For those who have never been to Dubai, you are somewhat behind the times on your international travel must-do list. Over the past few decades, it has gone from an exotic destination only for the Avant-garde to one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.  In the winter months, when the rest of the world is huddled around the fireplace, Dubai is the place to be with perfect weather, endless miles of sandy beaches, and crystal waters.  Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with acclaimed cultural and music events, fabulous luxury brand shopping, desert adventures, and posh accommodations which make it the preferred destination of the beau monde. One of its most ambitious tourism projects is named simply, The Palm and that’s just where you’ll find one of the destination’s top hotels, The Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.   

The Palm. It’s two words that have become synonymous with an exquisite lifestyle for the refined traveler on Dubai’s man-made marvel in the Arabian Sea. The Palm is a gargantuan island 1400 acres stretched over 10.5 miles filled with multi-million dollar mansions, condos, and some of the top hotels in the world.

Dubai is a city true to its Arab culture and traditions but has also made space for international influences by taking the best of the best from around the world back to its shores. As far as luxury hotels, they are all there from old-world European style hotels, ultra-modern and futuristic skyscrapers and quaint boutique hotels. So it’s no wonder that Anantara has brought its unique style of Asian luxury to Dubai complete with a wonderful Thailand-inspired architecture, design and décor. For those who have been to Thailand or elsewhere in South East Asia, they will instantly see the similarities. Large pagodas with open-air lobbies greet guests and the feeling of being on holiday takes over.

The resort is massive and guests can be seen in the resort’s three-wheeled tuk-tuks, as you would find in Thailand, shuttled around the property.  The main pool is the size of a lake with nattily dressed pool boys hustling about with cool drinks towels or repositioning an umbrella for guests wanting some shade instead of sun. In the center of the property, a large man-made lagoon pool winds through the property and guests layout by the pool or jump in from their balcony to cool off.  Idyllic as the pools may be, the main attraction here is the 1300 feet of white sand beach caressed by the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea.  Couples walk up and down the private beach while others congregate at the activities center for jet skis, scuba, and boating activities.

The 293 rooms and villas at Anantara The Palm Dubai, range in size and amenities from rooms to villas to 3000 square foot apartments. One cannot help but to think again of Thailand once they enter the rooms with their mahogany wood floors Asian silk accents and the clean earth tone color palate. Just as you’ll find in Asia, the hotel even has 18 Over the Water Villas with glass floors for peering into the Arabian Sea.

The One Bedroom Beach Pool Villa is an excellent option to fully enjoy the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort experience. The accommodations are spacious with colorful Asian design elements as well as a villa host to make sure all of the guest’s hospitality needs are met. Guest will also love their own private pool and just lazing around the villa made complete with breakfast served in room.

As this is a very large resort, it caters to their diverse list of guests. Anantara The Palm Dubai’s all-day dining restaurant, Crescendo, serves international fare and their restaurant Bushman’s, serves authentic Australian dishes focusing on flame-grilled meats. But this is a Thailand inspired resort so the must-try restaurant is Mekong which features cuisine from the countries along the Mekong River in Asia with a focus on Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai food. The décor is authentic as well where guests sit in genuine rickshaws on the terrace or indoors in the sultry dark Asian style with dragons and bright red and yellow designs contrasting on black walls. The cuisine is exceptional as well with a complete menu of delicious authentic dishes from the orient.

There’s plenty to do at this sprawling resort with a full-service high tech gym as well as tennis courts. For a bit of softer activity, head to the tranquility of the Anantara The Palm Dubai’s Spa. There are 24 treatment rooms and two 350 square foot couples massage rooms with sauna and whirlpool as well as a Turkish Hamman. Anantara is known for its fine spa services worldwide and this is no exception, offering a full range of inspirational spa journeys.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is a spectacular travel experience in one of the world’s most visited destinations. From the lavish accommodations, dining experiences, and all there is to do and see in Dubai, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort makes a great beach holiday for solo travelers, romantic couples, and families.