Call it bold, label it brash, or dub it pitilessly brazen, the bon ton Emirati Capital we know as Dubai holds no bars in unashamedly flaunting its billionaire playground to the residing and visiting bling soirée circle, where five star sanctums sit submerged in lashings of flaxen toned 24 carat gold, while cocktails arrive swathed in the iridescent twinkles of shimmering diamond dusting.
Cocooned in a radiant armour and set with a bounteous array of bejewelled finery in a tranquil quarter of Dubai’s Palm Islands, the Raffles The Palm Dubai stands as a regal resort monument of exquisite classical artisanship, interweaved with the dose of chic à la mode panache.
It fell nothing of pure euphoria to be taking pleasure in 72 hours of untarnished suite living and delicious gastronomical affairs, within this palatial abode that salutes the Raffles ethos of eclipsing luxury hospitality, and capturing the world’s imagination since the late 80s.
The birth of Raffles
In 1887, during the genesis of Golden Age of Travel in the tropical “Garden City” of Singapore, the dawn of a resplendent new hotel legend had commenced on its illustrious odyssey with an elegant, yet modest bijou 10-room hotel, housed in a charming bungalow like dwelling. Behind this novel venture were the Sarkies, four go-getting Persian-Armenian brothers all of whom were driven by their admiration for Sir Stamford Raffles, an influential British colonial official and founder of modern Singapore thus choosing to christen the hotel after, and the Raffles Singapore was born.
With a renaissance or two in its 132 history, the melodic alliance of the Raffles Singapore’s resonant title, graceful Asian aura and British decorum of the immaculately chivalrous butler cadre, not to neglect THAT Singapore Sling first stirred up in 1915 has over the years, had witnessed this noble Victorian-territorial spectacle seduce a fresh genre of silk-stocking jet-setters, before capturing the curiosity of a little black book legion of powerful grandees, and aristocratic personalities from Rudyard Kipling, to Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
Since the time of 1997, the illustrious Raffles pedigree have emerged as an ultra-luxe hospitality titan with its poised grandeur and literary legacy, attaining forever thriving five star universal domination within the lush botanical wilderness of Cambodia, jewel turquoise shores of the Maldives and the upmost glitterati cities of London, and of course, the tinselled haven of Dubai.
The resort
A lustrous architectural belle crafted by masters in 2021, the Raffles The Palm Dubai proudly lolls about in its glitzy stature as the first Middle East based Raffles resort to have opened its sheeny doors to the realms high-life clique, cozily seated a thirty minute drive from Dubai Airport (DXB) right on the pristine, azure beach oasis of the Palm Jumeirah’s West crescent.
A palatial jewel in the UAE’s sequinned crown, the Raffles The Palm Dubai embodies a grand palace like blueprint befitting for the most illustrious of Mughal emperor, with its light sand hued exterior stretched across 25-acres of the Palm’s first rate terra firma, engulfed in an abundance of lush emerald botanicals. Welcomed with unfeigned enthusiasm by the gracefully suited Raffles crew, the team were profusely refusing to burden me with the weight of even a featherlight handbag, as they ushered me to the spotless doors, before revealing to me, the ethereal splendour of this courtly Emirati palazzo which, had my heart dance to many a beats and flutters.
The Raffles The Palm Dubai took to playing on an influence from the Renaissance and Baroque design eras of stunning palace creations from Russia and Europe, and their quintessential interior garnishings entwined with the native soul and opulent beauty of the UAE’s luxuriant motherland. Lashings of 24 Carat gold and silver leaf glittered away with every twirl and swivel in the imposing foyer space. Each leaf was scrupulously hand applied by some of the upmost gifted artisans against a pale pink Rosa Portugal marble backdrop, shaped by specialist stonemasons besides intricate tapestries, and a 70,000 bespoke assemblage of gold and stone furnishings intricately carved by the time-honoured Italian ateliers of Francesco Molon.
The literal fairytale encounter rested with monumental marvel of the foyer’s antique leaf adorned dome, bearing the spectacular twinkling vision of an entrancing mighty chandelier that transported me to my starry-eyed memories of Beauty and Beast’s unforgettable dance in her resplendent yellow ball gown, as they danced amongst the candlelight glow and radiance of the castle’s chandelier.
