Our first ever trip to Dubai started off as expected in utter luxury. A short journey in a taxi from Dubai International airport and we had arrived at the Andaz Boutique hotel situated on the main stretch of The Palm.
The Andaz Dubai The Palm hotel is a new 5-star hotel brought to you by the wonderful World of Hyatt hotels.
The hotel mixes contemporary luxury with stylish décor, large modern suites, a floating swimming pool on the 14th floor, beach club, spa and an array of eateries including a Japanese inspired street-food venue with panoramic views over Dubai’s incredible skyline.
We arrived later than expected and the hotel was more than happy to cater for us – exceptionally. We were shown to our rooms for a brief look around before we were swept up to the 15th floor to enjoy a meal in Hanami, the hotel’s Japanese inspired restaurant.
Let me begin with saying it was probably the best Sushi we had ever tasted. This restaurant was dimly lit with cool neon lights which mirrored Tokyo, subtle vibrations of deep house music and staff with friendly faces. We were shown to our table, we sat outside on the terrace next to a large, glass balcony overlooking Dubai’s incredible skyline, the Persian Gulf, and the hotel’s beach club. Wow, what a moment, what a magnificent way to start our trip to Dubai.
The food in Hanami was nothing less than incredible. All the food is made fresh to order and the menu consists of all the usual suspects, Sushi, Ramen Noodles, and an abundance of beautiful cocktails. It’s a really cool vibe here and somewhere I think about returning to often.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s 32 suites which was ultra-modern and stylish, fitted with a full kitchen, two separate bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows looking out over The Palm. This is one thing Andaz Hotels do so well, all the rooms are fully serviced, and you are given every amenity you could wish for in a comfortable and luxurious environment. The biggest bed I have quite honestly ever seen, living area, and a bathroom the size of another suite. The bathroom was split with stained glass windows, double sinks, and a beautiful big rainfall shower. It was almost like we were staying in a full apartment but with all the commodities of a hotel at your beck and call.
It’s worth saying that the staff in this hotel are just wonderful. Happy, friendly staff who are always smiling and ready to help you with anything. Every staff member we engaged with was genuinely interested in us and had pleasant, engaging conversations with us. This kind of personal service instantly makes you feel more welcome and comfortable.
On our first evening we were discussing breakfast with one receptionist who told us about their ‘famous breakfast buffet’, which instantly made us intrigued to try.
Located on the ground floor is The Locale, a bright and laidback restaurant. Here we were presented with a buffet like no other. Spread out along the length of the whole restaurant were different stations of every breakfast food you could think of. We’re talking, fresh pastries, cereals, eggs of any type, from hot to cold, small to large, meat to vegan this buffet had it all. Without doubt the best breakfast buffet we had seen anywhere in the world. But this is Dubai where nothing seems to be a problem so, if you’d prefer table service, they offer this too.
Finally, the swimming pools here at the Andaz are stunning. You have the fantastic choice of an adult-only pool on the 14th floor, floating like a bridge between the hotel’s two towers. This pool is surrounded by luxury Cabanas, a poolside bar and views across Dubai. Or your other option is an infinity pool which to the eye looks endless, like it’s built into the ocean. This can be found a short walk outside the hotel and a few metres from the private beach. Spoilt for choice.
We loved every moment of our stay at the Andaz Dubai The Palm and it’s somewhere we will be returning soon. The incredible staff, beautifully clean and stylish rooms and a culture where nothing is too much trouble, lends itself to a perfectly balanced luxury 5-star stay. We left this place as happy as the smiles on the faces of the staff who worked there, truly happy.
Check them out for your own visit to Dubai HERE.
Review and images by Tom Sheard @tom.sheard
