I was prepared to visit a property with 204 hotel rooms and 76 one, two and three bedroom villas; accommodation for all types of guests wanting a taste of Arabian splendour. When I reached the resort, however, I became enveloped by a feeling of Mediterranean sensuality. Could it be that the piercing blue of the Arabian Gulf as seen from my private balcony reminded me of own sea-front home in Spain? Or could it have been the authenticity of the live cooking stations during a gargantuan dinner buffet that recalled the joyful abundance and appeal of sharing meals? With everyone intent on a single goal; to enjoy the moment and relax seemed inextricably linked to casual pleasures of mediterranean living.
In many ways, the geographical parallels end here as The Cove Rotana is unabashedly luxurious, as only an Arabian resort can be. For instance, 2 and 3 bedroom villas are equipped with private plunge pools and the venue overall is ideal as a mid-sized conference venue of up to 120 delegates, thanks to its equipped meeting rooms with the latest audio-visual equipment and IT facilities.
Aside from the mod cons which the property boasts across the board, what was memorable for me was the extremely welcoming vibe - everyone I met was friendly and hospitable. It has obviously been designed beautifully, but the human element is what made my stay memorable. From slippers, to ironing board the Cove Rotana is a standalone universe where impeccable hospitality matched with leisure activities galore and great dining choices make for a location where relaxation is key.
With a range of restaurants to choose from, F&B is taken very seriously. For instance, the evening buffet offered choice and seemed to cater for everyone’s tastebuds from the four corners of the globe. With a live cooking station that added a buzz to the venue, the restaurant was packed, and considering the evening crowd, the carvery always looked perfectly replenished.
In term of leisure activities, choice was also key. Stretching, meditation, swimming lessons, aerobic and fitness training, as well as water and beach sports galore can be enjoyed. The notion of merely lounging by a swimming pool is obsolete. With the Bodylines health and fitness club, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms gives a wellness dimension that many holidaymakers have come to expect and enjoy.