A Luxury Travel Blog

As some of you will already be aware, the blog has had to take a bit of a backseat this last couple of months as I’ve been working on embarking on a new venture – Kendal Cottages – offering luxury vacation rental accommodation in the UK.  This week was a significant one  as we exchanged contracts on our first property, meaning that I can now describe what we are doing in a little more detail.

We have purchased a luxury riverside apartment on the edge of the Lake District and accessible also to the Yorkshire Dales (both National Parks).  It is in the town of Kendal, meaning that you get all the amenities of a small market town (restaurants, bars, shops, etc.) but that you also have beautiful scenery – some of the UK’s finest – within easy reach.

As you can imagine, it’s been a busy time for us.  Not only have we been dealing with finance, solicitors, etc. but we’ve also had to think ahead with regards to equipping the property.  This week we bought outdoor furniture as the apartment as a decked balcony overlooking the River Kent and out towards Kendal Castle, now in ruins but once home to Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Catherine Parr.  We’ve also purchased two sofas from Laura Ashley for the living area, a solid oak dining table and hope to order more furniture before the week is out.  Thankfully the kitchen already comes equipped with brand new oven, hob, fridge, freezer and microwave, all built in, so we don’t have to source these items.  The next job will be beds and then curtains, I think.  We need to get the property looking complete, even if we still need to buy miscellaneous items such as cutlery, etc. in order that we can take photographs for the website that I’m also working on.  As you can see, it’s busy times but we’ll try not to let A Luxury Travel Blog fall by the wayside too much!

Last October we were honoured to be the first guests ever to stay at the newly opened Elounda Solfez Villas. Situated high upon a hillside overlooking Elounda, this small group of properties raises the bar on self-catering accommodation to an entirely new level and comes with a stunning view over the whole of the Bay of Elounda.

As the name implies with self-catering accommodation, you normally cater for yourself, but that needn’t be so at these villas.   Firstly, you can choose a Cretan delights package which means that you can arrive to a well-stocked fridge and freezer, fresh fruit and vegetables, Greek wine, etc. – ample provisions for most of your stay.

You can also request all manner of services not normally associated with self-catering, whether it be a regular pool attendant who’ll ensure your villa’s private pool is free of leaves and any other debris, a daily maid service or whether you would simply like your own private chef to come and serve you breakfast or dinner.

We stayed in Villa Re which sleeps six; the entrance door took us into an open plan lounge and kitchen on the middle floor. The lounge was equipped with a large flat-screen TV, DVD player and music system, and led out to an outdoor terrace where you could dine whilst basking in the sunshine and taking in the fabulous view.

Up a floor was the en suite master bedroom with a large window at the foot of the bed, dramatically overlooking the Bay of Elounda, and a small balcony that you could sit out on. Down a floor from the lounge there were two further bedrooms – a double and a twin – each sharing a bathroom with bath and shower, plus a washer/dryer and security box.

From this lower level, you could get direct access to your own private infinity pool, sunbeds, a small garden area and a dedicated barbecue corner with accompanying dining table and chairs.  Nothing had been overlooked here – if you so wished, you could spend the whole time in your villa, revelling in the views and relaxing in the peacefulness of the location.

There is however plenty to see and do in the area. A hire car is recommended since the villas are situated on the outskirts of Elounda, but you do have a fabulous Six Senses spa within walking distance, courtesy of the previously reviewed Porto Elounda de Luxe Resort which can be used by guests staying at the Elounda Solfez Villas. Having such great facilities on the doorstep rather sums the place up – I don’t think I’ve ever encountered self-catering accommodation where so many fantastic services are available should guests which to use them – services that are normally only associated with top hotels and resorts.

Many of you will have noticed that posts on A Luxury Travel Blog have been rather thin on the ground this last month.  This is because I’ve been rather busy behind the scenes with something altogether different, but at the same time related.  We are in the process of buying a luxury self-catering property (that’s a vacation rental if you’re on the other side of the pond to us) in Kendal, Cumbria – the town where we live.  I can’t say too much more at this stage because we have yet to exchange contacts but, all being well, that will be happening in around 2 weeks.  Kendal is a beautiful market town ideally positioned between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks and the property has a fabulous view of Kendal Castle which was once home to Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife and the only one to outlive him.  I’ll post more later but, for the time being, a temporary website exists at Kendal Cottages with links to Facebook and Twitter.

