Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort

We had booked ultra all inclusive (UAI) through Blue Bay Travel. Our first experience of the hotel was meeting Sunday, from Nigeria. What an amazing host and friendly face that set the tone for the whole stay when it comes to the level of service we experienced. I later saw him at reception and he gave me a spin in a golf buggy to find my wife and baby who were walking outside. All staff were fantastic but I have tried to make a note of those that we dealt with the most. Ankush at the SenseAsia restaurant with Saif and the lady waitress whose name I didn’t get (sorry!) were very attentive and kind. Niman at the pool bar, always smiling! Suci, so friendly to Ezri and a ray of sunshine! May at the Italian, helpful and smiley. The main restaurant guy…. Momen. Always helped ensure we had boiled water for baby milk and said it was like looking after his family ❤❤. The Sri Lankan chefs and my fist bump mate, Ishan! Always made me smile. The pastry chef, Withanan, was welcoming and happy to help. Tharaka, Anamish, Nyein and Nirasha waiting the tables in the buffet restaurant, thank you . At the Bahari Grill beach bar, Abishar was leading the way for our afternoon drinks looking out at the sea as the sun went down behind us. A la Carte restaurant (included on UAI) meal selections have to be done when you book in advance which is annoying, although they would let you change on the evening (super) so why bother pre-booking the meal choices? There wasn’t quite enough seating outside the lobby bar in the evening for the entertainment. Staff did try and find chairs and make space when we asked for help. Cosmopolitan, mojito, margarita, G&T and piña colada were my go to drinks from the UAI menu. I couldn’t get a negroni without paying extra though. Even UAI doesn’t actually include all, but not far off. Saying that ice cream is only free for under 12s from the poolside ice cream shack. Because we stayed ＞5 nights we got a free archery and pool (eight ball ) session. The gym didn’t open until 9am. This meant that we couldn’t go to the gym when we wanted, before breakfast. We have never done so little exercise on holiday . If you arrive early you will not be able to get food or drink until 1300. I think this is a bit tight and not how other hotels do it in my experience. Often people arrive late/leave early so that should balance out the people who may arrive early/leave late. Especially if they are staying 5+ days. For breakfast I had falafels and hummus with thin Arabic bread every day, yummy. Often paired with daal, rice and paratha. There were more traditional options like omelette, fruit, salad etc too. In summary, I highly recommend this hotel. The staff are a credit to it, even down to those you may not consider service staff like the security guards and groundskeepers who helped put a smile on your face.