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Athina Luxury Suites

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Location: Fira – Greece (Santorini)
Classification: 4 star luxury hotel
Official website: athinasuites.com

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Situated in the one of the best spots of beautiful Santorini, Athina Luxury Suites is one of a kind and rated as one of the best hotels on the island! This luxurious boutique hotel blew me away, let me tell you why…

First of all, you can’t beat the location. Athina Luxury Suites is located in Fira, the capital of Santorini. Fira is known for the most spectacular views of the Caldera and trust me, from the moment you arrive you will be impressed. The views are among the best I have ever seen. You can see Oia from a distance and the sunsets from your private balcony are not to miss. Fira itself is a lovely place with the traditional cave houses and small streets. The village is built on the cliff and there are a lot of shops and amazing restaurants and bars to choose from.

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Athina Luxury Suites has been built in 1996 and recently has undergone a complete make over. The hotel only has 16 suites. This actually is the main advantage of Athina Luxury Suites. The fact that they ‘only’ have 16  suites gives them the opportunity to treat each guest as a king or queen and they surely did. Each time you leave or enter the hotel, a friendly front desk member will make you feel at home again offering a great smile and a nice hello.

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What I also appreciate about this hotel, is the fact that they combine modern and designer furniture with some traditional elements throughout the hotel.  I read somewhere that Athina Luxury Suites is a perfect ‘Instagram hotel’ and I can easily see why… I appreciated the elegant combination of modern/old and the artful play of colors and luxury fabrics. I could take pictures all day long!

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The hotel has a small lobby area where I was welcomed with a biiiiig smile! Loved it! Everything in the hotel is immaculately clean and decorated with style and charm. This is totally different than a big chain hotel, each suite at Athina Luxury Suites is different and unique.

Athina Luxury Suites offers mind blowing views over the Caldera. The romantic location does seem like a dream! This is what paradise looks like! Instead of the large hotels, Athina Luxury Suites is a hidden gem with the most tranquil atmosphere one could wish for. The outdoor infinity pool is overlooking the sea. The very comfortable sunbeds are the perfect spots to read a book or listen to some music while relaxing. I could spend my time here all day long, listening to music and admiring the surrounding areas.

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We stayed in the Honeymoon Suite which was like a dream coming true. This suite has recently been renovated and offers only the best of the best: a comfortable lounge area with sofa, an oversized desk, the most comfortable king sized bed.

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The best thing about the Honeymoon Suite is the private outdoor heated plunge pool with jets. Trust me, watching the views from your own jacuzzi is the best.

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Not only did we have a private outdoor jacuzzi… The Honeymoon Suite also has a luxurious bathroom with single sink and a large walk-in (rain)shower. Guerlain toiletries are provided and are one of my favorite!

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Breakfast at Athina Luxury Suites is one of the best breakfasts I have ever experienced. You can order from an à la carte menu and mention your preferred timing. The staff will do their upmost best to serve you right on your private balcony. That is right, we had breakfast while we enjoyed the surrounding views. Again, we were treated like royalty. The food tasted amazing by the way!

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Esperisma is one of the highlights at Athina Luxury Suites. This fine dining restaurant offers one of the best views of the entire island and the relaxed atmosphere is heavenly! We thoroughly enjoyed our wonderful dinner here. Not only did the food blew us away, also the service was top notch! The staff was very knowledgeable about each dish and wine. The food was to die for. Chef Zacharakis is a real star in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine! It was one of the best dinners we experienced during our entire trip through Greece!

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Our stay at Athina Luxury Suites is unforgettable! With only 16 suites, they are able to provide a very personal approach and service. Every staff member I met was very friendly and accommodating. Nothing is asked for too much. That makes Athina Luxury Suites so unique and unforgettable. The staff members are incredible. Can’t say enough good things about the staff. Every time I met someone, I was greeted with a smile, they all seem to be happy working here which is noticeable and very appreciated as a hotel guest. Highly recommended for a luxurious and romantic getaway in Santorini!

