Escaping the relentless pace of Dubai typically requires booking a flight but with voco Dubai Monaco, the transition to the Heart of Europe is surprisingly close to home.
Unlike your standard staycation, it doesn’t start at a hotel lobby or a crowded porte-cochere but right in the city itself. You reach a designated parking spot, leave your car and board a shuttle that awaits to whisk you to Al Wasl Marine Station. The true departure, however, is the forty-five-minute ferry ride across the open water that serves as the ultimate palate cleanser, physically and mentally distancing you from the mainland with every knot of speed.
A Striking First Impression
As the mainland coastline recedes into a haze, the stunning hotel gradually emerges from the horizon in all its glory. It is a striking first impression. The building rises against the sea, its distinctive colour-gradient floors flanked by lush coconut trees that add to the architecture, unmistakably different from anything else in Dubai. This first glimpse of the place is enough to set expectations high and as I would soon learn, the stay completely lives up to them, or dare I say, far exceeds them.
Sanctuary with a View
Stepping off the ferry was like entering a new world as we were welcomed with refreshing drinks right at the entrance. It was a small but thoughtful touch that hinted at the special weekend ahead. Our King Premium Sea View room felt like a cosy retreat. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a lovely display of chocolates and macarons, along with a cute towel origami arrangement on the bed. While the decor was stunning, what truly captivated me was the view. The room faced the sea, offering a breathtaking expanse of blue that made everything else seem so vast and peaceful.
Watching the water from the room at different hours of the day easily became one of my favourite parts of the stay.
Island Tour
Our culinary escapades began at La Brasserie for High Tea. We went for a rich and perfectly toasted croque monsieur and a helping of grilled prawns that were prepared to an exquisite standard. Paired with a much-needed caffeine fix, our first meal on the island was nothing short of blissful and left our taste buds dancing.
Shortly after, the team took us on a private boat tour around the Heart of Europe for an intimate look at the ambitious vision behind the archipelago. Gliding through the water for an hour-long ride, we visited several landmarks, including Portofino Hotel, The Heart of Europe Coral Institute, the Floating Smart Police Station, Sweden Island and Sweden Beach Palace, before returning to voco Monaco. Along the way, the staff shared insights into the vision behind The Heart of Europe and a fascinating glimpse into the future plans for the islands and the grand scale of what is yet to come.
Hotel Tour
Back on land, we spent the evening exploring the hotel and every picturesque inch of the space. What struck me most about staying at voco Monaco was the profound sense of peace that permeates throughout the island. Between the architecture and the mild weather, it is easy to forget your proximity to mainland Dubai, it truly feels like a transportive escape to a European coastal retreat.
Our dinner at La Rive, voco Monaco’s beachfront seafood restaurant, brought the first day to a decadent close. The restaurant’s layout alone makes your meal special, with tables just steps from the water and the sound of gentle waves constantly in the background. We began with the lobster arancini, crisp golden rice balls filled with lobster, paired with a rich, surprisingly light saffron-and-garlic aioli.
For mains, we shared two risottos, both excellent in their own way. The truffle mushroom risotto was creamy and indulgent, layered with earthy mushroom flavours with a delicate hit of truffle oil. The seafood risotto was equally impressive, with a generous medley of calamari, prawns, and mussels, folded through arborio rice and cooked in a deep lobster bisque and tomato sauce.
For dessert, we went with a classic tiramisu. Finishing with a tiramisu while listening to the waves just a few meters away creates an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate.
Day 2
Day 2 had a more relaxed, indulgent vibe to it. We enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner at La Brasserie, which served an impressive buffet spread with a great mix of international dishes, live egg stations and an especially tempting selection of desserts. Each meal felt slightly different depending on the time of day. Breakfast was light and energising, lunch was all about comfort and dinner was a chance to really treat ourselves. A special mention has to go to the coffee tiramisu drink I had at lunch, which was genuinely unforgettable and easily one of the best hotel drinks I’ve had in a long time.
One of the standout features of the island is undoubtedly the Raining Street, a whimsical, unexpected experience that genuinely feels surreal in the middle of the Gulf.
The Raining Street is a marvel of climate-controlled engineering that brings a touch of European weather to the desert. This one-kilometre walkway utilises a hidden system of pipes to create a continuous, gentle downpour, maintaining a consistent temperature of 27°C even when the Dubai heat is at its peak.
Lined with red and white polka-dot umbrellas, the street is designed to mimic the atmospheric charm of a rainy afternoon in southern Europe. Walking down the street as artificial rain falls around you is oddly refreshing and strangely calming. It adds a playful element to the stay while reinforcing the European inspiration that defines The Heart of Europe. I found myself returning to it more than once, just to experience it again at different times of day.
The evening was spent beachside, where I alternated between reading, painting and watching the light change over the water with each passing hour. Golden hour was particularly magical, with the light casting warm hues across the entire facade of the building and the sea.
Each phase of the day brings a different kind of beauty and calm, making even short walks around the island feel new each time.
Check Out
We returned to La Brasserie for a final breakfast on our last morning before preparing to depart. We had received complimentary ice cream vouchers upon our arrival, a standard but lovely perk for guests, which we held onto for the perfect moment, finally redeeming them at the shop just before checkout.
Enjoying the treat by the sea before boarding the ferry back felt like the most fitting final note. It was a sweet, symbolic conclusion to what had been a truly restorative escape.
Throughout the stay, the staff’s hospitality consistently stood out. There was a sense that every team member took pride in creating a memorable experience for the hotel’s guests and it showed in both the big gestures and the smallest details.
The hotel really stands out for its sustainable approach, and it’s hard not to notice the playful, vibrant decor. Each floor and the lobby are decorated with pop art pieces that bring colour and personality to the space.
This staycation was one I wish would last forever; I genuinely did not want to leave. It’s perfect for anyone looking to switch off or reconnect with themselves.
