Do you ever fantasize about living like royalty in your own palace where all your wishes are granted? Well just follow the yellow brick road (Crescent Road, Palm Jumeriah), which will lead you to the Emerald city also known as Raffles The Palm Dubai. This hotel is a fairy-tale palace where kings and queens can enjoy sea views and vistas of Dubai’s skyline, all while offered a tranquil and private oasis in the middle of all the action.
Location
30 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB), the palace is sat on 25 acres of opulence in the most desirable location in the whole of Dubai, on the West Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island. Raffles The Palm Dubai overlooks the Arabian Gulf and offers unique views of the iconic Dubai Marina skyline, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa.
The Raffles The Palm Dubai wow factor
This magnificent soft-peach palace set the standards high from the moment you are welcomed by the gold and ivory uniformed doormen – a homage to the traditions of Raffles historic flagship hotel in Singapore. The Renaissance and Baroque style interior was created by Italian super-star designer, Franceso Molon. The lobby emits golden hues from the shimmering chandelier with 40,000 Swarovski crystals illuminating the grand atrium’s hand-painted 24-Carat gold leaf ceiling. Dramatic red velvet drapes and rare pink Portuguese marble columns circle the space perfectly.
The impressive display continues outside, with groomed gardens and fountains inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Emerald green lights glisten at night showcasing the architectural highlights. There is even a majestic purebred Russian Falcon (some worth up to 1,000,000 Dirhams) for keeping birds at bay that adds to the neoclassical grandeur.
Our palace quarters – Room 376
This wasn’t just a room – It felt like a royal suite in what must be some of the most spacious rooms on The Palm. We stayed in an entry level Premier Ocean Room (62sqm). The room was spacious and are considerably larger than we ever expected.
The hotel’s majestic interior theme continues throughout the 389 rooms, our room was furnished in platinum tones with crystal chandeliers (even in the bathrooms), high ceilings and bespoke furniture, with a lounge area too. Being on the third floor we had uninterrupted views of the ocean and fresh sea breeze from the expansive outdoor terrace, complete with sun loungers and seating – the perfect way to enjoy the Arabian sunset in private. The room centrepiece is a very ornate and extraordinarily large king-sized bed.
The bathroom is generously proportioned with a walk-in-wardrobe, separate shower room and a luxuriously deep bathtub big enough for two. Covered in white marble with gold accents and offering designer toiletries from Italian brand Acqua Di Parma, the small yet grand details that really caught my eye were the sterling silver trinket box for cotton buds and the gold-plated soap trays, showing the dedication to providing a truly luxurious experience – as if Raffles’ famed 24-hour butler service wasn’t enough.
Those looking for extra indulgence, opt for one of raffles Imperial Villas, spreading across an area ranging between 950 square metres to 1,050 square metres. They feature four bedrooms each, along with a built-in spa and private swimming pool, as well as easy access to a pristine private beach.
The Beach
Being blessed with the prettiest stretch of beach on The Palm, the 500-metre beach lined with sun loungers boasts crystal clear turquoise waters and dramatic skylines of the marina bay. For those with a preference for pools, there is the sprawling outdoor pool perfect for families and sun seekers. When it comes to facilities and activities here, there is an endless list from the 80-seater private cinema to the world class spa. The staff are attentive and are happy to set up activities like badminton, football, and so much more.
The Raffles The Palm Dubai Spa Experience
The Spa is my highlight of this grand hotel. If you come here and don’t visit it, you will leave feeling that it has not been a complete Raffles The Palm Dubai experience. As soon as you set foot in the spa, it is like you are in another world with lantern-lit hallways and candle-framed alcoves. The Cinq Mondes spa is certainly spacious, yet feels extremely private. Spanning 3,000 square metres, it hosts 23 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, two elegant hammams, large indoor pool, as well as a yoga studio and comprehensive gym.
I first started with a full-body traditional Thai massage. I’ve had this kind of massage a few times but what made this experience unique was the incorporation of the signature Hot Sand Therapy, where you’ll find yourself delicately tucked up into a Quatzbed – which feels like a bed of small pebbles that gently tilts while proving a soothing rhythmic back massage. Afterwards I had a relaxing facial treatment using luxurious Cinq Mondes skincare products, completing this urban sanctuary of well-being for complete body and mind rejuvenation.
Eating and Drinking at Raffles The Palm Dubai
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in La Jardin, an all-day dining room with views overlooking the sprawling lush raffles garden, pool area and the sea beyond. For us there is nothing better than enjoying the sun and fresh sea breeze on the terrace every morning, but of course, if you want to be closer to the buffet inside, opt to eat in the ornate regal red and gold décor dining room.
