The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, Sedona’s only spa and golf resort is located amidst the spectacular beauty of Northern Arizona’s red rock country.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, 90 Ridge Trail Drive, sits south of Bell Rock, and Red Rock Crossing, secluded from the bustling activity of Uptown Sedona. Anyone seeking rejuvenation of mind, body, spirit and attitude can do no better than to land right here.

The magnificent red rock formations which surround this Sedona hotel gives the resort the true feel of a high desert lodge. Sedona has often been called “The Most Beautiful Place in America” for its natural beauty and nature. The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa is located just 90 minutes north of Phoenix, AZ with the Grand Canyon only two and a half hours away.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa blends blissful comfort and rustic Arizona style throughout its rooms and suites, which include patios or balconies, and gas fireplaces. The exclusive Jacuzzi Suite, which obviously must be booked well in advance, overlooks the manicured 18 holes championship golf course and painted red rock formations glowing in the Arizona sun.

The resort offers 219 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites. Guests can select between a Deluxe Guest Room, a One Bedroom Suite, a Premium View Suite, the ADA Accessible or Jacuzzi Suite. All guest rooms and suites are exquisitely decorated with Southwest furnishings and many provide views of the stunning red rock formations or manicured golf course fairways. Finally, each room and suite offers a gas fireplace, patio or balcony, microwave and wet bar.

For dining, The Grille at Shadowrock serves up gourmet cuisine Southwestern style supervised by Chef Richards, offering fresh regional fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The decor of the restaurant is ruggedly handsome with earth tones, wrought iron and soft lighting that is sure to provide a comfortable environment for all guests. Outdoor fireside patio dining boasts stunning views of lush fairways and pine-topped mountain ridges.

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa has a lot of leisure activities to offer its guests and the flagship of this would be their championship par-71 golf course designed by Gary Panks, which comes with a full service clubhouse and Pro Shop.

There are also two elaborate outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness center, and concierge services offer a full range of activities. Director of Adventure, Daniel Finch McCaffrey stands ready to help create an exhilarating outdoor experience for those who want the very best in accommodations and adventure.

For the spa focused guest looking to unwind, relax and recharge the system, The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa is also a perfect choice.

Housed in a 20,000 sq ft facility next to the resort, the Hilton Sedona Spa awaits with a myriad of offerings such as their signature Full Circle Massage, the Jasmine Hydrating Body Wrap, the Desert Lotus Journey, and standards like reflexology treatments and Swedish massage.

Embracing a spiritual connection to the surrounding Sedona landscape, this spa offers a wide range of options for guests including : Tai Chi, Kundalini Yoga, Qui Gong and other Eastern movement classes.

Massage and body treats are considered specialties of The Hilton Spa. The objective is to assist each guest in creating a balance between body and mind and to achieve harmony as the aromatherapy and peaceful music loosen one’s muscles and slow one’s thoughts.

The Spa’s therapists have each received a minimum of 600 hours of professional, certified training and their massage and treatment will gently relax your tight muscles, increasing movement and releasing blocked energy. Each massage is tailored to the guest’s personal needs and requests and the therapists are also trained to combine several techniques to give the guest maximum results.

State of the art fitness equipment, a 25-meter lap pool, tennis courts, and personal trainers can assist with an array of workout regimens. After refreshing the mind and body, finish with a visit to the world-class salon to take care of the aesthetic details.

So how do guests rate this desert spa resort ?

Well judging from the TripAdvisor ratings, overall very good : Of the total of 303 reviews by guests 221 reviews fell in the Excellent or Very Good category with some 38 reviews of the 303 in either the Poor or Terrible categories.

Here are some of the reviews :

A couple from New York liked the resort a lot headlining their review “Great value: worth the trek” and continue :

Great value for the money, terrific, clean, spacious accommodations, beautiful views, great if you golf but 2 excellent pools available if you don’t. Food at hotel restaurant was mediocre at best but there’s plenty of other great eateries around. Location is a bit of a drive from the main ‘drag’ but worth it.

A couple from Dublin, Ireland also liked it and called it a “Beautiful place, beautiful hotel, fabulous stay” and continue :

We recently returned from a long holiday in USA, one of our stays in the Hilton resort & spa Sedona, Arizona. The hotel was fabulous, the scenery breathtaking, and we will definitely return to this hotel. The pools were great, and even though we arrived mid afternoon, the restaurant quickly arranged to serve us a delicious lunch. Our rooms were spacious, with a separate dining and kitchen area, and were spotless. The location is just a short 7 min. drive to Sedona itself, but this only comlements the beautiful scenery and adds to the peace and tranquility of the area. I have travelled extensively in the USA and have yet to find a more beautiful location, and will be returning as soon as possible to the Hilton Sedona.

Read more positive and also critical reviews from this resort here.

Not convinced yet ? You may be having seen the images from the resort – click here.

Address:

Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa

90 Ridge Trail Dr.

Sedona, AZ 86351

Tel: 1.928.284.4040 or 1.877.2REDROCK (1.877.273.3762)

Fax: 1.928.284.6940

Website : http://www.hiltonsedona.com/

Set on a stunning 1,000 ha estate on The Western Cape, known for its secluded beach, sweeping fynbos landscapes and ancient indigenous forests, lies the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa with its breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains.

Surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches, on the cliff-top of the Eastern Head and only a one hour flight from Cape Town this unique luxury resort is very much on The Garden Route.

From the moment that guests arrive at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, they will realize what a truly exceptional place they have chosen. The hotel delivers a whole new world of luxury in elegant African style.

Upmarket, distinctive, exceptional, luxurious and the décor is an ethnic fusion with modernity. Every possible whim is catered for on the same premises, from the games room to the library, from the wine cellar to the Champagne Bar and Cigar Lounge, from the whisky bar to the gourmet restaurant, Zachary’s.

Each of the 78 suites including the two presidential suites, have been designed to be utterly indulgent and completely private, all with a contemporary African style. The interiors exude warmth, with stone and wooded textures, while welcoming earth tones create an unexpected contrast to the colors of the surrounding landscape. In all suites, sandstone forms a backdrop to the real log fireplaces, while marble is prevalent on many floors, patios and balconies; the suites have individual climate control, satellite television, DVD player, electronic safe, direct telephone, computer and Internet access, each has a pantry kitchen with deli snacks and a well stocked drinks cabinet, each has spectacular views across either Golf Course, Indian Ocean or Knysna Lagoon.

Guests can choose between the Studio Suite, the Villa Suite or the 2 Presidential Suites – click here to review each of these and their unique features.

The colonial-sized salles de bains feature grand spa baths and separate showers, inlaid with pebble mosaics. Each guest is pampered with designer freebies from the Molton Brown range: heavenly ginger-lily, sea-moss and purifying grape-seed that moisturizes, energizes and bathe body, mind and senses…the perfect antidote to stress and fatigue, the aroma and oils turn the bathroom into a sybaritic sanctuary.

Also when it comes to wining and dining does Pezula excel. The Resort is well known for its gourmet cuisine and offers a number of unique dining experiences with Executive Chef in charge. The New York born Geoffrey Murray combines his vast global experience with a deep devotion to using local organic products prepared with a global twist to create his ‘Modern Ethnic’ menus.

To review his menu and style and the restaurant settings pls click here.