Stella Island Luxury Resort

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Hotelchain: Stella Hotels
Location: Hersonissos – Greece (Crete)
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: stellaisland.gr

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Let me present one of the best all-in experiences I have ever had. Stella Island Luxury Resort is a brand new 5 star adults only resort. From the moment we arrived, we felt at home. I immediately felt the laid back and relaxing atmosphere. Let me take you to paradise!

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First of all, location. Stella Island Luxury Resort is only a 15 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The hotel is located near Hersonissos.

The semi-open lobby area gives a great first impression of the hotel. We were escorted to one of the comfy couches where the check-in was arranged. Everything about the resort was explained in a very professional way. I only saw smiling guests all over the place which gave me good vibes. From the lobby area you immediately have a great overview of the resort.

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We stayed in a over water bungalow which was a treat! It actually felt like we were on the Maldives. Those rooms are separate small houses with their own sun deck. We couldn’t have asked for a better room. The room has been beautifully decorated with high quaility materials. The wooden touches give that extra ‘island feeling’. As mentioned before, we had our sun deck with direct access to the pool… very convenient! No need to look for sun loungers around the pool.

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The open bathroom had double sinks, a separate toilet and a great walk-in (rain)shower.

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There are several packages when you book a dream holiday at Stella Island Luxury Resort: breakfast, half board and all-inclusive. I definitely recommend the All-Inclusive option as all drinks and meals are included. It really is a good value. I have stayed at several All-In resorts and Stella Island Luxury Resort is definitely one of the best! The overall quality of food and beverages are outstanding!

The pools all over the resort are stunning and maintained very well as well as all grounds of the hotel. It does look like paradise with all the palmtrees and water features.

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Now let’s talk about food!
Oceania was one of our favorite restaurant. Fish is their main ingredient and has been prepared in an excellent way. Even the look of the dishes is impressive.

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But even at lunch, Stella Island Luxury Resort has several options. I am in love with their steak sandwich. A must try when you are there! The other night, we went to Umami again for a delicious steak. I can not say enough good things about the food.  Quality at its highest level.

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My favorite bar at Stella Island Luxury Resort is Umbra! This is the place to be for a cocktail in style!

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Breakfast is served at the buffet restaurant, Kimata. Breakfast at Stella Island Luxury Resort is something to look forward to. There’s something for anyone!

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No dream holiday without a spa treatment. The staff was very professional and did a great job. Also, the spa area has been beautifully decorated and feature one of the nicest indoor pools I have ever seen!

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At night, there’s an entertainment program. Weather it is live music or a dj, there’s always something to do.

What a wonderful resort for a dream holiday! Stella Island Luxury Resort stole my heart and I can not wait to return!

Aristi Mountain Resort

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Location: Aristi – Greece
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: aristi.eu/en

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Aristi Mountain Resort is an upscale four star hotel in the gorgeous Aristi area! It makes part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. This is not your average hotel! Inside this authentic resort is another world waiting for you! The hotel invites you to cross the line into an extraordinary world where lovely design and service are top priority. I was so surprised… let me tell you why!

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The resort has several buildings. Each traditional building has a wooden roof is beautifully integrated in the nature with respect of the local environment. I loved the local grey stone tiles of the buildings.

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I loved my room here! Each room design at Aristi Mountain Resort is unique and all feature a trendy cozy mountain theme. The bed was very comfortable. The lay out is excellent. The comfy sitting area was great to relax after a hike in the area. It really reminds you of being in the mountains with all the gorgeous designer elements. I appreciate the local materials that were used to build and decorate this resort. Again, the grey stone tiles added the extra wow factor. Bathroom featured a bathtub, single sink and toilet.

Each room at Arisiti Mountain Resort has a view over the surrounding area. The balcony is the perfect place to relax and soak up all the beauty of nature.

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I recharged myself at one of the most stylish spa areas in town. This is the place to relax, unwind and refresh yourself after an active day in the mountains. The indoor pool is a treat and feels very relaxing. Other facilities I enjoyed were the steam room and sauna, both very well maintained and so relaxing after a day in the mountains!

