Having been a huge fan of Abu Dhabi’s Anantara resorts for quite some time now, it was with very high expectations that we headed out to what must have been the end of the Palm Jumeirah, and a world away, to check out Dubai’s first property in the respected global chain of paradises.
You’ve got to cruise past heavyweight contenders such as the Waldorf Astoria, Sofitel, and of course swerve to avoid the camera-wielding tourists congregating outside the gigantic Atlantis, before you pull up at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa; but by the time you valet, you would have forgotten all about those, as well as maybe even fail to recollect where you actually are. You’re not in Dubai anymore; this is Thailand, perfected on a silver platter.
Indeed, the resort incorporates a host of fascinating Thai touches. Not only does a big, fat, splashing elephant statue greet you at entry, so do gracious and soft-spoken attendants dressed in authentic Thai national dress, before you are whisked away to your accommodation via three-wheeler tuk-tuk.
Whether you’ve come for a family fun day or romantic getaway, Anantara Dubai boasts the lot including 10,000 square metres of water, on and around which guests can enjoy practically every watersport from diving, and fishing to windsurfing, boat cruises and Stand Up Paddleboarding; or simply soak up some rays while enjoying beverages from traditional floating market-style boats to be found gliding across tranquil lagoons.
There are two floodlit courts and just as many well-equipped gyms, separate kids and teens clubs, and more, but foodies in particular will love it here too. Six restaurants and bars serve up some diverse culinary experiences, ranging from authentic Middle Eastern cuisine to, naturally, Thai. And when you are there, do check out Mekong, their highly recommended, authentically and beautifully decorated signature restaurant.
That said, inspired by our exotic surroundings to take a trek off the beaten path, we headed in the direction of Outback Australia rather than Thai and booked a table at a new favourite, Bushman’s, which offers a luxe-meets-laidback Aussie atmosphere, as well as incredible Bush Tucker flame grilled delights, including the UAE’s only kangaroo sirloin – not to shy away from, it’s awesome.
What’s more, an in-house salt guru comes around to recommend just the right sprinkling for your chosen meal.
Amongst the other lovely tucked away food-and-drink options on site, Anantara Dubai offers intimate signature Dining by Design journeys, complete with a private chef and butler, where the location of your table is all up to you. Alternatively, learn to dance your own way around the kitchen by signing up for one of the resort’s Spice Spoons cooking classes.
Anantara Dubai boasts 260 Lagoon View and Access Rooms, 12 Beach Pool Villas, three two-bedroom villas, and even 18 of the UAE’s only Over-Water Villas (they almost look like a mirage).
We “settled” for one of the lagoon view rooms which came complete with water right on our back patio’s steps. If you’ve ever wanted to dive off your own porch into a tucked away alleyway of refreshing temperature-controlled waters, then here’s your chance. We certainly had a bit of a kiddie moment and stayed in our swimwear too long.
It is fitting actually that lagoons and over-water villas be among some of the key features at the resort, because the word Anantara – taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means ‘without end’ – is meant to symbolise the sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that Thai people have been practising for hundreds of years simply by leaving a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to passing travelers.
The icing on the cake from one short-but-sweet night at Anantara Dubai was actually the luxury comfort of the bed. It even came with its own pillow menu and was the cause of a late start the next day to breakfast ahead of our last-hurrah, de rigeur spa experience – it’s no secret their spa chain is award-winning and worth the extra cash.
