The Fairmont San Francisco is a landmark hotel that has seen patrons such as US presidents, world leaders and celebrities grace its hallowed halls.

Since 1907, the Fairmont San Francisco has defined excellence, often raising the bar for guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry. As a matter of fact, in the 1970s, the Fairmont San Francisco was the first ever hotel in the US to introduce concierge service. It’s no surprise that the Fairmont SF’s commitment to top-notch service is stronger than ever in its second century of operation, as noted by its extensive collection of past and present accolades.

It’s hard to not be in awe when walking into the Fairmont SF. The stately exterior of the building is absolutely gorgeous. Once inside, the lobby is also a stunner, with marble floors, towering columns, and baroque ceilings. It’s without a doubt a San Francisco institution.

The hotel was designed by Julia Morgan, the innovative architect behind Hearst Castle, and the Fairmont’s exterior resembles a magnificent Beaux-Arts palace. You’ll instantly be transported to the elegance of yesteryear, but have all the modern comforts and luxuries of the 21st century.

On top of that, the Fairmont San Francisco has the best panoramic views of the city, with sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the greater downtown San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll be hard pressed to find a nicer hotel in the city, and the Fairmont will from now on be my go-to choice when visiting SF!

The Room

The Fairmont San Francisco offers 606 guest rooms and suites situated in the hotel’s historic Main Building and in its Tower Building.

These two distinct structures inspire a sophisticated, tailored look that pays homage to the hotel’s storied history and famed architecture. During my stay, I stayed in a Signature King room located on the 21st floor of the Tower Building. Tower Building guest rooms offer a “jewel box” inspired look, with sapphire stunning views of San Francisco Bay combined with crisp accents highlighting a contemporary, neutral color palette of warm taupe, platinum, and pewter, along with cream lacquer accents and hints of sparkling silver.

The hotel also features several large accommodation options with roomy pullout couches and enhanced seating areas that are ideal for multi-generational or group travelers. In addition, there are 62 suites, which offer epic views of the City and Bay, and feature artwork inspired by the many musical performers who have graced the hotel’s ballrooms, and who have sung about their love of San Francisco.

All guest rooms are equipped with features and amenities essential to the modern traveler, such as Nespresso machines, robes, slippers, and luxurious bath products. One of my favorite things about staying at a Fairmont is that they have a partnership with New York-based perfume house Le Labo, and the Fairmont offers an exclusive line of toiletries with Le Labo’s famous Rose 31 fragrance.

The incredible view from my Signature King room and the bathroom were my favorite parts of my stay. The marble bathroom was exquisite, and enormous for a city hotel, with a separate shower and a bathtub. It was like having a my own personal spa in my hotel room!

In addition, I also melted into the plush king mattress and Frette linens — it was like sleeping on a cloud! I also loved the ease and convenience of being able to order in-room dining from the bedside tablet. It was so magical to sit at the huge picture window, sip on my morning coffee, indulge in a tasty omelette, and watch San Francisco come to life in the early hours of the morning.

The Location and Guest Experience

Fairmont San Francisco is located on top of Nob Hill at the corner of California and Mason streets. Centrally located, the hotel is a short cable car trip from the bustling Downtown, Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. In fact, the Fairmont San Francisco is the only spot in SF where each of the city’s cable car lines meet, which makes it super convienent and easy to get around.

The hotel has a fitness center and spa, has its own beehives, allows pets, and it has an enchanting rooftop garden with a fountain and views of the city. The rooftop garden was my favorite, as it is a magnificent oasis in the heart of the city. Its impeccable landscaping, towering palm trees, sparkling fountain and lounge seating make this the ideal spot for relaxing and taking in the beautiful views.

Dining

Fairmont San Francisco offers three fabulous dining options for guests and visitors. We weren’t able to dine at the newly opened Cirque Bar, but we absolutely loved breakfast at Laurel Court and we had the most delicious and fun dinner at the Tonga Room!

The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar at the Fairmont San Francisco is like being transported to a tropical island in the South Pacific! This famous restaurant and bar is an iconic SF landmark, featuring live entertainment and dancing. This world-renowned tiki venue serves divinely delicious Polynesian-fusion, family-style cuisine in a truly, one-of-a-kind setting.

The Fairmont’s old indoor pool, called The Plunge, was renovated to become the Tonga Room. At the time when Tonga was opened, it was one of the nation’s first Polynesian-themed restaurants. Delightfully nostalgic, the iconic Tonga Room exudes atmosphere in spades! And it’s no wonder, since it was a Hollywood set designer who created the themed look and feel.

We had the Tonga Pupu Platter (fried vegetable spring rolls, ahi tuna poke tostadas, chili pepper chicken wings, house made Spam and edamame), the Coconut Curry Seafood, and the Grilled Miso Salmon. All of the food was stupendously delicious, and I think the Tonga Room is a MUST visit on any trip to SF!

Oh, and be sure to try the Mai Tai, regularly recognized as one of SF’s best! As you revel in the band playing on the floating boat and marvel at the kitsch decor, be sure to hold on to your libation during the periodic “surprise” rain, thunder and lightning storms!

The Tonga Room is open Wednesday through Sunday, and is so awesome that even Anthony Bourdain highlighted it on his show The Layover in 2014!

Laurel Court

Crowned by three ornate domes, Laurel Court serves award-winning regional cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Laurel Court also hosts one of the city’s most elegant afternoon tea services, which is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

We only dined at Laurel Court once for breakfast, but wow was it a wonderful meal! I was blown away at how delectable the Huevos Rancheros was! It was SO good in fact, that we ordered a second portion!

Whether staying at the Fairmont or not, I’d highly recommend dropping in to Laurel Court for a delicious breakfast or to sit back and indulge in a relaxing Afternoon Tea service.

Accor’s ALL Loyalty Program

ALL points are very simple to redeem: every 1,000 points is worth €20 toward any stay. 5,000 points are therefore worth €100 towards any stay with one of the chain’s many brands. If your stay takes place in a different currency, you get that value converted into local currency.

There’s no arbitrage, like with some other points programs, but with frequent bonuses on earning, and dependably easy ways to redeem, GSTP is a fan of the program.

With the current exchange rate, €100 is worth $110 or £85, so 5,000 points would get you $110 or £85 off a bill at any global Accor property, which includes all Fairmont’s, Sofitel’s, Raffles’, Banyan Tree’s and many more.

Unlike many hotel loyalty programs, the nice thing is that ALL points can go toward the cost of a room, cover a room entirely, or just go toward the folio when checking out, in case you run up a tab!

Final Verdict

The Fairmont is one of the most luxurious and best-reviewed hotels in San Francisco, and it’s easy to see why! The Fairmont San Francisco will be my go-to choice whenever I am in the Bay Area. It’s perfect for couples, families and business travelers alike, and the decor, dining options, staff and the outstanding service make this a truly fabulous hotel for anyone looking to have a one-of-a-kind, luxury experience while visiting SF!

The post Review: Fairmont San Francisco || A Stay So Lovely You’ll Leave Your Heart in SF appeared first on God Save The Points.

For nearly two years, Qatar Airways sat atop the business class throne, alone.

There was the Qsuite, privacy doors, big screen tv’s and bespoke touches and all — and about a mile behind – every other airlines next best.

In August, 2019, Japan’s All Nippon Airways – better known as ANA – had something to say about that. With the swift introduction of “The Room”, ANA looked as if an airline could finally take a shot at the throne, elevating the bar once more.

In 2022, these two are still battling it out to be “the best”.

With endless levels of excitement, I hopped on the first ever flight to feature the new ANA business class ‘The Room’ in 2019, and I could hardly believe my eyes. Surely, I’d made my way into the wrong cabin, and a cabin crew member would politely direct me to where “business class, not first class” could be found, and bow accordingly.

Nope, I was in the right place. Could this really be the world’s best business class and topple the Qatar Airways experience? Here’s my weigh in on the verdict.

Best Business Class Criteria

I think a flying experience can adequately be summed up into 5 parts.

The pre-flight bits like check in and lounge. The seat on board, the service on board and the food and drinks on board. Five areas of judging keeps things simple enough, and I think it’s worth weighting the seat with 2/5th of the total outcome, since it’s really the only thing you’re guaranteed.

Service can change from crew to crew, as can catering at different airports.

I’m going to award one point for pre-flight, two points for the best seat, one point for the best service and one point for the food, beverages and all other elements. With any hope, the math will add up to the winner, in the eyes of GSTP.

Pre-Flight

I’ve experienced both Qatar Airways and ANA at their respective “home bases” and also at plenty of outstations abroad.

Based on the wow-factor of lounges, the consistency of high quality food, drinks and amenities on the ground and helpful agents, Qatar takes the point here.

ANA lounges are incredibly busy in Japan, and to be fair, Qatar’s Al Mourjan lounge in Doha is too, but the overall offering in Al Mourjan is mostly superior, and the Qatar lounges elsewhere tend to be much more refined than the Star Alliance Lounges ANA typically uses.

Scoreboard: In the battle of the world’s best business class, it’s now Qatar Airways 1, ANA 0.

Business Class Seat

The Qsuite changed the game, bringing the first, business class cabin to feature a privacy door at every seat, in addition to the latest electronics and massive storage space.

