The man-made Palm Islands of Dubai are a magnet for visitors thanks to their pristine beaches, azure waters and wide choice of accommodation options.
(Photo: Rixos / Courtesy Booking.com)
Easily recognisable from above for its stylised palm tree shape, the Palm is a constant hum of activity, with visitors pouring on and off of its three artificial archipelagos thanks to the presence on the islands of some of Dubai’s most popular attractions. It’s also packed full of resorts and hotels that place you in close proximity to many of its busiest tourist spots, making it a great base in Dubai. We’ve picked out 5 of the best hotels that you’ll find on the Palm.
Rixos
Wind your way around the fronds of the Palm and you will eventually reach Rixos, one of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels. An all-inclusive beach resort, the 5-star property makes an impression as soon as you enter its expansive, glistening lobby. Here, smiling staff greet you with quintessential Turkish hospitality before showing you to your lavish guest room – all of which feature a balcony with sublime views across the Dubai skyline. On exploring the hotel, you’ll discover an array of sumptuous amenities, including an oasis-themed pool and bar, a private beach with a watersports centre, a gymnasium, an indulgent spa, a choice of three upscale restaurants and a Shisha Lounge. The hotel also operates a free shuttle service to Emirates Mall and Aquaventure water park several times a day. From $525 per night.
W Dubai
(Photo: W Dubai / Courtesy Booking.com)
One of the world’s hippest hospitality brands, the first W hotel in the Middle East certainly lives up to its billing from its perch on the outer western fringes of the Palm. On-site entertainment extends beyond your standard pool games and evening cabaret and instead includes the hottest DJs playing live sets. Adding to the adult amenities, there’s also a pool lined with cabanas and a swim-up bar, a spa and sauna, a gymnasium, and water sports equipment available for hire at the resort’s own stretch of private beach. There are also seven bars and restaurants, including an adult-only rooftop bar and a Shisha Lounge. Families are well catered for as well, with a kids’ shaded pool and a games room. Sleek guest rooms are decorated with colourful accents and feature a flat-screen TV, furnished balconies, and glass-enclosed private bathrooms.. From $203 per night.
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel
Tucked away on the shores of the Eastern Crescent of the Palm, this 5-star tranquil resort is the ideal place to relax and unwind after long days exploring Dubai. At the heart of the hotel’s offering is its acclaimed wellness centre, which offers guests a variety of therapies and spa treatments. The 255 spacious guest rooms are no less of a peaceful sanctuary, either, each featuring elements designed to enhance serenity and comfort, such as natural wood, stone finishes and motion-activated guiding night lights. Other in-room perks include complimentary tea and coffee-making equipment and organic bathroom products. The exclusive Dubai Marina, with its luxury yachts and a two-mile stretch of pristine sand, is about a 25-minute drive away and the hotel also runs a complimentary daily shuttle bus service to the Dubai Mall. From $141 per night.
Atlantis
(Photo: Atlantis)
Arguably Dubai’s most renowned – and certainly its most recognisable – hotel can be found on the Palm: the magnificent, sprawling Atlantis with its distinctive arched entrance a beacon on the landscape for miles around. This lavish 5-star resort is home to the famous Aquaventure water park (the largest waterpark in the Middle East), along with an aquarium, a spa, a gymnasium, a casino, high-end shops and boutiques, several gourmet restaurants and a private sandy beach. Guest rooms feature eye-catching Arabian and oceanic décor and some include a large terrace with views across the Palm. For families, there’s a kids club and play area, a four-lane bowling alley, a state-of-the-art wave machine and tons of great activities, including the chance to book helicopter rides over Dubai directly at the hotel. The iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are both around 25 minutes away by road. From $505 per night.
Royal Club By RVHR
Located at the base of the Palm’s stump, for those seeking a self-catering option on the Palm, the Royal Club By RVHR is hard to beat. Combining great amenities with affordable rates, it’s perfect for those keen to enjoy some ‘home from home’ facilities without blowing the budget. Each apartment comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and an open-plan living area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, and some rooms also offer panoramic sea views. Communal areas feature an outdoor pool, a gymnasium and a sauna. Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis is a 10-minute drive away and Dubai’s bustling financial district is about 50 minutes by road. From $102 per night.