FOR many Dubai residents it is Brunchology that put the stylish Yalumba restaurant on their radar.
That, in turn, has alerted many down the years to the charms and numerous dining options available at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, the hotel that houses both the outlet and its famous Saturday fixture.
That, in turn, has alerted many down the years to the charms and numerous dining options available at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, the hotel that houses both the outlet and its famous Saturday fixture.
We sampled both Yalumba’s ‘Bolli’ brunch and the broader resort over a weekend and discovered something rather special…
YOU could well describe Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre as a hidden gem - albeit a very generously-sized one.
Located across 15 hectares, in plain sight, directly across the road from Dubai International Airport, it is one of the first resorts air passengers might see on arrival.
And it is also one that more UAE residents should consider for their staycation wishlist.
Located across 15 hectares, in plain sight, directly across the road from Dubai International Airport, it is one of the first resorts air passengers might see on arrival.
And it is also one that more UAE residents should consider for their staycation wishlist.
MODERN COMFORTS: The Granada Suite comes with a huge terrace for sunny days and evenings with friends
The resort has not long been refurbished and remains deceptively spacious - but it is also something of a dining revelation with a huge choice of 18 outlets on site.
A discreet turning off Airport Road brings you to the front of a large, multi-faceted lobby where staff are ready to relieve you of both your car and luggage. Check-in is efficient and we are swiftly led upstairs to the light and airy Granada Suite suite.
Le Méridien is a low-level property which, if you don’t mind some stairs, means less time waiting around for lifts during peak times - and a few extra healthy steps logged ahead of all the grazing that is on offer.
Remarkably, you rarely hear the aircraft activity happening a short distance away.
A discreet turning off Airport Road brings you to the front of a large, multi-faceted lobby where staff are ready to relieve you of both your car and luggage. Check-in is efficient and we are swiftly led upstairs to the light and airy Granada Suite suite.
Le Méridien is a low-level property which, if you don’t mind some stairs, means less time waiting around for lifts during peak times - and a few extra healthy steps logged ahead of all the grazing that is on offer.
Remarkably, you rarely hear the aircraft activity happening a short distance away.
BATHING BEAUTY: The suite comes with a spacious and stylish bathroom with a fresh feel
Which is just as well as there is a choice of four swimming pools, with one just off the main lobby that is popular with both guests and birds that joyfully frequent the abundant plants and trees.
This is not the largest swimming area but, encircled by some of the hotel’s rooms, it has a cute wooden bridge linking various sections, including a central swim-up bar.
For more energetic guests, a lane pool a short walk onwards flanks a huge gym with pretty much every bit of kit you could desire for your routines.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is based within a pleasant and largely peaceful compound.
It features 589 rooms and suites, with plenty of greenery and - at 15 hectares - is large enough to merit a map to make it simpler to explore as you plan your day or weekend.
This is not the largest swimming area but, encircled by some of the hotel’s rooms, it has a cute wooden bridge linking various sections, including a central swim-up bar.
For more energetic guests, a lane pool a short walk onwards flanks a huge gym with pretty much every bit of kit you could desire for your routines.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is based within a pleasant and largely peaceful compound.
It features 589 rooms and suites, with plenty of greenery and - at 15 hectares - is large enough to merit a map to make it simpler to explore as you plan your day or weekend.
GARDEN DIP: One of four pools in which to cool day and sunbathe beside at this classic Dubai resort
Our Granada Suite proves spacious with an unconventional layout.
The lounge assumes immediate warmth from parquet flooring partially covered by a rug where a sofa and coffee table face a widescreen TV and selection of lifestyle books. There are two more tables, including one with two dining chairs beside a cabinet with a hot drinks station and well-stocked fridge.
Champagne coloured walls are dotted with plenty of charging sockets with one surface hosting a set of irregular-shaped mirrors.
A door opens onto steps and the largest outdoor terrace we’d seen at a hotel. Here, two good-size day beds and a sofa invited sunny relaxation while a four-seater table would suit al fresco dining.
The lounge assumes immediate warmth from parquet flooring partially covered by a rug where a sofa and coffee table face a widescreen TV and selection of lifestyle books. There are two more tables, including one with two dining chairs beside a cabinet with a hot drinks station and well-stocked fridge.
Champagne coloured walls are dotted with plenty of charging sockets with one surface hosting a set of irregular-shaped mirrors.
A door opens onto steps and the largest outdoor terrace we’d seen at a hotel. Here, two good-size day beds and a sofa invited sunny relaxation while a four-seater table would suit al fresco dining.
BAR BRIGHT: Authentic Spanish flavours and a vibrant atmosphere are on offer at Bebemos
Inside, another door and muted pattern carpet leads to a luggage storage area with dressing table, large circular mirror and dark wood wardrobe, drawers and units, equipped with a safe, gowns, hairdryer and slippers.
The bedroom continues the modern-with-comfort vibe, with stylish textured panel walls, a reading seat with footrest, a mottle-effect mirror and dark wood shelves and side units, plus another substantial TV facing a king-size bed.
To one side a large bathroom with gold fittings and more white and black marble hosts a walk-in shower, separate toilet and bidet, large twin sinks and a double bathtub, all with leave-behind Malin+Goetz wash products alongside shaving and dental kits. Mercifully simple lighting panels serve throughout.
The bedroom continues the modern-with-comfort vibe, with stylish textured panel walls, a reading seat with footrest, a mottle-effect mirror and dark wood shelves and side units, plus another substantial TV facing a king-size bed.