It’s still a delight, but it doesn’t hold a candle to what ANA has managed to carve out with “The Room”. I cannot stress enough how large and overwhelmingly wowing this ANA seat is.

On that very first flight, I proclaimed ANA to have the world’s best business class seat, and haven’t remotely reconsidered since. It’s wider, the screen is bigger, sharper, the storage is better, and the privacy door is more substantial.

There’s even a portion of the privacy door you can open just a peek during service times to get meals. It’s next level.

The original ruling on the field stands, and I’m awarding both points to ANA here.

It’s just better in almost every way, so Qsuite doesn’t even manage a half point here, even though Qsuite is still better than every other seat out right now. Here’s a review of Qatar Qsuite, and one of ANA The Room for your own visual comparison.

Scoreboard: The crowd is going wild, because the battle for the world’s best business class just went 2-1 in favor of ANA over Qatar Airways as we head past the half way mark.

On Board Service

ANA cabin crews really couldn’t be any more professional or polite. They’re lovely, and treat every guest with such respect in line with Japan’s admirable standards.

But, it’s sometimes a style of service that can be mistaken for being impersonal by some. ANA also still sticks with a “we choose meal time” service, with just a few items available at any time.

Qatar Airways re-wrote the playbook on standards of dining in business class, bringing a successful dine on demand concept few have been able to recreate without taking an eternity.

Basically, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and the cabin crew is typically fantastic at sticking to the polished service script.

From the way they place the hot (or cold) towels, which is a lovely touch, to the presentation of service, Qatar Airways service wins not necessarily on account of the people, but the incredibly high level of service and uniformity you can expect in the air.

Crew members from both airlines are wonderful, but Qatar Airways has refined this element of the experience to a rarely seen level.

Scoreboard: With the game headed into the final minutes, Qatar Airways just leveled the best business class score at 2-2, leaving the crowd on their feet as the final plays draw to a close.

The Final Showdown: Food, Drinks, Amenities

Both airlines manage to highlight and celebrate their heritage with the food, drinks and amenities found on board. I love that. I can’t pass up an okonomiyaki snack or a lovely sake with my meal on ANA, and I can’t pass up a biryani and karak chai tea on Qatar Airways.

If you know, you know!

When you get down to price points, consistency and overall quality however, Qatar starts to pull ahead. On amenity kits and other perks, the lead only extends further.

Price points don’t determine good wine, but they can certainly help, and Qatar Airways tends to have wines in business class between $20-$50, including Grand Cru chateau’s, whereas ANA tends to stick to the $10-$25 range.

Crowd sourced scores for the wines on Vivino, which are often a better indicator than price points alone, typically reflect better scores with Qatar Airways wine selections than ANA.

Catering standards are excellent on both airlines, but to most travelers the options on Qatar Airways are more accessible.

Traditional Japanese meals are a blast, but if you’re coming from outside of Asia, they can be more of an acquired taste than Qatar Airways meal choices. Amenity kits also tend to beat ANA on design and what’s inside.

Verdict On The World’s Best Business Class

Despite an inferior seat, Qatar Airways just manages to squeak by here overall, based on what’s known as the “soft product” – aka things that aren’t bolted to the floor of the plane.

If you don’t eat or drink on the plane, you could easily call this a draw, or even move the win over to ANA too. A draw would be a fair result, too.

If ANA were to match Qatar on just one of these other elements of the business class experience, such as lounge amenities or dine on demand, the scales could easily tip to their favor. b

But for now, despite ANA offering the world’s best business class seat – Qatar Airways still offers the world’s best business class experience overall, if you ask me. What will drive the next world’s best? Probably not space, but technology.

The post World’s Best Business Class: ANA Or Qatar Airways? appeared first on God Save The Points.

Some hotels just roll off the tip of the tongue when you mention a city. When you mention London, The Langham is one of those.

The quintessential London luxury hotel sits in one of the best parts of town, with quick access to Soho, Regents Park and lovely Marylebone High Street. But it’s the service and amenities inside which keep many guests from venturing out at all.

Always a favorite for afternoon tea, I somewhat frequently book stays at The Langham with my young family for fun staycations, and even with lofty expectations, somehow The Langham always managed to exceed.

The rooms are good, sure, but it’s the total package which makes this hotel a prime choice for any traveler blessed with choice.

The Langham London: Location

If you’re new to London, The Langham is in an enviable location. It’s close enough to touristy and busy areas like Oxford Circus, but it’s set back among gorgeous streets of Marylebone and close to Regents Park. For a morning run, you’re spoiled for choice.

It’s a quick walk to restaurants, theatre and nightlife in Soho, too. You’ve got access to the most useful underground lines, including the Victoria Line, Bakerloo and Central.

Checking In: 10/10

With some hotels, the good stuff is found after a drab check in. Not here. Up the stairs and to the right, the check in area is spacious, beautifully scented and well staffed.

I’ve never waited more than a minute or two for a kind team member to begin the formalities and when they begin, they’re both professional and cordial. I’m yet to have the feeling that someone behind the desk doesn’t know exactly what they’re doing, or hasn’t checked any reservation notes.

The Rooms & Suites

The Langham is a London icon with immense history. In a wonderful way, it’s not an easy hotel to pigeon hole in style terms.

Many spaces are contemporary and art focused with wonderful use of flowers. Others, such as guest rooms, are more classically and traditionally styled, with tasteful updates and clean colors.

I’ve stayed at the Langham more than a handful of times this year in varying rooms, each giving off a sense of place, history and luxury. All room types are nicely sized and well appointed, but the extra space found in the Executive Rooms is very welcome for anyone traveling with family or taking meetings.

Booking through GSTP’s concierge program, I’ve been fortunate to receive one category upgrades from time to time. I was also able to enjoy a suite during a great promo and all I can say is that if you get the chance, it’s well worth it.

The suites are impressively quiet, spacious and serviced to an amazingly high standard. Many are also centrally located, making it easy to access the Langham Club or swift exits from the hotel.

In Room Tech, Wifi And Connectivity

If there was any area for improvement in the Langham, and that requires a bit of a stretch, it would be in the technology department.

TV’s I’ve experienced have had relatively limited function, simply displaying food menus and allowing basic live TV channels. I’d love to see an upgrade to screens which allow Apple or Android devices to stream to the televisions such as ChromeCast, or to incorporate app based content like Netflix or Apple+ TV.

Wifi speeds at the Langham are typically excellent and I’ve never had an issue during Zoom calls or file uploads. Streaming is also a breeze. New Ted Lasso can’t wait, can it?

Power ports can be found near the bedsides, and often above alarm clocks, but in future updates, some USB-C ports would give this classically wonderful experience a nice modern edge without any intrusion.

Langham — Amazing With Kids!

Travel with young kids is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding, but also often stressful experiences. Part of that stress is often wondering how hotels will react to kids. I find that’s particularly true in five star hotels where guests can appear cold and gruff.

The Langham turns this on its head better than virtually anywhere I’ve been. There are amenities specifically for kids and depending on the room type you book, there are options like teepee’s setup in the rooms and so much more.

Our little one, Olive, loves the Langham and always wonders why other hotels don’t have things like crayons available when we check in. And yes, that’s a lot to unpack.

The Langham Pool, Gym And More

The Langham Pool and Chuan Spa are rare treats in London.

The pool is in an old bank vault below the building and is the perfect length for lap swims for exercise, but is also fully approachable for families to do cannonballs.

It’s worth noting that children aren’t welcome at the pool from 10AM-2PM, but very much are at all other times of day. This creates a nice balance for all guests, in my experience.

The Langham’s gym is also excellent and has more than enough to stay fit whether weight training, crossfit or just running and biking. As a transplant living in London, I will note that Regents Park is only down the road, so if you want some outdoor loops, there are some gorgeous ones just outside.

Dining, Drinking And Tea

Most people choose hotels for the location, quality of the beds or the service. With the Langham London already excelling in each of those marks, the five star hotel further differentiates itself with food and beverage.

Palm Court, the home of Langham’s afternoon tea is one of the most iconic afternoon teas out there, and having experienced it multiple times over the last decade, I cannot recommend it enough for a quintessential London experience.

The Langham also offers Artesian, a clever cocktail bar with impressive food pairings, including recent stints with Humble Chicken, a London hotspot. When I say cocktails, I mean real cocktails. Mixology level, interesting spirits and all that. And of course, Roux at the Landau somewhat speaks for itself.

London somehow remains an underrated city for all things delicious, but if there’s ever a place where you’d be excused for not venturing out, its probably here. But do go out! Delicious options like Ottolenghi, Daylesford and Trishna are just a short walk away.

Booking The Langham

Rates at the Langham vary, but you can expect five star hotel prices in a major city. When booking, going direct is always a good move for added benefits, as is booking with a luxury travel advisor.

Luxury travel advisors can unlock extras such as “free” breakfast, better upgrades or check out times based on their and their agency’s overall sales relationship with the hotel.

However you book, it’s hard not to instantly feel engrained in the fabric of London when staying at the Langham. There’s a reason my family chooses this hotel as our home away from home for staycations in the city. London and Langham, has a ring to it, right?

The post Review: The Langham, London || So Charming appeared first on God Save The Points.

Growing up in Florida with older parents, cruising has basically been in my blood since I was a child. My family loved the ease and convenience of being able to drive a couple of hours to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, etc., to hop on a ship, and to instantly be on vacation.

