One of the best things about a trip to Dubai is the ability to have both city and beach experiences, all for the cost of one plane ride. In the morning, we said goodbye to the gorgeous hotel Oberoi and jumped into a taxi for the 20 minute ride south to The Palm Jumeriah. The Palm is a massive land reclamation project (shaped like a palm tree and topped by a “ring”) completed by the Emirates in the Persian Gulf, that has become a resort paradise of luxury hotels, vacation homes, and entertainment zones. Our hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeriah, is located on the west side of the ring surrounding the fronds. From this comfortable base, we spent the next few days doing no more than enjoying the sand and the warm seas and the sun. We had intended to visit Abu Dhabi during this portion of our trip; however, mandatory quarantine restrictions due to COVID made it too difficult to accomplish. We’ll be back for sure to see it in the future.
Just before our arrival to the hotel we were treated to a gorgeous view of the Burj Al Arab, the iconic high rise reminiscent of a sail, perched on its own island off the shore and captured in the mid day sun. It was such a treat to view this after so many years of seeing it only in pictures. And then, the Waldorf!
As at the Oberoi, the staff were attentive and observant, from the moment they opened the door of the taxi until we were seen off to the airport. The front desk staff worked diligently to take care of us and highlight the amenities available during our stay. Upon entry into our upgraded room (obtained thanks to permanent Gold status at Hilton properties courtesy of the American Express Platinum card), we were treated to welcome chocolates, a bowl of chilled fruit, and a bottle of sparkling wine. The gorgeous suite featured a huge closet, a FABULOUS marble bathroom and shower, and a large balcony overlooking the tennis courts, one of two pools, and southern Dubai in the distance. We poured ourselves champagne and enjoyed our view before cleaning up and heading back to the Dubai Mall for our appointed time to ascend the Burj Khalifa.
124 stories up, and we were still only halfway up the tallest sky scraper in the world! Everything about this experience was captivating, from the one minute elevator ride (which was a light and music show all on its own) to the 360 degree vista of this burgeoning city in the desert. You can arrange for high tea or cocktails on a higher floor if you so choose, but the two observation decks we visited were perfect for taking in a glorious evening.
Afterwards, we enjoyed the twinkling lights of the city from the back of our cab as we returned to the Palm. Since we were craving seafood, we chose to eat at Ibn Albahr in Club Vista Mare, a restaurant where you choose the exact fish you’d like prepared from a cool case. We enjoyed dinner and sunset at a table near the beach, and then headed back to the Waldorf, ready for the fantastic bed and rest.
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