Domina Hotel & Resort Aquamarine

A relaxed, well-presented, and stylish Italian-owned accommodation set in a delightful village-style complex comprising this and 5 differently rated sister properties, the Prestige, Harem, kings lake, Sultan and Oasis, some of which share facilities.

The resort can accommodate up to 4,500 guests but the extensive and well-designed site ensures it rarely feels overcrowded and there is a friendly atmosphere.

An unusual feature is the complex runs on 'Domina' time which is an hour ahead of local time. Guests are issued with food credit cards depending on their board arrangement and use them in designated restaurants, but can pay to eat in most of the 10 restaurants and 6 bars scattered around the resort (no cash, guests sign and pay at the end of their holiday).

Eateries include Nubian, Moroccan, Seafood, a steakhouse, Mediterranean and Italian. Bars are on offer as pubs, beach and pool options and there is a casino and discotheque.

Suits a broad range of clientele, attracting many nationalities, and has something for all - guests need not go beyond the very secure walls.

Some unusual touches include the floating swimming pool at the end of a jetty, and loungers with built-in face shades.

Boasts 2 organic farms and unusual the produce in some of the restaurants. Shares a reception with a sister property.

Charge for use of some facilities including gym and spa. Some timeshare and privately owned villas in the complex.

Exterior

An appealing, local-style collection of white 2-storey buildings with balconies, either overlooking the pool or beach, and a tall white Moorish-style main building.

Property type: Hotel

Balcony/Terrace: All rooms

Storeys: 2

Exterior: Low-rise

Interior

A cool, lofty white-walled lobby has a restrained modern Arabic décor with an ornate wood ceiling, bright brass tables and comfortable sofas. An airy lounge bar has sea vews through arched windows. Lift down to the pool/beach level. Eating options include a large attractive international buffet, a Nubian Kebab House and a Moroccan restaurant.

Rooms: 443

Grounds

Vast, immaculately landscaped grounds with lawns, flowers and palm trees are tiered around a hillside leading down to the coastline. There is a central main pool with a spacious terrace, plenty of sun-loungers and sunshades and a bar/snack bar.

A wide beach boasts a floating swimming pool and a couple of bars along with a dive centre and watersports.

Small buses ferry guests around the property. A large, independently-run spa offers 3 outdoor seawater jacuzzis, thalassotherapy and a tented gym overlooking the sea. A bazaar area has gift shops, a pharmacy and supermarket. Large covered theatre.

Location

Area Type: In secluded Coral Bay on the beachside down a long private access road off the main road, and occupying a gigantic hilly clifftop site shared with 6 sister properties. No unauthorised cars or taxis allowed past the gated security.

Nearest beach: immediate yds

Facilities