Last summer we enjoyed a very relaxing week at the five star Gwel an Mor resort on the outskirts of Portreath in mid Cornwall. After a pleasant welcome, we settled into lodge number 40, also known as ‘Tehidy’.  All the lodges are named after the local area and Tehidy Country Park is a 250-acre estate not far away.

Despite there being just the four of us, our lodge could easily sleep six people and so presented us with more than ample space.  We enjoyed a sea view and comfortable accommodation that consisted of three bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs and an open plan kitchen, dining area and living room upstairs.

The lodges also have outdoor decking and balconies and some have hot tubs too.  Perched high above Portreath, the resort is well positioned for a variety of things to do whether it be spending time on the beaches, coastal walks, or visiting local attractions.  The Eden Project – home to the world’s largest greenhouse – is about an hour away.

And if you prefer not to venture too far away, facilities at the resort are good. There is the Terrace Restaurant & Bar (open to both residents and locals alike), serving far better fayre than your average pub but without being so stuffy that you would feel uncomfortable with children. Gwel an Mor is, afterall, a family friendly resort.

Also on site is a spa with views over the Atlantic, a gym and an indoor swimming pool.  All useful facilities but for us one of the big bonuses – and a unique selling point for Gwel an Mor – was the resort’s own resident wildlife expert, Gary Zammit.  We went rockpooling with him and it proved to be a great experience for the children.

Impressed, we headed straight for the site office to see what else was available. Although Gary looked to be ‘booked up’ for the remainder of the week, we made enquiries and he kindly squeezed in an additional wildlife tour for the four of us the following day.  If you stay and are faced with the same predicament, do make enquiries and they will try to accommodate you.

Gary is a very interesting person.  Not only has he taught an orphaned heron to fly but he also cares for a host of other animals. His wildlife experience was well-pitched so that it was both interesting to adults and engaging for youngsters. Our two boys – aged just 5 and 3 – enjoyed some wonderful opportunities: they hand-fed one of the foxes, flew Sly the Barn Owl, handled a grass snake and much more.

We really enjoyed our stay at Gwel an Mor and would recommend it for a great family holiday. Plans could be afoot to add more lodges to the resort. If this is to go ahead, hopefully it can be achieved without adversely affecting Gwel an Mor’s charm.

Searching for the ultimate winter wonderland break? Then look no further than the enchanting Scottish Highlands. Alladale Wilderness Reserve covers 23,000 acres of the highlands and this Summer saw the opening of two new, chic highland bothies to compliment the main stalking lodge on the reserve. Ideal for couples and smaller groups of friends and family, Eagles Crag and Ghillies Rest sleep between 2-4 people and add a touch of luxury to this remote wilderness. Every aspect of a true Highland break has been thought of and catered for. Guests can expect a fully stocked kitchen and fridge brimming with locally sourced, organic ingredients to cook up a feast with, or the option of a hearty, home cooked dinner delivered from the main lodge for guests to simply pop in the oven. Days can be spent embracing the highland air with a personal ranger who is on hand to take guided hikes up the glens, pony treks across the reserve, fly fishing lessons, stalking on the hills and 4×4 safaris in search of the elusive European Elk and Wild Boar. All in the knowing that when guests return to their bothy a fire will be burning bright and freshly made tea and cakes will be awaiting their return.

Co-ordinated by an ex designer for Mulberry, the bothies have been designed to the highest standard, incorporating contemporary classic design with local materials and artisanship. The rooms all have under floor heating; there are wood-burning stoves in the sitting rooms, and Fired Earth double ended baths to relax in after a day outdoors. The living room with its high ceilings and chunky beams plays host to generous Andrew Martin sofas and London-based Vincent Sheppard chairs, along with large tanned leather beanbags.

Alladale offers a nightly rate from £400 in Ghillies Rest and £700 in Eagles Crag which includes a fridge stocked full of locally sourced, organic ingredients to cook up a feast with along with the option of dinner cooked for you by a chef from Alladale Lodge and left for you to heat up. Also includes a personal ranger to take guests on 4×4 wilderness safaris, fishing lessons, hikes and mountain bike rides.

Julie Byrd is the Director of Sales for Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations. They are the leading luxury travel provider in Los Cabos and represent over 140 private villa rentals and 50 resorts. They’ve specialized in the region for over 20 years, so they’re intimately familiar with the destination and have built long-standing relationships with the best local vendors and properties.

