Grand Rotana Resort & Spa

A sophisticated and imaginatively designed large-scale upmarket property boasting a spacious chic interior and a range of extraordinarily stylish dining venues. The many and varied facilities include a vast pool, good sized beach and well-equipped spa. Attracts well-heeled families indulging in high end pampering and top-end conference visitors from the nearby International Congress Centre. Many steps around the ground might not suit the less mobile. 9 luxury villas have private pools. Shuttle bus to Naama Bay.

Exterior

A sizeable, smart anglar beige sand stone main building fronted by a water feature with palm islands. 8 attractive beige accommodation buildings with balconies are tiered down six storeys. 2-storey blocks are situated around the grounds. 9 luxury villas.

Property type: Hotel

Interior

An impressive interior has a tasteful contemporary Arabic decor and includes a huge airy lobby with a large colourful glass chandelier. A smart bar has muted pink and purple leather sofas. 4 flights of escalators lead to different floors, each with a restaurant and including a spacious split-level buffet with lavender seating and double height windows; a minimalist Asian option with a spacious terrace and a colourful Italian pizzeria is available.

Rooms: 480

Grounds

Well-presented 30 acre tropical grounds feature 2000 palm trees, waterfalls and an enormous pool (equal to 3 Olympic-sized pools) with a waterslide, central palm and bar/snack bar connected by bridges. Spacious sun terraces provide plenty of loungers and tented cabanas. Steps lead down to a beachfront promenade and a wide man-made terraced beach stretching for 450 yds, where there is a thatched bar restaurant, lots of shady palms and plenty of loungers and shades; jetty sea access, watersports and a dive centre are on hand.

Location

Area Type: In an isolated desert location close to the airport, on the seashore in Sharks Bay with a few similar large-scale properties in the vicinity but no bars or restaurants. Reached via a distinguished private drive lined with tall blue amphora urns and regimented rows of palm trees.

Nearest beach: immediate yds