Anantara The Palm is not only a major player in Dubai’s highly competitive luxury resorts sector but it is also a flagship of the Anantara Hotels which already operates nine hotels and resorts in the region, including six in the United Arab Emirates, with the newest addition to launch in Q4 of 2021 – Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is in the final stages of development in the World Islands archipelago, 4km off the coast of Dubai in the UAE.
The island will be completely dedicated to the resort, with guests able to access by boat in just 15 minutes from the jetty at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. The property will feature 70 keys comprised of suites, beach and pool villas. Villas will have a private pool, an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach. Flora and fauna are abundant on the island, so it is truly a place to escape the city and immerse in nature.
Dining options will include a Mediterranean al fresco restaurant and Arabic-Indian specialty dining, perfect for romantic dinners and offering barbecues on the beach. In addition, freshly caught seafood will be prepared by a talented in-house team of chefs who will bring the finest fare to the island.
Officially opened in 2013, Anantara The Palm features a long an wide stretch of natural sand beach, with most accommodations enjoying exceptional ocean views. There are three temperature-controlled swimming lagoons with some rooms featuring direct access into the lagoon via a staircase. The resort is also well known for offering a wide range of water sports including. long-tail boat experience.
For those seeking the privacy of a villa, there are villas with private pool and beach access but also over-water villas, the only such villas in Dubai. The experience is unique with a see-through glass clearly visible at any time of the day, a large terrace with sun-beds but also a large outdoor bed for ultimate relaxation. Within just meters from the resort, the over-water villas convey an exotic feel, very similar to the Maldives or Mauritius.
Even the one bedroom overwater villas are generously sized, with exceptionally comfortable bedding (including high-thread silk cotton custom-made in Thailand), an area which is comfortable enough for those still wishing to catch up on work. Bathrooms are large with a superb jacuzzi bathtub that features picture perfect ‘framed’ views, a cocoon of relaxation and the perfect backdrop for a romantic occasion.
Each villa benefits from the dedicated and personalised services of a Host who looks after guests throughout the entire stay – a role which can be slightly more complex than a butler. Despite being already 8 years old, the product has been exceptionally well maintained, with top quality materials and finished having been used from the time of construction. The property’s team has been carefully and regularly conducting maintenance work, to ensure the highest standards of comfort.
Post-pandemic, then resort is large enough and well spread out so that guests would not feel that any particular venue may get crowded uncontrollably. Covid-19 safety and hygiene measure are still being implemented firmly and consistently to ensure maximum protection for both guests are staff. The majority of staff are fully vaccinated, yet they still wear a protective mask at all times, regardless of the venue.
The resort features 5 distinct restaurants, each with a speciality cuisine, the Asian cuisine Mekong Restaurant being a favourite for both hotel guests and locals. The Lotus Lounge has been my favourite venue to unwind, enjoy afternoon tea or a cocktail with exceptional views of the Arabian Gulf – by far, the best time is sunset. Mai Bar, a swim-up bar is yet another highlight not to miss and so is breakfast in the privacy of your own suite or villa.
Overall service is consistent, especially Front Office, Guest Relations and Housekeeping – one can feel their dedication and passion and a genuine eagerness to serve and please guests. There is room for improvement on how the half / full board is presented and served in the Beach Club, a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant. Sunset couple dining on the beach and ‘Dining by Design’ are two of the most popular exceptional experiences to make one feel special regardless of whether celebrating something special.
The Spa at Anantara The Palm is one of the largest among luxury resorts, with no less than 24 treatment rooms including a holistic cocoon room and Ayurveda room. There are also couples’ suites experience showers, solo pool bath and whirlpool with Microsilk technology. Turkish and Moroccan hammam facilities for men, women and couple – wet facilities including an aroma steam room, crystal and gemstone steam room, bamboo sauna, herbal bath, liquid sound pool, Kneipp walk, salt inhalation room, ice grotto and experience shower.
Oliver Petcu in Dubai
Anantara The Palm Dubai
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