush which are seasonal fresh vegetables marinated with sumac were so good. The mixed grill with lamb kebabs, lamb kofta, shish tawook and lamb chops were among the best I have experienced. The chef definitely knows how to please the guests. What a wonderful night we had in a unique setting!

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After a great night (the beds are among the best I have slept in!) we had breakfast which is served at Olea. Again, I can’t imagine a better breakfast buffet. So many healthy options. They even prepared a fresh smoothie for me with the ingredients I selected myself. Don’t worry, there are less healthy but yummie other choices too such as freshly made pastries etc.

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We were sad to leave! Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is a top notch five star property! The fancy rooms and high end restaurants will please anyone! I would return in a heartbeat!

Westin Al Habtoor City – Dubai

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Hotelchain: Westin
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: westindubaialhabtoorcity.com

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The Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City is one of the newest five star properties of Dubai and I was really excited to explore this beautiful property. Al Habtoor City is a huge project in Dubai with three world-class five star hotels. World-famous designers did an excellent job working together with architects on the three hotels (St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai and Westin Al Habtoor City) in a totally new neighbourhood representing famous hospitality brands.

The location

Westin Al Habtoor City is the perfect hotel for both leisure and business travelers. You really can’t beat the location, Burj Khalifa is only a 10 minute taxi drive away. Dubai Marina can be reached in 15 minutes. Love the location of the hotel! As said before, there are three hotels within the same building, Westin Al Habtoor City is the largest of the three and is located in a huge 41-storey tower. This actually is the second Westin hotel in Dubai, the other Westin is a beach resort near Dubai Marina.

Entering Westin Al Habtoor City is entering a world full of luxury and eye for details. I was pretty impressed when I entered the hotel, all the marble and friendliness of the staff made a good first impression. A big smile and asking how we are doing made us feel welcome. The hotel is extremely well kept, the staff is courteous – even when they’re dealing with other guests.

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Rooms

The hotel is huge and has 1004 rooms and suites. I stayed in a room on one of the top floors and loved every inch! As usual, the Westin Heavenly Bed was outstanding and really comfortable! The view was breathtaking, we had a full Business Bay view and could see Burj Khalifa – it was such a treat to wake up with such a stunning view!

Bathroom is luxurious featuring an amazing free standing bath tub, separate walk-in shower and toilet.

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Pool area

The pool area at Westin Al Habtoor City is not finished yet, they will be opening their pools in the coming months. I did saw some pictures and it will be beautiful. For now, guests can use the pools at W and St. Regis. Once again, so convenient that all three hotels are connected so you don’t have to leave the hotel to make use of the pools.

The Spa

Westin’s Heavenly Spa is a haven of tranquility inspired by traditional practices used in Asian cultures. The place is huge and luxuriously appointed. This is definitely the place to unwind after a busy day or stressful moments. I experienced their signature massage and I can honestly say that it was one of the best treatments I had in Dubai. The therapist was an expert and did such an excellent job that I felt reborn after the treatment. He applied the right amount of pressure for my liking. Loved it! Highly recommend to book a treatment here, you won’t be sorry!

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Restaurants/bars

Currently, there are five operating restaurants at Westin Al Habtoor City. I had lunch at Seasonal Tastes and both my sister and I were blown away when we saw the buffet! Westin promotes a healthy life style and we can tell … the buffet consisted of a varied spread of healthy food and a lot of vegetables. I loved their soups! The restaurant itself is just stunning. Very spacious and marble everywhere.

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At night we had dinner at Cook Hall, an American themed restaurant. First of all, I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the restaurant. You wouldn’t tell that you’re still within the same building as Cook Hall is totally different when it comes to design. I was (and still am!) in love with the overall décor and atmosphere. We had such an amazing night here! We started with one of their signature cocktails and then tried the “Dribbler”, a mega Wagyu burger with a molten cheese bap, maple-glazed onion, veal bacon, mashed toms and a friend hen’s egg. On the side I tried their cheesy fries! Trust me, I enjoyed every single bite… Dinner or lunch at Cook Hall is a must! Food is delicious and service is top notch!

