Lounging by your own private pool, in the mid morning sunshine, hidden away from the outside world in a little haven of peace and tranquillity, is exactly how it feels when you stay at The Desert Palm Hotel in Dubai. Just minutes away from the airport, and a mere 15 minutes from the buzz of Dubai, this intimate boutique hotel is set amidst a 160-acre polo estate, complete with over 400 horses and with just 38 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, it is just perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
An oasis of lush greenery, polo fields, and stables, all combine together to create this elegant retreat. With regular polo matches taking place, this really is the ideal escape to begin your life as Mr and Mrs.
Some rooms have views over the polo fields, which is a truly magical experience, you can sit on your own private terrace, a glass of chilled champagne in your hand gazing out over the fields as a polo match takes place, it really is spectacular. Not only did we have these views we also had our own private courtyard complete with pool, sun loungers, dining area and outdoor rain shower and that was just the outside. Inside is elegantly styled with a vast living space, complimented with dark wood, marble floors and neutral surroundings. A small kitchen area complete with a Dallmayr Coffee machine, JING tea selection and a fully stocked minibar completes the living space. The same neutral and dark wood tones carry on into the bedroom and the crisp white sheets add that extra bit of luxe.
The bathroom is marble, with his and her sinks, a large bath and of course separate shower – big enough for a whole family to fit!
All rooms in the villa have floor to ceiling sliding doors so you can laze in bed, on the sofa or in the bath and just gaze out over the pool.
And laze we did, not inside, but outside in the gorgeous sunshine, dipping in and out of the pool, until it was time to walk through the beautiful hotel gardens to Epicure, the brasserie style restaurant, that overlooks the shimmering turquoise waters of the infinity pool, to indulge in a Desert Palm Jewel Afternoon Tea. A selection of the most delicious, fresh sandwiches, that included grilled vegetables on a brioche bun, sundried tomato and artichoke cheese mousse on white bread and home smoked salmon on a bagel and then there were the mini french pastries – mini doughnut with custard stuffing, fruit mousse cone, fruit tartlet and of course freshly made scones with jam and clotted cream. Not only did it live up to it’s name and look like a jewel it tasted like one too, and as for service – it was impeccable.
Epicure not only offers afternoon tea but also all day dining. Whether it’s a la carte breakfast, or brasserie-style classics that include artisan cheeses, home smoked meats, wood fired pizzas and luxurious pastries and desserts.
Could it get any more perfect? It certainly could. Dinner was served in Rare, Desert Palms signature dining restaurant. Seated on the outdoor terrace overlooking the retreat’s polo field, proved to be a memory-making romantic dining experience.
The food was divine, a tasting menu with such things as seafood ceviche, pumpkin gnocchi and norwegian salmon all served with matching wines recommended by our highly knowledgeable sommelier – textures and tastes were a pleasure on the palette and the ambience was magical. A meal here is one to take your time over, savor each mouthful as you gaze in the distance at the glittering Dubai skyline.
Dessert was just as delectable, a baked marble cheesecake that melted in the mouth, followed by artisan cheeses washed down with a glass of port.
Walking back to our villa, it’s hard to imagine you’re in Dubai; it is just so peaceful and serene a real arabian hideaway that we just couldn’t get enough of.
Peace and serenity isn’t just limited to lying by the pool or in your villa, there’s also Samana spa, a place to retreat to and enjoy a relaxing treatment or if you’re feeling a little more energetic you can always visit the fully equipped gym or try out the different fitness classes that are on offer during your stay. I wasn’t feeling energetic though and treated myself to a Samana Aromatherapy Signature massage that had me all too easily drifting into a gentle sleep as the therapists hands gently massaged essential oils into my skin, leaving me feeling completely rejuvenated.
Not only is the Desert Palm perfect for newlyweds it’s also ideal for a destination wedding, with so many gorgeous parts of the estate available for you to hold your wedding in, whether it’s by the fountain, outside on one of the tree covered terraces, on the vast lawn space, the choice is endless and the end result priceless.
The Desert Palm is said to be one of the finest honeymoon hotels in Dubai, and we can see why – It ticks all the right boxes and more – from the accommodation, to the polo fields to the exquisite cuisine this really is an Arabian dream, one you need to experience at least once in your life.
BOOK IT
Prices start from 2753 AED (approx £556), per night in a Polo Pool Villa, based on two people sharing, including breakfast.
Prices start from 703 AED (approx £142), per night in a Palm Deluxe Room, based on two people sharing, including breakfast.
To book visit: www.desertpalm.ae