To one side a large bathroom with gold fittings and more white and black marble hosts a walk-in shower, separate toilet and bidet, large twin sinks and a double bathtub, all with leave-behind Malin+Goetz wash products alongside shaving and dental kits. Mercifully simple lighting panels serve throughout.
BOLLI GOOD: Yalumba is part of Dubai brunch tradition, but the venue shines with variety and quality at all sittings
Right below the suite, a guest lounge (for applicable room rates) gives access to soft drinks and snacks, including a 6-8pm happy hour when cocktails and other adult beverages are offered.
Foodies do, however, have plenty more to ponder at this resort.
For example, cooler evenings were made for Le Méridien Village Terrace - a piazza-style patio, it serves international cuisine and is adjacent to several other restaurants such as Mahec's classy Indian cuisine, and the lively Warehouse.
The terrace hosts themed al fresco food nights soundtracked by live music and enjoys the kind of buzz typically found in bustling Mediterranean town squares.
The huge F&B venue list also includes expat favourite Yalumba, an all-day dining restaurant that is home to one of Dubai’s most enduring brunch fixtures. Brunchology currently tempts guests with its adults-only ‘Bolli brunch’ - and look out for brunch and stay deals if you want to make a weekend of it.
Foodies do, however, have plenty more to ponder at this resort.
For example, cooler evenings were made for Le Méridien Village Terrace - a piazza-style patio, it serves international cuisine and is adjacent to several other restaurants such as Mahec's classy Indian cuisine, and the lively Warehouse.
The terrace hosts themed al fresco food nights soundtracked by live music and enjoys the kind of buzz typically found in bustling Mediterranean town squares.
The huge F&B venue list also includes expat favourite Yalumba, an all-day dining restaurant that is home to one of Dubai’s most enduring brunch fixtures. Brunchology currently tempts guests with its adults-only ‘Bolli brunch’ - and look out for brunch and stay deals if you want to make a weekend of it.
URBAN FEEL: Warehouse is another popular brunch spot with much more to offer hungry hotel guests
This classy blend of bubbles and stunning food - including an array of cold treats, delicious pies, curries, plus grilled meats and seafood, foie gras and artistic desserts - is embellished with live music and a magician.
Yalumba is also where a sumptuous breakfast happens, as well as indulgent dinners and buffets.
Of all the other options, Bebemos also gets a huge vote. Here you can swoon to authentic Spanish tapas, including Galician octopus, Gambas al Ajillo sauté garlic prawns, and moreish mixed Paella del Senorito.
Like its neighbours, including Long Yin (Chinese) and the self-explanatory Seafood Market, the restaurant delivers themed interior details, exposed brick and vibrant colours to set the scene.
That said, the terrace beckons during cooler weeks and proved a popular spot during our visit with adjacent outlet seating areas collectively adding atmosphere to deliver a spirited dining strip.
Thai (Sukhothai), Irish (The Dubliners pub), Japanese (Kiku) and Mexican (Jules) are among other regional cuisines covered at the resort.
Yalumba is also where a sumptuous breakfast happens, as well as indulgent dinners and buffets.
Of all the other options, Bebemos also gets a huge vote. Here you can swoon to authentic Spanish tapas, including Galician octopus, Gambas al Ajillo sauté garlic prawns, and moreish mixed Paella del Senorito.
Like its neighbours, including Long Yin (Chinese) and the self-explanatory Seafood Market, the restaurant delivers themed interior details, exposed brick and vibrant colours to set the scene.
That said, the terrace beckons during cooler weeks and proved a popular spot during our visit with adjacent outlet seating areas collectively adding atmosphere to deliver a spirited dining strip.
Thai (Sukhothai), Irish (The Dubliners pub), Japanese (Kiku) and Mexican (Jules) are among other regional cuisines covered at the resort.
QUITE A CATCH: Seafood Market does as the name suggests to offer some signature dishes to foodie visitors
Hotels can sometimes triumph or fall by the quality of staff…and this five-star property excels throughout.
From check-in to our reluctant departure, we find smiles and attentiveness, not least in Yalumba and other outlets under F&B complex director Nick Heaviside’s steady and enthusiastic influence.
The sheer choice of dining outlets is a major draw if you like to eat well during a staycation or holiday, but be sure to grab the resort map to make the most of the facilities and immerse yourself in this amazing variety of dining opportunities
From check-in to our reluctant departure, we find smiles and attentiveness, not least in Yalumba and other outlets under F&B complex director Nick Heaviside’s steady and enthusiastic influence.
The sheer choice of dining outlets is a major draw if you like to eat well during a staycation or holiday, but be sure to grab the resort map to make the most of the facilities and immerse yourself in this amazing variety of dining opportunities
FOR THE CRAIC: Another popular expat staple, Dubliners has grown in size and reputation down the years
After a decade in Dubai and a couple of previous visits, to us Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre still feels like a hidden gem.
It is an enduring yet thriving name on the city’s ever-expanding hotel roster, not least as it is ideal for a foodie-based staycation or as a base for tourists on a stopover or longer visit and looking to explore Dubai, with easy access to the metro and airport on their list of wants.
DETAILS:
FIND out more, as well as current rates, by clicking marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dxbmd-le-meridien-dubai-hotel-and-conference-centre
It is an enduring yet thriving name on the city’s ever-expanding hotel roster, not least as it is ideal for a foodie-based staycation or as a base for tourists on a stopover or longer visit and looking to explore Dubai, with easy access to the metro and airport on their list of wants.
DETAILS:
FIND out more, as well as current rates, by clicking marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dxbmd-le-meridien-dubai-hotel-and-conference-centre
