Umluj Hotels with Bars

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of great hotels, and don’t mind paying up for great experiences, but sadly I think Nujuma takes the cake for one of the most scandalous voluntary robberies I’ve ever subjected myself to (up there with the Santa Marina in Mykonos, interestingly both Marriotts). Besides the fact that $2,700/night is AT LEAST double, and maybe three times what’s a fair price for the quality, the most insulting part about it is that once you book, they reveal that the astronomical price doesn’t even include the cost for the boat ride to and from the property. On top of that, the food is both very poor and very expensive (and you obviously have no other option since you’re stuck on a small island), so there’s really no end to the grift. I was so disappointed by lunch that I didn’t bother having dinner. The property is very unremarkable, the tranquility of walking or biking around spoiled the constant buggies and supply carts that will pass you every 2 minutes, and the views are spoiled by overlooking the adjacent St Regis. The rooms, while spacious, are quite charmless in my opinion. On top of it all - the hotel failed to honour my Amex benefit of a guaranteed upgrade on availability, and didn’t apply my credit either until I insisted on it twice and showed them proof I booked through Amex. It’s the only time this has ever happened - these benefits are usually applied automatically. If you’re looking for a small private island retreat, go to Amanpulo in the Philippines instead - FAR more beautiful island, far better hotel, better food, for a far lower price. There’s just no comparison.