Luxury Redefined: VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (Was The Westin!)
Okay, deep breath. Let's dive into the VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, or, y'know, was the Westin. This place, man… it's a rollercoaster. Buckle up, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished review. We're going raw, baby.
First, the Basics (and the Stuff You REALLY Want to Know):
Accessibility: Accessibility is… a mixed bag. They say they're good, but I've learned to take those words with a grain of salt. Check beforehand. Double check. Triple check if you require specific accommodations. They do have elevators (which, thank god), and supposedly facilities for guests, so fingers crossed. This is crucial.
Wheelchair Accessible? See above. Gotta verify.
Internet, Internet, Internet! Okay, yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the tech gods! Also, they’ve got LAN, which might be useful for someone. Whatever.
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID-19 Era Edition: Okay, this is where they REALLY try to shine. They're certified. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning, daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere, individually wrapped food (bless!), physical distancing, sanitization of everything, and rooms sanitized between stays. Seems legit, but, you know, always keep your own hand sanitizer handy. I’m a little paranoid about the whole thing if I’m honest.
The Relax-and-Unwind Zone (Where Things Get Juicy):
Spa-tastic or Spa-tastrophe? They have a sauna, steam room, and a pool with a view. Plus, the usual suspects, like massage and body wraps. The idea is heavenly. I’m a sucker for a good body scrub, but the reality of spas can be… variable. It really depends on the masseuse. One time, I got one that felt like a small child was lightly patting me with a sponge. Awful, BUT the view from the pool is supposedly spectacular.
Fitness Center… They got one! I didn't see it, because my exercise routine consists of walking to the bar. But if you're into that sort of thing, you're set.
Pool Scene: Outdoor pool, yay! I picture myself lounging there, cocktail in hand, looking glamorous. (Reality: red-faced and slightly sunburnt, spilling said cocktail. Still fun!)
Food, Glorious Food (Or, The Hunger Games, Hotel Edition):
Dining & Drinks: Restaurants, a pool bar, a coffee shop - all the usual suspects. They do have a vegetarian restaurant, which is a MAJOR plus for the herbivores among us. International cuisine, Asian cuisine… options! And the 24-hour room service? Genius!
Breakfasts! They do buffet breakfast, which I love and hate in equal measure. The sheer volume of food is enticing, but the potential for food waste (and the sheer number of people jostling for eggs) can be overwhelming. Alternative meal arrangement is a thing, thank God. Honestly, I'll take the breakfast in my room any day.
The Nitty-Gritty: Services and Conveniences:
Helpful Stuff: Airport transfer, concierge, currency exchange, laundry service, luggage storage, and the all-important “convenience store” (for emergency snacks!). They even do dry cleaning! Score!
Business Stuff: Meeting/banquet facilities, business center, and even audio-visual equipment (if you're into boring corporate meetings).
For the Kids: Babysitting service and kids' facilities. So, parents, rejoice! Or… despair, depending on your parenting style.
In-Room Bliss (Or, The Battle for the Remote):
The Essentials: Air conditioning (thank GOD), alarm clock, bathrobes (YES!), coffee/tea maker, free bottled water (always a win), hair dryer.
The Perks: Mini bar (tempting!), in-room safe box, Wi-Fi (free!), and even soundproof rooms (important for those late-night… activities). They even have a bathtub! Maybe. Oh and a window that opens, hopefully.
The Imperfections: Okay, so, not every room is perfect, and sometimes the TV channels get fuzzy.
The Quirky Observations and Rambles (The Unfiltered Truth):
The "VOGO Abu Dhabi" branding seems a little… new. It's weird, like a rebrand. You can still feel the Westin-ness deep down. Hopefully it’s not just a name change.
The Lobby… Usually, in these places, it's supposed to be sleek and opulent, but every now and then you find a weird design choice. The marble floors should be enough to keep you entertained for a day.
The Staff: I’m always polite, but the staff here are like, REALLY polite. Maybe too polite? Definitely.
The Little Things: Always appreciate the free bottled water. The free Wi-Fi – essential.
