I spent seven nights at Al Wathba Desert Resort, and while the property and service were truly exceptional, the value of the half-board package was a major disappointment. The staff were outstanding, some of the best service I've ever experienced, and made my birthday incredibly special with thoughtful touches, personalized desserts, and warm wishes throughout the day. Special thanks to Asanka, Samikshya, and Ishak for going above and beyond. The resort itself is peaceful, luxurious, and beautifully maintained, and housekeeping kept the room spotless and welcoming.
However, the half-board package cost $628 USD per person for seven nights (over $1,250 for two), which felt like very poor value. We essentially paid close to $100 daily for a single meal from a half-board menu that was much more limited than the regular menu, and the inconsistent food quality often resulted in us not finishing our dishes. In-room dining and the standard menu meals tasted significantly better but were not included, so we still spent 100s more in additional meals. There was also frequent confusion among staff about what the package covered, which became frustrating. If I return, I would absolutely not choose this package again. I also had some sanitation concerns with the breakfast buffet, as one section of uncovered food had multiple flies around it and staff nearby didn't intervene.
Overall, I had a relaxing and memorable stay, but the dining issues keep this from being a 5-star experience.
Free parking