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Westin Al Habtoor City is a top notch five star hotel with all the facilities one could wish for. I had high expectations but still was blown away. Loved my stay and hope to return soon…

Marsa Malaz Kempinski Doha

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Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Doha – Qatar
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: kempinski.com/…/marsa-malaz-kempinski-the-pearl-doha

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski is a top five star hotel located at the Pearl in Doha. It is among the most luxurious hotels I have ever stayed at and was truly blown away right from the moment I stepped into this hotel. Let me first tell you something more about the location. The Pearl is a great relaxing area right outside the center of Doha. I enjoyed this area as there are many shops, a marine and a lot of good restaurants. The relaxed and holiday atmosphere are perfect for relaxing… This definitely is the place to be to unwind and have a great time with your family. Marsa Malaz Kempinski is located on a manmade island and offers 281 of the most comfortable hotel rooms one could wish for.

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I have traveled a lot through the Middle East and visited a lot of five star properties and the lobby area is among the nicest and most impressive lobby areas I have ever seen. The tree of life with the birds definitely is an eye-catcher. Entering Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel is like entering a world full of luxury and attention to details. I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the four signature Murano-glass chandeliers. I would rather call this a palace instead of a hotel. Behind every corner, a new surprise is waiting.

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As mentioned before, there are 281 rooms … all of them of a very high standard. Rooms are very spacious starting at 75m² (807sf), trust me they are huge! The rooms are decorated in a very elegant and luxurious way. This definitely is what every five star hotel room should look like. The couch is great to unwind and the oversized desk is perfect to do some business. Our balcony overlooked the sea. Bathrooms are very elegant too featuring a separate and very large (rain)shower, bath tub with your very own television and separate toilet. I loved everything about the room and its layout. It is all about the small things such as the fresh flowers, etc. that makes the Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel unique. They maintain everything at Marsa Malaz Kempinski in an excellent way. The rooms are cleaned every day and turn down service is provided every night.

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It is impossible to get bored here. This is a beach resort and I thoroughly enjoyed the 7 (!) outdoor pools and beach area. This is one of the few hotels in Doha that has a direct access to a private beach. The beach itself is wonderful and there are plenty of comfortable loungers. The pool staff is great and take care of you in a very kind way. During the day they play cool music which gave me a true holiday feeling. So nice! On top of that, you will never forget that you’re in a luxurious resort… They are cleaning this place all day long and will make sure you have the time of your life with your loved ones.

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Looking for a heavenly retreat? Make sure to visit the Spa by Clarins. I experienced Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Hammam, one of their signature treatments. I was pampered and loved every single second of this treatment! From the lovely aromas to the latest scientific active ingredients, it was perfect. My mother had a facial and she is used to getting facials all the time but the one she got here was among the best she has ever had! The staff was very professional, kind and knowledgeable about all the products. On top of that, the spa is beautifully decorated and the soft music playing makes it totally unique. Next to the spa area is a full sized fitness area with the latest technology equipment.

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There are several dining options here. We tried them all and all of them truly blew us away! Toro Toro for example is a trendy place with a delicious Spanish cuisine. The ocean views here are just stunning and we loved the cocktails and small bites. What a great atmosphere and excellent service!

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After our small bites we experienced their beachside restaurant Amwage Grill,  where we were seated at a table on the beach. Trust me, we will never forget the experience! Words can not describe how wonderful the food and staff were. From the BBQ prepared meat to the most yummie desserts, we loved every second and every single bite. The other night, we had dinner at Al Sufra, their award winning Levantine restaurant and enjoyed an Arabian cuisine of the highest level! Every single item we tasted was divine! The Arabian meal emphasized togetherness, the pleasure of taste and was served by very professional staff. The waiters were very knowledgeable about each dish, even about the drinks. I found the food quite innovative and sophisticated! There even was live entertainment/music which made the experience even more special. No wonder this restaurant is rated among the best in Doha! Highly recommended to visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. You won’t be disappointed! Breakfast is served at Sawa and I can honestly tell you that the breakfast served at Marsa Malaz Kempinski is one of the best breakfast buffets I have experienced anywhere. Choices are endless … and everything is freshly prepared with a smile.

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski is one of kind and we were sad to leave! This hotel definitely is one of the best five star hotels in Doha and offer their guests a true five star experience. I can’t wait to return to this jewel!

Shangri-La Doha

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Hotelchain: Shangri-la
Location: Doha – Qatar
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: shangri-la.com/doha/shangrila

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Rated as one of the best hotels in Doha, the Shangri-La Doha definitely deserves its good reputation. The hotel is located right in the middle of it all and offers five star facilities. As usual, we were greeted with a smile and the staff made us feel at home right from the first moment we stepped in. I immediately knew that this stay was going to be an amazing one and it was … let me tell you why.

