Fort Arabesque The West Bay

The grounds are what really set this place apart: lush, colourful, peaceful, and kept beautifully. Walking past other resorts, Fort Arabesque felt like a different level. The buffet was one of the best I’ve had at an all-inclusive, and there’s a good choice of restaurants and bars. I especially liked the Indian, Thai, Mexican and BBQ live-cooking stations, plus the new Greek restaurant. Club 159 is great too, though food there costs extra and drinks are included. You can also use East Bay, which is bigger and busier. My room was spacious and clean, with lots of storage, toiletries and a big balcony. The view was over the road, so not the prettiest, but there’s almost no traffic and I hardly spent time out there. The reef is easy to get into from the beach and there’s plenty to see. The paid sunbed system worried me at first, but as an early riser this time of year I’ve had no trouble getting a front-row spot. The sand is soft and there are two beach bars. West Bay has two pools. The Jungle Pool looks lovely but is cold; the heated one is small and quiet. I hear the East Bay pools are heated too, though I prefer the sea. I’ve stayed in two other Makadi Bay hotels and already booked here for next year. After considering this place for years and choosing others, it’s the one I’d return to.