Well, the new series premiered last night in the UK and we have received some rather favourable reviews ... which is lovely.
OK - so up at 0600 (a lie-in!) ... and head to breakfast with the boys. They then head off to film the private beach (370 metres), one of the two swimming pools (other under renovation) ... and Health Club.
Then the drive up ... The Chedi opened in 2003 - the first recognised international hotel in Oman. It has just 156 rooms & suites. There are 36 Chedi Club Suites - ALL 67 square metres in area ... mine (1008) has views of the Gulf and the gardens. There are 2 large sofas (that turn into beds), 1 king bed, a sunken bath (gorgeous) ... and an amazing silver dome above the bed!
It's contemporary with Arabian and Asian twists ... quite comfortable indeed.
The General Manager - York Brandes - is a familiar face to me. He used to work at the Anassa in Cyprus - the best hotel on that island. He has been here 6 years and you can see he loves it! He is particularly proud of the Food & Beverage offerings here. They are run by a lovely fellow Christoph Girsch who has been looking after us very well indeed.
After lunch I interviewd Christoph about Lebanese wines! I know that he offered me the greatest Lebanese wines available (a red & rose) but they just didn't do it for me. It's an acquired taste methinks.
I then learnt how to cook a local dish that features "red snapper". Delicious. The chef Bassam Al Aissami was very understanding about my lack of culinary skills! We filmed both food & wine features outside in the sunshine ... lovely!
Finally to the Spa for an Arabian Rassoul Envelopment! Exfoliation, hair muds, facials, massages, wraps .... Eva the therapist from Bali had wonderful hands ... and the feature went down a treat!
Last day tomorrow in Oman ... sad ...
Song of the Day: Mirror Man - Human League
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lYeRhmyaCg
Weather: Still sunny, still hot!
homesick and missing ernie
homesick and missing bertie
chedi style
more ...
reception - grooovy
a fine davidoff millennium special T
in my bath
york brandes
chef
Eva tucke me in
LUNCH!
