REVIEW FOR ANIMAL LOVERS ||||My family and I stayed at Stella Gardens for 8 days in July. I’ve held off posting until now because I’ve been trying to address this directly with the resort management, but unfortunately, my efforts have fallen short. ||||I understand that everyone has their own opinion, and I'm not posting to start an argument or defend my point. I’m simply sharing this as a warning for other animal lovers like myself.||||We were initially hesitant about visiting Egypt because of the concerns we’d heard about the treatment of cats. However, after reading a post by Stella Resorts themselves, claiming they care for these cats and providing veterinary support, we decided to book with them. Unfortunately, that decision turned out to be a mistake. ||||There is a trip advisor review about the poor treatment of cats so-say being driven to the desert to die (I cannot confirm if this allegation is true or not) so please feel free to find it if you wish to read that too. However, during my stay we seen only 2 adult healthy cats. The rest were infact kittens less than 1 year old. Like myself, I'm sure you can figure this out. ||||While I see many posts about the "cute little kittens" and how adorable they are for kids to stroke, if you look beyond the surface, you'll see a life of unimaginable suffering. The hotel should be held accountable for this.||||First, the kittens. There were so many of them, far more than should be if a resort engaged with TNR programmes, this is a red flag alone. Worse yet, some were giving birth to their own kittens or were pregnant while still nursing kittens. If that doesn’t raise concerns, I don’t know what does. These young mama cats, barely 6 months old, were already nursing kittens and clearly pregnant again, this alone is actually heartbreaking. ||||Second, the injuries, we did see injured cats/kittens. Abscesses, broken tails, and more. I have photos of these poor animals and their wounds. This prompted me to investigate further, so I contacted several charities and animal rescue organisations for more information about the resort. All of them reported the same story on the hotel refuses to work with them. In the past, under different management, the hotel had worked with Blue Moon to provide neutering and veterinary care, but that partnership ended with new ownership.||||I attempted to raise these concerns directly with the hotel management during my stay. The reception staff claimed they worked with charities, but I explained that, even if that were true, the presence of injured animals and the overpopulation of kittens clearly indicated otherwise. I also mentioned that I had contacted multiple organisations, and they all gave the same response. The staff went silent. Then, they told me, "Management has their own vet who visits the hotel." When I asked when this happened and where the vet was, they couldn’t answer. After that, I asked to speak directly with management. Two meetings were arranged, but as suspected, no one showed up for either.||||I’m sharing this post as a warning to other cat lovers. If you’re considering staying at this hotel, I urge you to reach out to animal charities and check whether the resort is truly living up to the claims they make. I’m not here to promote other hotels, but there are resorts in Egypt that do work with charities, provide veterinary care, and ensure proper care with feeding and watering stations. Before booking your trip, please take a moment to inquire with these charities and they will directly give you a list of places they recommend and also ones to avoid more importantly.||||Some people may care about this, and others may not, I completely respect that. But as a cat lover, I wanted to share my experience. Sometimes, those “cute little kittens” that bring smiles to your kids' faces may seem innocent enough, but if you look a little deeper, you’ll see a larger issue. Consider how many kittens are there, how many tiny mama cats are suffering, and the lack of proper care and neutering. Please take a moment to think...
Read moreA Captivating Oasis of Luxury: Stella Gardens Resort & Spa Makkadi Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) I recently had the pleasure of staying at Stella Gardens Resort & Spa Makkadi, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped foot into this enchanting oasis, I was greeted with warm smiles, impeccable service, and a sense of tranquility that permeated every corner of the resort.
Upon arrival, I was immediately captivated by the resort's stunning Ancient Egyptian architecture, blending modern design with traditional elements. The lush green gardens, blooming flowers, and meticulously maintained grounds created a serene and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail was truly remarkable, reflecting the resort's commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience.
