@reigndrop Thanks for sharing your comments, much appreciated.

Would you care to clarify when you noticed that service/employee morale at Al Maha dropped? I have been to Al Maha at least 7 times over the years but my last stay dates from over a year. We always enjoyed great service but I also know that the VP/Guest relations manager, who did an amazing job, has left the company some time ago. I am afraid there might be a link.

MO Jumeira(h??) exteriors remind me a little of Bangkok in these early stages. Don’t find the architecture very inspiring. Interiors look better. Let’s see

I don’t think there is much of a comparison in between RAK RC and Bulgari. Bulgari is on another level of luxury and tranquility. I’m checking out of the Bulgari later today and will try and post some details.
Just to note that the Bulgari is about double the price of the FS FB, RC, PH AUH (probably triple in that case).

I’ve done the desert RC in RAK which is decent but suffered massively due to flies all over the room; imagine that while you’re sleeping! And often service mishaps as well at their bars and restaurants. Their restaurant Farmhouse though is oddly my favorite place I’ve eaten at in the UAE.

That said I don’t think there’s a comparison between Bulgari and RC RAK Hamra Beach with the former just being on a completely different level in every aspect. Am staying at the Bulgari currently and it only reinforces my views from my first stay

Just checked out of the Bulgari Dubai after spending two nights there.


Having stayed at FS JB and PH AUH several times along with some of the other UAE luxury hotels, I’m writing my thoughts here.

First of all, the property is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful timeless design that feels very comfortable (in contrast to say Versace Dubai). Of course it’s a matter of taste, but I feel it is the most comfortable of them all.

The three pools are beautiful, for us slightly too cool at 28 degrees while it is 38+ degrees outside, but this wasn’t a major issue. They provide nice poolside amenities like smoothies, water, Evian spritz, ice lollies. The pools focus on those double gazebos (except for the Spa pool where they have single gazebos), perfect for couples. Despite August, we had a nice hot breeze cooling us at the round pool. The beach is “ok”, a man made beach with relatively rough sand - the view is uninspiring as it has some semi-constructed villas in front of it - no construction activity though. I think the beaches on Saadiyat are far better than anywhere else in the UAE.

The rooms are huge with very nice balconies, beautiful bathrooms, daily amenities of tea and some cakes (my wife would have preferred something salty, but for my sweet tooth this was ideal:-)). Beds comfortable and there’s a pillow menu available.

Something that could be an advantage and disadvantage is the vastness of the whole place. To go to the yacht club pool needs a golf cart, it could be a nice stroll in winter. In that sense I prefer the compactness of the FS!

Spa is also gorgeous with a very nice indoor pool. Our treatments were very good, not the best, but it all depends on how good your therapist is. We’ve had amazing massages at the PH AUH, but not every time. The facilities at Bulgari with jacuzzis (also in the mixed area, which is rare in the UAE), experience showers, ice dispensers so you can cool yourself down are top notch.

Overall service was excellent and friendly, just to note that we were there in the August summer heat and I think the total number of guests at the resort was around 30 persons.

Value for money, for me FS wins as I can find rates there that are much better than what Bulgari offers.

Absolute luxury, for me Bulgari wins due to the amazing facilities. I think only O&O Palm is on par with that. A nice benefit of the Bulgari is also that you have the restaurants of the FS complex within 2 minutes driving distance. F&B at Bulgari was very good, but not special - I prefer the likes of Coya, Zuma etc. So many choices in Dubai anyway so I think F&B quality / selection doesn’t matter that much.

Feel free to ask questions since my memories are still fresh from today :-)

that’s too funny I’m also at the Bulgari right now... just posted my thoughts above in anticipation of Check out today.

What is STARS?