As you know, I visited many Shangri-La properties and was impressed by all of them. They definitely know how to treat their guests and service here is on a very high level. The Shangri-la Doha definitely deserves its high reputation! Most staff members remembered my name which made me feel like a VIP guest. Every time I met someone, they were all very warm yet professional.

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We stayed in a Horizon Deluxe room and were pretty impressed. The room was very comfortable, had a good size and had all the amenities I would expect at a high level five star hotel. The beds are among the best I have ever slept in, the bathroom had a television and I appreciated the oversized working desk. They maintain their rooms in an excellent way, several times a day your room will be cleaned and turn down service is provided every night.

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There are a lot of fun things to do here at the Shangri-La Doha! The pool area for example is just stunning. It almost felt like a beach resort although the hotel is located right in the center of Doha. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Palm trees, comfortable loungers, etc. great! There’s a separate kids pool as well. During the day, soft music is playing which creates a great atmosphere.

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Located near the swimming area, it a full equipped fitness center with the latest technology equipment. The spa area is one of the nicest I have experienced. The place is just beautiful … It is like entering a world of pure relaxation. Fantastic, I loved it! Dark wood, relaxing music and the most wonderful staff … This is how every spa area should be like! I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment here. The therapist was a professional and advised me to use the steam room before she started the treatment. A great advice! It definitely stimulated the muscles. My mother totally enjoyed her facial which was also done in a very kind way. We both felt like reborn after our treatments, like we could handle the world 🙂 I highly recommend to book a spa treatment here! Oh, by the way, you can use a vitality pool after your treatment to even more relax.

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Since we were staying in a Horizon Deluxe Room, we had full access to the Horizon Club Lounge which is located on the 42nd floor. It actually is the largest club lounge in Doha offering 360° panoramic views over Doha! The lounge is very luxurious and we appreciated the personalized service. Soft and hot drinks are served here all day long. Every morning a nice breakfast buffet is available with the most yummie items one could wish for. Everything is prepared here with fresh ingredients and I especially liked their yoghurts with berries and mango. Service again is top notch, each staff member did their upmost best to serve us in a very professional way. They chatted with us, not too much, but just right … making us feel at home again. At night, cocktail hour is from 6pm – 8pm with alcoholic drinks such as sparkling, red and white wine and a buffet with small bites. I highly recommend an upgrade to a room with access to the Horizon Club, it is a great value as you can have drinks here all day long, enjoy some alcoholic beverages and appetizers during the night.

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The Shangri-La Doha has several dining options and we were lucky to be one of the first guests at the newly opened Shanghai Club which opened 2 weeks before our stay. The Shanghai Club is located on the highest floor offering the most amazing views over Doha. Decoration is fantastic, the way they combined the colors with all the decoration and furniture is lovely. We were both very impressed and not only by the decoration, also the food was just delicious. From the twice cooked beef short ribs and cucumber salad to the Stir-fried scallops, prawns and egg white with black truffle, we loved every single bite. Make sure you try one of the desserts! I tried the deep-fried lychee ice cream with citrus ginger soup, I could eat this every single day 🙂

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I also enjoyed lunch at Sridan. The restaurant looks like a traditional Arabian souq with several food stations. This buffet restaurant offers the best food and drinks! There’s just something for every one’s taste, choices are endless and all prepared in an excellent way. Breakfast is served here too. The large buffet will please anyone. I did prefer the breakfast at the Horizon Club though as it was more quiet and the variation was about the same. They seem to prepare everything here in an excellent way. The yoghurts were among the best I have ever tasted, anywhere AND they change every day! Loved it!

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A stay at the Shangri-La Doha is always top notch… Of course, it’s a Shangri-la Hotel after all! I can not say enough good things about this place. Location is great, food is yummie, rooms are luxurious and the service level is unseen. Highly recommended for a luxurious Doha getaway!

W Doha

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Hotelchain: W hotels
Location: Doha – Qatar
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website:  whoteldoha.com

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The W Doha is a luxurious trendy five star hotel which is located in the middle of Doha. It is currently rated as one of the best hotels in Doha and offers 442 rooms and suites. I did not expect to find this kind of hotel in Doha. The building itself is quite impressive especially at night when the lights are on and the music is playing. When I entered the hotel, I immediately noticed the beautiful blue hanging lamps… It truly is just gorgeous and definitely an eye-catcher! Especially at night! I also loved the fresh flowers all over the place. Very nice!