The accommodations at Stella Gardens were nothing short of luxurious. My room was a haven of comfort, elegantly furnished with a perfect blend of contemporary and rustic elements. The bed was plush and inviting, guaranteeing a restful night's sleep. The private balcony offered breathtaking views of the resort's picturesque surroundings, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the natural beauty of the area.
The resort's spa was a sanctuary of indulgence and relaxation. I treated myself to a rejuvenating massage and was pampered by highly skilled therapists who tailored the treatment to my specific needs. The spa facilities were top-notch, boasting a range of therapeutic options that left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
One of the highlights of my stay was the dining experience at Stella Gardens. The resort's restaurants offered a delectable variety of cuisines, prepared with the finest ingredients and presented with artistic flair. Each meal was a culinary adventure, and the attentive staff ensured that every dietary requirement and preference was catered to. The breakfast buffet was particularly impressive, featuring a wide selection of freshly baked pastries, local delicacies, and made-to-order dishes that satisfied even the most discerning palate.
The staff at Stella Gardens Resort & Spa Makkadi deserves special mention. They were attentive, professional, and went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my stay was perfect. Whether it was arranging transportation, suggesting local attractions, or simply engaging in friendly conversation, their genuine warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression.
The resort's location was also ideal, providing easy access to nearby attractions and cultural sites. From exploring the historic town center to embarking on exciting outdoor adventures, there was no shortage of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. The concierge was knowledgeable and offered invaluable recommendations, enhancing my overall experience and helping me make the most of my time at the resort.
In conclusion, my stay at Stella Gardens Resort & Spa Makkadi was an extraordinary journey into luxury and relaxation. The resort's impeccable attention to detail, exquisite accommodations, outstanding dining options, and unparalleled service truly set it apart. If you are seeking a place to unwind, indulge, and create unforgettable memories, I wholeheartedly recommend Stella Gardens Resort & Spa Makkadi. It is a hidden gem that will leave you longing to return time...
Read moreMe and my friends came here last week and to say this is my first ever holiday, I am disappointed. We get to the hotel around 10pm after a long day of travelling and they said the rooms are not ready and to go for food which is fine. We ask where it is and they just say “straight ahead” and no one offered to show us or give us a map. We eventually find the restaurant to be told it’s closed and to come back an hour later. We go back to reception to get our rooms, half of which were dirty and the guy showing us to our rooms was quite rude and was on his phone the whole time. ||The food was bland, repetitive and just not nice. Most of us ended up having chips for both lunch and dinner everyday. I know not everyone is going to like the whole Buffett but some things looked grey, there was undercooked fish, flies on some of the salad bits etc. Some of the staff were just stood around doing nothing most of the time and I expected slightly better service for a supposedly 5 star hotel. The snack bar wasn’t even worth going to. One day it was burgers that were the kid sized and burnt, another day it was 3 small hotdogs outside of a bun. You needed to get there quite early too to get a table as it ended up being a free for all with kids running around everywhere and no order at all. ||The housekeeping staff were nice. My room was ‘cleaned’ everyday (bed made and floor mopped) but my used towels were just folded up and put back on the shelf for me to use again. I got water everyday and toilet roll when needed but the room wasn’t actually cleaned and they still expected you to leave a tip. Also, if you put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on your door the staff don’t listen and will still knock and come in. I think there was a slight language barrier and my cleaner couldn’t speak a lot of English which is completely fine, however it made it slightly difficult when asking for things or telling him I’ve got the do not disturb sign up. ||The resort itself is really nice and the pools are great. The groundskeepers take good care of the outside. However around the pools could’ve had better maintenance as there were dead lizards in the pool and a false nail at the poolside that was there the whole week. ||Bar staff were nice but there was a point where if you didn’t give them a tip, they wouldn’t give you good service and would make you wait longer for a drink. A good level of service should not be reliant on how well guests tip. ||Overall there were more cons than pros. I could’ve written a lot more on how bad it was. Most of the group ended up being ill by the end of the holiday which will be down to the food. For a 5 star hotel, I expected a lot better than the treatment we received. Personally I would avoid this place until...
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