If you’re looking ahead to post-lockdown travel, it would be no surprise if Dubai is already firmly on your radar. Luxury shopping, desert adventures, fine cuisine and the latest in architecture and innovation, it’s not short of a five-star hotel or two either. However, those with a penchant for luxury will be in their element at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai.
That said, when reminiscing about my stay, the first thing that comes to mind is service. While the city of lights is well known for its spectacular hospitality, the first venture of the legendary Caesars brand in the Middle East blows all others out the water. Not only are staff extremely attentive, friendly and more than happy to offer recommendations for your stay, everything is done with a smile, and no request is too big.
Hotel
Less flashy than its Vegas sibling, and with no gambling allowed, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai maintains the brand’s five-star charm, positioning itself among the Mandarin Orientals and One and Onlys of the world. And it sure doesn’t disappoint.
From the cascade water feature at the entrance to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the lobby with light, immediately treating us to a glimpse of spectacular views of the hotel’s pool and private beach, first impressions more than set the scene for a spectacular stay.
Characterised by a slick, contemporary style with lots of marble and neutral tones, elsewhere references to the Roman empire can be found dotted all around the hotel in the form of giant horse and foot sculptures, murals, artwork and statues of emperors, making for a truly palatial first impression.
Rooms
There are 194 rooms and suites to choose from at Caesars Bluewater, and we were promptly escorted to our spacious one bedroom ocean suite which comes complete with expansive balcony offering sprawling views of the Arabian Gulf – the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner or two. Expect Romanesque details like horse head cushions and Roman coin artworks, while the chariot-esque high-backed bathtubs are equally as attention-grabbing.
The rooms are also home to lots of thoughtful little touches – think a folding full-length mirror hidden next to the wardrobe, a ‘Scent to Sleep’ collection – pillow mist, body oil and hand lotion – provided to help ensure a solid 40 winks, iPads to order room service, plus Nespresso machines, down bedding, Frette linen and luxe toiletries. There is also butler service for guests staying in suites, which is a delicious added extra.
Facilities
When it comes to poolside lounging, it doesn’t get much better than this. Not one, but three infinity pools line the resort, with private cabanas available both poolside and on the hotel’s private stretch of pristine sand. Free of construction, it offers one of the least adulterated water views in town, plus there’s the likes of volleyball and various water sports set out on the beach for a little afternoon entertainment.
Dining and entertainment
There are six restaurants, bars and lounges on site at the hotel, however the star dining experience has to be Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen – the multi-Michelin starred chef’s second immersive restaurant after Las Vegas. The atmosphere is more fun than fine, and just like in the TV show, the red and blue teams serve up British favourites including Ramsay’s signature Beef Wellington and Eggs in Purgatory, plus the sticky toffee pudding which is the perfect way to end your meal.
Breakfast is also served here which, due to Covid, is currently a la carte and includes everything from smashed avocado on toast, waffles and pancakes to your choice of omelette with all the trimmings.
Other dining options include the casual poolside Neptune for cocktails and light bites such as pizza and salads, Chinese and authentic pan-Asian fare at Zhen Wei, and the Roman Lounge for afternoon tea, which is a surprisingly popular affair in Dubai. Those looking for a party can head to Havana Social Club for an evening of Latin beats, Cuban-inspired distilled sugarcane drinks and an enviable selection of cigars, while Cove Beach is just a minute’s walk away, and offers complimentary access to Caesar’s guests. The rosé might be overpriced, but the beach club itself is one of the most blissful places to while away your day in the city.
Spa
If all that eating, drinking and tanning wasn’t quite enough relaxation for one trip, Caesars Bluewater has also imported Qua Spa from Las Vegas, the award-winning wellness concept that fuses Western wellness practices with Japanese technologies. Home to an aroma steam, rock sauna, experience shower and ice fountain, my guest and I opted to experience one of the spa’s most unique elements, the Iyashi Dome.
Said to burn up to 600 calories per session, it was inspired by the old Japanese practice Suna Ryoho, where people bury themselves in the sand near certain natural hot springs. This therapy is said to eliminate toxic build-up through sweat, and the dome was created to simulate this same effect, independent of location.
After spending 45-minutes sweating in the dome, we were treated to a scrub with Himalayan salts, a thermal clay mask, and then a massage with two showers in between, leaving our skin feeling insanely soft and completely renewed.
In a nutshell
An easy 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, on one of Dubai’s newest seafront developments Bluewaters, locations don’t come much better. Close by you’ll find the world’s largest observation wheel Ain Dubai, plus a pedestrian bridge that leads directly to the beach at JBR which is jam-packed with restaurants, cafes and Dubai’s latest beach club, Bla Bla. Our only gripe is that we couldn’t stay longer, so until next time.
Factbox
Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai offers rooms from £480 per night and suites from £1,557 per night.
Address: Bluewaters Island, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +9714 556 6666
Website: caesars.com
Email: stay@caesarsdubai.ae