Assembled with a bedazzling array of 40,000 dainty Swarovski crystals, this glittering masterwork radiated with ceremonial oomph over the resorts immense domain and regal circular velvet carpet of Herculean proportions, cocooning the floor in patterns brushed in rich pigments of aureate, sapphire blue and ruby red encircled by colossal marble pillars and a handful from an additional miniature 6,000 Swarovski displays dotted around the resort.
Delicately released from my hypnotic trance, the ever courteous check-in team had me seated with an agile glass of steaming Arabic tea, and despite my incredibly early AM arrival profusely apologising for my lodgings at present not being available for check-in, to then have me whisked up into the haven of the Raffles club lounge indulging in a sumptuous breakfast banquet, before being summoned to set in motion my 72 hours of imperial grandeur within my queenly chambers.
Rooms, suites and villas
Cafe-society visitants at Raffles The Palm Dubai have the pleasure in selecting their “modest” habitation from 391 rooms, including a collection of ravishing suite sensations and villa retreats all showcasing the paramount of unprecedented affluence for guests to revel in the life of Riley, including the thrill of your own personally assigned Raffles butler.
Even the beginners level quarters of the resort’s Deluxe room displays the topmost in five star glory, reaching a staggering 656 sq ft bedecked in smooth colour palettes of pure white and royal blue laced with antique silver or gold motifs, woven into the bed throws and furnishings crafted by Francesco Molon, and of course one of those 6,000 crystal pendents. Never one to pinch the pennies (or dirhams) on up to the minute mod cons, slick HD LED TVs and interactive digital systems make the scene, while a cosy chic balcony spills out onto the resorts scenic backdrop.
For a grandiose encounter showing off the pinnacle of secluded pampered rhapsody, the endless charm of Raffles The Palm Dubai’s private villas seek to mollycoddle their beautiful people by the secluded shoreline surroundings, within a collection of elaborately adorned villas. Ranging from 10225 to 11302 sq ft ample for up to eight guests, these decadent mini mansions exude unrivalled royalty with an elegant homely spirit, with a generous rooftop pool yearning to host a poolside luncheon, fully kitted kitchen and living room, plus the joyful euphoria of a private in-villa spa, fitted with an aromatic hammam, relaxation and salt scrub room.
Ever the Raffles perfectionists on a mission to rewrite the translation of five star indulgence, the gracious management team unanimously concluded that the Raffles Presidential Suite With Balcony, would be deemed the fitting suitor for yours truly.
A magical oasis of unspoilt placid glory sweeping out to an infinite 3552 sq ft, this Emirati stately habitation encapsulates radiant lordly decadence twirled with a witty rococo elan. The space aroused an artful fusion of the Middle East and Europe, with its aesthetics of silk fabric wall coverings, motif carpets along with not one, but two bonny boudoirs and needless to say, more Swarovski swaying embellishments! A carpet of rich crimson red with blue patterns graced the immaculate floors of the parlour, with the space adorned with an interweave of boldly bright and soft toned trappings with drapes in burnt chestnut, magenta velvet foot stools and Francesco Molon’s accessories in antique teal with leaf trims.
The bathroom in its striking Turkish rose marble attire sent a delightful trill to the heart, neatly embedded with his and hers sinks, and a walk-in rain shower, whilst the bedroom created for a princess covered in oodles of gorgeousness, saw me lose myself inside the crisp white bedding and decorated throw pillows of the Herculean bed in the king bedroom. Also gracing their presence in the suite were a spacious airy powder room, walk-in-wardrobe to keep those glad-rags catwalk a ready and fully stocked chilled minibar brimming with local and far-flung delectables, not to forget an outdoor plus indoor jacuzzi.
Just as I was succumbing to a quick hibernation interval, a trill of the bell found me in the company of my endearing Raffles butler beaming with a grin to rival the Cheshire cat. Merrily busying himself in the living room, I was soon beckoned for and received with a titbit welcome banquet of traditional flaky baklava, moist honey cake, and strong freshly brewed mint tea to sip and savour as I ventured out of the glistening spotless windows, veering to the suite’s private balcony to enjoy the spectacle of the unflawed vision of the Palm tree shaped island, all embraced by the Persian Gulf coasts emerald water before my evening of sybaritic theatrics Dubai style was to begin.