Deemed a paradise for sports enthusiasts by guests and reviewers alike, Pezula offers everything from a Championship Golf Course to tennis courts to horse ridding and canoe trips on the Noetzie River.

The star of Pezula’s recreational facilities, however, has to be its Spa & Gym offering.

Descending from the upper level of the resort past a rock-faced wall of trickling water, with moss and ferns enter an enchantingly beautiful world; beyond the reeded glass, a waterfall cascades into a 12m indoor-heated pool that leads the guest’s eye outwards towards a spectacular view. Complementing the serenity of the Spa, the Gym is a vibrant, energetic space, after your work out, relax in the sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi and cool off in the rain forest shower

The Spa & Gym facility at Pezula includes sauna and steam rooms where various treatments are offered by a team of experienced professionals who have been trained to meet individual needs, and to offer consultation on complete lifestyle programmes.

A variety of massage experiences are available, including a massage with hot stones and rain forest oils. Experience a Rassoul mud experience in the aromatherapy steam room while the therapist applies clays, mineral muds and hydration gels to the guest’s body followed by a light massage.

The Aromatherm Hydro Tub offers a Vichy shower, Aromatherm steam, water and air jet massage, lymph drainage and light therapy. World-renowned products and treatments are available to test and purchase.

Finally, medical spa treatments, including Microdermabrasion and laser treatments are also provided with professional consultation. The post-treatment relaxation has imported heated massage beds where the guests complete their treatment experience with a period of total relaxation.

They also offer a wide range of Spa Packages which are available to review and book here.

So do guests share this review’s enthusiasm of the resort ?

Well they do is the answer as 13 out of 15 reviews from TripAdvisor.com has rated the place with the highest mark being Excellent and only one in the lowest category.

Here are some of the guest reviews :

A couple from the UK “Can’t wait to go back” and gives us their reasoning :

We stayed at Pezula for 4 nights in May 09 and at the end of our stay there, didn’t want to leave! The food was excellent, the service was 5*, the room was gorgeous (total luxury) and the facilities superb. We did many of the varied activities available whilst we were there (riding, hike/canoe, used the spa etc) and were really impressed with all of them (we booked in advance to make sure we were able to get appointments, but found no problems). There were lots of little touches which made it all the more special. All of the people we came across, without exception, had a lovely warmth and friendliness to them, whether they were in the hotel shop, cleaning the rooms or parking our car for us. It is also in a great location – very quiet and peaceful with lagoon or sea views, but only 5 minutes drive from Knysna which has a waterfront, restaurants, shops etc – so there was lots to do, on the times we were able to drag ourselves out of the hotel! We had already decided we were going to return later in the year before we left!

A female travel agent from London, UK calls it “the best hotel ever” and goes on :

I am a travel agent so we went on an educational trip to south Africa and one of the hotels we got to stay in was the pezula.

From the minute we walked in I fell in love with it the rooms are unbelievable and Zacharys restaurant serves the best food!!

We were treated like royalty from start to finish and I don’t think I can say a bad word about this hotel.

My favourite part of the hotel is the staff they made you feel so welcome and nothing is too much for them

The castle on the beach is gorgeous and the land that the hotel own is huge where you can go horse-riding or play golf.

I have had the privilege of staying in some beautiful hotels around the world and in other areas of South Africa and I have to say this is by far the best hotel!!

If you get the chance to stay here you wont be disappointed and I cant wait to go back!

The rest of the TripAdvisor.com reviews can be read here.

Have a look at the photo gallery from the resort or check out this video from Knysna and the Resort too below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXBN-NKW40

Postal Address of Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa:

PO Box 3327

Knysna

6570

South Africa

Street Address:

Lagoon View Drive

Eastern Head

Knysna

South Africa

TEL: +27 (0)44 302 3333

Fax: +27 (0)44 302 3303

Email : hotel@pezula.com

WOW! We just returned home from a beautiful vacation to Bora Bora and we stayed at the Hilton. It was the most beautiful resort we have ever stayed at. We stayed in the over water villa for five nights and have a blast! Everyone was friendly and made us feel at home. I could not have thought of a better place to spend our vacation. The food at the resort was okay and was over priced. But, we did not visit Bora Bora for the food!! The breakfast was really good though! We did go into town and ate at La Bounty and Bloody Mary’s. They were both great!!! We really enjoyed Bloody Mary’s. The food was wonderful!! We mostly stayed at the resort for the entire time and hung out either at the beach or on the swim dock at our room. The snorkeling was breath taking! We did the shark and ray feeding and it was amazing! I could not believe that we were swimming that close to the sharks and the sting rays! We did go to the spa for a day and the views were the best views at the resort. I had a wrap and it was the best treatment I have ever had. If you are looking for an amazing place to relax and see true beauty this is the place for you. We can not wait to visit again soon!

Suspended between crystal waters and limitless skies, the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa is nestled in an idyllic cove of white sand and majestic lava rock. Incomparable in its balance of authenticity and luxury, the Bora Bora Nui offers a unique combination of Polynesian tradition and sumptuous comfort, echoed through authentic artifacts, design, and landscaping.

Arrive at the Resort, built around a sacred and legendary lagoon, by private boat from Moto Muto, which is a 40 minute flight from Papeete International Airport (Tahiti).

The 120 luxury suites & villas at Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa are located on 16 acres of lush & terraced land overlooking a private cove of crystalline waters.

Guests may choose from the luxury of Hillside and Lagoon view, Beachfront or the amazing Over-water Villas & Suites. The indigenous feel of the property is delicately offset by the luxurious over-sized interiors of the suites and villas featuring Mahogany canopy beds, marble tiles, glass floor viewing panels (in the over-water villas) and precious Tapa cloths.

The importance of Motu Toopua within Polynesian mythology is echoed through the authentic artifacts, decorations and landscaping. The indigenous feel of the resort is delicately offset by the luxurious over-sized interiors of the suites & villas featuring marble tiles, exotic woods, and precious Tapa cloths.

Most accommodations are in virtually identical, 95-sq-m bungalows, 82 of them over-water, nine near the beach and 10 extending on pilings from the hillside. In addition, nine smaller, interconnecting lagoon view suites occupy a more hotel-like structure built into the side of the hill backing the property.

At the top of the line are two 135-sq-m royal over-water suites; these and the spa are the only elements here with views of Bora Bora. All bungalows have both living rooms with sofas and chairs and bedrooms with four-poster kings. The over-water models add large, teak-furnished decks with privacy screens.

Drawing inspiration from a rich island bounty and the abundance of the sea the resort’s four restaurants & lounges celebrate the unique flavours of Bora Bora. Embrace a sunset at Upa Upa Panoramic Bar overlooking the lagoon or unwind at the relaxed Ta Le Le Beach bar.

The Iriatai Panoramic Restaurant pairs indigenous local flavours and fine wines for a unique gourmet experience. From a room service breakfast served by canoe to your over-water villa to gourmet cuisine served by torchlight and guests ding bare-feet at the beach-side Tamure Beach Fare Grill, every meal is a feast for your senses. Tamure Beach Fare Grill also features a complimentary Polynesian show twice weekly which is not to be missed.

For those who choose to venture outside the lush resort grounds, there’s certainly no shortage of adventure to be found. From shark feeding and scuba diving to Jet Ski rides and sports fishing. Or take advantage of exclusive use of Motu Tapu, the resort’s own private isle for picnics and special events.

