Long known as the ultimate party spot in Dubai, where the Ladies’ Day pool picture has become iconic, a weekend proved surprising, with drink, dine, and relaxing options beyond the usual wild vibes.
Known not just throughout Dubai, but to the thousands of tourists that come rushing to the UAE every year as the hottest, coolest, and most lively spot to spend your essential vacation hours, is the Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel. With an incredible backdrop against Dubai Marina, a private beach, iconic pool parties, award-winning spas and brunches, sumptuous rooms with every comfort, and an in-demand rooftop bar, the hotel has everything you need and want, and begs the question of why you’d venture further out?
Having not visited the hotel for a staycation since it was newly opening back in 2018, this 30-something Insider reviewer wasn’t sure what to expect. Would the music be too loud? Would there be any cosy chilled out spaces? Would the kids be so young I’d feel old and beyond my prime? The resounding answer to those questions (thank God) was absolutely not. From the moment I checked in it was class and opulence all the way – exactly what you’d expect from a 5-star hotel in the UAE. I was swept up to my gorgeous room overlooking the somewhat stormy skies, which made the marina skyline glitter more enticingly.
Some hotel rooms manage to feel perfunctory and bland, but I’ve always loved the Five Palm’s warm gold tones and soft white linen. Awaiting me on the bed was a personalised pillow and satin robe with my name embroidered on it (nice touch), and a homemade Espresso Martini kit with chilled glasses and mini bottles of mixer (even better). I figured the best thing to do would be to enjoy a long soak in the bathtub with my beverage and appreciate my bubbly reflection in the mirrored ceiling above.
Heading up to Penthouse for dinner myself and my guest sampled some delicious Asian cuisine, including tacos and a miso cod that rivalled any competitor in the city. Not surprising given that the menu is curated by Head Chef Frederick Faucheux who pairs Japanese fusion with French flair and some truly unique twists. For dessert, we were served homemade ice cream in a boat decorated with berries, served with real champagne, and our waiter poured dry ice over the top just to complete the picture. If it wasn’t OTT then it wouldn’t be Dubai! Penthouse was relaxed and chilled when we arrived at 8pm, but became bursting with weekend energy by around 10pm. Their roof terrace next door features a large dance floor (we availed a start table front and centre) and parties the night away until 3am with acts such as Charlie Sloth and Robin Shultz.
Waking to a glorious sunny day, I took an espresso (non-alcoholic this time) from the handy machine in my room onto the terrace and soaked up the early-morning sights and sounds. The beach-front is just stunning and although it gets lively after 2pm, mornings are peaceful. I ventured down to the breakfast buffet area which, despite being extremely busy, was organised with military precision. The buffet itself is sprawling and features hot food including sausages and waffles, cereals, fruit and yoghurt, freshly-baked pastries and delicious coffee. You can sit inside, but I opted to sit outside by the pool as the weather was just delightful.
I then visited the award-winning spa which really impressed me. Absolute tranquillity and a warm reception from the staff meant that the full body massage was well received; in fact I didn’t want to leave the spa! I popped into Cinque, their on-site Italian restaurant which was surprisingly quiet (it might be a more popular dinner spot) and had some authentic pasta (homemade and full of flavour) followed by a trio of desserts, washed down with some Bellinis. The service throughout my visit was consistently professional and the staff really made you feel well taken care of. After checking out, I went down to Bohemia on the beach, known as the jewel of the palm, where the party was just getting started. Trendy fashionistas, Instagram models, and Dubai’s glitterati were in their boho finest attire draining cocktails to the sound of a live DJ. I stayed for a few then headed back to my own more humble abode.
Despite perceptions of it being a one-dimensional hotel offering only party vibes, the Five Palm Jumeirah was a pleasant surprise, with a variety of options for a wide demographic, and comes highly recommended for tourists and residents alike.
For more information please visit https://palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com/ or call +971 (0) 4455 9988.