In my 36 years, I have been on almost 75 cruises. On these trips, I have cruised various regions of the world including, North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia. Being able to walk onboard, unpack only once, and to wake up in a new place every day is a pretty nice way to travel. One of the things I like best about cruising is that you get a little taste of a new place. Then, you can travel there again by land if you love it, and so that you can explore it on a more in-depth level.

I know that cruising is polarizing to most people, but for others, it’s an affordable and easy way to see the world. And if you pick the right ship and cruise line, your cruise vacation can be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing vacations of your life.

Why I Wanted to Sail on Celebrity Edge

I have sailed on many cruise lines over the years: Carnival (that was a one-and-done and NEVER again), Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Celebrity and Regent.

But I have to say — Celebrity has been my go-to cruise line for the past decade. To me, Celebrity ticks all of the right boxes: delicious cuisine, consistently outstanding service, beautifully maintained ships, diverse itineraries, and most importantly, a great value for the price point.

That’s why when Celebrity launched its new “Edge Class” of ships in 2018, dubbed by the brand as representing “a monumental leap in design and innovation,” I knew I needed to check it out for myself.

And in a nutshell, WOW, just WOW! I was TOTALLY blown away and I can honestly say that Celebrity delivered on that promise.

Celebrity Edge Overview

The Celebrity Edge is the first of brand’s Edge-Class series of ships. Launched in 2018, Celebrity Edge is billed by the company as “a ship designed to leave the future behind.” And boy does it ever!

Celebrity coined it catchphrase “Modern Luxury” over a decade ago, and the Edge is the true embodiment of that slogan. Its design, decor, service, innovation, etc., truly pushes the envelope, and it marks a turning point in the approach to ship design for the entire cruise industry.

With 29 dining venues, and multiple entertainment facilities, there is something for everyone onboard. The cutting-edge ship boasts many firsts in the cruising industry, such as the Magic Carpet lounge, which floats up and down the side of the ship. Celebrity Edge provides almost everything onboard that any other cruise ship would, but she does so with a one-of-a-kind, contemporary panache and luxury flair.

Celebrity Edge Quick Facts:

Year built:  2018
Weight: 129,000 tons
Passenger Capacity:  2,918
Crew: 1,320
Staterooms:  1,467

How I Booked + Itinerary

I have been booking all of my cruises for the past 15+ years via an OTA called Vacations To Go — shoutout to my cruise consultant Donovan!

Being an avid cruiser, I have found that Vacations to Go has the absolute best pricing — most of the time even better than booking directly with the cruise line itself — and VTG even offers additional perks and onboard credits that you won’t find on other travel sites or offered by the cruise lines when booking direct. Of note, I paid for my Celebrity Edge cruise with my Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3X points, since it’s coded as a travel purchase.

For a 7 night voyage on Celebrity Edge in a Sky Suite stateroom, I paid $5,000 total for two passengers. Included for a Suite Class reservation were the following:

• Free Premium Alcohol Package
• Tips Included
• Free Premium WiFi

In addition, Donovan at VTG was able to score us an onboard credit of $400 per person, which we could use at our discretion for extras like shore excursions, specialty dining, spa, casino, shopping, etc.

Since I have been on so many cruises, I like picking unique itineraries, and I have found that Celebrity has some of the best in the industry. I chose this specific 7 night voyage departing from Ft. Lauderdale, because it ported at an island on my bucket list — Tortola, British Virgin Islands. In addition to the BVIs, the ship also stopped in the Bahamas and St. Maarten.

Sky Suite Stateroom

We booked cabin 9204, and I fell in love immediately when I walked through the door. The Sky Suite is perfectly designed, and offers a blend of expansive views along with a luxe interior. The large, 319 square foot suite featured a king-size bed with a cashmere mattress and a spacious, private veranda. 

The decor was modern, clean and super chic. I also loved that Suite passengers were assigned a dedicated butler, and it was awesome to have a cold bottle of sparkling wine waiting for us everyday in the stateroom for our daily, afternoon happy hour on the veranda.

The split bathroom features a very large rain shower and a tub — yes a spacious spa tub on a cruise ship! I was blown away! It was so large, in fact, that 2 adults could fit in it comfortably. Trust me, I tested it

In addition, there was a lovely seated vanity, which made getting ready for dinner each night a leisurely and relaxing experience.

The Retreat (Exclusive Access Only for Suite Class Passengers)

The Retreat isn’t a place. It isn’t an amenity. It isn’t a service. It’s all of this and more.

The Retreat includes a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge and sundeck that rival any five-star resort. The Retreat has a dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and butlers who do everything to ensure you never have to lift a finger on your vacation. And the service was phenomenal!

As avid cruisers will know, the pool deck on any cruise ship is the main attraction onboard, and also where hoards of people congregate on a daily basis. It can be like the Hunger Games to find a open sun lounger, and having to weave and swerve between the crowds can become and exhausting and arduous task. And that’s not something you really want to deal with on vacation.

Well, if you want to avoid the masses, then The Retreat will be your refuge. I have never experienced a pool deck on a cruise as laid back, uncrowded and relaxing at The Retreat on the Celebrity Edge. On top of that, I have never seen a pool on a cruise ship as gorgeous as this. I mean those floating chairs over the pool and posh cabanas are just to die for!

Luminae Restaurant

This private restaurant for Suite Class passengers boasts a boldly elegant interior that’s as distinctive as the cuisine. The dishes here are found nowhere else on board, including the new Daniel Boulud signature dishes complimentary to all guests of The Retreat.

We had almost every meal at Luminae, and it was absolutely divine! The service was impeccable, the food was the BEST I have ever had on any cruise, and the decor was lavish. You’ll be hard pressed to find better food or service at sea than Luminae!

The Retreat Lounge

This exclusive lounge is warm and inviting. Suite passengers can enjoy complimentary beverages, gourmet bites, and a stylish place to unwind in style, along with the services of The Retreat Concierge.

We enjoyed having afternoon tea here few times throughout the cruise, and we also used this space for getting some work done. It was the perfect place to chill and answer emails, all while admiring the view of the ocean through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Spa

I love going to the spa on vacation, and there are spas and then there are SPA-AHHHHHHS. And The Spa on the Celebrity Edge has to be the most decadent on the seven seas.

At the heart of The Spa on Celebrity Edge is the SEA Thermal Suite and its eight distinct therapy rooms. It’s a playground for the senses and an incredible place to relax before or after your treatments. Basically, Celebrity has taken everything that has made its iconic Persian Garden so popular on its older fleet of ships, and elevated it to a whole new level of tranquility.

At the Celebrity Edge Spa you’ll find things that have never before been on any cruise ship: a hammam, a crystalarium, a salt room, an infrared sauna, a rainfall water therapy room, a float room, and so much more.

I spent almost all of our onboard credit in the spa, and it was a divine delight of the senses. I enjoyed a variety of wonderful treatments, and found The Spa on the Edge to be the perfect oasis for pampering and relaxation. It was by far the best cruise ship spa that I have ever experienced in my life!

Overall Onboard Experience

The Celebrity Edge is an award-winning ship, and rightfully so!

The design elements of Celebrity Edge are totally, off-the-charts amazing, and at every corner you’ll be in awe of the meticulous attention to detail that the architects and interior decorators brought to life when designing this ship.

A Ship Designed to Leave the Future Behind

Honestly, there are so many one-of-a-kind spaces onboard that it is hard for me to know where to start. Wherever you go on this cutting-edge ship, the fusion of art, design and sculpture are part of the riveting sailing experience.

And there are surprises in store around literally, almost every corner. For example, there is a huge room filled with free-form bronze figures of trees, which is known as “Avalon.” It is almost eerie, but completely mesmerizing. And there was no explanation as to what we were looking at—just captivating and enchanting, “living” sculptures.

In total, there are 4,000 works of art on Celebrity Edge. In addition to Avalon, my other favorite piece was this a model of a ship—made of thousands of pearls!

Even the main Resort Deck is a work of art! At the center of this space is a 25-yard lap pool, which is the largest in Celebrity’s fleet. And positioned magnificently above the Pool Bar is an ever-changing LED light art installation. Another attention-grabbing addition to the pool deck are striking, two-story martini hot tubs, that take unwinding at sea to new heights.

The spaces on Celebrity Edge transform from day to night, so sometimes it’s hard to categorize them. For example, Eden features panoramic ocean views and an atmosphere that evolves as the day goes on.

Eden introduces the industry-changing concept of outward facing spaces designed to build a greater connection between you and the sea. It’s three levels of sensory experiences, which are all designed to awaken your spirit of wonder in unique and exciting ways. Each day or night that you visit, you’ll encounter a new fusion of music, libations, culinary delights, and experiences, which are unlike anything else at sea.  

Final Verdict

As you can see, the Celebrity Edge is not your average cruise ship. For cruisers, and non-cruisers alike, I don’t think you’ll find a ship as beautiful or as modern as this — except for the Celebrity Beyond, which is the newest Edge Class ship that Celebrity launched last year. And on top of that, the service and hospitality we experienced onboard was top-notch, and some of the best on the seven seas!