The Emotional Reactions (The Realest Part):
- The Good: The pool view! The room service! The chance to relax!
- The Bad: Sometimes, the service can be slow. The buffet (potential chaos!). The price (gulp!).
- The Overall Vibe: It's a solid resort. It's good, not amazing. It is a place to relax, and just be.
The Offer (Your Chance to Snag a Deal and Get Away!):
Tired of the grind? Ready to truly unwind? Escape to Luxury Redefined: VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (formerly The Westin!) and experience a getaway that whispers luxury and shouts relaxation!
Here's what you get:
- Unforgettable Views: Imagine yourself lounging by the sparkling outdoor pool, sipping a handcrafted cocktail, and soaking in the glorious Abu Dhabi sunshine.
- Unparalleled Relaxation: Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage at the world-class spa (fingers crossed for a good masseuse, you guys!). Or sweat it out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
- Delight Your Palate: Indulge in a culinary adventure with diverse dining options, from delicious Asian fare to international cuisine.
- Stay Connected (and Stress-Free): Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort, keeping.
- Book now for a special offer: Get a free upgrade to a [Type of room] and also a free spa treatment (worth [Dollar amount]) + a discount on food and beverage!
But Hurry! This offer is valid for a limited time only! Book your escape to VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa today and experience a trip that will redefine your definition of luxury!
(Click here to book now!)
KL's BEST Pavilion Bukit Jalil Condo? Revo by D'Summer91 5A Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously messy, wonderfully imperfect, and totally opinionated world of my imagined trip to the VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa – Formerly The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Prepare for a ride that's less "meticulously planned itinerary" and more "slightly deranged travel journal with a sprinkle of existential dread."
Day 1: Arrival, Delusions of Grandeur, and the Quest for the Perfect Date
Morning (ish): Land in Abu Dhabi. Holy moly, it's hot! I’m talking "melt-your-makeup-before-you-can-even-sneeze" hot. The airport is all gleaming chrome and polite smiles. I immediately feel underdressed and overwhelmed by the sheer… vastness of the duty-free perfume selection. I picture myself as some sophisticated international woman, effortlessly gliding through, buying a tiny, expensive bottle of something I won't even use. Spoiler alert: I buy a Kit Kat. Small victories, people. Small victories.
Afternoon: Check into the VOGO. Oooooh la la. The lobby is all marble and gleaming surfaces. Immediately picture myself a James Bond villain. Sadly, my bag won't open with a secret code and instead is crammed with questionable snacks. The room? Well, it’s… nice. Big. Bed is practically a mini island. The golf course view is breathtaking, but honestly, I don't know a fairway from a… well, from a thingamajig. All I know is it looks impressive.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The "Date Night" Debacle: Okay, so I’m single. Travel. Alone. This isn't some romantic couples' get-away. But you know what? I'm a romantic. Tonight is “me” night. I’ve decided on a spa treatment (need that pre-dinner glow, duh), followed by a fancy dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. The problem? I’m socially awkward. Like, really awkward. The spa treatment is… a mixed bag. The massage is divine. The cucumber water? Uninspired. I spend the whole time trying to keep my back relaxed and my mouth shut, fighting the urge to ask the masseuse if she thinks my skin really needs that much avocado oil.
Evening: Dinner Disaster (With a Silver Lining): The restaurant selection is intimidating. I choose the one with the least intimidating menu. Upon arrival, I feel a sharp pang of insecurity. I’m surrounded by couples. I feel completely self-conscious ordering "for one." I manage to choke down the fancy fish (it was actually quite good), battling down the urge to order fries. The waiter, bless his heart, seems genuinely concerned that I'm alone. He's trying his best. He asks if I'm enjoying myself. I mutter something vague. But then… I see him. A man at the bar, all alone as well. And, let's just say, my awkwardness miraculously vanished when the waiter brought over the dessert menu and he offered to share his plate.
Day 2: Golfing Follies, Poolside Musings, and the Desert's Whisper
Morning: Okay, the whole "golfing" thing? Turns out, I cannot golf. I try. I swear I try! I end up spending more time in the sand traps than on the actual green. The sun is beating down, and my golf visor is starting to feel like a torture device. The good news? The course is beautiful, and I find myself surprisingly meditative, despite the air constantly ringing with my bad shots.
