The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah

I was looking for a vacation to propose to the future Mrs E, we looked at Sri Lanka, Thailand, India as well as lots of Europe, but the weather wasn't great with rain and storms forecast (end sept early october), I found the Oberoi, just 1.5 hours drive from where we live in Abu Dhabi. Wow, what a find. From the moment we arrived, I could see a sparkle in the receptionist eye (I had mailed in advance that I was looking to propose at sometime over the 7 day vacation), and we were very efficiently checked in and shown to our beautiful room. The rooms are very large, way beyond the accepted standard room, the bathroom being bigger than many hotel bedrooms I have stayed in and the shower big enough for a party. We arrived on a friday at around 15:00 and immediately went to the pool, it was quite busy and we found that this is a very popular one night stay for families from Dubai. we were treated by Gautham, poor chap, dressed in long sleeve shirt and long trousers in the searing afternoon heat, he was running around with a well stocked alcoholic drinks trolly offering happy hour 3 for price two... 3 were soon ordered and resting on the pool :-). (Note to management, please give him short sleeves and shorts outside). He's also in Vinesse. There are two restaurants at the resort, Vinesse and Aquario. Vinesse is the lovely all day dining with indian twist and the Aquario is the seafood. Pool food is always available and very good. Let me tell you the funny bit, the staff were asking where we would like to eat that night and we chose the Aquario, delights to the Aquario staff, but met with disappointment from the Vinesse staff, so bring on the competition, who would come out on top at the end of the week and let the battle commence. (look to the end of the review for the result). As I mentioned above, I was looking to propose, and engaged with a few of the staff. First was Gaurav, head chef at Aquario, I had to try escape the future Mrs E several times to talk venues and menus. Gaurav stepped up to the occasion and said he would love to try something different that he would like us to enjoy. Its was agreed and we would have sole occupancy of a Cabana on the beach. I met with the GM, Antonino, who was delighted and would help arrange everything. Next came Shutri, after a quick chat and explaining how I wanted to propose, I asked if the had a food cover i could remove and present the ring. Better than a cloche, she suggested a copper indian pot with lid, this was brought out and was agreed this would be used. A quick meeting with Shutri and she came to my room and was entrusted with the diamond engagement ring and would be kept by her until presented in the copper pot that evening. The evening arrives and FME (future Mrs E) said lets go to the bar for a drink, of course no resistance to that :-) and a short while later she said "lets go to our table" and got up and started to move inside the restaurant, after a glance from me, the manager said "no, this way", with a look of surprise, FME walked his way and out the restaurant to the short walk to the beach, we were lead to a beautiful decorated cabana with lights and music set right on the beach. We were treated to a gastronomic delight from Gaurav Arora (who should be nominated for a Michelin Star). Each course came (see pictures at the end) and were truly amazing. After 3 courses FME said, its a little too warm and she had eaten enough, the look on the staff was a picture, I said, lets just have the sharing dish, FME agreed. Out came the copper pot and we were left alone (although i think the staff we peaking a look somewhere), on one knee, I opened the pot.... wow how beautify they had decorated it with red roses, thank you so much everyone....(she said yes) (see menu below) Another night came the competition from Vinesse, with Royston Savio Vaz in charge and Dhaval Dedhia using their skills, presented an indian delight, all I can say was that nothing was too much trouble and the photos of all the food I have shared are not doing the actual dish justice. The food and flavour can not be described in the highest esteem. Thank you. I would like to add that FME is gluten and dairy intolerant and nothing was too much trouble to tend to her needs, Royston even went so far as to prepare gluten free breakfast choices each morning, thank you. (dont forget you were going to email me some your secrets). One thing about ALL the staff in this resort was that nothing was too much trouble, there was never a NO answer, even if they did not know, they would say yes, and then find a solution, again thank you. The grounds and gardens are beautifully tendered. It's all the staff at this resort that go to make a team and they certainly did. Complements to Antonino and his staff. After the weekend, the pool became a lot quieter, and on one of our 7 days stay, we had the water (85 meters of it) all to our selves. But this did not slow the quality of service with free cold water supplied all day as well as mango lollies. I should keep on showing praise, but then someone might think this was a bogus review, trust me its not. We were told we were the first to propose at The Oberoi, such an honour (for us all). There are far to many people to mention, including the car valet, reception, housekeepers, gardeners, club car drivers (to the beach or Aquario), chefs, restaurant staff, oh and the Spa, FME who is a spa officionardo, said its one of the best and very spacious. TEAM, thank you all so much for making this a memorable week. Gaurav, good luck in the Michelin nomination... Antonino, keep up the fantastic work. Really really hope to see you again soon. COMPETITION WINNER..... sorry loved you both and have to call it a draw, so next time lets see what you can do. :-) Read less

Arrived early on a Sunday morning - were invited for Breakfast and had a short wait for our room to be ready. Our villa was fantastic and very spacious with a warm private little pool. Restaurants excellent with a wide variety of choices, especially the Breakfast Buffet with extra beautiful Pastries put on our Table every day. The Almonds Croissants were to die for. Staff extremely helpful and accommodating to some of our special requests. Enjoyed our stay very much and will return. Read less

My wife and I recently stayed at the Oberoi for the second time in 6 weeks (we live in Dubai). My wife is pregnant so for the first stay we checked out a day early as it was still peak summer, but the hotel staff kindly let us refer the final night until the weather cooled down. On arrival we were greeted warmly with all staff welcoming us, not only that but when we go to our room the staff had kindly left some flowers and a note congratulating us on our pregnancy, a wonderful touch. Not only is the service amazing, but the resort, restaurants and rooms are truly 5*, unlike some other hotels in the region who claim to be. I would highly recommend the Oberoi, after visiting most hotels in the Northern Emirates over the last 10 years, this is by far the best. Thank you to all of the Staff! Read less