Hands down, the Celebrity Edge was my favorite cruise of all time, and I would sail on her again in a heartbeat. If you’re planning a cruise in 2023, or thinking of planning one, I strongly advise you to consider the Celebrity Edge and her sister ship the Celebrity Apex, or the newest Edge Class of ships the Celebrity Beyond and the Celebrity Ascent (debuting later this year). Trust me, unless you’ve already sailed on a Celebrity Edge class ship, then you’ve never cruised like this before!

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Avgeeks and travel buffs alike have, of course by now, heard of the iconic TWA Hotel.

Opened in Spring 2019, the TWA Hotel is a marvel of mid-century modern architecture and has been designated a New York City landmark since 1994. Built in 1962, and designed by renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen — who also designed the St. Louis Gateway Arch — the original TWA Flight Center was designed to embody the “Golden Age of Travel.” However, in 2001 when TWA went bankrupt, the terminal closed down to passenger and flight operations, and it sat dormant until 2016 when developers began construction on the new hotel.

I’ve stayed at this iconic airport hotel both pre and post-pandemic, and I have to admit, it lives up to the hype! Even with very high expectations going in, the TWA Hotel is unlike any place in the world, and it is one of the best and most unique hotel stays you’ll ever experience!

And what makes this hotel so special is the details. You literally feel like you are transported back in time to the 1960s. The hotel is similar to Disney World, in terms of its attention to detail. And from the moment you walk through the door, you’ll feel like you’re an extra in the famous Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks film Catch Me If You Can.

The Room

During my most recent stay at the TWA Hotel, I stayed in a Deluxe King with Runway View room ($500).

On previous stays, I’ve stayed in a Deluxe King with Historic TWA View ($400) and I have also stayed in one of the short-stay, layover (10 AM – 4 PM) Deluxe Double Queen rooms ($200).

Right off the bat, you can tell by the pricing that this is not your average airport hotel. But for the convenience of being the only airport hotel at JFK, it being an easy walk from the AirTrain Terminal 5 station, and for the phenomenal, one-of-a-kind experience, I think it’s 100% worth the money.

Of note, I made my booking directly on the TWA Hotel website and paid with my Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3X, since this is coded as a travel purchase. It looks like the TWA Hotel doesn’t currently accept reservations via OTAs like Hotels.com or Expedia, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to book.

Now back to the room… The Deluxe King Runway View is the best room option, in my opinion, since there really is nothing quite like sitting in bed in the morning, drinking your coffee and watching planes take off and land. And thanks to some magic sorcery of sorts, runway view rooms are thoroughly soundproofed. The floor-to-ceiling windows are actually the second-thickest in the world, and your slumber won’t be disturbed by a peep of airport noise.

Clocking in at about 300 square feet, the room is definitely on the small side. But for a quick, one-night stay ahead of flying Emirates First on the A380 to Milan, this was more than enough room for my husband and I to get a comfortable night’s sleep.

The king bed was plush and cozy, and the decor and interior design of the room is just off the charts! From the rotary phone, to the vintage TWA posters, to the Knoll red womb chair, the TWA stationary, the Hollywood style-vanity, the wood paneled mini bar and coat rack, and to the terrazzo-tiled bathroom — the room in and of itself was a work of art and an immersive experience.

Knowing that this hotel is more of a stopover for folks versus a destination for an extended stay, it didn’t bother me that there was no luggage storage or closet in the room. However, I know for some folks that this may be an annoyance, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to stay here.

Another thing that felt off to me, and that left a bad taste in my mouth, was the toiletry situation. The toiletry dispenser did not look like it was cleaned or filled properly, and was grimy. Given the $500 a night price point, you’d expect for this to be properly sanitized and filled up after each guest. I made a comment to the hotel staff about this, and was given the proverbial — “Okay we’ll handle it” — but of course no one ever showed up to do so before we had to check out.

The Guest Experience

The overall guest experience is what makes the TWA Hotel truly amazing, but that being said, don’t expect five-star hospitality and service here even though you’re paying five-star prices.

While some of the hotel staff are lovely, the vast majority of the staff are more-or-less phoning it in. Likely they do so because they can — but hey, this hotel is kind of a tourist attraction and a short stopover for folks after all.

I myself can put aside the fact that the service is subpar, simply because this hotel is such a masterpiece of architecture, design, and decor, and given the convenience of the location.

TWA Hotel Overview

• 512 ultra-quiet guestrooms with thrilling views of JFK’s runways and the iconic TWA Flight Center
• A rooftop infinity pool and observation deck with runway views
• A Lockheed Constellation “Connie” L-1649A transformed into a cocktail lounge
• Classic Solari split-flap message board with authentic original mechanical operation manufactured in Udine, Italy
• The Paris Café and The Sunken Lounge, plus Food Hall grab-and-go dining
• The world’s biggest hotel gym — a 10,000-square-foot fitness center
• Museum exhibits on TWA, the Jet Age and the midcentury modern design movement
• A Twister Room, where you can play a wall-to-wall version of the 1960s game
• A Photo Room filled with snapshots from fans — and a booth to capture your own memories
• Fun seasonal activities, such as curling, ice skating, bumper cars, croquet, and more.
• 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space that can host up to 1,600 people

Rooftop Infinity Pool and Observation Deck

There are pools, and then there’s the TWA Hotel’s rooftop infinity pool overlooking the runways and terminals at JFK. It’s literally an avgeek’s dream come true!

Located on the roof of the Hughes wing, you’ll find this crown jewel just a short elevator ride up from the first floor. 

The TWA Hotel infinity pool is heated up to 95 degrees year round, and no matter what time of year I have visited, it has always been warm enough to take a dip. The pool faces both Terminals 4 and 5, so you’ll see a bunch of JetBlue planes, along with aircraft from Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, among others.

It’s a fantastic pool in a truly one-of-a-kind setting! But, as the pool area itself is not all that large, this spot can get crowded, especially in the warm, summer months. Fortunately, there were only a handful of people up at the pool during all 3 of my stays (May, October and December).

In addition, at the Pool Bar you’ll find a variety of beverage and food options to enjoy as you watch planes take off and land. Surprisingly, the best meal I had during my stay was here at the Pool Bar, which was the yummy Ranch Chicken Flatbread.

Pool Reservations

The pool and observation deck have two seasons — Summer/Fall (May 26 to October 31) and Winter/Spring (November 1 to May 25). Each season has different reservation policies, and you should consult the chart on the TWA Hotel site to see if complimentary pool access is included during your hotel booking.

That’s right — in the Summer/Fall timeframe, the TWA Hotel charges hotel guests a $25 per adult and a $10 per child (ages 5-12) cover charge. On top of that, even given the extra charge, pool reservations during the Summer/Fall months are limited to only 1 hour and 45 minute time slots. It’s a real twist of the knife to pay $500 a night for a hotel room, and to then have to pay an extra $25 per person to then only get access to the pool for less than 2 hours.

Now all of that being said, there is a free, no-reservations-required swim period for hotel guests between 7 and 10:45 AM daily. But that means you’re going to have to get up early in the morning, and possibly swim when it’s chilly out, so be prepared.

For those visiting the TWA Hotel in the Winter/Spring timeframe you are in luck! There is no charge for hotel guests to use the pool during this season and there are no time limit restrictions.

HOT TIP: If you don’t want to fork out a hotel room at the TWA Hotel, non-hotel guests can pay for pool access. In the Winter/Spring timeframe it costs $25 per adult and and $10 per child (ages 5-12) and there is no reservation time limit.

During the Summer/Fall period, it costs $50 per adult and and $20 per child (ages 5-12) for non-hotel guests, but reservations are limited to one hour and 45 minutes.

Reservations are strongly encouraged for non-hotel guests — as pool seating capacity is limited — and you can email poolbar@twahotel.com for booking inquiries. FYI this is a GREAT way to experience the hotel at a fraction of the cost!

Connie Cocktail Lounge

The hotel has turned its signature Lockheed Constellation (aka Connie) plane into a bar called The Connie Cocktail Lounge. And for avgeeks, there is literally no cooler place in the entire world to enjoy an adult beverage.

This 1958 aircraft — which served as an Alaskan bush plane shuttling supplies to Prudhoe Bay and a marijuana dropper after retiring from TWA! — seats 75 guests. Fully restored, the plane features murals by artist Mario Zamparelli that once graced the cabin, an original navigation system and the emergency device people used to escape danger: a rope! The cockpit even has a feed to air traffic control.

The bar is available on a first-come-first-serve basis and does not take reservations. The lounge is open from 4 PM to 10:30 PM, seven days a week, and is open to both hotel guests and non-guests alike. Cocktails start at $17 and light snacks are also served (menu).

Personally, I think Connie is one of the most amazing bars that I have ever been to. Even if you just have a layover at JFK, you should 1000% check this place out even if you only have time to have one drink!

Gym

Dubbed “the world’s biggest hotel gym,” this 10,000-square foot facility is located in the hotel’s basement, and it’s an impressive space. The fitness center is free for hotel guests to use and is open 24/7.

There are plenty of weight and cardio machines, including 14 Peloton bikes, 12 treadmills, 10 ellipticals, a TRX Suspension Trainer, kettlebells, resistance bands, and more.

There’s even a small yoga studio, along with three group fitness classes scheduled throughout the week. Changing rooms with showers, salon-style vanities and grooming supplies are also available.