Guests can also work their muscles outdoors with free canoes, sailboats and snorkel gear or retire inside to the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Embracing the healing traditions of the Pacific, the spa’s exotic treatments use native ingredients such as coconut milk, ginger, fragrant tiare flowers, Tahitian grapefruit and aromatic vanilla beans. Tahitian monoi oil — a traditional island beauty secret made from pressed coconut and tiare oil for smooth skin, silky hair and protection from wind and water — is also used in many of the spa treatments.

The hilltop spa features a spectacular 360-degree view of Bora Bora’s famous Mt. Otemanu and the islands of Tahaa (the vanilla island) & Raiatea. The three open air treatment bungalows feature their own Jacuzzi for two and a full bathroom with shower.

The panoramic hilltop spa offers an array of spa treatments in private bungalows with their own jacuzzi. Taha’a vanilla, local honey, papaya, coconut milk, monoï oil and tropical flower essences in the treatments are brought to life by the skilled hands of the therapists.

Click here to view the resort’s photo gallery.

So how do guests rate this Polynesian resort ?

TripAdvisor.com offers 41 guest reviews of which 26 are Excellent and 8 Very Good and only 3 fall in the Poor category.

Here are some of the guest comments made in recent times :

A couple from Dallas, Texas, USA headlines their review “Welcome to Paradise” and continues :

WOW! We just returned home from a beautiful vacation to Bora Bora and we stayed at the Hilton. It was the most beautiful resort we have ever stayed at. We stayed in the over water villa for five nights and have a blast! Everyone was friendly and made us feel at home. I could not have thought of a better place to spend our vacation. The food at the resort was okay and was over priced. But, we did not visit Bora Bora for the food!! The breakfast was really good though! We did go into town and ate at La Bounty and Bloody Mary’s. They were both great!!! We really enjoyed Bloody Mary’s. The food was wonderful!! We mostly stayed at the resort for the entire time and hung out either at the beach or on the swim dock at our room. The snorkeling was breath taking! We did the shark and ray feeding and it was amazing! I could not believe that we were swimming that close to the sharks and the sting rays! We did go to the spa for a day and the views were the best views at the resort. I had a wrap and it was the best treatment I have ever had. If you are looking for an amazing place to relax and see true beauty this is the place for you. We can not wait to visit again soon!

A couple from Bermuda was also impressed despite coming from one of Earth’s true paradises themselves :

This resort is absolutely amazing! If you are looking for a romantic vacation, and have money to spend (I spent $1100 per night for the over-water condos) this is a great place! Mind you, if you are single, you should probably not go to this resort because all you will see around yourself are honeymooners! We went there for vacation and my boyfriend (now husband) proposed to me there. Honestly, I can’t think of a better place for that! It’s very romantic and very beautiful, very relaxing. I really liked the infinity pool…the spa is at a lovely location too. (Mind you, I live in Bermuda which is paradise on earth, even then this resort and it’s location took my breath away!). The food is expensive and not great – but that’s a standard in French Polynesia it seems. We went to Moorea and Tahiti besides Bora Bora and food was below average and overpriced everywhere.

The beaches aren’t great though – so if you are looking for a beach vacation, somewhere else in the Caribbean might be more suitable!

Read the rest of TripAdvisor.com’s reviews here and the resort’s latest announcement here.

Finally have a look at this video from the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWvd9-DOG4s

And the address of the resort :

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

BP 502 Vaitape, Bora Bora, Polynesia (French) 98730

Tel: 689-60-3300   Fax: 689-60-3301

For the discerned traveller who is looking for a combination of subtle luxury, tranquility, fine cuisine and top golf combined with a strong Spa flavour, all set in the heart of the Cote D’Azur, then look no further as The Royal Mougins Golf Resort – Golf, Hotel & Spa is just that.

Located in the heart of a large private countryside estate, and yet just 10 minutes from Cannes or 40 minutes from Monte Carlo, the Royal Mougins Golf Resort welcomes you for an exclusive stay combining golf, spa and wellness. This luxury golf and spa hotel on the French Riviera provides its guests with high-end amenities in a most refined environment.

It really is in the ideal spot for day trips and lounging on the sandy beaches of Cannes. The resort is in Mougins, which is a residential town full of green parks and large private estates. The town is full of art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in France call it home.

At the Royal Mougins resort, guests can choose between three types of suites : Deluxe, Premium and Superior. Many guests’ favourite is the Premium suites. These suites feature sunny bay windows looking over the gardens and a terrace with lounge chairs, perfect for sunbathing in a more intimate environment.

The 29 suites offer a fabulous view of the golf course and the Provencal countryside, which extends as far as the eye can see. The hotel has been designed to privilege space, natural light and integration with the environment. Each suite includes a living room, a dining room, bedroom, bathroom with bathtub and shower, as well as a kitchenette.

No stay at the Royal Mougins is complete without a day on the resort’s exclusive private golf course. The Golf Club at the Royal Mougins Golf Resort only has 600 members from around the world. The course, which is renowned for being technically challenging, is usually reserved for members. However, guests of the golf resort can play at the club for a greens fee.

The Royal Mougins Golf Club is a private Club designated among the “Finest Golf Clubs of the World” and because of this enjoys a place on the list of the most prestigious Golf Clubs.

Access to the course is reserved firstly for Members of the Club and their guests.

Click here to view a video from the resorts and its amazing golf course and offering.

The Royal Mougins resort also boasts a luxurious spa complex, equipped with the most modern technologies and offering a whole range of massages and treatments. This exclusive Spa is nestled around an authentic bastide in dried stone which has been preserved, and which is also linked to a pool, solarium, and an ultra modern care centre.

Try, for instance, the Iyashidome treatment which uses a system of intense sweating to permit a regeneration of the cells and a reduction of the most embedded cellulite.

Or perhaps the “Royal Spa” trend, a hydro performance therapy for men which provides comfort to the skin and also has anti-aging qualities.

The spa also offers a wide range of Massages including Swedish, their “Royal Massage” intended to harmonize the body and mind and specific massages for sports people and golfers which help compensate for lack of energy.

Finally the Spa also offers a hair salon with a complete range of personalized treatments for the scalp and for the female guests hand and foot beauty programmes too.

To finish off your day, be sure to take in a meal prepared by Philippe Artaud, the Royal Mougins resort’s renowned chef. Mr. Artaud truly understands Mediterranean flavors and prepares seasonal dishes that appeal to even the pickiest taste buds. “The La Terrrasse du 18″ restaurant’s wine cellar has quite a collection of prestigious Bordeaux wines to choose from and guests can enjoy their meals either inside or outside on the terrace. Click here to review the menu etc.

Contact details:

Royal Mougins Gof Resort
424, avenue du Roi
06250 Mougins / France
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 92 49 69
Fax: +33 (0)4 92 92 49 72

Hotel Capo d’Orso is situated on the headland of the Gulf of Arzachena, with Cala Capra and Cala Selvaggia beaches on either side, and views across the sea to Baia Sardinia with the Costa Smeralda beyond and to the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera.

Located in the prestigious park of Cala Capra, overlooking the homonymous bay of the same name, in a pristine corner of Sardinia just 4 km from Palau and 40 km from Olbia. One of the most enchanting destinations on the island, facing the Archipelago of La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda.