What is it that you do exactly?

I oversee an incredible team of Sales Agents. Many of our clients find out about us either via our website or by word of mouth. In keeping with the very high-end nature of our offerings, we don’t sell any “cookie-cutter” packages; we customize each travel experience for each client, matching them with the best villa, helping them select villa services such as private chefs, mobile spa services etc, arranging activities, etc.

A typical day involves fielding sales opportunities and assisting my team in fulfilling these leads. I work intimately with our villa owners to address client concerns, develop effective marketing plans and make suggestions for property improvements. I also work very closely with our Marketing Department to ensure our message is consistent.

A typical day involves fielding sales opportunities and assisting my team in fulfilling these leads. I work intimately with our villa owners to address client concerns, develop effective marketing plans and make suggestions for property improvements. I also work very closely with our Marketing Department to ensure our message is consistent..

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I absolutely love helping our sales agents plan exceptional vacations for our clients. I really love the personalized nature of our services, and that we are helping each and every client achieve their personal vision of a dream villa vacation; creating a memory they will never forget.  Building strong relationships is very important to me. Nothing makes me more pleased than a return guest who appreciates the personal touch we offer. And, of course, I love that I’m able to travel to Los Cabos, a destination that is very dear to my heart.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Villa Grande – it was my first experience staying in a luxury villa in Los Cabos. I felt like royalty and was thrilled to be able to share it with my friends and family. After this first taste of the villa experience, I was hooked!

Villa Cielito – this is such a unique and magical estate, located on the best snorkeling beach in Cabo. The house had everything there was to offer and I loved the serenity of walking down the steps from my villa and along beautiful Chileno Bay. The villa is simply gorgeous, surrounded by palms and with these magnificent walls that open to magnificent Sea of Cortez views.

Hacienda Santa Cruz – I felt like I stepped back in time to Mexico in the 50s, and I have never been more relaxed my entire life. Hacienda Santa Cruz is located at Rancho Las Cruces, an exclusive and remote resort located about an hour outside of La Paz on the East Cape of Baja.  The community has its roots in the mid-twentieth century, when Hollywood greats like Bing Crosby and Desi Arnaz built vacation homes here, along this stunning stretch of coastline. The resort’s hotel offers family style dining and we met the most fascinating group of people there. The beach couldn’t have been better and I spent many hours just floating in the Sea of Cortez.  The villa has that incredible mid-century style, with a brick patio overlooking the beach. Divine!

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

On that first memorable trip to Los Cabos, I had the luxury of having dinner at Edith’s Restaurant in Cabo. There were 4 servers for our table of 10; the most incredible service I had ever experienced. We had the Wally Special, which included locally caught fish, shrimp and lobster. Not only was the service top of the line, but the atmosphere and food was exceptional, and most of all I felt it was a very authentic Mexican experience.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

In fact, we’ve have had many Hollywood stars, entertainers and high-profile sports figures stay in our private villas. They tend to appreciate the anonymity that goes along with staying in a private estate in a gated community. It is because we keep their confidence that I can’t drop names; we’ve been very successful in keeping the media away from them.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

To stay at Villa Bellissima, the newest and most luxurious villa in the private gated community of the Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas. The Pedregal is Cabo’s most exclusive address and is home to multi-million dollar mansions. It’s a great spot because it feels very private but is just minutes to all the action of downtown Cabo and the marina. This villa is a contemporary masterpiece, perched dramatically on the granite hills overlooking the Pacific. It also comes with two swimming pools, an ocean-view gym, 8 gorgeous suites and a home theater with an 112” screen.

Thank you, Julie. 112″ screen…?! They call that a cinema where I’m from!

For the first time, Spring Creek Ranch is offering a limited number of one-week stays at its exclusive working ranch over the winter holidays. This one-of-a-kind, private cattle ranch offers state-of-the-art amenities and activities for guests accustomed to high levels of luxury and comfort. Just a little over an hour outside of Aspen, the 1,200-acre ranch features a 4,800 square-foot ranch house with a total of five beautifully-appointed bedrooms.

