Towering palm trees that gently dance to the soft encouragement of a silky summer breeze frame my picture of iridescent waters, lazily lapping against golden sands. One could be forgiven for believing that they’re soaking up the paradisiacal vibes of the islands and atolls of French Polynesia if it wasn’t for the stunning structures of Dubai’s skyline looming large across the horizon. The evening sun is kissing the rooftops of this colossal cityscape, and I have found the best seat to experience it all, a two-toned wicker chair set upon the balcony of my Signature Palm Suite at Sofitel Dubai The Palm.
Hidden away from the main property by lush vegetation, this secluded haven is one of the 42 Signature Palm Suites that espouse a new form of whispered luxury. A boutique hotel experience within the five-star resort and replete with private check-in, the suite is a canvas of light and airy tones that blend French Riviera chic with Sofitel’s famed homages to the South Pacific. Think travertine stone floors, blonde woods, sage greens and burn-ochres.
The space feels minimalist thanks to its sheer size but everything one would require for a memorable stay is at the fingertips. In the living room, choose between the curvilinear dining table, or my favourite spot, the L-shaped sofa where I comfortably settle for my nightly viewing of Netflix, cast upon the giant HD television. There’s even a maxi bar where you can showcase your mixology skills, assisted by step-by-step instructions and of course, beautifully arranged amenities of fruit, chocolates and delightful vanilla pound cake that can be lathered with sweet organic honey from the landscapes of Hatta. Fortunately for me (but not my waistline), all these treats are replenished after each devourment.
The journey continues into the bedroom where guests are beckoned to embrace the property’s mantra, The Art of Sleep, upon a four-poster bed that is home to a control panel that dictates the mood of the entire suite. Sliding doors offer both privacy and open plan living for whatever preference you may have. And when the sun rises, take your pick between enjoying breakfast served ‘as you like’ in your suite, or in The Premier Lounge that showcases a myriad of delectable bites for your first meal of the day.
As I sip on my pre-ordered Mojito, brought to my table by the suite’s dedicated 24-hour butler in celebration of the Signature Collection’s Sunset Hour Ritual, a knock on the balcony door reveals Asmita, my ‘bath butler’, to signal that the Evening Bath Ritual is ready to commence. With lights dimmed, a rose petal path leads me to a colony of flickering candles and an enormous bathtub filled with bubbles, punctuated with shocks of colour via fragrant yellow, white and pink petals. Oh, how wonderfully indulgent!
Tempting as it is to stay in the elegant cocoon, the property entices me out of my sanctuary to explore a playground of choice. With my stomach murmuring, I plot a course for Porterhouse Steaks & Grills. Amidst rich, earthy tones, we take our place in the sleek venue that serves delicious cuts of sustainably raised meat from across the globe. Piquing our interest is appetising starters of Dibba Bay fresh oysters, the signature garden salad, pâte en croute and the decadent steak tartare. For mains, there’s pan seared corn-fed chicken breast, roasted miso salmon, spinach tortellini and grilled cauliflower steak. However, I cannot say no to the grilled beef tenderloin accompanied by mashed potato, sautéed mushrooms and baby shallots – with an exquisite peppercorn sauce. And for that sweet finish, it’s moreish sticky toffee pudding and New York cheesecake.
The sublime steakhouse is one of 12 venues for gastronomes to discover on their culinary journey. Manava offers a generous buffet of Arabic and global delights for breakfast and dinner, with The World Eatery dishing out plates from Thailand, India and more. Or, satisfy your Latin American cravings at the pagoda-styled Moana Seafood Restaurant.
Sofitel SPA with L’Occitane welcomes guests to indulge in treatments inspired by the natural products of France’s Provence region. Slip into relaxation as the aromas of fragrant lavender, nourishing almond oil, cade wood and rosemary arouse the senses as expert therapists melt stress and tension away. After emerging from the treatment room, the gendered relaxation zones boast a sauna, hammam and steam room facilities alongside a hydrotherapy pool, a bubbling whirlpool and the exhilarating cold plunge pool that certainly shook off the blissful sleepiness I’d accumulated during my treatment. Fully alert, I soak up the sun from the adults-only infinity pool, but there is a 500-metre private beach to explore, should the sounds of the Gulf prove too irresistible.
While there are plenty more adventures to be experienced around the resort, the ethereal surrounds of my Signature Palm Suite call for my return. I ponder about another luxuriating bath session – yes, please!
