Proper in the course of what builders Emaar would have you ever consider is the ‘world’s most prestigious sq. kilometre’, the Palace is an attractive anomaly. It sits proper subsequent to the large, brash and extremely noisy Dubai Fountain and the glass-and-steel Burj Khalifa however is itself a splendidly low-key, low-rise vacation spot, decked out in trendy Arabian model. The driveway takes you previous a big gleaming blue pool and underneath Moorish arches, into a comfortable foyer with a rose-filled fountain and cushion-strewn lounge bar. Rooms are extra of the identical – a number of fairly latticework screens and tasteful cream-and-brown furnishings. The suites have unique Arabian antiques and art work and include a collection of fruit of which Carmen Miranda can be proud. All rooms look out over water, whether or not it is the Dubai Fountain (which might sound a bit like a succession of water cannons, though it will get switched off at midnight) or the extra placid Burj Lake. The well-equipped health club seems to be out over the lake, whereas the big outdoor pool overlooks the fountain.
Eating choices embrace Ewaan, the Arabic-Worldwide restaurant that has cosy raised seating for giant teams in recesses across the outdoors of the lofty house and a scrumptious Iftar buffet throughout Ramadan. Asado, the Argentinian steakhouse, is persistently packed and is particularly good throughout summer time, as there’s a massive outdoor seating space. The Thai restaurant, Thiptara, is perched romantically out over the water and is surrounded by massive fireplace torches. At evening, the Majlis tents across the pool are a beautiful place to smoke shisha in privateness. Through the day, you could have the Dubai Mall in your doorstep, and the lodge is instantly linked to Souk Al Bahar, with its tens of bars and eating places shisha delivery london.
The Monarch
Completely geared in direction of enterprise travellers, this isn’t a lodge to e book if you’re in Dubai for solar and sand, or if in case you have a family in tow. However it’s situated proper on the high of the Sheikh Zayed Highway, reverse the Dubai World Trade Centre, 5 minutes from the DIFC and 15 minutes from the airport. The restaurant choices are costly and grown-up – hipster hangout Okku serves superior cocktails and dispenses trendy sushi in its darkish, horny inside, and American chain Ruth’s Chris operates a steakhouse simply subsequent door. Each are sensible, however neither comes low cost. Keep away from the dreadful basement membership Gold although – regardless of charging men a cool AED 1,000 for entry, it seems to be like a regional department of The Gadget Store.
Though the marginally claustrophobic design of the spa leaves quite a bit to be desired, the therapies – particularly the Mandara massage, carried out by two therapists – are chic. Some hilariously over-the-top suites are on provide – the duplex Monarch suite, on the 32nd and 33rd flooring, has its personal health club, film theatre, sauna and pool on the terrace. The usual rooms are pretty properly appointed too, with massive leather-based desks, lounge areas and state-of-the-art music methods. Those larger up have fairly killer views of the Sheikh Zayed Highway’s neon strip too. There’s a small fourth-floor pool with few solar loungers and a ladies-only health club, in addition to a combined health club.
