Located on a stretch of white sand beach on Dubai’s tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a slice of serenity close enough to the buzzy downtown and financial district but far enough removed to provide an idyllic escape. Lush grounds dotted with swimmable lagoons anchor the Thai-inspired property, which is home to lavish overwater villas, a beachfront infinity pool, and a sumptuous spa that keeps guests happily ensconced here without ever wanting - or needing - to leave.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
The Far East meets the Middle East at this island paradise in Dubai. With gorgeous city coastline and the Arabian Sea views, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is an ideal base when booking a trip or planning a layover where the focus is on rest and relaxation. Home to 293 rooms and villas, the property is sizeable; its extensive grounds are connected by a series of walkways or navigated by a colorful Tuk-Tuk style taxi, which you can summon by calling the lobby. Lovely garden landscaping lends a feeling of intimacy with the tree and palm-shaded walkways offering respite from the desert sun. While there are three lagoon pools and the main infinity pool, the private beachfront affords a more mellow alternative for soaking up the afternoon sunshine and taking a dip in the Arabian Gulf.
Luxury Villas
The only overwater villas in the United Arab Emirates, major perks of booking one of these Maldivian-style digs are the stunning views of Dubai’s city skyline that you’ll get to enjoy from the outdoor decks and oversized bathtubs designed for two. For direct beach access and a private infinity pool, you’ll want to book one of the Beach Pool Villas, while the ground floor Lagoon View Villas allow you to swim straight from the balcony – the lagoons are open 24-hours making it a fun way to cool off at night. Amenities include a Nespresso machine and minibar with soft drinks and a selection of miniature spirits. Think sundowner Gin and Tonics or a nice cold Heineken.
Seven Culinary Concepts
The resort features seven dining concepts, including The Beach House for Mediterranean-inspired plates like calamari and gambas perfect with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc at lunch or Mekong for authentic Thai food at dinnertime. Cool off with a cocktail at the poolside Mai Bar, or for light bites, happy hour, and gorgeous Gulf views, head to The Lotus Lounge. The Dining by Design program can arrange everything from a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach to floating breakfast trays when it comes to special occasions.
Anantara Spa
Plan to spend at least one afternoon at the sanctuary-like Anantara Spa. The menu here covers everything from Ayurvedic treatments, like the Shirodhara hot oil therapy, to a traditional Turkish hammam, where you’ll be scrubbed on a warm marble slab before sinking into a lovely foam bath. A series of magnesium massages, soaks, and therapies are offered too, which many travelers swear by to help beat jet lag. Massages (Arabian, Balinese and Thai styles are all practiced) and facials also feature, including a caviar collagen-boosting option.
What to do in Dubai
While iconic buildings like the world-famous Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab pack plenty of wow-factor, visiting the Al Fahidi Historic District and XVA Gallery affords a tangible sense of Middle Eastern culture. From old to new, Dubai’s soon-to-be-opened Museum of the Future was just named one of the world’s most beautiful museums by National Geographic. When it comes to shopping, you’ll find everything from galleries and concept stores at arts and culture space, Alserkal Avenue, to luxury goods galore at the Dubai Mall. In contrast to the city’s cutting edge architecture, a visit to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with a night at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort or a sustainable safari with Platinum Heritage outfitters is a recommended add-on to any itinerary.
In a Nutshell
Located about thirty minutes by car from the main sights of Dubai, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is best suited to couples or families looking for an idyllic island escape that still offers plenty to see and do should they feel like venturing to the mainland. Lagoon View rooms can be booked from $585 with One Bedroom Over Water Villas starting at $1,160. For more information visit anantara.com/en/palm-dubai.
All photos courtesy of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort unless noted.