Dining

Overall, the food at the TWA Hotel is decent, but nothing to write home about.

The Paris Café is the TWA Hotel’s flagship restaurant. The Paris Café is currently open for breakfast from 7 to 11 AM and open for lunch and dinner from 12 to 10 PM. Paris Café encourages reservations, but I’ve never had a problem getting a table as a walk-in.

Located in the heart of the 1962 Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal, the Paris Café by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges encompasses the entire footprint of the terminal’s original Paris Café and Lisbon Lounge. The spaces were once outfitted by famed Parisian industrial designer Raymond Loewy — the mind behind the 1955 Coca-Cola contour bottle, the 1959 TWA twin globes logo, the 1963 Studebaker Avanti and the 1962 Air Force One livery.

The decor itself is fantastic and an ode to mid-century modern design. Sadly though, the food and service don’t necessarily live up to the Jean-Georges hype. I’ve eaten breakfast here all three times during my stay — proximity eh? — and while decent, the food at Paris Café is not nearly as good as the food at other Jean-Georges restaurants.

In the front part of the lobby there’s a variety of grab-and-go food options dubbed The Food Hall. There are several outposts, like a convenience store, bagel shop, coffee bar, panini spot, Coney Island hot dog stand, Mr. Softee ice cream outpost, crepe stand, and more.

In addition, there’s also The Sunken Lounge, which is located in the main lobby of the hotel. The drink menu is great, with a ton of fun, aviation-themed and history-inspired cocktails like the Eero Dynamics (aka the TWA Hotel’s little spin on an Old Fashioned). This is a great spot for taking in the aura of the hotel and immersing yourself in the 1960s vibe. Between the click clack of the departures board, the view of the Connie, the 1960s playlist, the people watching and the cool TWA swizzle sticks, this bar is definitely one to visit while staying at the hotel.

Final Verdict

The TWA Hotel is more than just a hotel — it’s a time capsule and a work of art. This hotel is totally immersive, and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

While the subpar food and lackluster service aren’t what you’d expect from a hotel at this price point, to gripe about that would be a mistake. Want an incredible meal or five-star service? Then head into the city – those things are a dime a dozen in NYC. Because you will not find any hotel like The TWA Hotel anywhere else in the world.

The TWA Hotel is a captivating amalgamation of numerous passions—aviation, travel, architecture, history, design, and culture. It’s a unique chance to experience the Golden Age of Travel and the days of yesteryear. Plus, as far as airport hotels go — let’s be fair — this one is still leagues above the norm.

The post Review: TWA Hotel, NYC || An Avgeek’s Dream Come True appeared first on God Save The Points.

In October, my husband and I honeymooned in Oman, so during our stopover in the UAE, we decided to stay 2 nights at the points and miles bucket-list property Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa.

Located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha is a one-hour drive from Dubai and about an hour-and-a-half drive from Abu Dhabi.

What makes Al Maha so special — and a top aspirational redemption for points junkies — is two fold: even when redeeming Marriott points at Al Maha the stay is all-inclusive (all meals and select, daily activities), and having your own private infinity pool villa overlooking the glistening desert is a totally epic and a truly unique experience.

I have stayed in numerous overwater villas in both the Maldives and in Tahiti, and to me, Al Maha is just as incredible and as special of an experience. With just 42 villas across the sprawling property, and fiery red and golden sand dunes for as far as the eye can see, Al Maha is hands-down one of my best Marriott award redemptions to date.

The Room

I redeemed 200,000 Bonvoy points for the 2 night stay in a King Bedoiun Suite Villa with a private pool. While the resort has larger two and three bedroom suites, which are best suited for families, the King Bedouin Suite with private pool is the standard room type across the property.

Considering that cash rates per night during the dates of my stay were over $1,200, I was perfectly happy to part with my Bonvoy points instead of having to pay out of pocket.

And the suite was incredible and just like something right out of Arabian Nights! From the plush, super-size king bed, to the lovely antiques, and to the lavish decor and furnishings, I felt like I was transported to a desert retreat fit for a Sultan!

Not only was the suite fit for royalty, but it was also super spacious. Clocking in at over 800 square feet, the villa included a sumptuous sitting and lounge area, a comfortable workspace, a large wardrobe for luggage and clothing storage, and a very spacious bathroom. I loved the huge walk-in shower and the generous-sized soaking tub, plus the double vanity. On top of that, I adored the full-sized, luxe Byredo toiletries, which definitely made their way home with me as a little souvenir

In addition, the large outdoor wooden deck area with a dining table and two cozy sun loungers made the villa seem even that much bigger. I loved being able to open the doors to the room and take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor space at my leisure. Plus, I even had a few cute little visitors come up to my deck throughout my stay!

Being able to intimately experience the wildlife of the desert and to swim under the stars in our private, heated pool were magical experiences in and of themselves, and you’ll be hard pressed to find another resort in the world like this — much less one where you can stay all-inclusive for free on points!

Guest Experience

Sometimes when you book an all-inclusive vacation, you come home and are left feeling less than satisfied with the level of service you received. You also may feel like you missed out on culinary delights and that the food you ate was only so-so.

Well, don’t worry, we’ve all been there! But at Al Maha this is definitely something you will NOT have to worry about!

The service at this resort was FANTASTIC through and through, and the food was absolutely DIVINE!

Included in your cash or points room rate are three spectacular meals a day, along with an afternoon tea. Although there is only one restaurant on the property — Al Diwaan — in-room dining is also included with the all-inclusive package.

Breakfast is served from 7-10:30 AM, and is a smorgasbord of delectable egg dishes of both Western and Eastern variety, along with hearty meat dishes, and all of the delicious pastries, fruits, coffee and teas you can imagine. For those looking to eat breakfast in the privacy of their own villa — or for breakfast in bed lovers — Al Maha can one-up the experience with their unique “Floating Breakfast” option. For a $65 upcharge, you can have anything off of the al la carte breakfast menu delivered to your room on a floating tray, and indulge in a scrumptious meal all while sunning in your own private pool. If you’ve never tried it before, it’s an experience not to be missed!

Lunch is served from 12:30-2:30 PM and is a full three-course meal with an appetizer, entree and desert of your choice. If you want to avoid a food coma during your stay at Al Maha, then definitely take it easy during breakfast and lunch, or you will never make it through the five-course dinner! Served from 7:30-10 PM on the al fresco veranda, dinner is the shining star meal at Al Maha. It was unbelievable how fresh the seafood was for a resort being out in the remote desert, and each course was a delight of the senses!

One really unique aspect of the all-inclusive offering at Al Maha is that two desert activities per day (one in the morning and one in the evening) are free during your stay. Guests are accompanied by an experienced field guide at all times during the activities, in order to not only ensure guest’s enjoyment and satisfaction, but also their safety.

• Falconry — Starting at 6 AM, you’ll witness the traditional Arabic art of falconry in this thrilling demonstration.
• Nature walk — Also beginning at 6 AM, your guide will interpret the amazing diversity of life in the desert and will provide an informative and educational rapport about all of the wonders of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
• Ghaf tree walk — Another early morning activity at 6 AM, you’ll embark on a short ten minute drive into the conservation area to a grove of Ghaf trees. You and your guide will wander through the “forest,” while your guide tells you more about these fascinating life-giving trees.
• Horse riding — Another activity for early birds starting at 6 AM, during this experience you’ll have the chance to see the desert from the back of an Arabian horse at sunrise. Of note, this activity is only for experienced riders and an 85kg weight limit applies.
• Desert drive — Departing at 7:30 AM, for an additional charge of $75 per person, you can embark on an extreme 4×4 dune-bashing drive to take in the magnificent desert scenery.
• Archery — Offers a lesson in the noble art of archery, which features heavily in the heritage of Middle Eastern and Bedouin culture. Guests can select to partake in this activity at 9:30, 10:30 or 11:30 AM.
• Wildlife drive — One of the afternoon activities, which begins at 4 PM, on this desert drive you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous Arabian Oryx (Al Maha) and other indigenous wildlife, fauna and flora.
• Camel trek — Beginning at 5:15 PM, you’ll trek 30 minutes from the resort into the heart of the dunes, where you’ll watch the sunset and toast it with sparkling wine and other refreshments.
• Sundowners — Starting at 5:30 PM, this activity is an alternative to the camel trek. After a short 15 minute ride through the desert, your vehicle will stop at the top of the dunes where you’ll relax and toast with sparkling wine to the setting sun.

I absolutely loved all of the activities, and it made Al Maha that much more of an incredible and thrilling experience. Although I have dune bashed before, my favorite was the Desert Drive. What made it better than my previous Dubai dune bashing experiences, was that the area of the Conservation where Al Maha guests get to drive through is the private reserve of the Sheikh, and no other tour companies can explore these dunes. They are the tallest in the entire reserve, and they weren’t beat up and run down like some of the dunes are where the general tour companies operate.

That being said, no matter what activities you choose to partake in at Al Maha, rest assured that you will make wonderful memories and enjoy experiences of a lifetime!

Final Verdict

It is no wonder that Al Maha Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa is on so many people’s bucket list! This hotel totally lives up to the hype, and I would redeem 100K Bonvoy points over and over again to stay here! I loved it so much, and thought it was such a truly unique experience, that I am already planning to visit again on my next stopover in Dubai. From the phenomenal service of the staff, to the fabulous dining, to the exhilarating activities and more, this is one all-inclusive resort experience that you should add to your bucket list if you haven’t done so already!

