The Villas - Hotel Bahia del Duque

What a hotel, this place is amazing! Hubby and I booked a very last minute trip for our 10 year anniversary after other engagements were cancelled. We had done no research, but found an offer and saw that the hotel was part of the Leading Hotels of the World group, so we took the risk. From the moment we arrived we have been amazed. Upon check-in we were given a good overview of the hotel and facilities. We were also advised of a half board offer, but that we could try one of a la carte restaurants that night, and upgrade the full stay retrospectively to the half board if we wanted. We were given a welcome drink in the beautiful?? gin bar, with soft lounge music playing, attentive and friendly staff and the sound of birds and smell of fresh flowers. Great start. I had only time to read about 2 reviews before leaving and had noted one reviewers comments about not getting to eat anywhere. We made reservations at the friendly club house for all our dinners in advance, while waiting for our room to be made up. Unlike many hotels half board which is normall just in the buffet restaurant, here included any of the 4 a la carte restaurants (with a 5th one being separately owed.) all in different parts of the hotel grounds, guaranteeing different views, interiors, menus and atmosphere, it was so refreshing and varied. The breakfast buffet is one if the best we've ever seen, chocolate fountains, pastry stations, full English, eggs any way you like, meats cheeses, gluten free, fruit bar you name it, they've got it... and a terrace with one of the most gorgeous views of ocean, palm trees and lagoon pools to sit and eat out on. There's nightly entertainment, some of which you can enjoy while dining al fresco at a number of the restaurants. We saw fire eating and Brazilian dance Capoera show. The gym here is good, air conditioned, free and 24 hour access, complimentary towels and water, up to date machines with visual journies on, free weights area and daily classes including spin and trying out cross fit for the first time! The staff here are phenomenal and such a credit to the hotel. Most members of staff speak 4 or 5 languages (check their name badge for flags) and the balance between professionalism and friendliness was perfect. Such talented people, (we were a little annoyed on occasion hearing people be rude to them.) The rooms and architecture in general is beautiful and makes for a super romantic atmosphere. The grounds are amazing, you can have a massage by a waterfall or your nails done in the garden listening to the waves, the lagoon pools and gardens are just beautiful from every corner of the place, it's like a little eden. There's a full spa here with access starting at ???28, ???30 for Pilates on the beach and personal training on the weekends ???80. The beach is at the bottom of the garden you simply use your room key card to get in and out of the gate, great if like me you like to greet the ocean each morning. There's also a well paved long prom to walk or run along the ocean here (lots of morning runners around). You can get pool towels and complementary water bottles from a couple of stations and take them to the pool or beach. (Keeping guests hydrated with free water throughout the day, we thought this was excellent service.) Both beach and pool have lovely loungers with thick padding for maximum comfort. The hotel has a number of bars for daytime eating and snacking as well as a beach front ice cream shop and over the beach cafe all of which you can charge to your room so no need to worry about cash at the beach. If you would like to save a little money then there is a Spar shop to the left across the road from the front of the hotel. They sell baked goods as well as anything you've forgotten from home. Plaza Del Duque nearby is mainly designer names and prices if you want your high end brands then that's for you but if not bring what you need. This hotel has been one of the best trips we've ever taken and are now looking at when we can return.

From the moment we arrived, we knew we were somewhere special. The surroundings, ambience and staff all made a good impression. The bar tender, Mario, who served us our welcome drinks, made us feel particularly welcome. Our room was well equipped, with a very comfortable king size bed. The room was a little tired in areas from general wear and tear, but this did not deter from the enjoyment of our stay. We found the Alisios Market and La Brasserie restaurants particulary enjoyable dining experiences. We very much hope to return one day. Keep up the excellent work from an extremely satisfied customer.

I am torn about this hotel as the pools and overall architecture are undeniably stunning. However, I thought our room was terrible. We were given an un refurbished room with amazing sea views - but it was so old and worn we asked to move to a refurbished room which had a view of a building and the sea if you craned your neck! However, I was really disappointed in the refurbished rooms - I just don???t think they are good enough for this price point. I found our room to be small, shabby and just not pleasant interior design. Who did do the interior design? I???m not sure what the brief was but if it was to make the rooms look really old fashioned, poorly put together, a bit dirty and not smart, they did well. The pools are amazing and beautiful. However there was no pool service when we were there. Surely a hotel of this service should employ waiters to serve drinks to your lounger? I???ve been to much cheaper hotels with much better service and more pleasant staff. We had bed and breakfast and personally, i found the breakfast tasteless. It all looked nice but it just didn???t taste good. We ate in the hotel restaurants and again, we were just really disappointed in the quality of the food and the flavours. I think this hotel trades off the beautiful buildings, the gorgeous pools and the views. It is certainly a spectacular hotel to look at. However, I didn???t enjoy being a guest.