What better way to escape the scorching heat of Dubai than lounging at the pool or a beautiful white sandy private beach at one of the most stunning 5-star resorts on Palm Dubai?
My favourite spot to do this is Anantara The Palm Dubai on – you guessed it – Palm Dubai. Though you can do hardly anything wrong selecting a hotel on Palm Dubai, this is easily one of those places you can imagine checking in and never leave again.
A relatively young brand – their first hotel opened back in 2001 in Thailand – Anantara Hotels & Resorts masters understated luxury and the highest attention to the groups Thai origins while at the same time creating strong connections with each of its local destinations.
Arriving at Anantara The Palm
Once entering the strikingly beautiful lobby, you will be greeted by a very friendly and attentive staff that will accommodate you immediately on the plush comfy sofas with a cool welcome drink to await check-in.
And once the check-in process is done …
The Hotel
Twisting walkways lined by abundant tropical trees and bushes will lead you through the resort.
But the heart and soul of it all are the three beautiful blue lagoons surrounded by the lagoon access room villas.
The lagoons are accessible for all hotel guests via walkways, and there are sun loungers spread around the lagoons for those guests without direct room access. However, throughout the day most guests without direct access spend their time either at the main pool or on the beach. Thus the lagoons are usually frequented only by those with a lagoon access room; which essentially means most of the time you have a very large pool nearly all to yourself!
The beautiful large infinity pool offers stunning views over the Palm leaves and the Jumairah skyline.
There is also a small private beach front with plenty of sun beds for those who prefer the beach over the pool area. On the beach, you can also rent canoes, paddle boats or surf boards.
The Rooms
There are eight different room options, starting with the premier and deluxe lagoon view rooms, located on the first floors of the lagoon villas. In addition, there is also the Anantara The Palm Residence which offers large apartments which is a great alternative for families.
I’ve always stayed in the lagoon access rooms (there are three different categories: premier, deluxe and family lagoon access rooms) and I could not recommend them enough. Like all other categories, the spacious rooms feature dark-wood furniture, comfy beds, and a spacious bathroom stuffed with all the essential toiletries.
The first thing you want to do after stepping into your lagoon access room however, is to put on your swim gear and head straight into the water.
The beach pool villas are nestled at the edge of the beachfront behind thick bushes to offer the maximum privacy. They have their own private pool and a direct access to the beach.
The resort also has created the first over-water villas in Dubai. They are sitting near to the shore and offer perfect views over the palm leaves and Jumairah beach in the distance.
Dining options at Anantara
You do not have to leave the Resort for eating either. There are several restaurants and bars on-site that offer excellent food ranging from local Arabian to Asian, Australian and Mediterranean-style alongside a daily international buffet.
Crescendo the all day dining restaurant serves an international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The amazing breakfast buffet is open till 11am if you want to sleep longer or start your day with an extended swim in the lagoon.
The Beach House: Imagine stylish beachfront dining in a laid back atmosphere and excellent Mediterranean inspired food. That’s what you will get at the Beach House.
Bushman’s Restaurant and Bar: Don’t let the stunning views over the Dubai downtown skyline in the distance, the colourful Burj Al Arab or the glistering skyscrapers at Jumairah Beach take away all your attention. You would miss a decidedly superb Australian menu including kangaroo and crocodile alongside excellent seafood prepared over the grill.
Mekong: For all loving Asian food (think Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese), it will be Mekong restaurant with its seating under a ceiling full of birdcage lanterns.
The Lotus Lounge: It’s exquisite pastries, cakes and a light bistro-style menu during the day whilst the Lotus Lounge turns into the perfect location to have your pre- or after-dinner drinks on the outside terrace. On Saturdays, the lounge offers a sushi and sake night and except on Fridays you can have afternoon tea here as well.
Mai Bar: Mai is the Arabian word for water. Though you get a lot of soft drinks and cocktails here as well. For those in the lagoon access rooms, Mai Bar also offers a mobile service: a little boat is making its round during the afternoon to serve drinks directly to your private terrace!
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
East Crescent, Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
https://dubai-palm.anantara.com/
Carrots and Tigers 