I lived in Balqis from 2020 to 2024. It used to be a wonderful community to be a part of, but sadly, things have changed for the worse.
Before the Whydham Hotel came along, being a resident meant you could enjoy the pool, beach, and gym without any extra charges. However, since the hotel's arrival, tenants like myself are now required to pay additional fees to access these amenities. What's worse, the costs are higher compared to similar places nearby or even Privile membership. To make matters more frustrating, they've divided up the pool and beach areas, reserving certain sections exclusively for hotel guests and Privile members. As a result, tenants find themselves with limited access.
Throughout my four years in Balqis, noise from ongoing construction work was an unwelcome constant. Whether it was renovations in apartments, villas, or the basement, it seemed like there was never a quiet day. On top of that, the elevators frequently malfunctioned, causing unnecessary inconvenience for residents.
It's also worth noting the scarcity of guest parking spaces, which can pose challenges if you are expecting visitors.
Despite these drawbacks, one shining aspect of Balqis is its staff. The security personnel, receptionists, and other members of the team consistently provided exceptional service. Their friendliness and helpfulness truly made a positive difference in the community.
In conclusion, while I used to sing Balqis' praises, I can no longer in good conscience recommend it. The decline in resident amenities coupled with the ongoing disruptions have diminished its appeal significantly.