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Check-in was very efficient and they explained everything we needed to know about the hotel and its facilities. The W hotel is not an ordinary hotel, it is one of the most comfortable and trendy hotels in the city! There’s a cool vibe all over the place and they know how to treat their guests. Every staff member I met was very helpful and professional assisting me with anything I asked for. Oh, I love the fact that they give you some sort of business card with a number on it so you can whatsapp whatever request you may have. How cool is that?

The rooms at the W hotel are large, comfortably appointed and their feather beds are amazing! They used soft colors and I definitely liked the curtains throughout the room. Bath room was very luxurious offering a large walk-in shower and separate bath tub. High quality Bliss toiletries such as the mouth wash were great.

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The restaurants here, each rated among the best in the city, are fantastic! From Asian to European cuisine, they have it all! The first night we had dinner at Spice Market, an authentic South-East-Asian street food restaurant which mainly serves Thai dishes. Almost unbelievable how they manage to combine all the flavors. I could eat the Thai soup every day! The other night, we tried Market (a European style restaurant) by Jean-Georges. Food was fantastic and service was very efficient and fast. I appreciated the fact that the staff had a great knowledge of each dish. Do try the Black truffle fontina pizza, one of their signature dishes. You won’t be sorry! 🙂 Breakfast is served here every morning too, by the way. It is a buffet style breakfast which will please anyone. On top of that, I enjoyed lunch at La Spiga, an Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere. I love the fact that every single restaurant at the W is something totally different … but the food is always delicious! The quinoa salad was to die for. Thumbs up! By the way, did you know that every restaurant has its own ‘Menugram’? That is right, you can see a picture of the actual dish you are ordering. Very convenient and very 2016!

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The pool at the W Doha is great and the lounge and sun area offers amazing views over the city. I liked the fact that there’s a lap pool. It can be so annoying that some guests are swimming laps and disturbing other guests (and vice versa)… Well, they don’t have this problem at the W. Very smart! Right next to pool is a fitness and spa center. Although I did not experience a treatment here, the spa center does look nice and intimate.

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As one would expect, you really can’t go wrong by booking a room at the W Doha. From the trendy and comfortable rooms to the delicious restaurants, the W Doha is great five star property which offers the very best to their guests.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

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Knipsel         

Hotelchain: Rosewood hotels
Location: Abu Dhabi– UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi

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The Rosewood hotel Abu Dhabi is one of the top rated hotels in the city. It was the first time I got the chance to explore a Rosewood Collection hotel and truly was blown away with this property. The 34-storey building itself is ultra modern and huge, but the Rosewood hotel has ‘only’ 189 rooms and truly has a boutique feeling. The Rosewood Abu Dhabi opened in 2013 and is ideally located on the waterfront of Sowwah Square. It is directly connected with the largest luxury shopping mall of Abu Dhabi, The Galleria.

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This ultra luxurious hotel is not just a ‘hotel’, to me it is a destination… Let me tell you why…

Upon arrival we were greeted warmly and we were really overwhelmed by the design of the lobby area. Very tastefully and attention to details. We couldn’t have felt more welcomed by the staff. The check-in staff were absolutely excellent, they could not have been more friendly and helpful. Check-in was seamless with zero wait.

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The room we stayed in was absolutely breathtaking. It was spacious to the point that we felt we had an apartment. We declared that we could just live here. The quality of furnishing was excellent. The bathroom was one of the nicest bathroom I have seen in any hotel. I took a bath in the most wonderful bath tub ever and enjoyed every single second of it! Standard amenities were of a very high standard. Everything in the room such a lighting, drapes, etc. is electronically controlled with an iPad. I just can’t say enough good things about the rooms at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi! You really have to experience it yourself! By the way, the views were amazing (as you could see on the second picture – just stunning!)

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The outdoor pool area is stunning with a the nicest swimming pool I have seen in Abu Dhabi. Sun loungers are of a very good quality and they provide complimentary water, sun cream and a refreshing facial spray. Top service! There’s a separate tanning area where you can enjoy sunshine all day long.

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The Rosewood Abu Dhabi has 9 dining options, from lounges to fine dining restaurants… they have it all! Breakfast is serves at Aqua and as you could expect from such a luxurious hotel, the quality of the food was excellent. The lobby lounge is a perfect place for hanging out, relaxing and reading a book. I should also mention the cleanness of the entire hotel. If you told me that the hotel opened just a few days ago, I would have believed it!

