If I told you, FSJB is a five star resort; I’d tell you, you’re wrong. Why? Because it’s a ten star resort. That is; five stars for the resort and another five stars for their staff. Simply, this was the most outstanding hotel experience I’ve ever had. Those were similar words I’d used last year, where I thought to myself and was convinced - that nothing could beat my experience. However, this year, somehow they took it to another level, and this year; even more so - the staff made me feel special. |As soon as I arrived, I was taken inside to check in. It was so great to feel at home again. For some reason, I’ve found myself attached to this hotel and I wondered whether it’s the familiarity, maybe the elegant colours, no wait - as soon as I arrived at check in; it was the staff. The staff are the reason I feel the resort is the best I’ve ever been to, and in my life: will ever go to.|Check in was, as always smooth. A nice little welcome drink and towel were handed but so was the warmest welcome I’ve ever had in a hotel. Mariana; there aren’t many like her in the world. She’d previously helped make my solo trip last year the most memorable I’d ever had by organising a wonderful gesture for me. This year, I was so glad to meet her again, and she truly gave the warmest, most kind welcome I’d had. When you’re travelling alone, you miss home, no matter where you are. But then, people like her make you forget home, and remind you - that you are at home. As I was taken to my room, I was so shocked to realise that I’d been given my favourite ever room. I honestly never thought I’d see that room again! I’d often imagine in my head, “I wonder if I flew to Dubai, jumped off a parachute, and landed on that balcony and sneaked into that room to see that amazing view one last time..”, actually, that was just a dream, but for the next few nights, that room was a dream, I was living a dream! As I was walking down to the lift, I’d finally met someone I wanted to see after many years - Roxana! It was great to see her in her new role, one which she will no doubt excel in. A few years back. She assisted me to get some dates to take back home with me after I was panicking - it was my first time in Dubai that year and my first time ever travelling alone. I forever was thankful to her, but I’d never had a chance to thank her in person. Would I ever get a chance to say thank you to her? “I’m Roxana” and suddenly I said “wait…are you the same Roxa…”. Yes, she said. She instantly knew how much she’d helped me. I was so proud to see that she seems to be doing well for herself, and like Mariana; I felt like I’d already had two kind humans that would ensure I would be ok. After I was shown to my room, formalities were taken care of and when Roxana left, I thought to myself “I’m home, please don’t let this time fly back so quickly, I don’t want to leave”. |Unfortunately, when you’re in a place like this, you will enjoy it to the point, you’ll miss it as time flies by too quickly. On the first night, I’d decided to stay and enjoy the resort and had dinner at Jou Jou. It’s a new restaurant and I loved the outdoor seating. I’d enjoyed my food and felt relaxed, and Anastasia the manager was going around speaking to everybody. There was one gesture I was surprised with - and it shows how high standards are. After my meal, I’d ordered dessert and coffee, she’d taken my order. As I was waiting, I didn’t think much of it, but she’d felt the dessert and coffee took too long to come out. To me, it didn’t - I was enjoying just being back at the resort but standards were so high, she felt bad, even though I told her that nothing took too long at all. Nevertheless, she waived the dessert fee! I was now at a point where I thought “gosh, they really are genuinely nice people”. The next day I’d had a meal at Coya for lunch and again I was in for a pleasant shock. After ordering my lovely starters and mains, the really friendly waiter showed me a purple corn from Peru. He told me that he wanted me to try a mock tail made from it. The corn is boiled for 12 hours and cooled, it takes 24 hours to prepare. It was a kind thought and to my surprise, there was no charge for this. At this point, I thought, I don’t deserve all this kindness. But, when I asked for the dessert menu, I was told I’d be given a traditional Peruvian dessert, made from that type of corn. It was a lovely dessert, and lunch was a lovely experience, and yet again, I was not charged but definitely thought this employee, for his kindness deserves a lovely tip. I was now on my second day, and thought people around the resort, vibe so well. They seem to be so happy with the conversations and I was glad to be part of it. I thoroughly enjoyed my times on the beach too, and to my surprise, an employee came to me, shook my hand with two hands, and said “how is London?”. He recognised me from last year and we’d continued talking as if we were great friends. It was just being around great employees that I felt as if I was part of the hotel myself. I felt so good. I’d waited a year to come back, not knowing it would be more amazing than even, the last time. |One worry I had was that Suq, my favourite breakfast place because of the staff, was no longer in operation but Jou Jou was amazing! Some of the employees were still there and I was again, warmly welcomed with love and kindness, we’d instantly talked like last year, it was like I’d never left. I was surprised that they even remembered the items I’d liked on the breakfast menu from last year! The choices were great, and so beautifully presenters at the buffet. Whilst eating, one of my biggest moments happened. Ms Cornelia, possibly the greatest manager ever, anywhere - appeared and introduced herself. For a moment, I’d felt almost star struck because she runs everything so perfectly and I’d usually stand up and greet her but I got nervous! Instead I shook her hand, seated (I’m sorry!) and enjoyed every moment speaking to her. I honestly wish London had more managers and humans like her. Someone who has a great aura and vibe, very approachable, and it shows within the hotel. The kindness they give in the hotel was one thing, but to also have a manager who has such a positive vibe and very similar to the rest of her staff, is rare. I hope she never leaves because she’s so inspirational. The best. |I remember going into the spa for a quick moment as I wanted to buy a candle to take home. At reception, I had a great chat and to my surprise, a massage therapist from last year instantly recognised me again,and I’d recognised her. Whenever I went, I’d felt great. I went to Shai Salon to buy a cake, and another member of staff recognised me and said “I remember you, you used to have breakfast downstairs (at Suq) at 7am. I loved how people kept talking about previous interactions with me, but I loved how they just warmed my heart even more. There was a lovely employee there who I’d not met before, from England and we spoke as if we were good friends. Everywhere I went, the staff made my day. |As I was leaving I’d promised myself that these kind of experiences in life are so rare, but so memorable. From the personalised dates box from Roxana, to the warmest welcome from Mariana including the very lovely conversation I had the next day with her, to meeting Ms Cornelia, I met three people who made me feel great. Along with that, there were many more who treated me so perfectly that words cannot describe how much I’ve gone through since leaving. I’ve had dreams about the place and the people, almost like “grief” or “loss” because I miss it so much. Missing the five star resort is one thing, but missing the five star employees is another. I hope to return again and wish nothing but the best for the people, who made my trip so perfectly that. Thank you to the world’s first ten star resort, for warming my heart so much.