The post Review: Al Maha Resort, Dubai || A Dreamy Desert Oasis appeared first on God Save The Points.

A few months ago, I treated my husband to a birthday trip at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island for a long weekend. This was his first ever visit to Amelia Island, but I had stayed at this hotel before in 2021, and I just knew he would absolutely love it.

I redeemed 70,000 Bonvoy points per night to cover the stay in a King Coastal View room. In comparison to the cash rate at the time, I was able to spend only 70K points versus having to pay $1300+ per night. In addition, at check in – thanks to my Titanium Elite Marriott status – I was given an upgrade to a direct Ocean View King room, which was an absolute dream. 

One of the things I love about Amelia Island, and this Ritz Carlton property in particular, is that there aren’t as many tourists here as there are in other destinations in Florida. Plus, the Ritz Amelia Island has been renovated recently, so unlike some of the tired and stuffy Ritz’s that are in desperate need of a face lift, this hotel is an oasis right on the sea.

The Room

The newly renovated oceanfront king room was beautifully decorated in coastal chic, yet contemporary style. The natural light from the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors perfectly accentuated and highlighted the blues, whites, and natural wood colors of all of the lovely furnishings and decor.

We were treated to some special surprises throughout our stay – no doubt thanks to my Titanium Elite status! – and we received a free bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival. I had emailed the hotel ahead of time letting them know it was my huband’s birthday, and we also got another complimentary bottle of sparkling wine with our breakfast in bed on his actual birthday, in addition to free birthday pastries, a free Ritz Amelia Island hat from the giftshop and a lovely handwritten card from the restaurant team. I was so surprised and thrilled with how above and beyond the hotel staff went to make his birthday extra special, and we were both very touched by their sweet gesture! 

Another thing that surprised me about the stay at this Ritz was the bathroom amenities. Unlike other Ritz Carlton’s that have Asprey travel-sized toiletries, the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island had full-size Diptyque bathroom amenities, which are of course tres chic and luxurious! I’m not going to lie, those bottles definitely came home with me, as the retail price of Diptyque toiletries are crazy expensive!

The Location and Guest Experience

Located in the heart of Amelia Island, the Ritz is perfect for beach and nature lovers and those who thrive on sun, sand and outdoor sports and activities. Only about a 10 minute drive away from the heart of historic Fernandina Beach, the resort’s location offers plenty of things to do and to discover, including a wealth of Amelia Island fine dining, a variety of interesting shops and boutiques, historical sites, museums and more.

That being said, if you don’t want to leave the property, there are plenty of fabulous amenities and activities that the Ritz offers for hotel guests to indulge in. Included in the $40 a night Resort Fee are the following:

• Two beach chairs, a beach boogie board and an umbrella per day 
• Access to both outdoor and indoor pools, along with a kid’s water play area
• Ritz Kid’s club access
• Fitness center with one complimentary class included per day per room
• Use of practice facilities and one bag of range balls at The Golf Club of Amelia Island
  • HOT TIP: Proper golf attire is required!
• Tennis court privileges including racquets and balls for one hour per day
• Two bicycles for two hours per day
• A variety of scheduled activities such as: shell and shark tooth hunt, nature explorations and walks, craft sessions, and more
• Electric vehicle charging station usage

The pools and the beach at the Ritz Amelia Island are some of the most beautiful and least populated that I have ever experienced in Florida, and true beach and sun worshippers will love their stay at this property! Good for families, as well as for couples, the Ritz Amelia Island is perfect for either a family or a romantic getaway, and you won’t want to miss waking up early for sunrise over the Atlantic from your balcony!

Final Verdict

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Ritz Amelia Island! For only 70K Bonvoy points – versus a cash rate of over $1,300 per night :O – I would book here again and again when I am in the mood for a Florida beach getaway. Perfect for both families and for couples, this hotel has not only been gorgeously renovated, but the staff make this a truly fabulous vacation spot for anyone looking to get away for some fun in the sun!

The post Review: Ritz Carlton Amelia Island || My Favorite Ritz in Florida appeared first on God Save The Points.

In October, my husband and I honeymooned in Oman, so we decided to do a brief two day/ one night layover in Abu Dhabi en route.  

I ended up choosing The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche, since I could use my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 35K anniversary free night award for the stay. I checked the Bonvoy app prior to booking, and the cash rate for one night in a standard Superior King room that I had booked would have been about $400 per night – making this a pretty good use of my annual certificate. 

Because I have Titanium Elite status with Bonvoy, I also had some suite night awards burning a hole in my pocket. I used one for the stay, and was notified via email 3 days before check in that my upgrade was confirmed to a Grand Deluxe King Suite with a sea view. 

The Room

Our suite was modern, spacious and nicely appointed. On top of that, the suite offered dramatic, panoramic views of the Al Bateen Marina and the Corniche. It was 600 sq ft of timeless elegance. You will note the classical decor, typical of the St Regis style, with polished dark wood and ornate detailing throughout. 

Both the sleeping area and living areas had flat-screen TVs, and I loved having a separate lounge and work area, which gave us plenty of room to both work and relax during our stay. 

My favorite part of the suite hands down was the out-of-this-world bathroom. It was decked out in stunning marble and had an incredible view with floor-to-ceiling windows. I also appreciated the his-and-hers sinks, the spacious rain shower, and the glorious soaking tub. And one of the coolest features of the bathroom was a 19-inch TV integrated into the mirror! I just love being able to brush my teeth and do my makeup, while I catch up on the morning news! 

The Location and Guest Experience

Centrally located along the Corniche Road in downtown Abu Dhabi, this five-star twin towers property is within walking distance of Emirates Palace and the capital’s new Founding Father Memorial. The airport is a 30-minute drive away, while Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi are roughly 20 minutes away.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi effortlessly combines authentic Arabian hospitality with over a hundred years of bespoke St. Regis tradition. This luxury beach hotel offers guests complimentary access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club, inclusive of a health and fitness center, Treasure Island kids club and waterpark, a wonderful, renovated swimming pool, and a pristine 200 meter stretch of white sandy beach along the turquoise waters of the Gulf. In addition, those with jet lag or in need of some R&R can pamper themselves at the lovely Remede Spa, which overlooks the celebrated Corniche and sparkling Arabian Gulf.

The hotel is connected to Nation Galleria Mall with more than 60 retail shops, restaurants, a cinema and a variety of entertainment options, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is also in close proximity to the trendy and sophisticated district of Al Bateen, Qasr Al Watan, and many of the Embassies, oil and gas companies, and other business institutions of the city. Being a five-star hotel, yet crafting boutique experiences, The St. Regis is the social epicenter for luxury vacationers, business travelers and royalty alike, who are looking to be in the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi.

Because I have Bonvoy Titanium Elite status, we were able to indulge in a delicious, Sunday brunch buffet breakfast for free, which is one of the many perks of this level of top-tier status with Marriott. This complimentary breakfast was the best I have ever had at any St Regis in the world. Make sure to check out this delectable brunch if you are staying at the St Regis Abu Dhabi on a Sunday!

With my elite status, I was also able to secure a late checkout at 4 PM. That way, we could come back from sightseeing to freshen up and take a rest before heading back to the airport for our flight. 

I have to give a major shoutout to the St Regis Abu Dhabi staff. They went above and beyond during our brief stay to help us when Qatar Airways lost our luggage. The concierge team was in constant contact with both myself and the airline, and without their help, I am not sure that our bags would have been found and arrived at the hotel before we left for Dubai. This superior service is one of the things that sets the St Regis brand apart from other luxury hotel chains, and I am forever grateful to the entire hotel staff for helping us navigate a very complex and stressful situation!

HOT TIP: On select dates throughout the year — mainly in high season when the weather is temperate in October through March — St Regis Abu Dhabi hosts a “Sky High Experiences” exclusive experience for only 20 hotel guests. Located 225 meters above sea level on the Middle East’s highest active helipad, a lucky few can indulge in high tea or a champagne toast during sunset over the sparkling Gulf!

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a luxury hotel to stay at in the heart of Abu Dhabi then look no further than the St. Regis! For only 35K points per night, this hotel is wonderful and the staff is world-class! Plus, being able to take advantage of all of the Bonvoy Titanium Elite perks makes this hotel a fantastic choice for those with top-tier Marriott status!

The post Review: St. Regis Abu Dhabi || Timeless Elegance In The Heart of Abu Dhabi appeared first on God Save The Points.

In October, my husband and I honeymooned in Oman, so we decided to do a stopover in Dubai for a few days. During our stay, we stayed at the fabulous Palazzo Versace Dubai.

Being one of only two Versace hotels in the world, I knew this would be a bit of a bucket-list experience. Not only a fantastic place to stay for fashion enthusiasts, the Palazzo Versace exceeded my expectations, and embodied a true five-star hotel through and through. It was the perfect place for us to base ourselves for our 3 day stay in Dubai, and we were spoiled rotten by the phenomenal hotel staff. 

Located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, Palazzo Versace is conveniently located along the shores of the historic Dubai Creek. Reminiscent of a 16th century Italian palace, Palazzo Versace is a neoclassical masterpiece with subtle traces of Arabian architecture. Featuring a striking entrance, high ceilings, landscaped gardens, and a range of one-of-a-kind Italian furnishings, the hotel is the epitome of the luxe Versace lifestyle.