From the fully stocked wine cellar to the stable of horses and snowmobiles, the entire ranch is completely yours for the week. With maid service, two refrigerators filled with gourmet eats and a cowboy chef, you are truly the master of your own authentic ranch estate. The concierge can also arrange a myriad of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, a day of shopping, gourmet wine tasting or dinner at one of the best restaurants in the world.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. plans to open a new St. Regis hotel in Bermuda, marking a debut for the St Regis brand on the exclusive island. Scheduled to open in 2013, The St. Regis Bermuda and The Residences at The St. Regis Bermuda will be located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Bermuda’s picturesque seaside capital and bustling international business hub. The first major luxury hotel to open in downtown Hamilton in more than 50 years, The St. Regis Bermuda will feature approximately 140 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, approximately 80 exclusive, serviced residences, a Remède Spa, signature restaurant, a wine bar, library, and a rooftop conservatory.

To commemorate World Environmental Day, on 5th June 2009, Luxury Properties Europe – a specialist in both sales and long and short-term rentals – is launching environmental guidelines to stimulate their worldwide clientele’s awareness. In each and every one of their properties located in France, Italy, Switzerland or Greece, there is an Environmental Guide with 8 daily tips for eco-friendly home improvements.

Thought of as a home away from home by many regular guests, Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites is a family-owned and run boutique villa-hotel in the cosmopolitan Elounda, Crete. It offers a unique combination of just 18 ultra-luxurious villas, all with private pools with Jacuzzi, and 10 elegant suites and all the services and facilities of a five star hotel. Elounda Gulf Villas’ ethos is that nothing is too much trouble and all the guests are offered tailor-made and personalised service.  Stay 7, 10 or 14 nights and receive 2, 3 or 4 free nights.

Luxury operator Sanctuary Retreats has added a luxury villa in St Tropez to its portfolio in time for the Cannes Film Festival, which this year takes place between 13th and 24th May 2009. Sanctuary Retreats has further announced that it still has availability at three of its properties in and around Cannes during the festival.

‘Villa 7’ is a stylish villa designed in the neo-Provencal style. It has stunning views of the bay, the Alps and the village of St Tropez. The property has three ensuite bedrooms and sleeps up to six people. What’s more, ‘Villa 7’ also has a wine cellar, an outside dining terrace and a 17m heated pool set amongst the garden’s palm trees. Cannes is a short boat trip away from St. Tropez.

Along the magnificent Dolphin Coast of South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal province, lies the undisputed “jewel in the crown” of the east coast of Africa – Zimbali Coastal Resort. Zimbali is a breathtaking 700-hectare coastal resort situated on a pristine stretch of beach and features architecture inspired by the magnificent environment and which incorporates an Indonesian influence. Known for its lush vegetation and abundant indigenous wildlife, it is a spectacularly beautiful destination and a fine example of an environmentally sensitive South African residential resort.

In keeping with the heritage and reputation of the Fairmont name, the Fairmont Zimbali is offering an exclusive selection of luxury properties for discerning investors. This exclusive property portfolio includes:

• 6 Signature Beachfront Villas,
• 56 executive designer Apartments,
• 6 hillside Villas,
• 21 Golf Suites,
• 30 Hotel Condos,
• 25 Garden Suites and
• 99 hotel rooms comprising Kings, Queens, Suites and Royal Suites.

My name is Claes Bohlin and I am the owner and founder of Bohline Exclusive Villas which are a luxury villa rental company. I run this company together with my girlfriend Cecilia Lilja and we both have a burning desire for travels. Our main goal with the company is to offer our clients the best vacation ever while staying at a villa on a special destination. We have chosen to keep this company small because we like to offer the client a very personal service.

What is it that you do exactly?

I run the company Bohline Exclusive Villas and offer my clients the right villa for the right occasion. I also sell luxury services to the client as a supplement to the villa stay. When a client contacts me, I will take the time to listen to my client’s needs. Every client has very different needs and it’s very important to understand the client and what he wants during his vacation. Every little detail has to be right; the stay at the villa is important but it’s very important that the client will enjoy the activities and restaurants which he could visit on the destination.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Travel, travel, travel. To be able to travel very often in this job is a benefit which I love the most. I think my girlfriend agrees with that. I also like to arrange these amazing vacations for my clients and to see the results of a satisfied traveller when the client is back home and very pleased with everything. When the client says that the vacation was a memory for life, I’ll say mission completed.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

This question is very hard because every destination is so different from one another. But first of all I have to say the Maldives. The Maldives was like a dream; I couldn’t imagine it could be so wonderful like it was when me and my girlfriend got off the little seaplane and got welcomed by the staff of the resort. The water had an amazing colour – it’s almost hard to desribe. The feeling of being so alone in the world and yet totally relaxed was great! If you like to relax and enjoy diving, this is the place for you to visit.