The Capo d’Orso hotel is approached via a private road terminating at the marina and the hotel. Steps lead through Mediterranean style gardens to the reception offering information about the hotel, the local area and excursions. Doors lead to the bar, restaurant and al fresco dining terraces and steps lead up to the accommodation, which is arranged in stepped terraces.

The exclusive Capo d’Orso Hotel has been skillfully designed to take advantage of its sheltered position. Capo d’Orso has a total of 64 rooms and recently refurbished Junior suites as well as 20 prestigious Junior suites (Executive/Cardinal) near the Thalasso & Spa Centre and a wonderful Presidential Suite. set above the reception, piano bar and restaurant terraces, which lead down to the pool and secluded rocky cove with sun decks and floating pontoons.

All the rooms have a furnished terrace or balcony, en suite shower room, air conditioning, telephone, Sky TV, minibar, safe, hairdryer, and adult bathrobes provided. The new prestigious Executive and Cardinal Junior suites are close to the Thalasso & Spa centre. Adult guests staying in Cardinal Junior and Presidential suites enjoy complimentary entrance to the centre (reservation required).

When is comes to culinary experiences Capo d’Orso has a lot to offer its guests too.

The main hotel restaurant ‘Il Paguro’ is renowned for the quality of its cuisine with fresh shellfish a speciality, its excellent service and friendly staff and comes with amazing views over the beach and marina.

There is an additional breakfast terrace and restaurant ‘Gli Olivastri’ offering guests an à la carte menu on shady terraces nestled amongst olive trees and juniper bushes which provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a drink and an intimate al fresco dinner (open only in the high season). Alternatively, try the Pizzeria L’Approdo with its wood burning oven offers – a perfect and a casual setting for an informal dinner.

The hotel enjoys a fascinating position in perfect harmony with the environment, set amidst lush natural vegetation, just a short distance from the most enticing, crystal sea on offer in Sardinia.

For the exclusive use of our guests, there are 5 wooden-deck solariums directly over the sea with beach mattress and beach towel service.

Two beaches, Cala Capra and Cala Selvaggia, to the sides of the hotel, one (Cala Capra) with loungers and beach towels included.

What is more, starting directly from the Hotel, daily departures from the small private port using hotel boats or the new rental inflatable, for excursions to the magic islands of the Archipelago or to the Costa Smeralda: “bathing in a new paradise each day”.

For guests who prefer to swim in saltwater but closer to the hotel try the seawater swimming pool which is nestled below with paths leading down to the rocks with sun decks and loungers arranged on the sea front. The suites, Thalasso & Spa centre, outdoor fitness area, pitch and putt golf course with 9 holes and practice area (tuition and club hire extra cost) are reached via paths through the pretty gardens, all enjoying superb sea views.

The Capo d’Orso has its own marina, with daily boat trips (extra cost) out to the neighbouring beautiful islands and to selected beaches along the Costa Smeralda. There is a secluded beach with a shaded grassy area leading to a second large swimming pool available for guests use.

L’Incantu is a fabulous open air Spa and Thalasso centre with hot and cold seawater spa pools, Turkish bath, and health and beauty cabins for massage and treatments.  There are also three multi-function seawater pools at different temperatures, 10 modern booths for Thalasso treatments, massages and beauty treatments.

Their Spa menu is also very unique and comprehensive with special packages on Thalasso Relaxing, Slimming and Toning Programmes, a 6 days care course on Vitality and Harmony and even a special “L’Oncanty Relax” programme for pregnant guests called “Expecting a Baby”.

Click here for their full Spa Menu.

To sense the beauty of this resort click here for their photo gallery.

So how do guests rate this place ?

Quite good to excellent overall with a total of 40 reviews out of 51 being rated within Excellent or Very Good but also with 5 & 3 respectively for Poor and Terrible !

Here are some of the comments made by visitors :

The Wright couple from Ireland called it “Paradise in Sardinia” and comments :

We booked 11 days with our little 2 and a half year old girl. Booked a junior suite. We had a lovely time. The hotel service is excellent. They remembered things from the night before at dinner (our daughters preference for butter over olive oil etc) and would always be one step ahead.

Dinner menu was fabulous. We were on half board and thought we would be bored of the menu, but it was changed regularly and they also had a daily set menu. The fish dishes were to die for. Tiramisu and Pistachio Creme Brulee were also highlights.

Breakfast was also excellent- Look out for the omelettes made by chef in front of you, with your choice of fillings. Excellent.

The location is secluded, so ideal for a quiet time away.

Beautiful little beach with free sunbeds for guests. Pool was too cold for a swim when we were there.

If the weather is bad, (We had about 5 cloudy/rainy days during our stay in May) there is not much to do at the hotel, so a rental car is advisable- but the island is so gorgeous that you would be mad to stay in the one place all day anyway.

Thalasso spa was in the same grounds but it is run separately and you need to pay for use of the spa pool. No kids allowed here either so its a peaceful place.

Ideal for couples or families with small kids. Older kids may get a bit bored.Cala De Lepre seemed to be better for older kids. Owned by the same group and only a couple of kms from Capo D’Orso Hotel.

The Campbell’s from Birmingham, UK also liked it but did have some negatives too :

We booked this hotel for our honeymoon. The setting was absolutely gorgeous and the alfresco breakfast area overlooking the pool and bay couldn’t be bettered. In fact breakfast was our favourite bit – a great choice of foods which varied every day and a nice touch of having the menu giving notices, events, proverbs and menus for the evening.

Our room was pretty good too. It was private with its own terrace under a shady tree. It didn’t have a bath unfortunately.

The staff were very friendly and were always on hand with help and advice. When they found out it was our honeymoon, they left us a bottle of sparking wine and ‘sardinian wedding ring’ with candles on our terrace table which was lovely. Every day a little cake or sweet would be delivered to our room with the weather forecast for the next day – a nice touch.

We ate in the restaurant once and the food and setting was excellent. The staff took time to give us a beautiful table under a tree overlooking the sea and it really was pretty.

The downsides…

Its expensive. Far too expensive for what it delivers. The drinks, food and services are also expensive.

It was a bit too quiet and subdued for us. The bar had no atmosphere at all and there was nothing else to do in the evenings. We went into Palau a few times which was great – there was a few great restaurants, bars and a nightmarket. But be warned.. There are absolutely no taxis to get back to the hotel. We tried to get one at about eleven pm and everyone said it was impossible! Luckily a very kind local gave us a lift back to the hotel.Things may have changed by now.

A beautiful place but in our opinion not quite worth the money (but then again Sardinia is an expensive place).

All 51 reviews from TripAdvisor.com can be read here.

And why not watch this very nice video from the resort – see below for 6,50 mins of paradise.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=44br4JWsGsc

Contact details:

Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa
Cala Capra, 07020 Palau
Sardinia
Tel: 39 0789 702000
Email – info@hotelcapodorso.com

At the end of the Hana Highway, on the lush eastern coast of Maui, is the legendary Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, where tranquility is a way of life. The luxury resort has long been known as a favorite Hawaiian vacation retreat for generations of travelers seeking a serene and enchanting escape. Hana-Maui is the perfect location for small weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways and also a great place to go and just unwind and re-charge one’s energy and resources. The Hotel reflects a wonderful blend of Hawaiian heritage and nature and its surroundings and unspoilt natural beauty is what makes this hotel and spa resort so special with many travelers.