Opened in 2016, the property is an ode to Italian glitz and glamor. On arrival, you’re greeted by the striking 1.5 million-piece “Pietra di Fiume” mosaic design of the iconic Versace Medusa and a 3,000 kg Bohemian crystal chandelier. Throughout the five-star hotel’s public spaces you’ll find several, exclusive designs and fabrics from Versace, which makes this hotel a truly unique and sensory experience.

How I Booked

The main reason I booked at Palazzo Versace was the fact that it is one of the cheapest, top-rated, five-star hotels in Dubai. I was able to book a Junior Suite for only $470 a night for my dates in October. 

Since Palazzo Versace is a boutique hotel and not affiliated with any major, hotel loyalty programs, I booked on Hotels.com to take advantage of their 10th night free rewards program. Because of their generous loyalty program, I was actually able to redeem free night awards for my stay, and ended up paying only $75 a night. Since Hotels.com is of course coded as a travel purchase, I paid for my stay with my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which earns 3X points on all travel. 

Wifi, breakfast, valet parking and executive lounge access were all included for free in the Junior Suite room rate when booking via Hotels.com. Booking a suite versus a standard room ended up being a big money saver for us, as food and beverage in Dubai are VERY expensive. We were able to eat a late breakfast, and then go for free afternoon tea, happy hour, and do a light dinner buffet in the executive lounge, where all food and drinks (including alcohol) was free of charge. It almost ended up being an all-inclusive stay for us, which was super helpful budget wise. In addition, the food at the hotel was delicious, so we really hit a home run and got our money’s worth!

The Room

Every single piece of furniture and fabric that adorns the hotel’s 150 rooms and 65 suites, is designed and tailor-made by Versace exclusively for the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai.

Steeped in classic Italian design, each of the hotel’s 215 luxury accommodations reflect the true essence of the Versace brand. Here, luxury lies in the material – parquet flooring, a canvas of elaborate white and cream boiseries, and a pastel palette of silk furnishings. The Palazzo Versace’s rooms and suites are furnished with the Versace Home Collection that features uplifting colors of turquoise, blue, beige, gold, and salmon. Plenty of natural light illuminates the rooms and suites, and serene views of the Dubai Creek or Jaddaf Waterfront can be enjoyed from a private balcony or terrace. The bathrooms feature handcrafted mosaic and Carrara marble tiling that provide a balance of detail and simplicity – the ultimate backdrop to your walk-in rainforest shower.

During our stay, we were upgraded to the next level room category, which was a Grand Suite. Thoughtfully designed for the modern day luxury traveler, these suites measure 130 sqm and combine chic interiors with all of the modern bells and whistles you’d expect at a five-star hotel. 

On entering, guests are welcomed with a spacious living room that includes a dining and workspace area. This living area is separated from the bedroom, which is great for added privacy. The bedroom includes a super king size bed with decadent, silky Versace linen and a uniquely designed dressing area with a walk-in wardrobe and Hollywood-style vanity table – a fashionistas’ dream come true. These suites enjoy plenty of sunlight, with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlook either the Dubai Creek or the city. In addition, the bathroom was the epitome of luxury, with a large jacuzzi tub, double vanity, and spacious rain shower. 

The Guest Experience

Not only is Palazzo Versace an Instagrammer’s paradise, but where the hotel really shines is its overall, fabulous guest experience, attentive service, chic resort facilities and amenities, and its variety of delicious dining options. Across the grandiose hotel property, you’ll find the following facilities and amenities for guests to enjoy at their leisure:

• Spa
• Gym
• 3 pools
• Beach Club Access
  • NOTE: Palazzo Versace Dubai guests can enjoy basking under the sun at Nikki Beach Resort with VIP beach access. A 300 AED spend per adult on food and bev is required for access. Palazzo Versace guests need to pre-book beach club access with the hotel concierge, and reservations can only be made Monday-Friday.
• Kid and Teen Clubs
• Business center
• Shopping mall arcade – including a Versace Home boutique, flower shop, jewelry store and more
• Executive Lounge
  • NOTE: Lounge access is complimentary for guests staying in Premier Versace Club Rooms, Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Signature Suites, and Imperial Suites. As mentioned above, being able to eat and drink for free in the lounge saved us hundreds of dollars while in Dubai, as the food was plentiful and delicious, and alcoholic beverages were free during the daily happy hour.

Palazzo Versace Dubai is home to 9 restaurants and bars. Foodies will love the variety of dining options, with many of the venues offering lovely Dubai creek or poolside views. Here are the bars and restaurants that I experienced during my stay:

• Giardino – This restaurant presents a marble “terrazzo” flooring, columns, and a wallcovering inspired by the jungle motif of the Versace wallpaper collection. The colors switch from green, light green, and ivory. The crockery belongs to an exclusive line “Rosenthal meets Versace” collection, inspired by “Les Reves Byzantines”. The food was delicious and plentiful, and the decor is super vibrant and picture-perfect! 
  • NOTE: Daily breakfast buffet for 2 at Giardino was included in my room rate
• Mosaico – Mosaico is in an opulent setting at the very heart of the hotel and is a personal reflection of Gianni Versace’s ornate compositions. Located in the lobby lounge, it offers panoramic views of the Dubai Creek and main pool, with its high floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant interiors. The impressive all-day menu includes plenty of options for lunch, dinner and high tea.
  • HOT TIP: The 24K gold cappuccino makes for a fun, Instagrammable moment and was really tasty!
• La Piscina – Nestled amidst the majestic palm trees surrounding Palazzo Versace Dubai’s East pool, La Piscina is a unique poolside experience that’s set to be featured on every Dubai locals “must-do in Dubai” bucket list. Offering waterfront views, lounge music and a menu packed with a healthy twist on popular poolside favorites, including chilled soups, a variety of sushi and tempting Mediterranean platters, La Piscina plays host to those looking for some fun in the sun. At the swim-up pool bar you can quench your thirst with La Piscina’s signature cocktails “Spice Me Up,” “Drama” and “Volcano,” while the resident DJ plays the hottest beats under the Dubai sun.
  • HOT TIP: La Piscina is one of THE places to see and be seen in Dubai. Expect thumping electronic and pop music and a pool party to rival the likes of Vegas and Miami, particularly on the weekends! For those looking to relax, I would check out one of the other hotel pools instead, as La Piscina is not family friendly or the place to chill and read a book.
• Q’s Bar – ​​Awarded the “Best Live Music Bar” in Dubai, Quincy Jones’ first ever bar has proven itself as Dubai’s most desirable venue for live entertainment. Q’s Bar and Lounge showcases world-class performances from emerging artists handpicked by the music legend himself, who has won 28 Grammys across his career spanning over seven decades, and who has collaborated with legendary icons across various music genres. With its intimate living room space, Versace-designed lush leather couches, mahogany tables, and unmatched acoustics, Q’s Bar and Lounge provides the perfect old-world charm that can be enjoyed over fine cigars, sumptuous bar bites, and a wide selection of beverages inspired by the legendary achievements of Quincy Jones.
  • HOT TIP: Whether you are staying at Palazzo Versace or not, Q’s bar is one of the best live music venues I have ever been to in all of my travels! The talent of the artists is truly world-class, and even though we were super jet-lagged, we stayed all night and rocked out until the bar shut down at 1 AM!

I didn’t have enough time to try all of the venues during my stay, but in addition to the above, the hotel has another five bars and restaurants on-site:

• Vanitas – ​​The charming and elegant interiors of the signature Italian restaurant at Palazzo Versace Dubai, set against Dubai Creek, act as the perfect backdrop for an intimate and cozy experience or a romantic dinner. With an emphasis on classic Italian food, Vanitas is a restaurant with finesse, offering a range of expertly curated dishes.
• Enigma –Enigma restaurant’s culinary tale continues to evolve as it features the “Taste of Persia.” Inspired by the Iranian origins of our Michelin-starred Executive Chef Mansour Memarian, it is the most authentic culinary story to grace the kitchens of Enigma. Enigma has indoor and outdoor seating that offers beautiful views of the main pool and Dubai Creek.
• La Vita – This chic and vibrant bar upholstered in leather and matelassé textile, along with the living room setting is the perfect place for either pre or post-dinner drinks. La Vita features innovative cocktails and carefully selected boutique wines by the glass.
• Amalfi – Located at the west lagoon pool, Amalfi features an al fresco dining venue. Unwind in the vibrant atmosphere of our poolside bar and restaurant that offers traditional, rustic cooking techniques to prepare classic Mediterranean cuisine featuring healthy salads and crispy wood-fired pizzas – perfect for either laid-back outdoor dining with the family or chill pool parties with friends.
• Gazebo – Nestled in the east wing of the Palazzo Versace hotel, facing La Piscina, lies Gazebo, a shisha lounge in Dubai where you can sample a selection of Mediterranean flavors in the outdoors, or simply enjoy a variety of shisha mixes, from classic favorites to Palazzo Versace special blends. The relaxed atmosphere that surrounds Gazebo along with the snug cushions and warm atmosphere, make it the perfect al fresco dining option for a casual drink out in Dubai.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a truly unique, five-star star hotel in Dubai – without breaking the bank – then look no further than Palazzo Versace! This super Instagrammable hotel is picture perfect, and the world-class hotel staff and facilities will make this hotel a one-of-a-kind experience you will likely never forget!