Food and drink
Urbane culinary connoisseurs are summoned to board Raffles The Palm Dubai’s epicurean voyage of gastronomic discovery, satiating famished appetites on an a bountiful array of worldly delicacies that will whisk you across the Gulf and beyond.
Replacing the former notion of fashionable Japanese meets wholesome Italian usually dubbed as Itameshi, a flavoursome escapade of untouched, authentic Japanese dishes with spirited cooking dramatics lies as the chief focus inside the sultry backdrop of Matagi, presenting a contemporary Asian fare that rings true to suave style with sapid substance. Resting by the archipelago’s soothing shore, the interior aesthetics of this haute hangout manifested a dark seductive persona, with a Balinese wood carved gateway unveiling an open glass wall kitchen leading to dimly lit mise en scene. This was all bathed in a jet black stone cloak against the intricate floor to ceiling tile slate tapestries, small buddha sculptures and dottings of sleek leather seating as oriental lantern lights illuminated from the air.
The tour de force of the cocktail bar showed a refreshing switch from the done to death back-lit theme, with wooden fixtures and glass shelves directed at drawing the eye to the centre showpiece of a blooming cherry blossom tree. Recognised for my bias towards a pre meal lychee martini Nobu style, the awesome mixologist brigade went about their mission to shake up this aperitif burst of delicate floral notes with a sweet pear relish, poured into an agile coupe bearing a thick curvaceous stem with of course, a dainty flower on top before venturing to the glamorous dining hub.
An ode to culinary storytelling, Matagi welcomes a Izakaya concept for diners to “stay-drink-place” on a sublime menu, that hones in on contemporary yet traditionally divine relishes and aromas with the ingredients directly sourced from Japanese markets. A fetching photogenic vision to the eyes, the Matagi grand boat style platter saw moist helpings of tuna belly, glistening mild scallop and ocean fresh pink salmon slice like butter mixed with the light saltiness of soy sauce, whereas the crab and avocado maki revealed tender meaty flakes swirled with spiced mayonnaise, and creamy avocado chunks next to another fellow oceanic sushi helping, loaded with crisp prawn tempura.
No dull lifeless calamari dare venture onto Matagi’s table, generous rings of smooth calamari came coated in a golden crunchy batter with smidgens of garlic and chilli, while the spinach salad served as a robust earthy health kick from the mushrooms and black truffle shavings all ideally paired with Spain’s vin de pays, of their mellow floral Vina Esmeralda
Beyond reasonable doubt are the hot entrees worth saving a stomach for, one being the Matagi powerhouse of the Kurohana, Wagyu A5 striploin. Melting through the knife, the cut was brimming with a smoked grilled essence pairing in rosy harmony with THE original Malbec, bustling with the deep fruit boldness of plum and red grape swirled with hints of cocoa before rounding off with a decadently airy, mousse cheesecake swirled with the melange of guava, and citrus from the passionfruit.
Embracing an alluring aura of a gallant speakeasy bar, the award-winning cocktail hideaway of Sola Jazz Lounge serves as the rhythmic home of swinging ragtime in this dusky Dubai den to surrender to a Negroni nightcap, or a Hedonistic evening brunch amongst the rippling live sounds of 4 The Music, whilst revelling in free-flowing concoctions until the dark midnight hours.
No plush Raffles sabbatical should be enjoyed sans an epicurean cuppa and cake showcase of a decadent afternoon tea offering, served within the grandiose nirvana of Blüthner Hall. A theatrical mise en scène that pays a noble homage to the regal palaces of the 18th century Europe, lashings of golden adornments garnished the ceiling, beautifully complimented by the towering red drape curtains and seating all drawing the eye to yet another, Herculean crystal arrangement. This altogether had anchored to draw one’s eye to the bespoke musical accompaniment of the Blüthner Louis, XIV grand piano, specially built for the resort by Blüthner of Germany, enriched in pristine ivory wood, and a luminous coat of 24 carat gold (of course).
Served on an array of flaxen decorated plates, winesome vistants are presented with a mouthwatering noontime array. Silken buttery foie gras rested inside feather soft white slices, neighbouring aromatic smoked salmon lightly poached for that confit rillettes excellence, tucked inside warm fluffed brioche buns dusted with quaint herbs. Poured to perfection by the tea-sommelier, a fragrant variety of sustainable NINA’S MARIE-ANTOINETTE TEAS have been gingerly vetted to grace the tea trolley, embodying the distinct ethos of their homegrown origins. The teas were carefully selected to marry faultlessly with the sweet treat assortment of gently warmed scones with velvet clotted cream, as well as the floral scented tartness of raspberry jam and freshly whipped cream, skill-fully folded into a sweet vanilla Swiss roll.