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Speaking of activities, there is so much to do in this area. From rock and mountain climbing to rafting, canyoning, horse riding, etc. you won’t get bored here. When we think of Greece, we think of islands and history. But the mainland is gorgeous too. I was really impressed with all the beauty of nature. It is really worth to visit this area. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

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Aristi Mountain Resort has several restaurants for you to explore. Salvia Restaurant is the main restaurant offering panoramic views of the Greek mountains. Just beautiful! We had dinner here and the food and service didn’t disappoint. Actually, the varied menu will please anyone. Local ingredients were used to prepare the food and it tasted so good. The traditional Epirotic dishes were much appreciated!

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Breakfast at Aristi Mountain Resort is something to look forward to each morning! The food and service are outstanding! Having breakfast with such a view will please anyone!

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Aristi Mountain Resort is one of a kind and one of the better four star hotels in the area. Loved my stay here and I highly recommend to book a wonderful room while staying in the Aristi area.

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

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Hotelchain: Four Seasons Hotels
Location: Athens – Greece
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: fourseasons.com/athens

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Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a five star luxury hotel located on the beautiful Athens Riviera. Location is excellent, the hotel is the ideal place to stay when you are looking for both relaxation near the coast and for visiting Athens. The city center of Athens can be reached in just 25 minutes.

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When I entered Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens I immediately knew that this would be a great stay. The luxurious lobby definitely is an eye-catcher with its beautiful furniture and relax atmosphere. The contemporary design is impressive and the large windows offer stunning views over the surrounding areas. Loved it!

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Let’s talk about rooms… Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens has a total of 303 rooms which are all luxuriously appointed and decorated in a very stylish way.  Rooms are spread over 2 buildings: The Nafsika and the Arion Building. The room I stayed in at the Nafsika building was absolutely stunning and the view over the sea was just incredible. The room had upscale furniture and a very comfortable living area and separate sleeping area with the most comfortable bed. At 44m² it was very spacious. The large windows offered panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and it was nice to hang out on the private furnished balcony. As usual at any Four Seasons, the bed was heavenly. It was like sleeping on a cloud.

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The large full marble bathroom was like a dream coming true. This bathroom is among the most beautiful bathroom I have ever seen. The free standing designer bathtub was top notch. The oversized excellent separate (rain)shower couldn’t be better. Oh, and I should definitely mention the Le Labo toiletries! A first time for me, but hopefully not the last. They smell a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Everything in the room was very well maintained. The room was cleaned several times a day and – of course – turndown service is provided each night.

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Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens offer a lot of facilities to their guests. The spa center is a must visit when you are staying here. The relaxing treatments and facilities of the CBE Wellness area are designed to make you feel relaxed and reborn. Each morning, I started my day with a nice swim in the indoor pool. Their marble indoor pool is very impressive. That is right, even the pools at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens are eye catchers. The large outdoor pool located right next to the beach is THE place to hang out when you’re looking for ultimate relaxation.

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After hanging out at the pool, I went down to see the beach. Even walking on the board walk to get to the beach is truly pleasant!

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Other facilities are the separate male/female Finnish sauna, Moroccan hammam for men and Rhassoul for women. The fitness area is up to date with great furniture and Pilates studio. For total relaxation after the work-out, the Silent Duvet Room is a treat! Several body treatments and facials are offered as well as private spa suites. I loved the semi outdoor terrace with plenty of loungers. It was sunny when I was in Lausanne and it was divine to rest here and reading a good book.

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There are several dining options at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. We had dinner at Mercato, their stylish Italian trattoria. The restaurant is located near the beach and we were lucky enough with the good weather, having dinner outside is always a good idea. . It made our evening even more pleasant. The food was delicious and the best thing was the view. Watching the sunset from here was heavenly!

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Service throughout the entire evening was excellent. Every request has been taken care of with a smile. The service here was out of this world, very nice, easy going and certainly not snobby or anything.

