At Al Zorah Beach Resort right now.
As most of staff from Oberoi times stayed with the property, many familiar faces be seen ensuring the same high service standards as before. Same for the food, it remains excellent with no change to the great variety of the menus which is great. So no real difference other than the white labelling in transition to becoming a FS. New GM is from FS already (FS DIFC), IT systems have also been moved to FS standards with existing management staff currently integrating into FS corp structure (and meeting marathons). Website is FS style already without the logo (yet).
There is no date set when it will become a FS officially. They are planning to redesign the lobby first in May 2026, followed by renovating the rooms (main buliding first, followed by the annex building). Third step will be a complete redo and extension of the Spa to meet FS standards. A mockup room shall be ready in December.
The new adult pool along with a third restaurant (Italian) and bar will open with start of rebrand.
I also greatly enjoy the Le Labo toiletries (Hinoki) and the clear soap from Forest Essentials:
Clear soap packaging with proof of manufacturer
Corpus delicti - the lovely hand charming clear soap from Forest Essentials
Unfortunately, a few days ago the beach has been hit by small tar balls from the ocean which can smear your feet and legs walking the shore or by going swimming. Quite a nuisance but baby oil or sun tan can bring it off quickly.
A warning sign has been placed in front of the beach which could not have written better by my PR and marketing friends at the office :-) :
In a less euphemistic way: Better stay of the front of beach right now in order not to smear your body with sludge-style stuff. Warm regards.
East of the property, there is construction going on with two cranes and lights during the night. Happy to report that this does no interfere with the resort's calmness and no construction noise to be heard.
Property, staff and F&B are as great as ever and they seem eager to become part of FS.