Travel: unparalleled luxury at Raffles the Palm Dubai, a beachfront palace in the Middle East

Commonly referred to as the ‘Vegas of the Middle East’, the city of Dubai is having a cultural moment attracting visitors and attention far and wide; it hosted Expo 2020, one of the oldest and largest international events in the world; has a booming food scene that attracts top culinary talent; a thriving tourism industry; and who can forget that Beyoncé famously performed her first concert in four years here.

Five-star hotels are the norm in Dubai and to truly experience the opulent nature of the city, you must stay in one. There are numerous accommodations to choose from, but one that stands out is Raffles the Palm Dubai due to its storied pedigree, unparalleled luxury offerings and top-notch service.

Opened in 2021, the palatial beachfront property is perfectly situated on the Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, which offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf to the west and Dubai city views to the east. Arriving to the hotel, you’re immediately awe-struck by the sprawling building designed in a regal architectural style; its blush-coloured exterior, white turrets and green-tinted windows appear before you like a fairy-tale dream come to life.

Inside, you’re greeted by stunning décor designed like a European castle. The lobby has a soaring gold leaf domed ceiling where a gleaming, multi-tiered Swarovski Crystal chandelier hangs overhead – one of 6,000 found throughout the resort – while Portuguese marble columns stand at attention underneath it.

The regal experience continues into the resort’s 388 rooms, which range from deluxe rooms to four-bedroom villas. All are elegantly decorated with imported Italian furniture, gold and silver leaf finishings, premium toiletries, complimentary water bottles, and a fresh fruit bowl to snack on while you enjoy panoramic views on your private balcony. Raffles’ world-famous and highly trained 24-hour butler service is also available to guests, where they can assist and curate your needs – no detail is overlooked.

The resort’s exterior grounds are just as exquisite as its interior; no palm frond or pebble is out of place. Water fountains adorn the pathway to the rear of the building, where you can access swimming pools and the resort’s 500-metre white sandy private beach, which offers uninterrupted views of the Persian Gulf. Nearby is the award-winning, holistic Parisian Cinq Mondes Spa & Wellness Centre, which houses a myriad of facilities and services, including a yoga studio, 23 treatment rooms and two traditional hammams. Booking the 50-minute hammam service is a must; expert staff guide you through a multi-step process consisting of a body scrub, wrap, steam room, gentle stretches and moisturizing ritual – bliss and relaxation accurately describe the feelings during and post-treatment.

Equally impressive and appetite-inducing is Raffles’ onsite dining facilities boasting six restaurants and bars, led by internationally acclaimed and skilled culinary talents. Some of the gastronomic highlights include Blüthner Hall located near the main lobby. Here, guests can enjoy afternoon tea while listening to sounds from a bespoke grand piano. Le Jardin is a bright and airy space that overlooks the resort’s perfectly manicured gardens and offers an all-day buffet of foods from around the world.

In the evening, you can dine at Matagi, a dark and spacious a la carte restaurant, led by three Michelin-star Japanese chefs with expertise in the areas of kappo, kaiseiki and sushi. And to conclude your luxurious stay at the resort, those with a fondness for sweets can sample executive pastry chef Sebastian Bernis’s heavenly creations. He brings more than 20 years of global experience to the resort and produces exquisite desserts made from the highest quality of ingredients, which can be purchased in Raffles’ Patisserie.