Jaz Belvedere

We stayed in early December — it was quite windy at that time, so the sea didn’t always warm up enough, although there were days when swimming was fine. The reef isn’t a strong point of the hotel, but the views are genuinely impressive. The sea entry is rocky.

There are plenty of sunbeds on the beach for all guests. There’s also an active zone where you can play volleyball or table tennis. From early December the main pool was heated, and the children’s pool is heated too. A snack bar by the pool serves pizza and drinks; in the evenings a hookah attendant operates there — a hookah costs about $10. At night the pool lighting creates a lovely atmosphere that’s perfect for photos.

The hotel food is tasty with a fairly wide selection. For example, one evening featured seafood. The menu doesn’t change dramatically every day, but new dishes are added from time to time, so overall the offering stays varied and of good quality.

We stayed in a Superior room with a garden view — probably one of the best options. The room was spacious, with a balcony offering a nice view over the hotel’s green grounds, the sea and Tiran Island. The grounds were a highlight throughout our stay — large, well kept and very green. The hotel is already decorated for the New Year at the beginning of December.

On site there’s a pharmacy, a doctor’s office and a small shop selling souvenirs. I’d recommend visiting the Old Town, as prices at the hotel are noticeably higher — a small souvenir can cost around $5 without haggling. You can order a taxi at reception or use the InDrive app — it’s usually about $7 and often the better deal.

There’s a kids’ club for children. There’s also a diving centre, but it wasn’t operating during our stay.

Overall impression: very positive — the hotel is highly recommendable for a holiday.