Cali Resort and Spa - Adults Only

Anna done a brilliant job, I had a deep tissue massage and it was one of the best I’ve had ! Highly recommend x

So we arrived with high expectations based on reviews on here. For the most part they were met, but…. Firstly the staff - they really do make the place, we didn’t encounter anyone who wasn’t willing to chat when they could, service was great and always someone to get an order when needed. Resort itself - wow, well done out, lovely decor but to us personally a lot of wasted space in the foyer area. Rooms - comfortable but starting to look a little worn. More so needing paint touching up, some things maybe replacing (chairs on balcony heavily discoloured by the sun- no biggie but could they be replaced with something else?, curtains in the room didn’t close all the way and not full blackout, one of the toilet flushes didn’t work. Again not g major but did go expecting more. Food- I really enjoyed, don’t miss the snack bar (huge portions in our opinion), but fab food and very tasty and hot. Buffet breakfast - it is what it is. Plentiful! Lunch- we preferred the snack bar and ate there 3 out of 7 days and ate out twice. Was again varied and plenty there but not the hottest (again, buffet). Evening- again varied, not the hottest but tasty and plentiful. Meal drinks service - very slow at times, and not even when it was busier which was a little frustrating. In my opinion when taking the drinks order they could have water jugs so you at least get that and not a wait for it all. Pool drinks - absolutely loved the upmarket plastic glasses!!! Seriously so much nicer and made it feel more upmarket. Pool bar doesn’t open til 10 so either go to Sonato for bottled water the evening before to top up or take an insulated bottle and top up on restaurant. Pool service is small glasses only. Location- quiet and peaceful considering it’s on the strip! Entertainment- this was an area we expected worse and were pleasantly suprised for the most part. It’s not loud or brash but enjoyable.

Now the main issue we felt - the pool area and the in pool beds. It’s a challenge, people were up before 7am to get and naturally some people didn’t wait so had towels removed meaning little arguments that were swiftly sorted by the lifeguard. Interesting that the bar staff stay well away and direct to them. Other guests - the resort is predominantly English. The second largest group I would say were possibly Israeli. Who would often move peoples things to get the spot they wanted even when the people before them followed the rules. Blocked access points to the pool and generally looked disgusted you asked them to move to get out of the water (think the guy sat centre of the large steps with his partner stretched out over him floating). Vaping in the pool and generally flouting the normal rules. Sadly at times with little challenge.

Understandably not the hotels fault but some days others got pulled up for a lot less…. Ie one day you could have floats anywhere in the pool- the next only at the side. One day no drinks in the pool then the next people did, it just needed to be consistent. Same as the actual smokers using the smoking area but the vapers using well, anywhere!

Its a shame a second pool couldn’t be added on the waste land (appreciate may not be the hotels land) but it does seem a waste.

Hairdryer and shampoo- not a fan, but out of choice I took the risk and didn’t take my own. Products smell lovely though and loved the other bits.

Spa- publicise more!!! On a few occasions we say a female worker walk around the pool and even making eye contact and trying to have a conversation she was more interested in getting back inside!

Would we return - personally yes, but more aware of some things.

We stayed at the hotel for 11 nights and from the moment we checked in everything was simply perfect. The Cali Resort is a very attractive hotel with beautifully decorated and stylish public areas. We had a double room with an inland view and we had an open view of the mountains which was lovely. It was also in the shade after mid day so this kept the room nice and cool. The room was spotless and the amenities provided us with everything we needed. Toiletry provisions are top class and smell divine. Hairdryer was great and it was a proper hairdryer, not one fixed to the wall with limited movement. Some mention more storage was needed but we found there to be plenty for our needs and I don’t pack light! There was a complimentary bottle of wine and some sweet treats and fruit left for us which was a nice touch. The bed and pillows were so comfortable we had some of the best nights sleep and the hotel corridors are also really quiet. The pool area is superb. Plenty of sun loungers whatever time of day we went down. We were not bothered about one of the loungers actually at the poolside. However if you are you need to be down there at 7am . Personally we thought this was ridiculous as so many other loungers in areas where there was much more space but then it’s up to choice. Pool side drinks service provided and this is both regular and efficient. We did find the quality of the drinks a bit hit and miss with some of the cocktails not to our taste at all. We think it was down to the mixers which could be either flat or too syrupy. The evening drinks were better but make sure you explain exactly how you would like your drink mixed as you don’t get a bottle of tonic or coke etc to adjust to your personal taste. Pool food was delicious. Fresh and very well well presented.
In fact food at this hotel was amazing and is an area where it excels itself. Lots of choice and prepared fresh and extremely tasty. We commented that the food was the best we have ever had in a buffet style restaurant. Special thanks to Charlie, a chef with great talent and who looked after my fussy eating husband at meal times by adapting some of the dishes to suit his spicy liking palate. My husband has never eaten so well on holiday.
The service as meal times was also exceptional and Kamal and his team are both efficient and extremely pleasant. It made our stay very special. Evenings were relaxed and yes the entertainment was low key but we enjoyed it, we wanted relaxation and we got it at this hotel in abundance. Coral bay strip is small but pleasant and literally a couple minutes walk from the back of the hotel. Good choice of restaurants and bars however we didn’t eat out as the hotel food was too good to leave. Would we return? You bet we will. Thank you for an amazing holiday.