Staycation Spotlight: Raffles The Palm Dubai

A palatial property where luxury prevails.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is a brand with a storied past. Founded in 1887 with the opening of Raffles Singapore, Raffles has become synonymous with impeccable service and a legacy of lavish luxury. Today, the collection boasts over 18 hotels and resorts, from the historic Raffles Istanbul and Raffles London at The OWO to the contemporary glamour of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and Raffles The Palm Dubai, each meticulously chosen for its unique location and cultural significance.

Raffles The Palm Dubai is a palatial property that stands out in a city synonymous with luxury. Situated on one of The Palm’s premier beaches, Raffles The Palm Dubai combines timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Crafted by Europe’s finest artisans using the most exquisite materials, guests enter into a gilded golden lobby where pink Portuguese marble columns rise skywards, surrounding a stunning chandelier made from 60,000 Swarovski crystals. It’s a wow-worthy entrance and a precursor to a stunning stay. 

This theme of lavish luxury carries through the property, from the efficient check-in service to the thick carpeting in blue, red, and gold hues. Golden elevators whisk guests up to the spacious rooms and suites where the legendary Raffles butlers, with their white gloves and impeccable knowledge await, ensuring every need is anticipated and discreetly fulfilled.

Lavish Living

We checked into a Family Ocean Room, which is a real treat at 124 square meters. The rooms are bold, gold, and ostentatious, offering stunning chandeliers, plump bedding, and walk-in wardrobes. If you’re looking for an Insta-worthy room where opulence reigns supreme, Raffles The Palm makes a statement with its grandiosity.

The rooms may not be subtle, but this bold bravado screams statement living, from the gold inlaid into the ceilings to the luxe bed linen and deep carpeting. The interiors are adorned with rich fabrics, marble accents, and handcrafted furniture by Italian designer Francesco Molon, creating an ambience of refined grandeur. 

From the gold embossed leather on the headboards of the beds to the chunky moulding, picture lights, and wainscoting that whisper of a bygone era, the design wouldn’t be out of place in a stately home from the hit television series Bridgerton. The rooms also feature modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions, state-of-the-art multimedia systems, a minibar, and more.

The marble-clad bathrooms are a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and luxury toiletries. Thoughtful touches such as plush bathrobes, slippers, and vanity mirrors add to the indulgent experience.

The real showstopper is the view. A balcony juts out towards the sea, offering a panoramic vista of the Arabian Gulf’s turquoise waters. Alternatively, you can follow in the footsteps of MMA fighter Conor McGregor and book one of the resort’s four-bedroom villas, which include a spa in the basement, a fully equipped kitchen, and a rooftop terrace complete with a plunge pool.

Destination dining

Raffles The Palm Dubai is a haven for gourmands. Le Jardin is the resort’s day-to-night restaurant, where guests sit on golden chairs and eat upon gold crockery. It’s a regal restaurant of partial proportions, where the breakfast offering includes lavishly laminated croissants, masala omelettes, and an abundance of fresh fruits.

For a touch of Asian flair, Matagi showcases modern Japanese flavours in an intimate setting. Its innovative Izakaya menu features superb sushi, robust robatayaki, and curated cocktails served amidst carved Balinese woodwork. 

As the name suggests, Sola Jazz Lounge caters to music enthusiasts through the likes of funk, soulful jazz, gypsy jazz and more, complemented by a delicious selection of cocktails and finger foods. Set in an intimate, relaxed ambience and embellished with rich jewel tones, SOLA is open until late, offering a rotation of Dubai’s most talented musical artists to keep you captivated.

Piatti by the Beach invites you to savour the charm of the Southern Italian Coast. With views of the water enhancing the dining experience, the restaurant offers a delightful menu of Burrata Pugliese, tonno e pistachio, pasta and pizza amidst flowering bougainvillaea.

Blüthner Hall is a sophisticated spot for afternoon tea in an elevated setting overlooking the lobby. The experience is anchored around a bespoke Blüthner Louis XIV grand piano made of ivory wood and coated with 24-carat gold that was built especially for Raffles The Palm Dubai by Blüthner of Germany. 

Fantastic facilities 

A multiple FACT award winner, Cinq Mondes Spa’s state-of-the-art treatments include Gharieni Welnamis (vibrational therapy), Celliss (cellulite treatment) and The Quartz Bed (hot sand therapy). Spread over 3,000 square metres, the sprawling spa has 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and the largest indoor pool in the Middle East. Plus, there are two traditional hammams, a fully equipped gym, and a yoga studio.

The lagoon-style outdoor pool and 500-meter private beach can be found amidst manicured gardens and flourishing water fountains. Surrounded by navy and white parasols, it feels somewhat nautical, whilst the strip of white sand lulls guests into the alluring waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Taking a dip in the pool amidst the splays and sprays of the water jets would leave you feeling like you’re the star of a Busby Berkeley musical, were it not for the chorus of children’s screams and the surrounding palm trees that provide the backdrop for this particular show. Small touches, such as the staff on hand to clean your sunglasses, are a novel touch. There’s even an 80-seat private cinema.

The Verdict

What truly sets Raffles apart is its unwavering commitment to exceptional experiences. Raffles isn’t just about opulent accommodations and impeccable service; it also champions the arts and culture of its destinations. Works of art by Bernard Louedin are displayed in the lobby area of Raffles The Palm Dubai, while the works of Thomas Kinkade III, affectionately known as a Painter of Light, are on display en route to Sola Jazz Lounge.

A stay at Raffles The Palm Dubai feels like stepping into a fairytale. The majestic pink façade, reminiscent of a European palace, sets the tone for the lavish interiors and fantastic facilities.

For a splendid sojourn, look no further. 

GO: Visit www.raffles.com for reservations and more information.