My second favourite place has to be St. Martin in the Caribbean. It was here I rented my first villa ever. This place has it all. If you love to go out for dinner to a gastronomic restaurant you will not be disappointed. The island has so many restaurants to choose from. Here you will find French and Italian cuisine. The island is also very famous for the low-flying aircraft which can be seen at Maho beach.

My third destination of choice has to be Bali because it has a wonderful nature if you visit the whole island. I would not recommend staying at the touristy parts like the big Kuta beach for example, but I recommend taking a cab and going for a visit around the whole island to see the small villages and local theatres. You are also able to watch the dophins in the sunrise at Lovina beach in the north. There is something magical about Bali.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

This was an easy question for me. The restaurant was called La Gaiac and it was located on the island of St. Martin. Me and my family got seated on a rooftop which had about five different dinner tables. They played some classical music on the roof while we decided to have their tasting menu. The menu consisted of dishes like foie gras, lobster and many more delicious dishes. The service was excellent from the staff and the feeling of being seated on this rooftop and having this superb food together with your family was a memorable visit.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Most of our clients are rich but maybe not famous. They are often well educated, earn a good salary and love to travel to explore the world. If we have any celebrities as a client, we will do our best to keep their vacation with us as discrete as possible. This is very important for us. The celebrity wouldn’t have to think about whether the press will find out where they are going to vacation. By renting a villa you always seek privacy and a secluded destination to be sure that you could be relaxed during your vacation.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I often travel to ordinary places to enjoy the sun but I love to visit places like Tibet, the Inca Trail and Antarctica. These special destinations have something to offer me. To go there with my camera and take some wonderful footage would be my next goal. Every destination has something very special to offer – that’s why I love to travel and have the chance to provide my clients with the perfect tailormade vacation!

Thank you, Claes. We wish you continued success at Bohline Exclusive Villas.

I am just back from a one-week stay with my family at the fabulous Royal Garden Villas situated on the outskirts of Adeje, Tenerife. Even before our visit, I knew this place would be special; afterall, you don’t achieve a #1 Tripadvisor status across the entire island without good reason.  The property is owned by Don José Fernando Cabrera (President of ASHOTEL and Vice President of Tenerife Tourism Corporation) and Doña Maria Lozada (an interior designer and architect) who had already launched two previous resorts under the umbrella  of Grupo Golf Resort. 

We stayed in one of the 28 villas here - the two-bedoomed Villa Coral, one floor below the reception level - and our “room” had views over the Golf Costa Adeje’s two-tiered driving range towards El Teide, Europe’s highest mountain.  To the right we also had views out to the Atlantic. To call it a room is an injustice; our accommodation consisted of an entranceway with a fountain, and a twin and master double bedroom to the left, each with their own bathrooms with gala hydromassage showers. To the right was an open-plan living area and fully equipped kitchen (including fridge, dishwasher, etc.), as well as a small utility room with washing machine and dryer – a rare addition but one that is so useful for young families!

Both the master bedroom and the living room led out to a very spacious balcony with a swimming pool (which our children of course loved!) long enough to do a few lengths in (certainly more than the plunge pools which the one-bedroom villas offer) and ample space for eating outside, sunbathing and just generally relaxing – all to a beautiful backdrop of Teide.

On the same level as our villa was the spa – with its splended doorway recovered from a temple in Thailand opening to a haven of tranquillity - and a gym.  I had a relaxing massage in the spa which provided a welcome relief for my rather weary body (I’m one third of the way into a marathon training programme) and my wife a manicure. As well as the treatment rooms, the spa has a hydro-massage pool as its centrepiece. 

The resort also has its own restaurant – Restaurant Jardin – led by Victor Rocha.  Tenerife is yet to have its first Michelin-starred restaurant but this place is sure to be a contender in that quest. Despite not being very able at it, we enjoyed ‘the aromas game’ over dinner; a tasting menu where, for each course, we were presented with three different scents in small bottles and were to try and deduce which scent had been used for each dish.  Sounds easy enough, but it wasn’t, but nevertheless a lot of fun – with exquisite food.

