Ashar Tented Resort

On arrival we were directed to the waiting lounge just off reception, here if there are other guests checking in you get to hear lots of information on the resort, multiple times. We arrived at 1:30 after having confirmation of an early check in, we were met and was informed our room was not ready. Understanding that even though the early checkin had been approved it’s not always available. We were told to go for lunch and it would be ready in 30mins as they were just finishing off the cleaning… we were eventually taken to another room 118 after being told we were in 121(request room 110-118 as these do not directly face the cart path) at 3:45pm. We were never given the opportunity to put a room deposit like other guests, nor were we offered the free bikes. Not a great start. The room was spacious and had everything as expected, was clean and comfortable. Our doorbell was somehow connected to another villa so we were woken one night at 12:40am and then again at 06:00am the same morning… Breakfast was included within our booking and they had a good selection to cater for all tastes, staff were friendly and service was good (please note their are restricted number of tables outside) Food menus are ok but I found them to be restrictive (personal to me) we dined at saffron, and the restaurant at the main reception for lunch. Both Ok. The incredible pool is let down by the pool menu all pre made cold wraps and salad nothing hot available. We had quite a bit of wind on the last day and the sand storm was something else, nature at its best… although whilst driving back to reception a sheet of Perspex flew off the roof and smashed in to thankfully the top of the buggy. Overall : The location is incredible, such amazing views everywhere you look. Customer service and attention to detail just needs to be tightened. Would I go back, yes… my review is an honest review of my overall experience. It will only get better and I look forward to retuning at some point..

The location is wonderful. The tents are spacious and well spaced to give you privacy, the rooms are well furnished, and everyone who works there is courteous and do their best to serve. I would give it a 10 if it were not for the breakfast. First of all they could use a bigger hall, expand the buffet area and create more space between the tables. But most importantly is the quality of the food. This is a property managed by Accor, a French company, and yet the croissants are dry, the pastries are uninteresting and the cheese selection is very limited. The jelly/jam/honey selection is also small. They may think of having the coffee and the juice stations outside instead of having to order them from the servers. Coffee at the rock pool is expensive, 115 riyals for two cups of coffee (50 each + 15% VAT) is ridiculous. It should be complimentary especially since they use the same coffee machine and coffee provided free in the rooms.