Honest review
Choosing a resort on Palm Jumeirah, put Raffles The Palm first if what you want is not beach minimalism but a full palace: French classicism, precious materials, stately interiors by European craftsmen.
Category practicalities: the core 389 rooms and suites come with balconies and views over the Palm and the Persian Gulf; for a large family or a group there are 8 Royal & Imperial villas — four bedrooms, a private pool and a spa of their own.
A day here is easily built around the spa: over 3,000 sq m, 23 treatment rooms, French Cinq Mondes cosmetics — allow half a day for treatments, not an hour.
The evening means the jazz bar with its cigar list and singular music, and restaurants with signature menus from strong chefs.
The beach is one of Dubai's best, the airport 30 minutes' drive. It works for couples on a romantic trip and for families alike — provided palace aesthetics are to your taste.