Although there is significant development going on on the island (as there has been for decades), Royal Garden Villas is somewhat protected from this by being flanked on either side by the golf course, making this an ideal place to stay if you’re a keen golfer.  Additional sporting facilities on the doorstep of RGV include Tenerife Top Training which opened in October 2008 with an AthleticAquaCenter, hydrodynamic flume, football pitches and facilities for tennis and squash.

There is also lots to enjoy in the immediate area, whether it be taking advantage of the golf facilities, visiting the twice-weekly market in Costa Adeje, relaxing on one of the nearby beaches, going on a whale watching trip from Los Cristianos (a highlight for us) or simply watching the sunset in La Caleta. A little further afield, attractions include Teide National Park and the well-advertised Loro Parque.

But why venture so far when you’re staying at a haven of tranquillity such as Royal Garden Villas?  One of the things that really struck me about this place is its peacefulness, from the moment we arrived to the day we departed.  Such is the design of the resort that you rarely see other guests apart from at breakfast. The main pool area near reception was invariably deserted despite full occupancy, perhaps because each villa has its own pool, and reception itself is sometimes bypassed by guests because they can leave the complex via the car park on the lowermost floor.  Similarly, we rarely saw guests at the spa. It’s this utter peace and quiet, attention to detail of both the staff and the design and furnishings that has justly earned Royal Garden Villas repeated praise since its opening in September 2006. Long may those glowing Tripadvisor reviews continue.

Want to stay in a luxury country house hotel, but pay less? Want to feast on Michelin-star cuisine and award-winning wine, but on a budget? Well you still can at Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel near Windermere. The hotel is offering a brand new ‘Take Away Menu’ from its Michelin-star kitchen for guests staying in the on-site self-catering accommodation. Recently awarded its Michelin-star status for the tenth consecutive year and in celebration of this and the new self-catering cottages, Holbeck Ghyll has created a take away menu for those wanting to indulge in this gastronomic experience without a hefty price tag!

Only available to residents of Holbeck Ghyll, prices start from £17.50 for a main meal and £9.50 for dessert with free delivery and a complimentary movie for the perfect night in. For even better value, order the two-course menu for two people for a special rate of £49.95. The menu includes a variety of tasty dishes such as Beef Bourguignon, Baked Fresh Fish Pie and Truffled Pasta.

Rotana has announced the opening of its first property in Ras Al Khaimah – The Cove Rotana Resort -overlooking the Indian Ocean on an idyllic water inlet at Arqoob Beach. This exquisite resort offers authentic Arabian hospitality, an elegant design and more than 600 metres of beach, tranquil azure waters and a multitude of activities. It is within easy reach of both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah airport, perfect for business travellers and weekend trips to escape the bustle of city life.

The Cove Rotana Resort combines intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with the personalised service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Rotana. Indulgent amenities such as a well-appointed leisure and fitness centre and an excellent choice of restaurants, bar and lounge, all come together to create a new and irresistible oasis of relaxation. Accommodating for singles, families or a group of friends, the resort houses 202 rooms and suites and 76 single or multi-room villas that offer breathtaking views. Guests will enjoy the design touches that give every room a distinct sense of Arabian luxury.

The resort is all about fun, relaxation and excellent cuisine with recreational facilities and restaurants for every palate. Facilities include a fully-equipped gymnasium, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and seven massage rooms. Guests can also enjoy numerous watersport activities in addition to two swimming pools and 600 metres of alluring golden sand.

The hotel offers guests a choice of chic food and beverage outlets. Lively Cinnamon, the all-day dining restaurant, is the place to socialise over a casual meal with a circle of friends. Unwind and take in the calming atmosphere of poolside dining at Laguna Bay pool bar, which faces the villa islands and lagoons, Breeze bar and lobby lounge is an ideal please for an afternoon coffee or cocktail, Sunset pool bar has unrivaled views and large cushions to lounge in the shade, Breakers is located on the pristine beach and skilled chefs are bring a Mediterranean flavour to the upscale and Italian-influenced Basilico.

For the business traveller, The Cove Rotana Resort features three fully-equipped and stylish meeting rooms with the latest audio-visual equipment and IT facilities, making the resort ideal for small to mid-sized meetings of up to 150 delegates. A business centre with secretarial support is also available.