I consider myself to be a seasoned hotelier by now, having spent 10 years of my life working in the industry, and 4 years studying the field. As much as I despise hotels at times, there is an element which hits a soft spot, and that is the magic which we lose sight of.
Growing up and travelling so much, my family and I spent a lot of time in hotels around the world, so perhaps it was a touch of destiny for me to develop my career in hotels … maybe. Anyway back to that part about magic … whenever I step foot into a beautiful hotel, I forget all about those operational details and immerse myself into the moment. Every detail of a guest’s journey in a hotel is specially crafted by master hoteliers who have built up their strong companies through generations. Starting from the moment you take a first hint of the signature scent in the lobby, to the first smile you encounter, the nostalgic music that brings back memories, and eventually, to the moment you step into the guest room, with it’s perfectly crisp bed sheets, and heavenly bed.
Last weekend, while 90% of the city was attending Formula 1, I had the pleasure of taking on a guest role in the ultra posh Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. The hotel is located 10 minutes away from the city centre, along the banks of the protected mangroves, where birds and marine life thrive in their natural habitats. It is designed in an elegant style with prominent Arabian features represented through shapes, colours and textures. A gorgeous fountain located in the centre of the lobby acts as a welcome point for all guests, and with it two types of dates form a part of the Arabian hospitality.
The hotel has several restaurants, most notably award winning Paychaylen, which offers incredible Thai cuisine, set in elegant chic interiors. It’s Pool Deck is the perfect place to enjoy a sun-downer or hubbly bubbly for those who wish to relax and take in all the views offer, especially with the perfect weather right now. The hotel also has an incredible Spa, which offers an authentic hamam, one of the very few in the city.
The guest room is ultra comfortable with a massive bed, working desk area, and gorgeous balcony with front row view to the protected mangroves. The best part, of course, is the bathroom which features a rain shower and bathtub which is the right size so that every part of your body is perfectly soaked (ladies, you know what I mean). Sitting on the balcony, watching the sun go down over the horizon, while listening to the sweet sounds of the wildlife, is one of my favourite moments, and let me tell you … there is nothing more invigorating, than waking up early in the morning and breathing in the crisp fresh air, which we all miss in our city apartments. I could dedicate an entire post only for the view, it’s beyond breathtaking.
The Eastern Mangroves promenade which is located along the grounds of the hotel, facing the mangroves, offers the ideal setting for every type of interest. It’s recreational options include kayaking, eco-donuts and even wake boarding; then come the diverse dining options, whether you like Italian, Indian, Lebanese, steak or just want to grab a bite at Starbucks. I pampered myself at The Nail Spa, which offers a wide range of treatments, as well as the Marquee hair salon. The promenade area is one of my favourite places to spend during weekends, when I want to get out of the city … but stay in the city, if you get my point. 🙂
I can’t think of a more fitting way to describe my experience at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara other than what is mentioned on the hotel’s website: “an urban sanctuary in the heart of the capital”, because, it truly is.
xo,
Marina
Hotel information:
Disclaimer: All views are my own and all photographs are © My Sweet Escapes.
Comments