Experience cool mountain air in the height of summer

If you live in the Middle East you will know how wonderful that is. On checking in to this wonderful hotel, the hostess told us that the temperature in this part of the world rarely goes above 33 degrees. Bearing in mind that on Jumeirah beach in Dubai on that day it was 47 degrees this was brilliant news to us.

We were shown to our room pointing out the hotel’s gym, spa and restaurants en-route. We didn't use the very well-equipped gym but we did use the spa and it was bliss. It was very tranquil with all Balinese, expert therapists and we found ourselves not wanting to leave. But we did. How could we not make use of the glorious pool? It was a beautiful temperature, slightly cooled and the views were spectacular over the mountain and gorge. And surrounding the pool were plentiful loungers and daybeds with optional curtains for privacy and to block out the sun. Below the pool is a stone Jacuzzi and once inside you can't see or hear anyone else. If the Jacuzzi was too hot and the pool too cold (they weren't) we could always pop inside to the slightly warmed indoor Jacuzzi pool.

Nothing was too much trouble for the hotel team. If we wanted or needed anything they were there. Unobtrusive but observant and friendly, we knew that they really wanted us to enjoy our stay.

The chefs were pretty impressive too. There is just a main dining room and a lounge offering lighter meals. Both are spacious and well designed. The menu is fairly limited but the quality is excellent and we were delighted to find that the prices weren't 5* hotel inflated. I cannot deny that it was a little odd having dinner without a glass of wine with my meal. As yet the hotel doesn't have an alcohol licence so cannot serve, but they were happy to let us take our own so we could keep wine in our fridge in the suite and they kept us topped up with ice. They also kept us hydrated all day with plenty of complimentary bottled water.

For us the hotel was pure relaxation. But for those that prefer to get out and about seeing the sights or enjoying the terrain, the hotel has bikes available and will happily help you discover the area with outdoor pursuits or discovering the cultural and culinary traditions.