66 ranches, most of which are cottage structures with 2 separate rooms, are available at Hotel Hana-Maui. They are laid out across a vast span of soft green grass, each one positioned to provide the most breathtaking view possible of the ocean.

Choose between the “Plantation House”, the “Sea Ranch Cottages” or the “Bay Cottages” for accommodation – click here for an overview of each type.

Spacious and comfortable, the ranches feature cool, hardwood floors, pillow-topped mattresses and cathedral ceilings from which tireless ceiling fans dangle. Beds are made up in thin and multiple layers (some of which are peeled off at turndown and stored away to make for a more cool, comfortable sleep,) luxe pillows and padded headboards perfect for bedtime reading.

Expansive ceramic tiled bathrooms are roomy and private, offering a windowed wall and door that lead out to a personal fenced-in patio. A sunken tub dominates the day-lit area and an open, doorless shower makes bathing a breeze, literally.

The Hana-Maui Hotel also offers a good range of activities for its guests – for instance enjoy horseback riding along the Hana coast, complimentary daily yoga classes, tennis, snorkeling, Hawaiian cultural activities, or relaxing at nearby Hamoa Beach — described by James Michener as “the most perfect crescent beach in the Pacific.”

Celebrate the Maui wedding of your dreams in your own private corner of paradise. Rated as one of the top 10 resorts in Hawaii, Hotel Hana-Maui specializes in intimate weddings and romantic honeymoons. Experience the unspoiled Hawaii that you have always dreamed of. We offer many romantic secluded wedding locations: a turn-of-the-century Plantation House and gardens on four acres; or the Wellness Pool Ocean Overlook with a background of expansive Pacific Ocean views, or have an authentic Hawaiian beach wedding at our Hamoa Beach Pavilion. Personal service and attention to detail is a high priority for our professional wedding specialists and staff. We offer a variety of wedding packages to choose from.

The Honua Spa at Hotel Hana-Maui is a beautiful facility with a design that incorporates the natural surroundings of Hana. Tropical plants and a gentle ocean breeze inspire and relax.

Blanketed in tropical foliage from the outside, the Honua Spa gives way to clear ocean views once you have been escorted from the waiting area. A long, tranquil hot tub, outdoor sauna and padded lounge chaises decorate the scenery while the guest waits, wrapped in a waffle-knit robe, for the spa therapist.

The outdoor relaxation area provides privacy and a relaxing atmosphere before and after a spa treatment. The focal point of the outdoor spa garden is a huge jacuzzi connected to a pond with a view of the Pacific. The Watsu pool is also outside, shielded from the sun with canopy suspended over it.

Other spa facilities include a steam room with a glass wall and an outdoor plunge pool, perfect for improving circulation. In addition to the outdoor relaxation area, there is an indoor relaxation lounge and several treatment rooms.

A wide range of pampering specialties are available – and the Hot Stone Facial and traditional Lomi Lomi massage are amongst the favourite treatments. A combination of rhythmic strokes, joint movement and deep kneading losems and sets one’s body at ease.

Choose from traditional Thai massage, hot stone massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, reflexology, Shiatsu, Polynesian body scrub, Reiki Therapy and an array of skin care services.

Honua Rainforest Mist Facial & Massage is a signature aromatherapy treatment developed exclusively for Hotel Hana-Maui. It combines a facial, body massage, reflexology and native fruits and nut oils to create a relaxing, sensual experience. The treatment incorporates the fluid movements of a Hawaiian lomi lomi to leave your whole body wonderfully connected.

Throughout the Honua Rainforest experience, the therapist pays attention to the entire body, wrapping hands and feet in a hot towel and massaging them while the facial products take effect. Aromatic oils, which are applied during the treatment, have a wonderfully calming effect and help complete this relaxing experience.

For a full overview of treatments and massages available at The Honua Spa pls click here.

In terms of Fitness options, Hotel Hana-Maui offers complimentary Yoga and Aqua Aerobics classes to hotel guests. The resort also boasts two swimming pools, tennis courts, croquet courts and a three-hole practice golf course. Guests have access to the 4,500 acre Hana Ranch for horseback riding, hiking and jogging.

So do guests like this hide-away resort and spa in Hawaii ?

Well of the total 218 TripAdvisor reviews, 187 were either Excellent or Very Good so it is fair to say yes to this question though most reviews mention high prices as a negative factor.

Here are some of the most recent visitors’ reasoning for liking the resort :

A couple from Maryland, US names it “best place ever to have stayed in” and argues :

This place can only be described as complete perfection. After an exhaustive search, I came here with a group of 12 very different guests for my wedding and all guests described it as incredible, amazing and PERFECT! There is a new chef and the food was amazing. This place is the best of everything… compete privacy and relaxation, with the modern amenities only a phone call away. This is complete luxury compared to the abysmal tourist chain resorts on the West side of Maui. All the staff is outstanding. Do not miss!!!!!

A couple from Dallas, US also liked it and called it the “Perfect end to our honeymoon” :

We stayed at the Hotel Hana-Maui for 4 days at the end of our island-hopping honeymoon, and it was just perfect. The grounds are so tranquil and relaxing. I couldn’t get my husband away from the pool with the breath-taking views of the ocean. Our little cabin was wonderful and so private. It was nice to have a little refrigerator and coffee maker in the room. The food at the restaurant was great and the luau they performed with the staff was very entertaining. We also had massages at the Honua Spa….Oh my God!! Best massage I have ever had in my life!! The only bad part is that if you want to explore any other part of Maui, you have to drive the on the infamous “Road to Hana”, which is always an experience. However, there are lots of things to explore near Hana, like the Red Sand beach, black sand beach, and a bunch of waterfalls. The hotel also has activities, like horse-back riding, which was a great experience. The leader and his son were very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Click here for all 218 reviews including the few negative ones which mainly goes after the resort’s high prices.

Check out these videos, the first from EliteWeddingCollection.com and the second from Concierge.com :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsvXWCcdUgg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=akVhe1XUgiQ

Contact details:

Hotel Hana Maui
5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, Maui, HI 96713
ph. 808-248-8211
fx. 808-248-7202

Novus Bali Villa is a boutique resort which is eight miles from Kuta Beach and 15 miles from Ubud. The Tanah Lot (holy temple) is just 10 minutes away. The resort features a full range of rejuvenating therapies, including massage and aromatherapy. This Bali resort has 10 guestrooms in seven villas. The hotel is located near to the popular fine dining area which is just a 10 minutes drive. Besides that, the hotel is just 15 minutes to Kuta shopping area.

Entering the Novus Bali Villas Resort & Spa at the reception guests will see word of “Sawaagat” (which means welcome in Sanskrit) carefully reconstruction of a Joglo. Joglo is the Central Javanese architectural ‘trademark’, which, after 1900, gradually got confined to public spaces and dwellings of those who enjoyed special strata and privilege in the society. This particular Joglo is 250 years old and has been transplanted from its original location in central Java and reassembled at the resort to give you a blend of Indonesian culture across islands.

Created by renowned Bali landscape and architectural designer Made Wijaya (also known as Michael White), Novus Bali Villa provides authentic Balinese accommodation, giving guests a real taste of Balinese lifestyle.