Afternoon: Poolside Paradise (with a Side of Existential Angst): The pool. Oh, the pool. Finally, some bliss. Crystal clear water. Sun loungers. The perfect place to start questioning all my life choices. I read a book, take a nap, and become completely absorbed in the people-watching. Everyone is trying to look effortlessly fabulous. I consider a swim-up bar cocktail but worry it will be a step too far for the day. Then I decide to do it. It’s amazing, and I feel so much better about life (and my golf game).
Late Afternoon: Desert Safari: Because Why Not? This could be the highlight of the trip. Dune bashing in a 4x4? Awesome! The desert is otherworldly, the sand glowing in the sunset. The air is alive with excitement. The driver, a charming Emirati, has a great sense of humor, and with some terrifying driving skills. The camel ride, however, is… less glamorous. Let's just say I had to fight back the urge to scream.
Evening: Arabian Nights Under the Stars: The safari includes a traditional dinner and entertainment in a Bedouin camp. The food is delicious, the belly dancing is… entertaining. The stars, though? Those were pure magic. I decide I need to come back here more.
Day 3: Spa Redemption, Souk Serendipity, Farewell Feelings
Morning: Second Chance at Spa Bliss: Determined to redeem my earlier spa experience, I book a different treatment. This time, I go for the "Relaxation Ritual" and let myself drift away. The massage is heavenly. I emerge feeling like I can conquer the world (or at least manage to order a coffee without stammering).
Afternoon: Souk Shopping and Culture Shock: I decide to venture outside the hotel and explore the souk (market). The colors, the smells, the sheer energy of the place is overwhelming. Bartering is a contact sport. I end up buying a ridiculously ornate scarf and a tiny, gold camel figurine. I have no idea what I'll do with either of them. But they’re souvenirs, right?
Late Afternoon: Final Poolside Moment (and the Inevitable Meltdown): Return to the pool for more contemplation. I realise my stay is coming to an end. A quiet sense of melancholy begins to creep in. Am I happier? Has this trip changed me? Did I find out the truth? The answer is… probably not. But I have seen some amazing places, met some interesting people, and come back with some amazing memories.
Evening: Departure: Back to the airport. Another Kit Kat. Another wave of surreal exhaustion. I'm already plotting my return. The world is wide and full of experiences, and I'm finally starting to feel like… maybe, just maybe… I’m getting the hang of it. The final thought? This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, awkward, and beautifully, wonderfully human. And that's exactly how I want it.
Luxury Redefined: VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa – Your Unfiltered Questions (and My Unfiltered Answers - Brace Yourself!)
Okay, so… VOGO Abu Dhabi, *was* The Westin, right? Is it actually… better? Because Westin was kinda… meh, at times.
Right. Deep breaths. Yes, it *was* The Westin. And "meh" is a diplomatic assessment, my friend. Let's be real, the Westin was… predictable. VOGO? Okay, that's where things get interesting. Look, I went with all the fanfare, expecting a facelift. Instead, I got a full-blown personality transplant. It's like they took the Westin, threw it against a wall, and rebuilt it… with *style*. Is it perfect? No, darling, absolutely not. But is it *better*? Hell yes. The energy… the *vibe*… it's just… different. Think of it like this: Westin was your dependable, slightly boring accountant. VOGO is your eccentric, globe-trotting artist friend. You’re going to have moments where you shake your head and go, “Seriously, VOGO?” But you’ll smile doing it. Mostly.
The rooms! Spill the tea. Are they actually luxurious? And is the air conditioning a polar bear's best friend, or what?
