Autonomy

ok... here's the findings for 2 night stay in Aug (or 3 at Al Maha for 3 for 2 deal - there are other extra deals at Banyan too i think)

banyan tree 4500
zighy bay 4968
al maha 4400
JAL 700 (for Lionheart's comparison)
Desert Islands 2380

The choice is now Al Maha with 3 nights and food etc and private pool or http://www.desertislands.com/EN/ http://desertislands.anantara.com/ for cheaper room rate, but throw in arriving by 8 seater sea plane from AD for similar price to 3 nights Al Maha all in...

I'm swaying Desert Islands, but something tells me Al Maha....

jrudofsky

Zighy Bay is actually doing pay for one night and get one free for GCC residents, it was in Time Out last week. I asked them and they came back ith a pay for two nights and get the third free, I emailed them back with the Time Out one and they said that was fine. However NOTHING, not even breakfast, was included.

Arriving by paraglider does sound cool though.

Slingshot

I personally think 3 nights at Al Maha would be way too much as there is not enough to do and there is only so long you can swim around in your private pool looking out at an expanse of desert
Desert Islands looks like it would have more activities to offer and seems to have more restaurants and bars - pretty good value for money too!
not been to Zighy Bay yet but looks much better that Al Maha so if you are going to splash the cash I would suggest that one

Blue Cat

I think Desert Islands looks fantastic!!

lionheart

Bloody Hell...for that sort of money I would much rather fly to the Far East, Maldives or Seychelles.

Blue Cat

I can see your point but sometimes there are things that you just have to do whilst in the Middle East. I would rather nip off to Thailand though.

Inselaffen

been there a couple of times. nice hotel
we are going here next month for a long weekend. not exactly luxurious but should be nice and will finally get a chance to do some diving

http://www.siburesort.com/

Meow

Aren't you a little old for Youth Hostelling?

-

Amazing Grace

Two weeks ago Al Maha was AED3000 all incl (no alcohol though) funny it has jumped up so much with the big evacuation going on for the summer.

Autonomy

i think Al Maha is 2,200 per night with a third night for free if you stay 2. 4,400 for 3 nights... all inc (except booze)

Amazing Grace

Some good friends were there two weeks ago and they stayed 3 nights and the total was AED3,000. It looks amazing and hopefully the only noises you hear are from the animals who visit the suites. It looks very exclusive and will definitely be trying it out soon.

Rotan Al Ain has an offer I think, but dont quote me AED280++ a night

Inselaffen

Desert Islands looks ok but I doubt they'll have many takers for Mountain biking or Kayaking in July and August

Euc-

Bit late I know, Emirates Palace going for 900++, GCC residents

Grace O Malley

but dont have eggs for breakie

Slingshot

that's good, I might go again

what's wrong with the eggs? I did have the breakfast which cost 200dhs I think and was not impressed with it