The Insider Reviews: Raffles the Palm – a Palatial Pleasure
With a host of summer offers, we went along to Raffles the Palm to experience luxury at its finest!
Described as a beach palace, Raffles the Palm lives up to its description and exceeded our expectations. As soon as we entered the lobby, we were greeted by an ambiance of opulence and grandeur. The massive chandeliers and luxurious decor made us feel like royalty from the very beginning.
Everything here is grand in size, from the bed and bath to the balcony and ceilings. The rooms are expansive, and we were greeted by the largest bed we had ever seen. But it was the balcony that truly took our breath away. With sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, we enjoyed panoramic scenes of the ocean.
We were genuinely impressed by the thoughtful touches provided by Raffles. They had woven beach hats ready for us, which proved to be essential in the scorching weather. They even provided a Raffles Explorer teddy bear for our little one, who instantly fell in love with the adorable companion.
You might think it’s too hot for summer staycations but what we really liked about raffles is the fact there is also an indoor pool which was a haven for relaxation and perfect to escape to during the hotter hours of the day.
Of course, we couldn’t resist the allure of the outdoor pool either. It was truly massive and surrounded by impressive gardens, providing a serene and picturesque setting. With an abundance of sunbeds and shaded cabanas, we had no trouble finding the perfect spot to unwind.
Upon check-in, we had lunch at Le Jardin, the all-day dining restaurant. The quality of the selection surpassed our expectations, with an incredible array of dishes not typically found in hotel buffets. One standout item was the burrata salad, a delicious and refreshing choice that showcased the culinary excellence of Raffles. After our satisfying lunch, we made our way to the pool, where we treated ourselves to some cocktails. The Raffles version of the pina colada served in a pineapple was a definite highlight, adding a touch of tropical paradise to our afternoon.
For dinner, we ventured to Piatti by the Beach and were instantly transported to the captivating charm of the Italian Amalfi coast. The Carpaccio di Gambero and Wagyu meatballs were exceptionally flavourful, reminiscent of what an Italian grandma would serve with a delectable tomato sauce and a creamy topping. The Bolognese was another standout dish, and we simply couldn’t resist trying the Bianco e Nero for dessert—a heavenly combination of choux pastry, whipped cream, and chocolate ganache.
To round off our evening, we decided to visit Sola, the jazz bar. With its sultry ambiance and live DJ, it provided the perfect ending to our night, allowing us to unwind and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere.
The next morning, breakfast proved to be one of the highlights of our stay. Not only did Raffles the Palm offer an extensive buffet, but they also had an à la carte menu with a variety of egg options, including mouthwatering choices like eggs benedict, shakshuka, and masala dosa. The absence of queues and the relaxed dining experience added to the overall pleasure of our morning.
In conclusion, Raffles the Palm offers an exceptional staycation option that lives up to its reputation as a palatial pleasure. With its luxurious amenities, attentive service, and attention to detail, it truly sets the bar high for a grand and unforgettable getaway. (They are currently running a number of summer offers which is a great chance to experience this hotel!)
For more information or reservations please visit https://www.raffles.com/thepalm-dubai/ or Instagram @raffleshotels