The hotel offers more casual restaurants such as Taverna 37 – a beachfront bistro with a Greek cuisine and Helios – their Latin American grill restaurant.

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If you are looking for a more formal fine dining experience, make sure to book your table at Pelagos, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens signature restaurant. It specializes in sophisticated Greek seafood. Although I didn’t eat here myself, I did had a look at the restaurant and was impressed.

Breakfast was outstanding! As you’d expect at a Four Seasons property, a  nice buffet is offered with a lot of choices to start your day healthy. My favorite drink was the smoothie with ginger and freshly squeezed orange juice. So refreshing and healthy at the same time. Loved the fact that we were able to sit outside.

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What a nice hotel to stay near Athens. This is a high class hotel with charm and a relaxed atmosphere. When you are in the area either for business or leisure, this hotel will do. I loved the overall service level and many facilities. Four seasons stands for high standard and that definitely was the case at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. From the moment I stepped in until we left, I enjoyed every second here and can’t wait to return!

Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas

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Hotelchain: Helios Hotels & Resorts
Location: Elounda – Greece (Crete)
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: eloundabeach.gr

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Rated as one of the best beach resorts on Crete, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas 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 Leading Hotel of the World, 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.

First of all, location location location… Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is a beach resort with a prime location in Elounda. The area truly is mind blowing and is often described as the more exclusive part of Crete.

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Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has been active in luxury hospitality for quite a time now. 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 and professional. This is Greek hospitality at its highest level!

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The lobby area at Elounda Beach is an elegant place to hang out and gives an excellent first impression of the resort. Check-in took place in one of the comfortable couches. Staff did make us feel at home right from the beginning. Everything we needed to know about the resort was explained in a very professional and kind way.

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We stayed in an Waterfront Suite and were very impressed. When we entered we couldn’t believe our eyes. The first thing we saw was the private infinity pool … it was like a dream coming true! The Waterfront Suite itself was ultra luxuriously appointed, had a great size and had all the amenities I would expect at a high level five star hotel. I appreciated the up to date design. The suite was completely renovated. The beds are among the best I have ever slept in. It was great to hang out in the suite and we didn’t need to leave the suite as we had our own pool and sea deck. The view we had was the best we could ask for, watching the ocean while enjoying the sun was a blast! We couldn’t have asked for a better suite, it was perfect and we actually felt at home.

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The suite had 2 bathrooms, each luxuriously appointed and featured an oversized walk-in shower and separate (gorgeous) bath tub! The steam shower was a bonus! Fancy Bulgari toiletries were provided. Everything was very clean. They maintain their rooms in an excellent way.

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There are a lot of fun things to do here at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas! 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! Kids are welcome at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas as well. There’s a separate kids pool and a children’s supervised animation program. By the way, tennis courts are available at no extra charge.

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A very cool thing about this resort: the sport activities. From very well maintained tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a football pitch and even a minigolf course. It’s all there and we enjoyed it very much. It’s very relaxing to play a badminton game during your holidays and to relax at the pool afterwards. Even if you like watersports, you can do waterskiing, sailing or even rent a water ski. Very cool! Of course, a fitness center is available too with extensive range of cardiovascular machines, body sculpting equipment and free weights. Whether you want a serious work out or just a gentle stretch of the legs, the fitness center is the place to be. Another would be walking. Walking around the resort is like taking a walk in paradise. The surrounding areas are just gorgeous in this upscale resort!

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As a guest of Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas you are treated as royalty. I also loved the fact that they organize several themed nights. Staff is there to make each guest feel at ease. It’s not a snobby service, you are treated in a very kind way. Each staff member I encountered was a professional.

Time to relax! The Espace Vitalité Chenot Crete is one of the nicest spa areas 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. The therapist was a professional. Make sure to book a treatment here. For me the experience was like returning to balance… an escape from the everyday and reinvigorate my mental and physical wellbeing while being in Elounda Beach’s tranquil and welcoming surroundings.