Okay, the rooms. Let's start with the air conditioning. I'm that person who's always freezing. I need an Arctic blast. And… *sigh of relief*… it passed the test! Perfectly chilly. Didn't have to resort to wearing the bathrobe all day, which, let's be honest, I briefly considered. As for the luxury… YES. Proper *luxury*. Think huge beds, gorgeous views (if you get the right room – demand a golf course view!), decadent bathrooms… Seriously, the bathtub was practically a small swimming pool. But even more important than all that, and this is a detail that matters to me more and more, the lighting was fantastic. Proper lighting makes a huge difference to the whole feel of the room. I hate hotels that skimp on that and end up making everything look dingy. VOGO did *not* skimp. I'm just saying.
And oh, the balcony. I could've stayed out there all day, sipping coffee, watching the golfers flail. Highly entertaining, especially after a few cocktails.
The spa... what's the verdict? I need serious pampering. Did you get a massage? Tell me everything!
Oh, the spa! This is where things got… messy. In the best possible way. I *needed* a massage. My shoulders were doing an impression of granite. I booked the "Signature VOGO Experience," because, why not? Go big or go home, right? Wrong, sort of!
First, the good. The spa itself is gorgeous. Absolutely zen, with all the usual suspects – saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas... I even tried the salt room. It's strangely soothing, but I kept thinking, "Is this what it's like to be a ham in a smoker?" (Sorry, morbid, I know.)
Now, the not-so-good and this is why it is messy: the massage. I was *promised* pure bliss. What I got was... a massage that started well, descended into a slightly-too-vigorous back rub that left me feeling like I'd gone ten rounds with a kangaroo. Seriously, I swear I could still feel their knuckles digging into my spine three days later. And they kept talking! The therapist, bless her heart, was lovely, but maybe a little *too* eager to chat. I just wanted to drift away to a land of blissful oblivion, not discuss the price of dates in Abu Dhabi! Maybe I should have just said, "Shhh… I'm meditating" but, well, I didn't.
So, the spa? Beautiful. Massage? Hit or miss. So, do the spa? Yes! But request a therapist with a light touch, and bring earplugs!
Food! Is it boring hotel food, or are there actual good restaurants? I need to know about the breakfast buffet!
Breakfast! Oh, breakfast, the most crucial meal of the day… or at least, the meal that determines how grumpy I am. The breakfast buffet at VOGO? Actually… pretty good. Let's be honest, hotel buffets are a gamble. Either they're amazing, or they're a sad collection of lukewarm eggs and sad looking pastries. VOGO's? I came away, full and happy!
The usual suspects were there (eggs cooked to order, pastries, fruit) but there was also a selection of local delights (seriously, try the Arabic pancakes, they are amazing!) and, crucially, decent coffee. And the staff kept the place clean and the coffee hot. It does make a difference after all.
As for the other restaurants: there is a nice variety - some more successful than others. The seafood place was actually fantastic, which I wasn’t expecting. The service was friendly and attentive, which makes a world of difference. I was also thrilled to finally see a *proper* cocktail list, something often overlooked! Overall, the food is a step up from the Westin days. There's quality and effort put into it, and I appreciate that.
What about the golf? I don't golf, but I know that's a big selling point. Is it annoying to be around?
Okay, full disclosure, I'm not a golfer either. Not even remotely. I once attempted to hit a golf ball and nearly took out a small child. So, yeah, not my sport.
But here’s the thing: even if you're not a golfer, the golf course at VOGO is *beautiful*. It's like a giant green oasis, and it adds a certain… serenity to the whole place. It's the kind of view that you can just bliss out on. The golfers, as a generalisation, are a non-issue. Mostly they are just trying to avoid the water hazards or arguing about which club to use. You don't feel like it totally takes over the hotel. I mean, a few times, I spied a particularly frustrated golfer throwing his club… but that was entertaining, not annoying.
The long and short of it? The golf is there. It’s a selling point. But even if you don't care about golf, you'll still enjoy the view.
The pool scene? Is it overly crowded? Chill? What's the vibe?
Oh, the pool scene. This is crucial. I hate overcrowded pools. I have zero interest in bumping elbows with strangers while trying to relax.
The good news: VOGO's pools are… pretty good. Not perfect, but good. There are multiple pools, so you have options. One is more family-oriented, with kids splashing and screaming (fine if you're into that), and the other is… calmer. I spent most of my time in the calmer poolHotel Adventure
