There can never be enough luxury in Dubai. The glamour and bling come hand in hand with opulence and extravaganza, making the city one big pampering holiday destination. It then comes as no surprise that every new resort added to Dubai’s rich portfolio of hospitality ventures will still find a niche and secure a safe spot in the city’s skyline, or coastline. And one such wonder is the new Raffles The Palm Dubai.
In a single look, you will be stunned at the size and space that takes up the new property. The gold and pink color gradation, the marble, the space, the grandeur – nothing fails to tick the boxes that scream Dubai. And equally, luxury.
Opened in late 2021, the hotel has already taken social media by storm, with so many celebrities taking their sweet spots on Instagram and Tik Tok, including Alicia Keys. Located on the famed The Palm boulevard, facing the blue, blue sea, is this sprawling palatial five-star hotel which boasts 500 meters of private beach and bling that feels more royalty than show.
People have been comparing the property with symbolic architectural landmarks like the Versailles and Taj Mahal, and I can see why. Aside from the spatial benefit the property has, its interiors do not fail to lure with sparkling Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold.
The hotel is known to have chandeliers studded with more than 6,000 crystals, gilt-leafed ceilings, red velvet curtains, and pink marble pillars. Adding essence to this Baroque style of architecture is staff dressed in gold and ivory – completing the package as one feels fit for royalty.
The hotel lobby’s most unique feature, however, is the Blüthner Louis XIV Piano. If you are not a pianist and neither a connoisseur of musical instruments, this may mean little to you. But those who know will know this is a gem. Considered to be one of the ‘big four’ piano companies in the world, Blüthner has a legacy going back all the way to 1854.
Paying tribute to the rich tradition of this Leipzig-born brand, Raffles The Palm has also named its lobby lounge Blüthner Hall. It will be a shame if you miss some fine afternoon tea, with the background of soothing rhythms from the Louis XIV Piano.
The hotel has 389 rooms done up tastefully with evident Italian influences by designer Francesco Molon. The gold theme is carried on to the rooms, added with silver leaves and antique-looking furniture. Word has it that there are some 70,000 items from the Molon studio in the resort! How is that for scalability?
There is a range of room types, including Deluxe and Premier Ocean Rooms, Premium Club Palm, and Premium Club Terrace Rooms, as well as the Signature Suite Palm. Close to 1,200 sq ft, this suite is a sprawling haven.
Some of the best views were enjoyed in comfort and luxury in this suite, and not forgetting the stunning sun rise and sun set, both. You will get a treat of the Dubai skyline and sea face like you will not see elsewhere – and that’s straight from the horse’s mouth!
This palatial suite comes with the full works beyond the view. Pink marble in the bathrooms, well-lit walk-in closets, lavish furnishing – a royal treatment, if you will.
When the mind and will permit to step out of this luxe hole, we must hop to the next best thing to the view – the spa. With 23 treatment rooms, Raffles The Palm houses the 3,000 sqm Cing Monde spa. This award-winning (rightfully so) wellness centre offers a rich menu of treatments. This Parisian wonder has two private spa suites and a private pool as well. Pampering the senses is done right!
From ancient Ayurveda to Ancient Egypt relaxation techniques, Cing Mondes has something for everyone. Old-age science meets technology in two interesting therapies – Gharieni Welnamis, which is a computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapy that trains the brain to relax, and Celliss – an inventive body contouring device that targets Cellulite and helps to reduce weight. There is the Quartz Bed that helps provide mental and physical relaxation, merging the benefits of aromatherapy, inversion therapy, and undulating massage, and a Japanese massage called Ko Bi Do that targets the face and neck – more popularly known as an effective alternative to fillers and Botox. Needless to say, the spa also offers yogis a great place to practice some stretches while on holiday.
After a relaxed day of watching the sun rise, and chasing sunsets, and everything in between, the hotel’s food fare is the cherry on the top. Arabic, Indian, Balinese, Italian, and Asian fusion is on the menu across its eight dining options. The perfect night cap, it is not such a sore idea to grab something cool and refreshing at the speakeasy-style jazz bar that offers live music and such.
Travelling in class and comfort only got a notch higher with Raffles The Palm, and the next time you are in Dubai, this one is sure to please.
Where – Raffles The Palm Dubai,
West Cresent Palm – Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Note – The author was hosted by the hotel but all the opinions expressed herewith are his own.