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Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas 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 à la carte menu will please anyone. I didn’t have lunch as the food from the breakfast was so good and I just had to try everything 😊

At night, I had dinner at Argonaut restaurant, their seaside restaurant and is known for its Mediterranean snacks during lunch hours and Italian cuisine at night. Meat, salads and seafood, it is all there and prepared in an excellent way. The Head Chef is a true professional and makes sure each guest will have a great time. We did wanted to try sushi as we have heard wonderful things about their sushi. Our request was dealed with a smile! We had a table with an amazing view over the sea. It was heavenly! Staff was very attentive and professional. We loved our evening.

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As we were in Greece, we just had to book a table at Kafenion Greek Restaurant for the second night. The Cretan cuisine here is out of this world. Prepared to perfection, we tried several traditional and authentic dishes such as Greek salads, Mousakas, grilled lamb chops with thyme, virgin olive oil and lemon. Even the side dishes like a simple patato tasted heavenly! It was just delicious … The dessert – a Galaktoboureko custard filled pie – was to die for. Staff again was excellent and very knowledgeable about each dish.

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A stay at the world known Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is top notch. Of course, it’s a Leading Hotel of the World 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 Crete getaway!

Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade

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Hotelchain: Apollo Hotels
Location: The Hague – Netherlands
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: apollohotels.nl/apollo-hotel-den-haag-promenade

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Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is a luxurious upscale four star hotel near the city center of The Hague. This luxurious hotel offers chic, sophisticated and elegant rooms and an impeccable service. Absolutely loved my stay here, let me tell you why!

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When I entered the hotel, I immediately fell in love with the many designer element you will find in the entire hotel. It provides just the right design touches you expect at a luxurious city hotel without it being too flashy. This is an expansive lobby area you want to hang out in. Check-in staff were very friendly and informative. Actually, I have found the entire staff at Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag incredibly pleasant.

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The beautiful Corner Suite I stayed in was ultra luxurious! I was just blown away… The suite was enormous, it almost felt like a small apartment. The suite had a separate sleeping and sitting area. The bedroom – again luxuriously appointed – had a great king sized bed. I loved the wooden finishing and designer furniture.

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I loved the bathroom! It was just stunning with a gorgeous separate bath tub and rain shower. Double sinks and separate toilet were lovely. I took a bath and it almost felt like I was relaxing in my private spa area. Great!

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Leonardo Royal Den Haag Promenade has a lot to offer! There’s a large indoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. As most of you know, I love hotel pools so I was happy to find out that this hotel has a great pool. Water temperature was excellent! The adjoining fitness center is large and offers the best equipment for a good work out. After the work out, I was ready to relax. Promenade Health Club & Spa is the perfect place to unwind and forget all the stress. Guests can use several different saunas and steam rooms. The best part, guests enjoy complimentary access to the large wellness area (900 m²!).  Of course, body treatments are available as well.

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At night, I had dinner at their signature restaurant , Brut International Flavours. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was impressed by the design and atmosphere… I was alone and didn’t have much time so I ordered a Club Sandwich and I must admit it was one the best I have ever had. Service was top notch! I was treated as royalty!

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The next morning, after a good night’s sleep, it was time for breakfast. The breakfast buffet at Brut International Flavours was of an excellent quality and offers something for everyone. On top of that, the service was very personal and efficient.

Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is my favorite hotel at The Hague. From the modern rooms with an elegant design, the relaxing pool area to the excellent restaurant and top notch service, Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is a great choice for your next trip to The Hague! Loved every second of my stay here!

Crowne Plaza Brugge

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Hotelchain: Crowne Plaza
Location: Bruges – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: ihg.com/…s/nl/nl/brugge/ostbe/hoteldetail

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Located near the beautiful city of Bruges, Crowne Plaza Bruges is a great four star hotel with excellent amenities. This hotel opened its doors a while ago and as you can expect from a Crowne Plaza property, the hotel is luxuriously decorated and offers great facilities which I will tell you more about later. Most parts of the hotel have been renovated in 2015.

