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EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Banyas Tree RAK

374

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 10:07

Hi,

anybody has informations about the different Villa Types of Banyan Tree?

I heard that the Rimal Villas are very close to each othere and you can see your neighbours. We are looking for something very quiet, with pool which nobody will be able to look at it.

How is the food in the Resort? overpriced? Good selection and quality?

TIA

Gege
<em>edited by Gege_DXB on 16/08/2011</em>

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65

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:19

Hi, my Husband and myself went to Al Maha last November, very nice, but we thought it was very overpriced! A friend and myself are going to check out the Banyan Tree for a couple days, bit of 'girlie' time. Can anyone tell me the best way to drive to it from Jebel Ali and approx how long would it take? Thanks:cool:

624

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 10:49

When we went, we also stayed in the Al Khaimah villas and our pool couldn't be overlooked at all, unless someone was trying really hard and peering over the wall or walking through the desert! However I guess every villa has a slightly different aspect, so it may be best to check this out on arrival and change rooms if you aren't happy. We had a great time there, I hope you do too.

374

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 09:15

Thanks Yorky. Was anybody able to see you in the pool or at the terrasse? i would like to feel free and swimm in bikini but just in the case that nobody will watch me from outside.

1440

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 23:03

We have stayed in the Al Khaimah villas and thought they were stunning. At first we thought it was going to be really busy because there were a lot of people checking in when we arrived but once we got to our villa it was very quiet. There were people in the villas close to us but we never heard them. For the first night we had the buffet in the main restaurant and I thought it was overpriced for what was on offer. The second night we tried Saffron, the Thai restaurant and thought the food was much better. Room service was excellent and a good selection of food and beverage was on offer. I would definitely go back again. There are summer promotions running at the moment and vouchers for the restaurants and the spa in the entertainer books.

108

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 13:20

Went to Al Maha regularly when it was operated through Emirates. Last year it changed to Starwoods, many staff left, attitude of staff left changed, food quality changed, service in general diminished. Costs however went up. It used to be inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner room service now there are different levels/plans. The nicer thing about Al Maha compared to the Banyon Tree is that the only things that could see you on your patio and in your pool had 4 legs! Pools in the Sahari villas are bigger than Al Mahas and a uniform shape easier to swim. I am an ex head teacher so totally understand not wanting screaming children, that was what drew us to Al maha for years .....the no children under 12 rule.

374

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 13:11

Have also been lots to Al Maha which is more private I do not like it so much though since it changed hands last year. My first choice would be Al Maha but i thought Banyan Tree would be more comfortable for us. I heard from persons that Al Maha changed a lot with the new management. What exactly changed? i never been there so i just want to know if its worth to go. At Banyan i would consider only the "inside" resort because im not the biggestest fan of beach and i need a peace of mind. Dont get me wrong but i dont want to hear screeming, crying kids or noisy adults in my vacation.

2girlygirlz33507

71

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 12:50

I do not recommend the beach villas if you have children and would like to take advantage of the kids club & large spa, as they are located at the Al Wadi location. Both locations are very nice. Saffron was "ok", their is a coupon in the entertainer to make the prices reasonable.

108

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 12:23

Have stayed at Al Wadi and going back next week. They have 3 types of villa at Al Wadi, I do not know about the beach location at all. Al Rimal are a bit like a terraced house, semi detached, with a dividing wall between you and your neighbour I would imagine they are noisy Al Khaimah are detached villas but quite close together Al Sahari are detached and spaced further apart with a manmade sand dune between, this is where we normally stay you can hear your neighbours but it is not too obtrusive. People can walk past and see you in your pool. Pool was chilled or heated as per request. Food was not the best very disappointed with Saffron, their Thai signature restaurant. Have also been lots to Al Maha which is more private I do not like it so much though since it changed hands last year. Hope this helps, enjoy your stay

379

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 10:57

There are two locations. We found that out the hard way!!! The first one on Route 11 is set "inside", no beach, the other was the beachfront property. We stayed at the beachfront one. The villas have one dividing wall between those "attached", the villa on the opposite side was pretty close with no privacy wall. Very, very small pool and no temperature control to cool the water. There was probably 50% occupancy (or less). It was just me and hubby but we had the luck of having a family with active children placed in the villa next to us, rather than putting some space between. They also were giving discounts on the spa, and they have activities every day - all at the "inside" property, which would mean around a 30 minute drive back and forth between properties!!!! One restaurant, but must say the food was quite good. Would we go back? No. I can't comment on the "inside" property.

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