The buffet serves European, Indian, Asian, and local gourmet delights, as well as a juice and egg station – who knew that fool medames (Arabic fava beans in lemon and garlic) went so well with scrambled eggs? Our breakfast highlights had to be Robert’s bespoke fresh juices, the indulgent truffle honey and drinking coffee out of gold-plated fine china cups which made it taste even better.
Lunch
Head to Piatti by the Beach for sophisticated seafood dishes. The charming Italian restaurant offers panoramic sea views with rustic whitewash walls and pockets of pink bougainvillea flowers nestled amongst the tables. The menu was created by MasterChef winner Batuhan Piatt, offering the authentic taste of the Amalfi Coast. We started with the Moscardini alla Luciana which is an authentic Napolitan dish of baby octopus cooked in a rich and spicy cherry tomato bisque and olives. Next was home-made tagliolini with tender lobster meat in very rich and decadent tomato sauce. I recommend you try the Amalfi Old Fashioned – tequila loaded with citrus, sweetened with agave and stirred on the rocks.
Those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat as there is an entire room in Piatti dedicated to heavenly desserts, named the “Temptation Room,” where you will find a selection of homemade cake, tarts and other goodies.
Afternoon Tea is served in the grand palatial Blüthner Hall which has a regal ambience. A Blüthner Grand Piano plays in the background setting the tone, as the Raffles signature themed high-tea, caviar and champagne is served in this opulent setting.
Dinner and Drinks
Matagi showcases the hybrid fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine called Itameshi in an intimate setting. The dark wood, sensual atmospheric lighting, and low smooth house beats set the scene for dinner.
We started with a sharing platter of maki rolls and nigiri, presented in a striking display platter which you can tell has been freshly prepared by a sushi master. Our favourites were the California rolls, delicate king crab meat and avocado with orange tobiko fish roe. For dessert our attentive waitress overhead that it was our last night and brought out our chocolate fondant engraved with Bon Voyage, a warm and kind personal touch.
For music lovers, head to the Sola Jazz Lounge, an elegant and clubby destination, decorated in rich jewel tones and seductive lighting, hosting world-class musicians five nights a week from the evening until late playing hypnotic jazz. Master mixologists take to centre stage creating anything you desire including Robert’s on point vodka martini.
Credit: Luxuriate Life Magazine
The Raffles Club Lounge
The Raffles Club Lounge is available if you are staying in Club Rooms and above. This stunning space offers an exclusive area for complimentary breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and is a great spot to enjoy the Aperitivo cocktails at sunset. It would not be a Raffles Club Lounge experience without trying the iconic Singapore Sling that has been synonymous with Raffles Hotel made of gin, cherry brandy and Bénédictine with a dash of bitters and Cointreau and a splash of pineapple, lime juice and grenadine.
We had to chance to take a sneak peek into the exclusive private dining room upstairs inside the dome roof of the building, inspired by a golden Fabergé egg which boasts a private 360-degree view of Dubai’s skyline.
What makes Raffles The Palm Dubai special?
Raffles The Palm Dubai offers exquisite gastronomy experiences, a pristine beach location and world-class facilities. But what makes this hotel really special is the incredible palatial rooms. The most spacious rooms on The Palm made it feel like our own little palace.
To discover more, visit: raffles.com/thepalm-dubai
Things to do on The Palm
AURA Skypool
Standing at 200 meters in the air, AURA Skypool is the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, boasting unbelievable views of Dubai’s marina bay, the Arabian Guld Horizon and Palm Jumeriah. It offers the perfect combination of relaxing ambience during the morning experience and is switched into a lively party vibe during the afternoon, with live music and the scenic backdrop of sunset. The best spot is the sun lounger pool front, but wherever you sit you can swim around the 360-degree pool heated at a comfortable 29C.
The View at The Palm
Iconic landmarks and hidden gems can be spotted at 240 meters at The View at The Palm. The observatory on level 52 offers a 360 degree view of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. There’s also an outdoor terrace and a premium lounge to accompany you as you take in the view. For an even more breath taking view, head to the Next Level at The View, where you can take in Palm Jumeirah at the highest point of the Palm Tower.
Skydive Dubai Palm Drop
For those who seek an adrenaline rush, skydiving at the Palm Drop Zone in Dubai will be perfect for you. Seeing The Palm from 10,000 feet above is the best view of the island you can get.
go-skydiving.com/dubai-palm-drop-zone
All imagery courtesy of Raffles the Palm Dubai and respective brands.
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