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Crowne Plaza Bruges definitely is one of the better options if you are looking for a hotel in Bruges. Whether it is for business or leisure, both travelers will be treated as royalty! The hotel is easily reachable and I loved the fact that while you are in the center of Bruges, it’s not in the busiest part. The hotel is located at the medieval Burg Square near central sights. The famous Belfry – probably the most famous building of Bruges – is only a few steps away. But also the beautiful canals are reachable in just a few minutes. This hotel probably has the best location I have experienced in Bruges. Guests can rent bikes and explore the area. A must do when you are in Bruges!

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Right upon arrival, I was welcomed with a smile and the front desk staff told me everything I needed to know about the hotel and the facilities. I was happy to find out that as soon as I entered, I felt pampered. The interior is totally up to date, cozy chic and I immediately liked the contemporary design of the hotel. The very spacious lobby area is just beautiful.

This Crowne Plaza holds a hidden history below its lobby. It shows very well the amazing remains of a historic church from Bruges ancient past. This is a unique location to host a (wedding) party, seminar, etc.

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Time to talk about rooms. Each room at Crowne Plaza Bruges is comfortably appointed with all the facilities you’d expect of a four star hotel. Our room was beautifully decorated! I appreciated the comfy sitting area and excellent bed! As usual at a Crowne Plaza property, each room here is very spacious and efficiently shaped. I was really impressed with the size of the room. By the way, we couldn’t have asked for a better view!

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Bathroom featured an oversized walk in rain shower and single sink. Crowne Plaza toiletries are provided. They smell amazing!!

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I should definitely mention the large onsite indoor pool which is located on the 8th floor. It is great to have a pool while you are in the center of Bruges! Even as a business traveler, I love to swim after a day full of meetings. Next to the pool is the wellness area where guests can enjoy the sauna or work out in the fitness center with up to date furniture.

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Their restaurant, Plaza Cafe Bruges, offers an international cuisine. I really like the contemporary and modern décor of the restaurant. Each morning, they serve breakfast here too. As I was there during the COVID19 pandemic, breakfast was served in my room which was a delight. I felt like a king 😊 The overall quality of the food was excellent and I loved the smoked salmon and fresh strawberries!

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Crowne Plaza Bruges is a top notch four star hotel. This very comfortable hotel offers a good location, lovely interiors and the most comfortable facilities. Highly recommended to stay here when you are looking for a nice getaway in one of the best spots of Bruges!

Crans Ambassador

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Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: cransambassador.ch

Knipsel

Crans Ambassador is a one of my favorite five star hotels in Switzerland, surrounded by the beautiful Swiss Alps. I was so excited to be able to explore this jewel again! I visited the hotel already in summer and I soon found out that it is as much fun in winter 🙂 The nature is so beautiful and peaceful here. If you are looking for a nice atmosphere, Crans-Montana definitely is a wonderful village to stay at!

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When we arrived at Crans Ambassador, I knew that the next 48 hours would be great. This hotel is well known for its service and overall quality. When you stay here, you can expect top notch service in an ulta luxurious environment. By the way, complimentary parking here! Great!

The lobby area is stunning and you immediately feel the Alpine atmosphere which is great. The comfortable sitting areas and fireplaces are cosy. Check-in was very professional and everything we needed to know about the hotel facilities were explained in a very kind way. I appreciated the welcoming smile and kindly explained information. The colorful designer apple in the middle of the reception area is a nice feature.

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When I entered the room, I was blown away! The rooms, even the standard rooms at Crans Ambassador are very luxuriously appointed and decorated in warm colors. The mix with traditional wood and hyper modern bathrooms is excellent. The very comfortable couch was great for reading a book and enjoying the surrounding areas. The outdoor terrace offered fantastic views.

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Bathroom is large featuring a wonderful oversized walk-in (rain)shower. I really liked the water pressure of the shower, very powerful. Lights can be dimmed which is a nice feature.