Their seven secluded villas, with a total of 10 spacious and well-appointed rooms, are tastefully completed with locally sourced antique Balinese furniture.

The villas are inspired by passion for traditional ancient Indonesian architecture and decoration. The thatched roof villas, with traditional wooden doors and windows located amidst lush Balinese garden, alongside the natural river and across the paddy fields sensitively integrates with the natural settings. Lavishly furnished spacious portico equipped with comfortable mattresses and cushions which can double up as your outdoor bedroom, if you wish to get a step closer to nature without leaving the comfort of your villa.

Click here to see an example of their luxurious accommodation, The Riverside Pool Villa.

The spacious private gardens are lush and tropical, and are very much suitable for private parties and functions. Arranging for Balinese dancers to perform for a private audience is one of the guests’ favorite activities, as one can not only enjoy the dancing but also learn some of the skills from the enchanting dancers!

Enjoy private massage in the luxury of your own villa and Indulge your mind, body and soul with an array of healthy, relaxing treatments. At the Daiva Spa at the Novus Bali Villas Resort & Spa, traditional and modern techniques are combined with natural herbs to provide total relaxation and long-lasting rejuvenating feeling.

To recharge one’s body and soul and to forget all daily routine’s stress, The Daiva Spa invites you to experience our pure natural accommodation in a comfortably surrounded by the local village and the lush green paddy fields. Immerse your senses in their renowned thermal suite where one will enter a realm of deep relaxation, vital rejuvenation and leave feeling ready for a treatment at the hands of the spa’s friendly, well-trained therapists.

The wide range of special treatments is based on indigenous herbs.  Guests are encouraged to discover their own beauty by experiencing their unique treatments from foot care, facial therapy, massage, body treatment to carefully thought out Spa packages. Indulge yourself in every way you can dream of and we make sure your time at Daiva Spa is relaxing.

Finally take a virtual tour by visiting their Photo Gallery here.

So do guests and visitors like this resort & spa in Bali ?

Yes they do : in fact 11 out of 13 reviewers on TripAdvisor.com agree the resort is either Excellent or Very Good – here are some of their reviews and a link to the rest here.

A couple from Philadelphia, USA call it “their best stay ever” and argues that :

We have stayed at many places in Bali, and this was truly the villa experience in Bali. You get your own private villa, with many amenities and exceptional service! The price is just crazy, very affordable for what you get. We woke up every morning to the distant sounds of calm music or chanting which grew progressively energetic until sundown, but never ever too loud to tolerate. This alone gave us a surreal feeling of being totally immersed in another world/culture, exactly what we were looking for in Bali! The service is amazing, all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful, they even took time after their shift to show us around the area of Kerobokan. The entire resort was truly Balinese style, with great attention to every detail (Balinese owners too!). There is free Internet access in the lobby, multiple pools to choose from, with some villas having a private pool. We stayed in Kubu 4, near an open pool, but just on the river and with an wonderful breeze thru our room. This was truly a peaceful, cultural and pleasant stay in Bali. Don’t worry about the distance from the beach, as you can take a taxi to Kuta for $5.00!!

A couple from Singapore headlines their review “Luxurious, relaxing stay” and continues :

The villas in Novus Bali Villa are really comfortable, stylishly appointed in Balinese culture, clean, spacious and totally secluded. It was lucky that we were assigned a ‘kubu’ (1-bedroom villa) which is next to the pool. It’s as good as having breakfast by the poolside every morning. The candlelit dinner was accompanied by traditional music played by musicians in the neighbourhood. That dinner is very well presented and the portions were really huge. Similarly, the breakfast was wonderful with your choice of American, Continental or Balinese, which were all well prepared and delicious! Although you need a drive-out to get to the beach, there are many shops and markets just outside on the main road of Kerobookan. And the ever-popular Kafe Warisan is just a 5-min drive away! The price of the villa was very reasonable too, and you book directly with them.

The only negative review, from a couple in Perth, Australia, can be read here.

Contact details: Jl. Pengubugan, Banjar Silayukti
Kerobokan, Kuta – Bali 80361
T. +62 361 411 388, +62 361 871 5332
F. +62 361 412 762

inquiry@novushotels.com

The 5-star Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, Bali is a 5-star diamond luxury resort hotel uniquely and dramatically perched above a 40-metre cliff face overlooking the stunning azure Indian Ocean and secluded white sandy beaches.

Nikko Bali Resort & Spa embraces the mystique of Bali, with its bewildering natural charm, beauty and culture. Situated on the island’s southern most tip, the resort is away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s tourism and offers the peace and quiet that one longs for during a holiday.

Featuring a wide rage of rooms and suites types, offering either a scenic garden or panoramic views of the beach. All standard rooms offer teak wood floor, private balcony, air-conditioning unit, IDD telephone, satellite TV, coffee/tea making facility, hair dryer, mini bar, refrigerator, personal safety deposit box, bathtub, separate shower booth and bathroom amenities.

The hotel features four restaurants, three bars and an authentic Balinese amphitheatre for the guests’ dining and drinking pleasure. Guests can choose from Japanese, Chinese, and Western restaurants, each one featuring a superb selection of dishes, while a unique culinary experience is on offer at the Kupo-Kupo Amphitheatre Balinese Restaurant – catering to large private and non-private buffet dinners with selected live entertainment.

There is a also wide choice of leisure facilities and guest activities for both adults and children everyday. Guest can enjoy a relaxing walk in natural environment of delightful ponds and marine sport. Families with children can enjoy separate children’s pool and Jungle Camp.

More on facilities and available activities for the guests here.

Their Mandara Spa at Nikko Bali Resort & Spa is one of their key offerings and one experience not to be missed.

A visit to Mandara Spa at Nikko Bali Resort & Spa is a total sensory experience. Their all-natural treatments draw on the ancient health and beauty traditions of Asia, from cultures that celebrate beauty and refinement and honour nature’s precious gifts. The gracious staff will serve each guest from the heart, careful never to intrude on their tranquil experience.

The eight traditional, open-air Villas are designed for peaceful pampering, escape and tranquil indulgence. Set behind high stone walls, they each feature a covered and fan cooled treatment area for two people, outdoor showers, lush tropical foliage, water fountains and a large, shaded outdoor bath. The two prime Spa Villas include large steam rooms.

Nestled at the beach side is a Bale that comprises of four single villas; two are air-conditioned and two are fan cooled. The bale also features two areas with stunning ocean view for hands and feet treatments.

Selected spa treatments can also be enjoyed outdoors under the shade of a beach side massage pavilion.

Inspired by ancient secrets and generations of wisdom, the treatments at Mandara Spa reflect the colour and ritual of Balinese life. The service is both gentle and attentive, delivered with dedication, grace and a spirit of generosity. The Balinese-style suites and villas are hushed havens of tranquility, providing the ideal ambiance for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Try their Signature Services and not least their Balinese Massage which is a traditional massage which combines stretching, long strokes, skin rolling and palm and thumb pressure techniques to relieve tension, improve blood flow, ease stress and calm the mind. A deeply relaxing path to health and harmony.

So how do visitors rate this beautiful and tranquil resort in Bali ?

Well 114 people out of a total of 132 reviews on TripAdvisor.com rated it as either excellent or very good with only 7 in total Poor or worse.

