Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen, As Sakhir

Advantages: Pure luxury
Disadvantages: None that we found

...My wife and I spent the second week of our honeymoon at the Banyan Tree on Mahe Island in the Seychelles. It was the most perfect week of our lives and for our honeymoon we could not have imagined anything so perfect. This resort is on a secluded end of the island however the coastline there is a little rough at times. Anyway, with infinity pools in each room, and a massive infinity pool in the communal area of the hotel, there is no need to swin in the sea. When arriving at the resort, a prisitine white house greets and, standing infront is placed a huge Banyan Tree which is light up at night. The staff could not be more friendly and, after the welcome cocktail and photo (which was presented to us at the end in a frame) we were taken to our villa. There are choices of villa: hilltop, seafront, pool. We stayed in the much more... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lovely Small Island, Great Food, Great Diving, Friendly Staff
Disadvantages: Cottages may be too close together for some

...A small island paradise surrounded by lovely white sandy beaches, Baros is a wonderful combination no "NO NEWS - NO SHOES" with luxury living thrown in. The dive centre is equipped with everything that the novice diver to the most experienced may need to use to dive in the most fantastic dive locations in the world. Water clarity is never less than about 70 metres and water temperature hovers at 25 - 27 degrees centigrade year round enabling diving without wet / dry suits. On land the beautiful beaches enclose a paradise of palm trees, Banyans and the fragrance of hibiscus is an ever present joy to the nose. Make use of the excellent spa facilities for a nice relaxing massage or use the gym facilities to keep toned after dining in style in one of the islands 3 restaurants. All in all if you go anywhere in the Maldives you will have... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A peaceful desert Oasis (Not the band silly!)
Disadvantages: Very, very, very, very expensive!

...Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is located approximately 60 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport. Transfers can be organised with your tour operator, but will be in two stages. The first stage is a transfer from the airport down the highway and into the desert and onto the perimeter fence of the resort - this should take no more than 45-50 minutes. Once at the perimeter of the Al Maha estate, you will pass through security and await the arrival of the hotels jeeps, who will then transport you up to the main resort, which will usually take another 15 mins or so. Despite the transfer time, particualrly after a 7 1/2 hour flight from the UK, this was not uncomfortable or irritating like some transfers can be, so I hardly noticed the time. The Resort truly is an Oasis in the desert and is perfect for a romantic break or to kick... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful