Entering the pristine, marble lobby at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, we are eagerly greeted beneath a towering Christmas tree, adorned in flowing golden ribbons and Polynesian flowers, with a glass of fresh orange juice, a broad smile and an enthusiastic “bonjour.” A fitting welcome, I feel, from a French Polynesian resort that takes great pride in its mixed heritage.
When we check in, my partner and I are grateful to learn that our room has been upgraded from a Junior Suite to the ever-more desirable Prestige Suite and our luggage is whisked to the second floor while we are given a brief tour. With a private beach club, its trademark So SPA and five restaurants – including the gourmet French Studio Du Chef and the authentic Chinese Hong Loong – all on site, I understand why so few people venture further than the lobby while holidaying here; if you’re looking for a beach break, there are very few reasons to leave the resort.
Finishing the tour at the door of our 915 sq ft suite, we are excited to see what the room has in store. The open-plan space is laid out cylindrically. Moving clockwise around the suite, we pass through a generously sized dining area into the living room, which boasts views of Dubai’s sprawling cityscape across The Palm. The bedroom is equally impressive, housing a king-size bed from which the hotel’s private stretch of golden sand can be seen. The décor throughout is minimalist, dark and wooden, punctuated by vibrant purples and lightened with cream accents and upholstery.
The real centrepiece of the suite is the bathroom. Separated from the bedroom by sliding doors, the dimly lit room features a standing tub – big enough for two – beneath a latticed wooden roof that is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese pagoda. A private walk-in dressing room commands one side of the expansive bathroom, while a vanity area and dual sinks occupy the other. At the far end, the toilet and rainforest shower, complete with Lanvin toiletries, sit in separate screened areas.
After a rejuvenating So Exhilarating Body Massage in a couple’s cabana at the So SPA, we return to the suite, where I take the opportunity to get some work done at the suite’s dedicated office space before dinner. But the suite still intrigues, and I soon find myself flicking through the channels on one of room’s two flat-screen Samsung TVs. With the potential for productive output diminishing by the second, I decide to freshen up and head to dinner.
A short trip downstairs sees us at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Porterhouse Steaks & Grills, where we enjoy a perfectly seasoned and delicately cooked dry-aged Irish Porterhouse steak for two, with a side of crispy rosemary potatoes, a fricassee of creamy baby turnips and buttery garlic spinach. A dense chocolate walnut brownie puts the finishing touches to a satisfying meal and we head back to the room, where an unexpected surprise awaits.
Thinking nothing of it, I had briefly mentioned to reception staff on check-in that it was our anniversary. On returning to the room, the suite has been scattered with rose petals and on the bed is some towel origami, expertly shaped into love hearts and elegant swans. Settling down on our sprawling balcony, champagne in hand, we admire the distant shimmering lights of the city and enjoy the twinkling of the stars, unable to imagine a more perfect location for an intimate romantic escape.
THE IMPORTANT BIT
What: Prestige Suite
Where: Sofitel The Palm Resort & Spa, Dubai
Price: from US $735 per night (for a sea view Prestige Suite that sleeps two, including breakfast)
www.sofitel.com