Here are some of the comments made :

A couple from San Francisco, USA, calls it “the best place in bali” and gives this review as reason :

We went to Bali for our honeymoon and decided to stay at the Nikko Hotel part of the trip based on our great experiences at the hotel in San Francisco. The Nikko in Bali was no different. The hotel is nicely situated along a cliff and has its own private beach area. The food, service, and amenities were five star. We got an ocean front suite and had some of our best sleep ever. Everything was very spacious and clean. They also have a VIP lounge which has its own infinity pool along with very tasty local dishes, alcohol, and desserts throughout the day. It also has a lot of different pools and a water slide to boot! The resort also has several restaurant choices and things to do. This is a great place to stay if you want that resort type feeling and simply to relax. We felt very safe and welcome in the resort.

Another couple from Perth, Western Australia headlines their review “Absolutely Breathtaking” and continues :

We checked in at the Nikko on the 08/05/09. We were looking forward to staying here as the in-laws make a yearly trip to the Nikko and LOVE it! So we were shown to our room (Deluxe Ocean View – Canopy) and were blown away by it! It had just been renovated and is soon to become known as the 7th Heaven Room (part of the Seventh Heaven Package) due to start at either the beginning of June 09 or July 09. We however were lucky enough to get this room, renovated without the extras (such as Club access etc) which we did not have any use for, so the room was still charged as the old rate.

Breakfast here was very good by Bali standards. Staff were very friendly and polite.

The pool was incredible and my fiance loved the water slide. Truth be told, we both loved it! Most of our days were spent in the pool enjoying the sun.

We had a friend’s wedding on Monday 11/05/09 at the Wiwaha Chapel on site at the Nikko. It was incredible and the photos on the Nikko site do not do the chapel justice. Definitely worth a look!! We were sad to leave on Wednesday the 13/05/09 however we will be back without a doubt!! The only downside to the Nikko (which can also be looked at as a positive as well depending on what you are looking for out of your holiday) is the distance the resort is from the rest of Nusa Dua. There is a free shuttle that leaves pretty much every hour or so and heads to Bali Collection (shopping Centre in Nusa Dua). Another drawback is the cost of food and drinks at the resort. Very pricey by hotel standards in Bali. However you can take a taxi into Nusa Dua and eat on the cheap. Only a 10 minute taxi ride.

Overall, it was a great experience and will definitely be back!!

Read the rest of the TripAdvisor reviews here including the few negative ones here.

Check out also their photo gallery here.

Contact details:

Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan
PO Box 18
Nusa Dua 80363
Bali – Indonesia
Tel: +62 (361) 773377
Fax: +62 (361) 773388

The Dead Sea is by many best known for its restorative properties, soothing salt water and historical significance, but these days it is also becoming known for its luxury resorts. Among the most premium of them is the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort.

The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is situated between the mountains and the Dead Sea, near ancient, sacred sites such as Mount Nebo and the Jordan River.

Its calming seaside location and premium amenities are making it a favorite among international visitors, many of whom include Americans who appreciate the Marriott brand.

The resort’s staff is known to be among the most hospitable in the country providing a genuine welcoming spirit that will rival some of Amman’s most luxurious and established names. Public areas have been refreshed to international standards and are consistently updated to ensure the latest in comfort and style.

An international buffet provides three meals a day, but the Italian buffet is perhaps the most interesting of the hotel’s dining outlets offering lunch and dinner menus. Champions is the well-known sports bar popular with expatriates and frequent Marriott guests. At dinner time, a steak house, seafood outlet and various other hotel specialty restaurants vie for guests’ attention. The seafood restaurant is generally the most popular, and an outdoor snack bar is available throughout the day.

Check out all their dining outlets here.

Recreation is the primary focus here and encompasses the heated outdoor pools, a private beach, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and not least excellent spa services.

The spa blends European and Eastern therapeutic treatments and ceremonies to create an unforgettable experience in supreme luxury and the spa menu offers invigorating treatments using natural elements of the Dead Sea.

The Spa at the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa was designed to incorporate the natural unique elements of the Dead Sea to combat the stresses and drains of modern day life and nurture a healthy balance. The Dead Sea is probably the most exceptional body of water on earth, and its surroundings the most extraordinary.

Amenities include Rasul treatments, a Dead Sea saltwater pool, whirlpools, hydrotherapy, scrub wrap rooms, and a Turkish bath and solarium.

Guests can also try the unique Heat Experiences, make use of their Hammam  scented Sauna and of course the Spa Pool which offers a variety of body jets which in turn provide mineral rich waters at the optimal temperature for the body to rebalance.

The Sunrise and Sunset Terraces are unique to the spa, providing the perfect places to rest, unwind and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Finally, have a look at their Special Packages offered at the spa by clicking here.

A fitness center caters to the muscle-clad guest, and although less-agile guests may encounter problems reaching the waterfront because of the stairways, arrangements are in place to ensure all guests can get there.

In terms of the resort’s accommodation it is a modern look which prevails  with colorful fabrics, plush duvets and linens, and contemporary lighting. Guest rooms come with the expected amenities including minibars, safes, cable TVs, high-speed Internet access (both wired and wireless for a fee), and dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports.

Views of the sea can be enjoyed from nearly every one of the resort’s total of 251 rooms, and many of these offer private terraces too.

Click here for a complete overview of all types and sizes of accommodation offered by this resort.

So how do guests rate this unique place and resort ?

Well 70 out of a total of 86 reviews on TripAdvisor.com rate the resort as Excellent or Very Good and only 8 in total as poor.

Let us check out some of these comments made recently by visitors to The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa :

A couple from the UK have this to-the-point comment about their stay :

Their location on the Dead Sea is spot-on…Access to the Awesome body of water and it’s precious mud makes the pricey tag on this hotel worth it!!!

NOW..eating we ate at the sports bar..8/10..the Italian terrace 9/10 and yes we stayed away from the steak house couldn’t justify eating a £50 steak!!

A couple from Dublin, Ireland also liked it :

This is a lovely hotel and would highly recommend it for a totally relaxing holiday. The hotel is pretty isolated and am not sure what there is in the local area. Lovely for a few days of total relaxation. The hotel swimming pools run right down to the dead sea with direct access from the hotel to the sea. The spa is also excellent with a full range of facilities. Stayed in Amman city for a few nights before we got to the dead sea but would recommend going straight to this resort and avoiding the city as we did not really like it and really felt our holiday started when we got here..

An expat living in Dubai found the experience good but not five star and argues :

The hotel staff are very efficient and welcoming, and throughout our one week stay we found everyone courteous and helpful. The location and view across the Dead Sea from our room was fantastic. We had booked a suite and was a little disappointed to find it was what would be a standard Marriott room anywhere else, except for the additional king bed, nevertheless it was well maintained and the beds were very comfortable!

The pools were quite busy throughout our stay, but the drinks service around them left a lot to be desired, the staff being kept very busy all day and there didn’t appear to be enough of them to meet the demand. Food cannot be bought at the poolside and there is no opportunity to eat at the poolside either. You have to go to one of the indoor restaurants, which wasn’t what we had in mind. Two of the eateries don’t serve food during the day either, leaving the choice of Champions (fast food), the Italian (more expensive) or the buffet in the main hotel area, which is a bit of an uphill trek if you at one of the lower pools or the “beach”. We would have expected in a 5 star resort to be able to eat where we wanted and without the constraints on the outlets.