Other ultra luxe dining rendezvous includes the atmospheric, seashore destination of Piatti by the Beach to savour a slice of Southern Italy’s La dolce vita of silken burrata, moreish succulent scallops and truffled Tagliolini, not to neglect the courtly ambience of Le Jardin, the resort’s chief grande cuisine all day eatery. Playing host to a numberless order of native and international gourmet stations, a plethora of choices sees smooth nutty hummus in flavours of red pepper, and black garlic next to crisp fresh Tabbouleh and eggplant Baba Ganoush as the barbecue banquet saw spiced tender lamb chops and beef joints, bustling with caramelised juices. Showcasing an equally self-indulgent breakfast feasting encounter, a plethora of warm bakery goodness rest by the theatrics of the eggs station showcasing freshly flipped omelettes, an endless full English spread and crunchy waffles bathing in lashings of dark melted chocolate.
Club room, suite and villa resider can also reap the luminary rewards of exclusive access to the Raffles club lounge, open daily to offer tasteful buffet dining as diners overlook the polished vistas of the Dubai horizon. Echoing the character of a prestigious private members setup, the club endeavours to showcase the Raffles style of service, all the while pampering guests refined palates on healthy yet sublime breakfasts, sugar and savoury delectables during the afternoon tea interval or moreish evening canapés during the sundowner hours, while one sips on a fizzing flute of champagne or pre dinner apertivo.
Spa and wellness
Blissful health and relaxation is a form of a wellness art at Raffles The Palm Dubai inside their Cinq Mondes Spa sanctuary.
Hosting one of the largest indoor pools on the Palm in a space sweeping out to 3,000 sqm, this serene wellbeing odyssey was brought to the belles and beaus of Dubai to knead and scrub away the gruelling monotony of the mundane life, in a celestial backdrop with 23 treatment rooms, seven scrub rooms and a traditional hammam.
A notion geared towards a total body and mind resurgence, it was Nathalie and Jean-Louis Poiroux and their obsessive engagement in the world of orthodox natural cosmetics that sent them across the seas and above, to unearth the finest beauty practices using petrochemical-free botanicals which in turn, has brought about an award-winning French pioneer with a rapturous lineup of massages, treatments and products. Sighing with joy to be revelling in 90 uninterrupted minutes of the Royal Balinese Massage, the heady aromas of jasmine and sandalwood swiftly aroused my senses in the depths of my private suite, before my talented therapist enveloped me in a heavenly warm, tropical nut body balm melting effortlessly into the skin with every stroke and press, I could literally feel those tight body tractions float away, and leave me in an unruffled, semi-intoxicated frame of mind.
For holidayers seeking some workout adrenaline, the hotel’s gym comes decked out with the latest gadgets to gear up their sweats and offset those additional calorie supplement, using the latest workout equipment kits, plus a yoga studio.
A palace on the shores of Palm Jumeirah St Regis, guests have the glistening fortune of exclusive entry to the boundless blue oasis of the 13,000 sq ft pool, enveloped by immaculate cabana beds and parasols with a meticulously manicured 500 meter stretch of the private beach ahead, submerged in fine pure powder sand and a majestic vision of the deep turquoise sea shores, to keep one evermore entranced.
In a nutshell
Raffles The Palm Dubai doesn’t just give in to a stature as only another UAE hotel landmark on this man-made archipelago; it demands a golden dipped honour as a decadently formidable hospitality symbol, which without a muscle of effort would make Louis XIV blush in bewilderment.
Their showcase of gold-leafed glitz has had their blooming Illuminati coated inside a cloak of untamed finery, modern-day aristocracy and lavish living all with an endearing humble soul, courtesy of the animated, endearing staff team whom had made re scripted the term over and above, thus beckoning for you to unleash your inner, sybaritic seeker.
Factbox
Approximate rates start from £300 per night for rooms, with suites from £500 per night and private villas from £5,000. Rates will vary during peak seasons.
Address: West Crescent Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 248 8888
Website: raffles.com/thepalm-dubai
All imagery credit: Raffles The Palm Dubai