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One of the highlights at Crans Ambassador is their spa area. It is a huge spa area with an amazing indoor pool, several saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas. This is paradise and THE place to relax after a full day in the mountains! After I spent a day on the slopes, I enjoyed some me-time here every day experiencing several sauna sessions . I should definitely mention that the pool is one of my favorite pools ever! It is pretty large, water temperature is excellent and the whole place is maintained in a very good way. A full fitness center is available too with up to date equipment.

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I got to experience a relaxing spa treatment which was very energizing! This classic aromatherapy massage is both energizing and nourishing and is specifically designed to focus on painful joints or stiffness in the body as required. This therapeutic body treatment was an excellent way for me to relax and what I requested before the treatment (medium pressure, etc.) was exactly done. It was a complete journey that awakened the senses. I felt that I was under great care, the therapist made me feel at ease right from the beginning. The body treatment room was very comfortable and is designed to make guests feel at ease.

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The brand they promote at Crans Ambassor, Nescens, is one of the best in the industry. I got to try several of their products and I must admit I was very impressed!

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Dining at Crans-Ambassador is something to look forward to! With a total of 4 restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone’s taste.

Le Carnotzet offers tempting authentic dishes in a charming atmosphere. The menu includes regional specialties such as a local cheese platter and local fondues. We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious dishes here. I love the cosy mountain style interiors as it totally gave me the feeling of being in the Swiss Alps 😊 I always love to try local dishes and when I think of Switzerland, I think of CHEESE! A traditional starter of the night: dried beef meat. Together with a nice glass of red wine, this was the perfect starter. As a main course, the Valaisan fondue with tomato tasted excellent. The cheese fondue with a touch of tomato was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s and a must try when you dine at Le Carnotzet! We even tried two local raclette cheeses and I loved them both! Highly recommend!
We rounded off our meal with a delicious dessert, it was the perfect mix of meringues, double creal from Gruyère and exotic fruits… and the best part: it tastes as good as it sounds. Thumbs up for Chef William Weiss! He’s the best!

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La Table is another fine dining restaurant at the Crans Ambassador! We had the pleasure to indulge ourselves within a lively and intimate ambience. Each staff member was doing a fantastic job to please us. The chef did an excellent job. We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful culinary journey. From the scallops carpaccio which came with mandarin and Waffis saffron, to the roasted chest duckling. Every single item we tasted was divine! The gastronomic meal emphasizes togetherness, the pleasure of taste and was served by very professional staff. The waiters were very attentive and knowledgeable about each dish, even about the wines. I found the food quite innovative and sophisticated. Service was great at all levels. We left with full bellies and smiles on our faces, both agreeing that we would definitely be back.

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And if that’s not enough: the Bar Lounge is another dining option. During daytime, guests can enjoy coffee specialties, sweet delights from the patisserie or an informal lunch. At night, guests can enjoy an informal meal. Sometimes, there’s live music. While we were there, a lady with a violin was entertaining the guests with some wonderful music.

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During our stay at the Crans Ambassador, we explored the wonderful ski area of Crans-Montana. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Crans-Montana Ski area. Featuring 140 km of ski slopes, it is huge! The slopes and ski lifts are directly connected to each other and one could easily ski here for a week without skiing on the same slope! On top of that, most of the slopes are wide and pretty safe. We really liked the overall quality of slopes and ski lifts. Everything is well maintained and prices at the restaurants and bars are fair. This part of the Alps has many advantages: as most of the slopes face south, we enjoyed the sun … and we were lucky, the sun was shining all day long! Secondly, it offers stunning mountain views. This ski area will please anyone, from beginners to experts… there are slopes for just everyone! For more information, visit their official website: https://www.crans-montana.ch/en/ski/.

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Crans Ambassdor is a top notch five star hotel in a fantastic location! I appreciate their way of working involving local farmers etc. The rooms are luxurious, service is top notch and the spa is unbelievable! Do know that this hotel is also paradise during winter as you have direct access to a ski lift which will take you directly to the slopes. I will return in a heartbeat! Highly recommended for a luxurious mountain getaway!

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!