Who? Anna ‘Awesome’ Shaw
When? October 2017
Where? Desert Palm Dubai
If you could describe Desert Palm in Dubai three words what would they be? Peaceful, Relaxing, Hideaway
Would you recommend Desert Palm for couples or families or both? The resort is definitely more suited to couples.
What are the facilities like at the hotel? The spa was gorgeous and surprisingly big given the fact it is a boutique hotel. The pool is great, overlooked by Epicure, the hotel’s restaurant. There is a gorgeous terrace overlooking the main polo field with views of the city skyline in the distance – perfect for a sunset cocktail in the cooler months. Unfortunately, in the warmest months of the year, the skyline is hidden by the heat haze.
Could you rate the comfort of your room out of ten and tell us your favourite feature? I would give the room a 9/10, only losing a point due to the lack of bathroom door. I think some people may struggle with this – there is a curtain but it’s not the most private. My favourite feature would 100% be the bed, without a doubt… it was huge and sooo comfy, I slept so well and came home feeling fully recharged.
What was your favourite thing about breakfast? The INCREDIBLE juice selection. Oh, and the smashed avocado on toast was top notch.
Did you eat lunch or dinner in the hotel? If yes, in which restaurant and what did you have? We had lunch on our loungers by the pool every day which was ordered from the Epicure menu. Great options – Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, salad, pizza or more substantial items should you wish. I also ate in the steak restaurant one evening, which was superb.
Was there anything you didn’t know about the hotel before you arrived that you loved? The most WOW thing I didn’t know about were the incredible views of the city skyline in the evening and also the amazing waterproof bean bags in the pool!!
How close is Desert Palm to downtown Dubai? Is it easy to go into town for the day or a night out? Desert Palm is quite a long drive from the Marina and Palm (about 40 mins) so not good for those wanting to go out partying in the evening. However, it’s only about 20 minutes from the Burj Khalifa and the fountains. There is a daily complimentary shuttle which heads into town at 5pm, you just have to make your own way back.
In terms of activities and excursions, is there anything you’d really recommend? I loved the fountains in the Downtown area – it may sound cheesy but I would say they are definitely worth going to see! Also, if guests like horses then it is really fun to do an Estate Tour (which they offer for free) so that you can see the stables, other polo fields and facilities.
Finally, was there a member of the Desert Palm team who made you truly welcome or that you will especially remember from your trip? I couldn’t choose one in particular, all of the staff were so helpful but we absolutely loved everyone who worked by the pool. We spent long sun soaked days chatting away and enjoying our lunch and cocktails, it was such a lovely and relaxed atmosphere, very different to some of the larger and glitzier Downtown hotels.
