Tranquillity found on the East Crescent of The Palm Jumeirah
‘Thailand, or Dubai?’, we ask ourselves as we pull into the grand entrance of Anantara The Palm Resort. We felt a wave of excitement wash over us, stepping out of the car we were greeted by a team of friendly staff members who immediately whisked away our luggage and ushered us into the lobby. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and the soothing sounds of a nearby waterfall set the tone for our East Crescent, The Palm, staycation.
Checking in was a breeze, thanks to the efficient and welcoming reception staff. As we sipped on refreshing ice-cold ginger and lemongrass tea, we were given a brief overview of the resort’s amenities and activities. Eager to start exploring, we made our way to our room, anticipating building with every step.
The Rooms
Our accommodation for the duration of our stay was an over water villa, one of the most coveted offerings at Anantara The Palm. This resort offers four types of accommodation: the lagoon access and view rooms, pool villas, overwater villas and apartments. There are nearly 300 rooms, villas and apartments. Whilst that sounds quite busy, it really didn’t feel busy.
We pulled up to our villa, the first on the stretch, we were immediately struck by the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf – views for miles, some would say.
As we entered the room, we were struck by its spaciousness and elegant design. Luxurious furnishings adorned the wooden interiors, evoking a sense of modern luxury with a hint of exotic flair from the pointy gable roof. In Thai architecture, a gable roof refers to a triangular-shaped roof with sloping sides, culminating in a point at the top. This architectural feature adds a distinctive character to the room, reminiscent of traditional Thai craftsmanship. The use of natural materials such as bamboo, silk, and rattan further enhanced the room’s ambiance, creating a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and cultural authenticity. But the real highlight was the private terrace overlooking the calm waves, where we spent countless hours soaking up the sun and watching the beachgoers wander by. With direct access to the 24-hour lagoon, a stone’s throw away, we just had to check it out. We were surrounded by nothing but serenity and beauty.
Dining Experiences
One of the things I love most about Dubai is experiencing new cuisines, and Anantara The Palm did not disappoint in this regard. With a variety of restaurants and dining experiences to choose from, we were spoiled for choice.
We started our mornings bright and breezy at Crescendo, for someone who is not particularly a breakfast person this restaurant put on a show every morning – with a wide selection for all palettes, it was hard not to fall in love with it. For vegans and vegetarians, there’s a thoughtful selection of dishes ranging from plant-based delights to hearty vegetarian fare. Guests can also tuck into a sweet treat after their full savoury breakfast, with options like waffles, American-style pancakes, or crepes with a generous selection of toppings such as maple syrup, chocolate spread, strawberry jam, and more. Additionally, a lavish spread of full Arabic breakfasts awaits, complete with traditional delicacies, alongside a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits. Crescendo sets the perfect tone for the day with its inviting ambiance that satisfies every taste preference.
On our first night we dined at Dinner at The Beach House. With iconic buildings dotting the horizon, guests can enjoy a casual yet awe-inspiring ambiance as they tuck into traditional seafood favourites and signature dishes. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this beachfront gem ensures a great spot to debrief from the day, and enjoy the flavours of the sea.
Our last dinner experience left us speechless. It was a spectacular ‘gram worthy set-up at Dining by Design at Anantara The Palm Dubai. Here, guests have the opportunity to curate their culinary adventure, choosing their preferred cuisine in advance. Opting for Arabic cuisine, under the stars, with the gentle lull of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack. Nestled by the beach, against the backdrop of overwater villas, Dining by Design offers a bespoke dining experience where every detail is tailored to perfection, it was a night we won’t soon forget.
The Facilities
No resort stay would be complete without some quality pool time, and Anantara The Palm certainly delivered on this front. The 50-metre infinity pool is the main hangout spot, especially for selfies – with its iconic shoreline in the background, the views are unmatched in the city. Whether we wanted to relax in a quiet corner with a good book or take a refreshing dip to escape the heat, there was a pool for every mood. And with attentive poolside service ensuring our glasses were never empty, we could truly sit back, relax, and soak up the sun in style.
The Anantara Spa at The Palm promised a tranquil sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it more than delivered.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a sense of calm and serenity. The spa’s tranquil ambiance, combined with the expert hands of the therapists, left us feeling utterly relaxed and pampered. Whether indulging in a traditional Thai massage or a rejuvenating facial, every treatment was a blissful escape from reality.
Time to Leave
As our time at Anantara The Palm came to an end, we couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to this slice of paradise in Dubai. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the impeccable service throughout our stay, every moment had been nothing short of magical.
As we checked out and made our way back to reality, the warmth of the sun on our skin and the gentle lapping of the waves would stay with us forever. Until next time.