Read his full review here and all TripAdvisor reviews of this resort here.

Finally, have a Photo Tour of the resort by clicking here and see the amazing views and indoors.

Have you ever wanted to experience the way in which Malay kings once crafted their palaces ? To live like Malay kings once did in surroundings fronted by an emerald sea glittering with diamonds of light, shaded by tall palms rustling in the breeze, attended to by a people steeped in traditions as timeless as the land.

Welcome to the Tanjong Jara Resort.

Located on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort is a sanctuary of luxury and well-being steeped in age-old Malay traditions. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces, Tanjong Jara is a 99-room resort with an authentic taste of the region’s spirit and an enduring embodiment of the gentle Malay art of service and hospitality.

The philosophy of the Resort is as unique as the Resort itself. Based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises purity of spirit, health and well-being, Tanjong Jara encourages true rejuvenation of both body and spirit in luxurious surroundings.

Tanjong Jara is an opportunity to withdraw from the pressures of this ever-changing world by offering the guest a chance to immerse oneself in a place of serenity and beauty. Authentic in architecture and attitude, always warm and welcoming, it is an environment to let go, to relax deeply and take time to rediscover oneself, your family or your friends; all this whilst staff members drawn from the local villages truly live the age old legacy of Malaysian warmth and hospitality.

Every room is intricately designed, using rich local timbers and tastefully furnished with luxurious local fabrics. The Anjung, Serambi and Bumbung rooms are all positioned to offer panoramic views of the South China Sea and direct access to the beach as well as the beautiful tropical landscaped gardens. The Anjung rooms are situated along the beachfront; there are 10 single-storey beach rooms. A symmetrical sunken outdoor bath is set in its own private garden, while an in-door bathroom features two vanity units, and a large indoor shower. The doors and windows open out into a canopied veranda overlooking the beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and the sea. The Serambi rooms are situated on the ground floor of a two-storey building. With a partially covered veranda that overlooks the tropical gardens and perfect for sun bathing. The Bumbung rooms are situated above the Serambi Rooms and are similar in size and furnishings. The windows open out to a magnificent view of the ocean and gardens.

At Tanjong Jara you can choose from a wide variety of possible experiences – lazy and languid, energetic and outdoors, indulgent and regenerative, cultural and enlightening – it is your choice whether you fold them into a single visit, or you craft each visit differently to meet your needs.

Dining at Tanjong Jara Resort is at once scenic, informal and exquisite. Whether over the river or facing the sea, traditional Malay, authentic Chinese and international cuisine is served at its most innovative and exotic. Di Atas Sungei is Malay for “Above the River” so guests will find it easy to spot this restaurant which literally sits above a river that flows into the South China Sea. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and shaded by a huge Ketapang tree, the restaurant opens for breakfast and dinner, and serves authentic Malaysian cuisine. The Teratai Terrace is situated adjacent to the free-form pool. Ideal for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks to the soothing sound of the Gamelan music and a cool breeze from the sea. Nelayan is Malay for “Fisherman”, and seafood is indeed the specialty of this outlet, with its relaxed and informal atmosphere. When the weather permits, a delightful alfresco dining experience is featured on the beach amidst a bonfire, bamboo torches and the gentle sound of the waves. Or dine in a private environment with the attributes of a personal restaurant, complete with a personal chef. Bring your appetite and enjoy the experience.

The multi award-winning Tanjong Club Spa is a complex of structures, gardens and pools, housing a state-of-the-art gym, and a therapy centre that features programs for relaxation and stress relief. Based on Malay healing treatments, traditional Malay medicine and therapy is a national treasure house of Malay health disciplines that have been handed down from generation to generation. At the Tanjong Club, these long held health and beauty secrets are revived. Guest can treat themselves to the rich traditional formulation of age-old customs, a unique blend of natural ingredients found in various indigenous herbs and plants as well as remedies for total health and beauty in the authentic Malay tradition.

The philosophy of Sucimurni emphasizes purity of spirit, health, and well-being. And the award winning Spa Village Tanjong Jara is a sanctuary anchored in this ancient Malay way of life.

This beautiful complex of structures, gardens and pools, houses a therapy centre featuring programs for relaxation, reinvigoration and stress relief based on traditional healing methods.

These unique restorative Malay treatments have been handed down from generation to generation, ensuring their authenticity, and therapeutic value. With a history of more than a thousand years, the practices are believed to have their origins in the convergence of Malay, Arab, Indian and Chinese influences during the days of the Malacca Sultanate.

At the Spa Village Tanjong Jara these long held health and beauty traditions are revived for guests to enjoy. Treat yourself to this rich history, in which unique natural ingredients found in various indigenous herbs and plants are combined with the skills of our resident Malay healers to provide a very special health and beauty experience.

So have guests been overwhelmed at staying there and have they indeed left reinvigorated and happy ?

Well 43 out of a total of 70 reviews say Excellent, whilst another 13 deemed Tanjong Jara Resort Very Good and only 5 & 3 respectively Poor and terrible.

Here are some of the reviews :

A reviewer from Arlington, Virginia, US loved the resort and not least its Spa :

I recently stayed at Tanjong Jara with some friends. I have a lot of comments, so I’ll try to group them.

Food: We went with a food package that included breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast and dinner options were both served at the same restaurant and were very good. Dinner was especially nice with it’s “talking” menu. Lunch was less than stellar – we tried several options on the menu and only liked a few. Alcoholic drinks were not included in the package, but they were affordable, especially at the nightly happy hour. Wine was a bit pricey at dinner, though. We did the Steamboat dining one night and while we got off to a slow start (our burner wasn’t working and no one came over to explain what we were eating / how to eat it), it ended up being VERY good. One thing to note – the culture / staff are very laid back. Dinner would usually take almost 2 hours each night. We definitely weren’t rushed and it was at times difficult to get the bill. It didn’t really matter to us since we were on vacation, but some folks may think the service is “slow.”

Accommodations: We had an Anjung Suite, and it was very nice. It was private, located at the edge of the resort so we essentially had our own beach. The bed was comfy and the bathroom was huge! A few little bugs here and there, but nothing too bad.

Beach/Pools: Both wonderful! The resort is HUGE so it was easy to feel like the only people there. The week we were there was a break week for the KL international schools so there were a lot of expats there with children. Luckily there is a lovely adults-only pool area for folks that like a little more peace and quiet.

Spa: Fantastic!!! Must do!

Read the remainder os his review here

A couple from Brussels, Belgium also liked the resort and gave this to-the-point review of their stay :

Stayed at the Tanjong Jara a few years ago. it’s a bit remote and there is not so much to see in terms of cities etc. around. But the resort is fantastic. The rooms are spacious, well designed and equipped. Service was very good and all staff were extremely friendly. We tried a few of the spa treatments which were a treat indeed. Definitely recommend it for a great relaxing holiday!

Read all the TripAdvisor reviews, good and bad by clicking here.

Get inspired by watching these videos from this amazing resort below :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9hRAmfuz0o

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIcvX7Y7mQc

Contact details:

Tanjong Jara Resort, Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun,
23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Telephone: +60 9 845 1100
Facsimile: +60 9 845 6014