THE RESORT
Located at the eastern end of The Palm Jumeirah, the resort seems miles away from the city by the time we arrive. We are certainly living in unusual times. The resort’s staff strictly adhere to the government’s COVID-19 guidelines and make sure each guest is standing two metres apart at check-in.
The grounds are lush with emerald lawns and walkways flanked by flowering hedges. Frangipani, palm and flame trees attract several species of birds ensuring there’s no end to birdsong during the day. A shallow, sapphire-blue lagoon winds its way between the buildings and villas, a hint of what lies just beyond – 400 metres of private shoreline with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. Surely we must be in Thailand already!
The water here is calm, lapping gently at the shore, making it perfect for floating or taking a kayak or paddleboard out for a ride around the Palm’s fronds.
SLEEP
The sweeping multi-tiered, rust-colour roofs of each villa instantly bring to mind traditional Thai architecture. Guests can choose from lagoon access rooms or beach pool villas. But the real treat is an over-water villa. The first of its kind in the Middle East, as the name implies, these villas have been built over the water and offer every luxury one can think of.
Each well-appointed villa features an oversized bathtub next to a huge window overlooking the water. Nothing beats a relaxing soak in aromatic bath salts with sweeping views of the sea. Catch a sunset from the private deck, or watch parrot and angelfish swimming under the villa through a glass panel set in the floor. Slip between soft sheets at night and sink into plush pillows and a mattress that promise heavenly sleep.
EAT
Breakfast at Revo Café comes with a view of the Burj Al Arab and the glittering sea. Sip on freshly brewed coffee or opt for a detox juice. The aroma of freshly baked croissants and muffins wafts through the eatery. Revo serves a variety of egg dishes, including the speciality shakshuka, waffles, French toast and healthy breakfast bowls. There are also a couple of vegan options on offer.
Feeling a little indolent at lunch? Feast in the comfort of the villa with the in-room dining service. We selected the seafood platter and chocolate mousse, and neither disappointed. The platter is piled with succulent tiger prawns, lobster, squid, mussels, fish and grilled vegetables lashed with a lemon-butter sauce. Dessert is rich, silky, smooth dark chocolate and ticks all the right boxes.
A late-afternoon tea at The Lotus Lounge is the best way to spend a lazy afternoon. Sit out on the covered terrace and indulge in buttery scones slathered with chunky strawberry jam and clotted cream. Or choose from a selection of savoury sandwiches that include bresaola with Manchego cheese and poached salmon, sour cream and cucumber on squid ink bread. The prettiest tier on the tea stand is undoubtedly the one with the mini pastries ranging from raspberry profiterole and mango passion curd tart to chocolaty treats such as chocolate macaron and chocolate delice. It’s hard to pick a favourite but we love the lemon olive oil cake for its excellent crumb and citrusy tang. Wash it all down with a fine selection of tea, or coffee.
Dining by Design is a bespoke culinary experience complete with a personal butler; perfect for special occasions. Craft a menu with a personal chef or choose from one of the connoisseur menus. The atmospheric setting on the beach with soft candlelight, the gentle swish of waves as a background score, and twinkling lights of Dubai Marina in the distance ensure an unforgettable meal. The Mediterranean indulgence menu features an exquisite truffle burrata salad complete with saffron aioli and truffle vinaigrette. The wild mushroom risotto comes topped with Parmesan crisps and rocket leaves and is surrounded by a cloud of delicious mushroom foam. This is followed by ravioli accompanied by steamed baby asparagus with brown sage butter and bell pepper stuffed with citrus couscous. Keep room for dessert, as the sticky date pudding served with fluffy crème Chantilly and a berry reduction rounds off a delightful dinner.