We have just returned from our second holiday to Jaz Elite, and already plan to return again.
We very much enjoy being here as it is a quiet hotel in old town where we can completely relax, knowing we will be treated well and looked after. If you are looking for something loud, lively and full on this is not the place for you. The animation team do seem to be trying to hit a very young crowd and create a party atmosphere, so we bowed out of most of that.
We had a couple of issues which were addressed by Yousef, customer relations immediately. If there is anything you are concerned about speak with him or Madonna, both are lovely and will help you straight away. He has looked after us really well on both our visits.
Last year when my partner became ill he ensured we had all we needed.
All staff are helpful and polite. We must mention the following specifically;
Ahmed on the beach who brings water and is always friendly and chatty, Ahmed our waiter in the Blue Marine restaurant who always ensured we felt welcome and valued, and Mustafa in the main buffet who makes the omlettes and has the biggest smile and warmest greetings.
We enjoy evenings at the lobby terrace listening to the singers, and occasionally a show at the arena. They held the first beach party while we were there, and whilst we enjoyed the fire show, the 'party' itself wasn't for us - a bit too loud and ministry of sound in Ibiza for us.
Most guests are 40-50+ as a guide, and many like us are returning guests and families with adult children.
The hotel is very clean. The grounds and some rooms are currently being renovated /updated, disruption is minimal now though, I'd say. The grounds and hotel itself is all beautiful.
The Ali Baba and the Italian are the a la carte, both have a musician playing, the violinist particularly is wonderful. They are quiet restaurants and you must book.
Dress code in the blue marine and a la carte is long trousers for men, please respect this. It was really sad to see people turning up in shorts so often and the staff having to deal with this every time.
When eating in the main buffet it can get busy, so we do prefer to eat in the blue marine most of the time. The food is cooked well and well presented in the buffet and blue marine. There is more to choose from in the main buffet and there is always something nice to eat.
The only thing that spoilt aspects of our stay was the rudeness of some Nationalities of guests to the staff and other guests. It really was noticable, but staff remain professional always and we learned to accept it was simply their way of being.
We went out to the hotel beach on the boat for 10 euros each. The snorkeling was great, but do wear beach / water shoes or you will slip a lot going out over the reef and rocks. Do not attempt it in bare feet! It's a 5 minute ride and you can book at reception or on the beach.
We have now had 3 trips in total with royal aqua nabq diving - we snorkel but you can dive. There is the office at the hotel just past the pub, or speak to one of the reps on the beach. Ottoman looked after us in resort, and Mohammad, Thomas and others on the boats were absolutely fantastic each time. Small groups, lovely boat, amazing snorkelling, great lunch, and we always felt safe and looked after. We have been out to Ras Mohamad and Tiran Island.
Over all, we love the peaceful atmosphere here and as soon as we arrive we relax. It does feel like we are arriving at our second home and we appreciate every day we are here.
We were exceptionally lucky to encounter one of the turtles in the bay many times this visit. We have given her the name Myrtle (the turtle ..) , she is stunning and seems to swim in when the water is quietest with hardly anyone around. What an experience to be alongside her!
Rooms have a mini bar, or you can ask for it to be emptied and put your own things in if you wish. Should you wish to buy bits, we found the upstairs fixed price shop opposite the waterfall in old town the biggest and best selection.
Naama bay and Soho are both a taxi ride away (£15 ish return)
We also visited St Catherines at Mount Sinai, which was a long day in a bus, but something we really wanted to do.
The only downside, is the price has jumped up dramatically for next year. If it remains at this level it is doubtful we will be coming back next summer. We very much love the hotel, but can't justify the current prices listed.
If you are looking for a restful relaxing stay in a quiet environment where you will be well looked after - this could be the place for you.