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We had dinner at Sambusek with a Lebanese cuisine. Sambusek delights seafood lovers with the quality and freshness of its ingredients from the local fish market. The atmosphere was so nice here, we were sitting outside and enjoyed the cool vibe around the place. Do try the hot mezzeh ‘Cheese Sambusek’ as a starter… a fried dough stuffed with feta and akkawi cheese, it is just delicious! As a main course I enjoyed the traditional kebab and enjoyed every bite. As said, the atmosphere is great and live music was sooo nice.

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I was sad to leave the Rosewood Abu Dhabi as I felt at home here! Can’t wait to visit this hotel again! Highly recommended!

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri – Abu Dhabi

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Knipsel

Hotelchain: Shangri-La
Location: Abu Dhabi – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: shangri-la.com/abudhabi/shangrila

Located near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri is one of best five star hotels in the Abu Dhabi area and prides itself in the quality and attention given to every detail of your stay! The hotel has a modern Arabic style with amenities of the highest level which will please everyone. The location is just stunning. All over the hotel you can see the Grand Mosque giving you the true Middle East feeling and experience. I have so many good experiences with other Shangri-la hotels and was so excited to experience this one!

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When I entered the hotel, I was just blown away by the most stunning lobby area. Gold and marble all over the place… It is such a gorgeous place and we were welcomed by the most friendly staff ever which is something Shangri-la is known for… hospitality in a very kind and professional way. They offered Arabic tea and a cold towel before checking us in. Throughout our stay, reception staff was always helpful and goes the extra mile.

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The room I stayed in was very luxurious and perfectly set up. It is all about details here: fresh flowers, mood lighting, etc. It is just perfect. Everything is very well kept and housekeeping will do their upmost best to maintain the entire hotel. The quality of furniture is of a very high standard as you could expect. I particularly liked the marble they used in the bathrooms. The bathroom featured a separate bath tub and (rain)shower, also fresh plushy towels and bathrobes are provided. The room had a good size and the balcony overlooking the mosque was great to hang out and enjoy the stunning surrounding views. The little touches that catch my attention: housekeeping noticed my personal toothpaste was almost gone and left me a new small tube and leaving chocolates, bottles of water and glasses next to the bed at turndown. We had access to the Horizon Club with complimentary soft and hot drinks during the day. Alcoholic drinks and light bites are offered every night from 6pm – 8pm. As always, personalized services was outstanding.

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The pool and ‘chill out’ areas of this Shangri-La are spectacular. Again, with stunning views of the Mosque. It does look like paradise and I couldn’t imagine any better place to read a book, relax and enjoy life.

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There are several fine dining options here. The first night we had dinner at Shang Palace, the Chinese restaurant which almost every Shangri-la property has. The food was great as was the service. From the spicy chicken salad to the lamb… we liked it all! The restaurant was very nicely decorated too. The second evening we experienced p&c, their beach side restaurant with famous (rated with 2 Michelin stars) chef Sergi Arola. I was surprised by this ‘kind’ of restaurant and didn’t expect to find it here, the design was very hip and modern. Very classy and totally different than the rest of the hotel. The food was delicious! Chef Arola has taken the concept of tapas and you won’t be disappointed having dinner here! Other fine dining options are Bord Eaux with a French cuisine, Hoi an with a Vietnamese cuise and Sofra Bld. One day we had lunch at Sofra Bld and were thoroughly blown away by the buffet. The food options were endless… Asian and Arabic cuisine… It is all there and the quality of the food was outstanding! It actually is a buffet style restaurant with multiple live cooking stations. Highly recommend to have lunch here, the restaurant itself is beautifully decorated with the grand staircase in the middle. Breakfast is served here too and was one of the best buffets ever experienced! I appreciated the fresh juices a lot!

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When you are staying at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, there are 2 things you should definitely check out: a boat ride throughout the resort and a visit to their CHI spa center.
The boat ride – and not just a boat, it’s called an ‘abras’, a traditional Arabic boat – takes you to the hotel’s souk. On your way you can enjoy a fun and romantic ride on winding waterways. We were surprised by how large this complex is…

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CHI, the spa area of the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri hotel is a stunning place for totally relaxation! All massages and treatments they offer are based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices shared by many Asian cultures. I totally enjoyed my 90 minute treatment, they took care of me in a very professional, warm way. I was able to relax and rejuvenate both my body and mind. I definitely recommend booking a massage here.

The Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri has it all and no wonder it is rated as one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi. Part of the magic of their attention to service is that you actually don’t see it. You just experience it. I’m a (huge) fan and can’t wait to go back some da