Having lived in Dubai for two years in my early twenties, I can assure you there’s nothing understated about the sprawling desert city’s hotels and resorts. Dubai doesn’t do low-key. So if you want luxury – or you simply want some sunshine – go to Dubai. And if you want to be completely blown away, go to The One & Only The Palm where you’ll discover modern Arabian interiors and striking architecture fused with Moorish and Andalusian design...
Before we tell you more about the hotel, here’s a bit of background on The Palm. Dubai loves to build – you only need to look at the backdrop of cranes to know that. Man-made palm-shaped islands in the sea? No problem. No project is too big for Dubai’s ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Palm Islands are composed of two man-made, palm tree–shaped archipelagos, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali (the latter is still under construction). So what can you expect from The One & Only The Palm or “Dubai’s most intimate beach resort”? Oh just three restaurants by Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno, the UAE’s only Guerlain Spa (Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by renowned French pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez anyone?), luxurious rooms which have large egg-shaped tubs and Acqua di Parma products, a magnificent family-friendly heated outdoor pool supervised by a lifeguard, a spectacular secluded beach with beautiful views of the amazing New Dubai skyline and so much more (staff even walk around the pool with cucumber slices for eyes, fresh fruit and homemade iced tea – seriously). Do we have your attention?
Ok, onto the important stuff: the kids. All ages are welcome. Children aged 11 and under stay free in extra beds or cots in their parents’ rooms. There’s a fantastic kids’ menu with healthy options such as steamed salmon and vegetables. There’s also hot dogs and home-made ice cream on offer. There’s no crèche but all little guests are welcome in the free KidsOnly kids club. The hotel also has its own prams and pushchairs to borrow. They’ve thought of everything – so you don’t have to. If you’re holidaying with kids, lazing around the pool all day probably isn’t going to happen. So let’s talk activities: waterskiing, swimming lessons and tennis can all be organised, and the expansive gardens are perfect for running off energy. Make sure you book in a desert safari excursion where you’ll get to surf sand dunes – a truly memorable experience. You could also try horse riding in the desert or go for a game of golf. In the mood to shop? You’re in the right city. You can shop the world’s most luxurious malls and also discover the charm of old-world souks. The verdict? This is the dream family holiday. See you by the pool. The Grace Tales was a guest of Mr & Mrs Smith. Double rooms from AU$624.60 (AED1,700), excluding tax at 20 per cent. Please note the hotel charges an additional local city tax of AED20.00 per room per night on check-out. Smith Extra – $50 credit for Zest or 101 restaurants. To book, ring the expert Travel Team 24/7 on 1300 89 6627 or visit www.mrandmrssmith.com.