LIVING in Dubai it’s all too easy to slip into a routine when it comes to beach dwelling.
And if you are on your holiday in the emirate the temptation is often to stay put at your chosen resort.
And if you are on your holiday in the emirate the temptation is often to stay put at your chosen resort.
COAST WITH THE MOST: The view across towards Dubai Marina from Fairmont The Palm
But with a huge stretch of prime beachfront, great pools and a bountiful buffet there’s good incentive to head to Fairmont The Palm for a day – and evening.
In fact, once in this popular property on the main trunk of Dubai’s famous manmade islands it is hard to tear yourself away.
And judging by the wristbands being placed on arms when we arrived, word is spreading.
Not surprising, really.
For one, the beach and four outdoor pools at the Fairmont offer hard-to-beat views across to the Dubai Marina skyline, JBR and THE BEACH beyond.
Select a suitably placed lounger and you can easily while away an hour or two watching yachting activity out on the water or the parachutes of SkyDive Dubai customers steadily floating back to terra firma.
The character of the two larger Fairmont pools differ; one is a lively family affair with snacks brought to your lounger while beside the excellent Bā high-end Chinese restaurant exterior the vibe is more adults and couples.
And judging by the wristbands being placed on arms when we arrived, word is spreading.
Not surprising, really.
For one, the beach and four outdoor pools at the Fairmont offer hard-to-beat views across to the Dubai Marina skyline, JBR and THE BEACH beyond.
Select a suitably placed lounger and you can easily while away an hour or two watching yachting activity out on the water or the parachutes of SkyDive Dubai customers steadily floating back to terra firma.
The character of the two larger Fairmont pools differ; one is a lively family affair with snacks brought to your lounger while beside the excellent Bā high-end Chinese restaurant exterior the vibe is more adults and couples.
PULL OF THE POOL: Loungers at the ready for a sublime day of relaxation
Drinks at the latter are dispensed from a busy pool bar and sometimes brought by nifty staff perched upon segways, depending upon the location of your ‘digs’ for the day.
There’s a tasty snacks menu in operation or you can head towards the other pool set-up and to the Mediterranean cuisine of Seagrill on 25° Restaurant & Lounge.
Here the food moves up a notch from some hearty salads – including a generous tuna nicoise with juicy chunks of seared fish – to sea bream and meat dishes.
The terrace offers a great spot from which to take in the views soundtracked by the activities of kids having fun in the sunshine and water.
Head straight to the beach in front of here and you will find Seagrill's recently launched Beach Club.
For a small supplement beach/pool pass customers can upgrade to this chilled out area of white wicker day beds and loungers, complete with a box of cold flannels, bottled water and small fruit platter.
There’s a tasty snacks menu in operation or you can head towards the other pool set-up and to the Mediterranean cuisine of Seagrill on 25° Restaurant & Lounge.
Here the food moves up a notch from some hearty salads – including a generous tuna nicoise with juicy chunks of seared fish – to sea bream and meat dishes.
The terrace offers a great spot from which to take in the views soundtracked by the activities of kids having fun in the sunshine and water.
Head straight to the beach in front of here and you will find Seagrill's recently launched Beach Club.
For a small supplement beach/pool pass customers can upgrade to this chilled out area of white wicker day beds and loungers, complete with a box of cold flannels, bottled water and small fruit platter.
GRILL CHILL: Welcome box at the new beach club on the Fairmont shoreline
It’s definitely a fine place to unwind as the sun fattens and sets slowly behind the plush villas on nearby Palm fronds and a lady DJ mixes laid back tunes.
Of course, the tough part of such a day is tearing yourself away.
And, actually, there’s no rush.
From 6pm the adult poolside bar introduces a healthy happy hour with 50 per cent off selected drinks.
And if you are still not ready to depart Fairmont The Palm has several restaurants to line your stomach, including the meat-loving Brazilian restaurant Frevo, the oriental delights of Bā and the all-day dining Flow Kitchen.
We opted for the latter and one of the most innovative buffet selections this appetite has indulged in a while – not so much in terms of quantity, but the smart variations and quality of the dishes available.
Exceptional salads and some extremely tempting desserts buffer elaborate sushi, fresh seafood and hot choices that on this occasion included an all too moreish lamb curry.
Having tucked into probably one plate too many the offer of the gym use on arrival so many hours earlier suddenly seemed like a good idea.
Then again…
DETAILS:
THE prices for beach and pool days at Fairmont The Palm are 200AED on weekdays and 250AED on weekends.
BEACH swimming timings: 6.30am to 5.45pm (sunset)
POOL timings: 6.30am to 7pm. The adult pool is open daily from 6.30am to 9pm
FOR further information on how to book and to check out the resort’s dining options, including children's discounts, go to www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai
Of course, the tough part of such a day is tearing yourself away.
And, actually, there’s no rush.
From 6pm the adult poolside bar introduces a healthy happy hour with 50 per cent off selected drinks.
And if you are still not ready to depart Fairmont The Palm has several restaurants to line your stomach, including the meat-loving Brazilian restaurant Frevo, the oriental delights of Bā and the all-day dining Flow Kitchen.
We opted for the latter and one of the most innovative buffet selections this appetite has indulged in a while – not so much in terms of quantity, but the smart variations and quality of the dishes available.
Exceptional salads and some extremely tempting desserts buffer elaborate sushi, fresh seafood and hot choices that on this occasion included an all too moreish lamb curry.
Having tucked into probably one plate too many the offer of the gym use on arrival so many hours earlier suddenly seemed like a good idea.
Then again…
DETAILS:
THE prices for beach and pool days at Fairmont The Palm are 200AED on weekdays and 250AED on weekends.
BEACH swimming timings: 6.30am to 5.45pm (sunset)
POOL timings: 6.30am to 7pm. The adult pool is open daily from 6.30am to 9pm
FOR further information on how to book and to check out the resort’s dining options, including children's discounts, go to www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai
