The journey to Rixos The Palm Dubai is emblematic of a stay at the five-star resort. Found on the easternmost tip of the famed Palm Jumeirah, the scenic drive around the outermost avenue of the frond, sees me leave behind the hustle and bustle of Sheikh Zayed Road, and as the megastructures of Dubai gradually melt away, so does the stress as I reach this sanctuary of relaxation.
Pulling up at the entrance, a stationary, bright yellow Lamborghini catches my attention, and after a few admiring glances, I head inside to the lobby where seasonal cheer is all around, with festive décor found at every turn including a mini-Christmas market. After a quick check-in, I make my way to my temporary home for the next few nights – the Junior Suite.
Spanning 70 square-metres and separated into three sections; living room, bedroom and bathroom; interiors are all about elegant, modern dark-woods combined with cream furnishings to create a soothing ambience. Floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch from the living room to the bedroom mean the suite is constantly bathed in sunlight, whenever I decide to open the curtains.
In the living room, there is a comfortable sofa and a lounge chair from where I laze around in the evenings in front of the large television. There’s also a circular dining table that hosts a smorgasbord of welcome amenities that I barely make a dent in, such is the volume of sweets, chocolates, macaroons and fruits. The bedroom has a huge king-sized bed that envelopes me every time I climb inside, making it oh-so-hard to leave when morning rolls around. Another giant TV screen faces the bed, with a sizeable desk sitting to the right, from where I can check on emails – I choose the TV more often than not.
From here, I step out onto the balcony. It’s my favourite area of the entire suite, where I find cushioned lounge chairs. I drink in the stunning views that are yielded from this perch; towering palm trees and one of the resort’s four swimming pools are directly beneath me, with Dubai’s towering skyscrapers dominating the horizon. The shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf are a hive of activity as yachts and jet-skiers bob along. The bathroom is particularly nicely finished, showcasing a marble floor, rainfall shower and double vanity sinks that prevent any queues when it’s time to get ready for the night ahead. A deep, free-standing bathtub tempts me to ponder an evening of reading and a glass of wine, but there is too much to explore to while away a night luxuriating in bubbles.
When it comes to food, the resort is brimming with choice. Breakfast can be enjoyed in two locations; Turquoise is where I kick start my days with a plethora of international cuisine, but you can also savour your first meal of the day at A La Turca, where you can also spend lunch and dinner, tucking into a variety of delicious tastes. If you are staying for a minimum of three nights, there is the choice of three à la carte restaurants. Carnivores can tuck into succulent meats at Toro Loco Steakhouse, Mediterranean cravings can be satisfied at Bodrum Restaurant or like me, you can delve into the tastes of Italy at L’Olivo Ristorante – the pizza and pasta are excellent.
Patisserie Istanbul invites you to savour some Turkish coffee and sweets, but I forego these temptations for cocktails in a gazebo-style structure at al fresco venue, Nargile Lounge. And at night, BAR1 is the go-to stop where I catch some of the football before revelling in the live entertainment, with an assortment of snacks and cold house beverages. A member of the ALL Inclusive Collection, there are no bills to worry about, allowing me to stow away my bank cards in my suite’s safe.
The Anjana Spa offers the best in indulgent Turkish relaxation treatments with the Exclusive Sports Club on hand to help you maintain your fitness programme. My suite comes with two complimentary hours of non-motorised water sports. However, on this occasion, I am in full chillout mode and place myself by the pool, flitting between a poolside lounger and the stools of The Breeze bar. Just aroud the corner, the not-so-gentle din of the Rixy Kids Carnival, a wonderland of slides, rides and activities for little ones, provides the soundtrack to my lazing around the pool.
Alas, check-out time is approaching, and it is time to leave. As I begin my journey back to the centre of Dubai and reality, I am already planning my next stay.
