Hotel reviewer Georgie Bentley-Buckle headed to The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai to check out first-hand the five star St Regis property in The Palm Tower.
Hotel
Cast high upon the central point of The Palm is The St. Regis brand’s property in Dubai which opened in May last year in The Palm Tower. Situated in the centre of the iconic man-made island that spreads its soft white beaches out across the ocean, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is one of the newer five-star hotels to join the flourishing portfolio across the future-forward city.
The luxe hotel glimmers in its infancy as you enter the lobby, a popular meeting spot for locals and internationals which is attached to a smart shopping centre via a private hotel entrance. An oasis of calm with the vibrant demands of the city at guests’ fingertips, an opulent and contemporary interior includes bespoke elements such as the hotel’s grand staircase.
Extravagantly embellished with gold detailing that encircles an exquisite chandelier, it has been inspired suitably by an Arabian palm tree and is gilded with shimmering crystals that illuminate the ground floor of the hotel. Whilst above is Sushi Samba and AURA Sky Pool heralded as the world’s highest infinity pool, with remarkable views over the palm, the city and the expanse of the empty desert beyond.
A balance of local influences with modern glamour can be seen throughout, including my favourite area: the adults-only pool which enjoys sunshine warming its tiles throughout the day. With an option for a family-friendly pool on the other side of the building, the main adult’s pool offers a (very) relaxed beach-club vibe. Bamboo furnishings with bright pink and fresh green fabrics offer a cool European aesthetic with an Aperol Spritz station, DJ and large bar. Settle yourself here for the day with an ice bucket that you’ll be supplied whilst the team deliver to your parasol and sun lounger iced coffees and cocktails.
Room
264 guest rooms and 26 suites offer widespread views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Laid out across 43 square meters, I stayed in one of the hotel’s Deluxe King Rooms with a ‘city view’, however, it also offered a view over the bright blue ocean that surrounds the palm.
A fresh, bright open plan room with a neutral palate framed Dubai’s dramatic skyline. This was complemented by a marble bathroom which acted as a refreshing retreat (also thanks to air-con) from the heat and was made even more appealing with the signature butler service. This encourages each person who checks in a customisable stay, that is reflective of personal tastes and preferences.
Food and drink
In the heart of the hotel and found between the two pools is Cordelia, the hotel’s main dining space. Offering a breakfast buffet on the higher end of the scale with fresh fruit and yoghurt to a continental bar, you can also choose from a selection of hot dishes from eggs benedict to freshly made omelettes. Each morning I recommend sitting beside the large sliding doors and overlooking one of the pools on either side, partnering the view waking up with coffee and the light breeze.
Each evening, surprisingly I found this restaurant to become a tranquil space for an idyllic solo dinner. European dishes and various set menus appear throughout the week, Cordelia has however made quite the reputation for itself with its raw dishes. This was apparent with the beautiful beef carpaccio which became a firm favourite I re-ordered each evening. With a bright, pearly white interior and filled with verdant foliage, Cordelia is an inviting space throughout the day and an elegant evening setting.
Other spaces at The St. Regis Dubai include Her by Caroline Astor: the intimate ladies-only afternoon tea restaurant with a locally inspired take on the acclaimed St. Regis ritual. Whilst open to all guests is the St. Regis Bar which is in honour of the King Cole Bar at the brand’s flagship property at 55th and Fifth Ave. in New York – and where the iconic Bloody Mary cocktail was born in 1934. Here you’re encouraged to try ‘The Glitzy Mary’ – an interesting local twist on the signature savoury cocktail, featuring traditional Emirati flavours including date syrup, an aromatic spice blend, sun-dried lime and saffron.
Spa and wellness
Hidden on another of the floors within the vast Palm Tower building is the hotel’s humbly situated Iridium spa. Since its opening, it is now considered one of the best spas on the Palm, with separate women’s and men’s sections which include respective steam and sauna facilities and treatment and relaxation rooms. Treatments offer guests ‘transformative and bespoke experiences’ including the extravagant ‘Signature Gold Journey,’ which uses 24k gold to nourish and strengthen the skin, incorporating local ingredients prized for their healing benefits.
Inspired by New York’s high society, I was booked in for the lengthy but rejuvenating 150-minute signature treatment coined ‘THE 400’. Paying close attention to the face and body, this particular treatment includes a reviving full body granita scrub to smooth the skin, followed by an aromatic full body massage. This isn’t forgetting being rounded off with a luxurious ‘triple active facial’ for youth, plumping and radiance, or in my case to soothe unwelcomed sunburn.
In a nutshell
The Palm Tower has become the backbone of the iconic man-made island, expanding the world-class hospitality available. The hotel, partnered with Sushi Samba and AURA Sky Pool, aka the ‘world’s highest infinity pool’ also offers the epitome of retail therapy with the luxurious convenience of the on-site shopping centre, just two minutes from the St Regis’ plush hotel rooms.
Factbox
Address: The Palm Tower, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 218 0000
Website: marriott.com
Follow Georgie’s travels on her Instagram @georgielilybb