The post Review: Palazzo Versace Dubai || Where Italian Chic Meets Dubai Glitz   appeared first on God Save The Points.

In October, my husband and I honeymooned in the Middle East, as Oman has been on my bucket list for many years. We were only able to stay in Oman for 5 nights during our whirlwind trip, so we decided to base ourselves at the grandiose Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton in the capital, Muscat.

I redeemed 240,000 Bonvoy points for the 5 night stay in a King Pool View room. Thanks to Bonvoy’s 5th-night-free bonus, that equates to 48,000 points per night. In comparison to the cash rate at the time, I was able to spend only 48K Bonvoy points versus having to pay $500+ a night out of pocket.

In addition, at check in – likely thanks to my Titanium Elite Marriott status – I was given an upgrade to a 1 Bedroom Executive King Suite with a mountain view, which retails for over $1,000 per night.

Located 50 minutes from the airport and a 15 minute drive from the core tourist attractions of downtown Muscat, Al Bustan is situated on a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline.

The resort is nestled on a private stretch of beach between the beautiful Sea of Oman and the striking Al Hajar mountains.

Originally built as the Sultan of Oman’s guesthouse for visiting foreign heads of state, the Al Bustan Palace is breathtaking both inside and out. Being a landmark in Oman, the resort also offers an alluring range of facilities and amenities, which cater to even the most discerning of global travelers.

Renovated in 2018, the property, overall, befits its palatial moniker. Its facilities, public areas and amenities are all an impeccable mix of traditional Omani decadence and global sophistication, but I think the rooms have not aged well and they could do with another refresh.

All of that being said, this hotel has the fantastic five star service that you would expect to receive at any Ritz Carlton worldwide, and the hotel facilities will totally knock your socks off – just check out the hotel lobby, which has the largest crystal chandeliers of any hotel in the world!

The Room

The resort has 250 guest rooms and suites, which all have views of the staggering Al Hajar mountains or of the sparkling Sea of Oman. Deluxe Lagoon rooms also have not only sea and garden views, but they have private terraces, which offer direct, easy access to plunge into the lovely lagoon pools. 

During my stay, we were upgraded to a 1 Bedroom Executive King Suite with a mountain view.

The room had all of the modern features you would expect to see in a Ritz Carlton suite: a plush king sized bed, flat screen TVs, a desk, separate living and dining room, an outdoor balcony with a sitting area, mini bar and two walk-in closets providing ample luggage and storage space. The bathroom was a nice size and was decked out in decadent marble, with two vanities, a soaking tub, and a rain shower. 

The room was very nice, and we enjoyed the spaciousness of an upgrade to a suite. That being said, I expected the rooms to be nicer, and more modern, given the recent renovation of the hotel in 2018. In my opinion, the room was a little tired and there wasn’t any real “wow factor.”

While it was very comfortable, if you are the type of traveler that likes a contemporary and modern hotel room – and if you spend a lot of time in your room –  then there might be other hotels in Muscat that better fit your travel style.

The Guest Experience

Where the Al Bustan really shines is its overall, fantastic guest experience, attentive service, stunning resort facilities and amenities, and its variety of delicious dining options. 

The vast coastline surrounded by towering cliffs makes for a picture-perfect backdrop, and Al Bustan’s private beach is undoubtedly the best of any hotel in Muscat. For travelers looking to enjoy a beach holiday and relax, in between exploring all of Oman’s cultural attractions, then the Al Bustan is without-a-doubt your best option in the capital. 

There is so much to do and enjoy at Al Bustan that if you don’t even want to leave the resort, then you wouldn’t have to. Included in the nightly room rate are the following:

• Internet access
• Beach + pool chairs, umbrellas, children’s beach toys and snorkel gear
• Ritz Kids Club
• Family Aqua Land – a large children playground including a kids swimming pool, mini zip line, and water playground
• Fitness center
• Complimentary shuttle transportation to Muscat’s Old Town
• Tennis courts
• Business center
• A variety of daily, on-site activities (Note: some activities will incur an additional fee)

For an additional fee, the hotel also offers the following activities and amenities:

• Spa (more on my experience can be found below)
• Yoga studio
• Selection of non-motorized water activities including sailing, kayaking, paddle boards and more
• Shopping at the hotel’s numerous boutiques

Throughout the property there are 7 restaurants and bars, which offer a variety of international cuisines. Foodies will love the diversity of the dining options, with many of the venues affording stunning ocean or poolside views. 

• Al Khiran Kitchen – Enjoy panoramic scenery from the restaurant’s two-level terrace, and indulge in an internationally inspired menu. Take a seat outdoors for a relaxing meal overlooking the pool and ocean, or stay inside to watch the chefs in action through the open kitchen.
  • NOTE: Daily breakfast buffet for 2 at Al Khiran was included in my room rate even though I paid with points!
• Le Petit Chef – At Le Petit Chef, you’ll encounter the best of theater and dining in an immersive culinary experience presented by the world’s smallest chef. Featuring cutting-edge 3D technology and digital mapping, Le Petit Chef will take you on an interactive journey right at your dinner table. The show is paired with themed music and props, all served during a delicious five-course meal.
  • NOTE: This was one of the most fun dining experiences of my life and the food was fantastic as well!
• China Mood – Authentic flavors and age-old rituals make China Mood an unforgettable culinary experience. Immerse yourself in a menu that highlights delectable, regional Chinese dishes such as Beijing duck, Dim Sum and Yangzhou-style fried rice.
  • NOTE: I lived in China for 4 years, and I have to say that China Mood had some of the best Chinese food that I have ever eaten outside of East Asia! 
• The Pavilion – ​​Admire the sunset from the beachfront deck of The Pavilion, one of Muscat’s most romantic restaurants. Showcasing unparalleled views of the Sea of Oman and specializing in fresh seafood dishes, this restaurant is a destination in and of itself, and provides a spectacular outdoor dining experience.
  • HOT TIP: Brunch at The Pavilion is THE place to be in Muscat on a Friday. Not only is there live music right on the beach, but the over-the-top food stations (ex: Texas BBQ, Sushi Bar, Donut Wall, etc.) make The Pavilion the best brunch hotspot in all of Oman. 
• Blu – ​​Light meals, snacks and refreshing beverages are served at this poolside bar overlooking the sea. Surrounded by palm trees and directly overlooking the main infinity pool, BLU offers a casual outdoor dining experience with both locally and globally influenced food and beverages.
• Al Maha Jazz Lounge – The lounge instantly transports guests to the 1920’s and 1930’s with the smooth sounds of its resident pianist. The only venue of its kind in Oman, the lounge offers a nightly repertoire of jazz, soul and blues. Comfortable leather furnishings and cozy, candlelit corners invite guests to unwind, while transporting them to the nostalgic golden age of jazz era. Premium cocktails and gourmet appetizers — all combined with the exceptional Ritz-Carlton service — make Al Maha the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a tipple.
• Atrium Tea Lounge – Set beneath the lobby’s 125 foot-high dome and surrounding an elegant fountain, The Atrium Tea Lounge offers a sophisticated setting for a time-honored tradition. Afternoon Tea is presented with a selection of traditional tea sandwiches and appetizers, a decadent display of mini desserts, and freshly-baked raisin and plain scones. The experience is complemented by the sounds of a live musician, all while sitting under the twinkling crystals of the world’s largest hotel chandelier.

The Al Bustan Palace spa was another shining star of the property, and my treatments there were one of the top highlights of my stay. The Arabian fort-inspired structure is a whopping 33,000 square feet and offers a true five-star wellness experience.

The beachfront sanctuary pulls from Omani culture both for its design and its treatments, which highlight locally sourced ingredients. Treatment rooms include six hammam rooms, and separate ladies’ and gentlemen’s relaxation areas including infrared saunas, ice fountains and steam rooms. On top of that, the spa is also home to a private ladies-only beach.

If going to the spa is on your list of to-do’s while on vacation in Oman, then I highly recommend indulging in the Royal Arabian Hammam treatment – it was absolutely divine! One of my favorite things to do in the Middle East is to take an afternoon to relax at the spa and to enjoy a hammam.

And the Al Bustan Spa’s hammam treatment was one of the best I’ve ever had!

During this 80 minutes of heaven on earth, you’ll first enter a private steam bath to soften your skin. After, you’ll be scrubbed from head to toe in black soap and enjoy a hair wash, a scalp massage and a mini facial. Next, you’ll revel in a delightful foam bubble body mask, and you’ll finally relax all of your cares away with a soothing back massage. It’s pure bliss indeed!

Final Verdict

If Oman is on your bucket list, and you are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist or fan, then I would definitely recommend booking at the Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton in Muscat. While the rooms could use a little facelift, the resort, overall, is beautiful and majestic, and the service is top-notch.

In addition to that, the hotel’s location along a private stretch of coastline makes it the perfect resort for those looking to get in some beachfront R&R, while also being able to explore all of the fantastic sights and culture that Oman affords!

The post Review: Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton, Muscat, Oman || A Palatial Middle East Resort   appeared first on God Save The Points.