One&Only The Palm, Dubai

We are back from our long-awaited honeymoon, having spent four days in Dubai followed by one week in the Maldives. And therefore, the following two publications will explore our selected destinations and their respective hotels.

Our first stop was in sunny Dubai, albeit we did encounter a few hours of rain on of the days, and the magnificent Leading Hotels of the World, One & Only The Palm, located at the far end of the Palm (hence its rather fitting name). The reason for choosing this hotel in the first place came last year when we also spent a few days in Dubai at the same period of time. That time, we also stayed at a One & Only hotel, Royal Mirage (I will review this hotel in a later publication) located just opposite its sister hotel O&O The Palm (but on the mainland). Anyway, to cut it short, during our stay at Royal Mirage we took the boat over to The Palm one night to have dinner at the famous and well-reputed French chef Yannick Alléno’s restaurant STAY (an abbreviation for Simple Table Alléno Yannick). It was love at first sight that evening (not just love between my husband and I), and we liked the look of the hotel so much that we decided to stay there during our next visit to Dubai. This next visit happened to be a part of our honeymoon, which could not have been a more suitable occasion for this luxurious and secluded hotel.

Having taken the Emirates night flight from Paris, we arrived in (business) style in the very early morning. To our luck, this early morning was spared from the usual fog that covers Dubai city like a duvet cover and thus the sky was clear blue filled with skyscrapers. We arrived at the O&O The Palm after an hour-long drive and were greeted by the smiling valets who politely opened our doors and showed the way through the main entrance in to the high-ceilinged and white lobby with a lavish fountain in the middle. Instead of being shown to the reception desk, we were guided to the hotel lounge and bar were we sat down and were immediately offered cold towels and refreshing juice cocktails (perfect after a rather short night’s sleep on the plane). A member of staff sat down with us to go through our reservation and explain all hotel amenities before we were shown by our very own butler through the main building, passed the magnificent royal blue pool and to our Palm Beach Room located in the one of the property’s villas surrounding the manor. Our room was located on the upper floor of our villa enabling us to have a grand balcony facing the sea and the hotel’s private beach. The spacious room must have measured at least 60 sqm (and this is the smallest room category!) containing a large king-size bed with brown wooden bedside tables. At the end of the bed, there was a comfortable sofa for two accompanied by a pretty glass table making it the perfect lounge area opposite the big TV screen hanging on the wall. Also in the room, there was a wooden desk as well as a lounge chair. 

 

 

And as if this was not enough, two sliding doors opened up into a giant bathroom/walk-in closet with a fashionable bathtub in the middle. Unlike many other hotels in the area, the interior décor at the O&O The Palm is tasty, chic and luxurious without being bling-bling. There is no surplus of gold as in the Burj Al Arab, instead wooden details are mixed with earthy sand tones and clear white to create a calming and highly elegant atmosphere. Nevertheless, the Arabian culture is represented by the rounded shapes of the windows as well as the cute slippers for him and her, as taken straight from Aladdin. As a welcome gift, we found two massive plates of delicious chocolates decorated by golden leaves (the gold is represented in the chocolate at this hotel) as well as crispy and extremely sweet Arabic pastries. This gesture was not the only generosity during our stay as we were served bottles of fresh water on our respective bedside tables every night (thumbs up) as well as two refills a day of chic Acqua di Parma bathroom amenities preventing us from running low at any point. Moreover, generosity and precision must be key words as also around the pool and on the beach, numerous luxury details could be discovered. How about fresh cucumber slices to place over your eyes (to prevent wrinkles and bags under your eyes) and Evian face spray which were distributed on the hotel beach? Or fresh hand towels, glasses of cooling water (with regular refills) and fruit sticks being offered by the pool? These are all details that I have rarely seen elsewhere and which rank very high in luxury rankings.

 

  

 The only downside to this paradise treatment was the lack of food service offered by the pool and on the beach (red. Guests are not allowed to eat by the pool or on the beach, but are invited to enjoy lunch either at Zest or in the 101 located in the hotel marina). My husband and I tested both lunch places and found that food wise we had a preference for the 101 which offered a selection of salads mixed with more traditional lounge food such as hamburgers and steaks as well as barbecued meat. Noteworthy, beware during the weekend as many locals come here for lunch and thus you should reserve in advance (Weekends in Dubai are Fridays and Saturdays as Sunday is a normal working day). The other restaurant Zest, also the place for breakfast, slightly lacks refinement and the service is not ideal as the waiters are many but not super-efficient. Concerning the breakfast however, Zest offers a large selection of everything that you could possibly crave for during the morning hours (and even after). Freshly cut fruits are served next to crispy French pastries and cold cuts. There is also a vast à-la-carte for everything that needs to be prepared instantly such as egg dishes, pancakes and waffles, or even smoothies and mixed juices. However, these juices taste like if they came directly from the supermarket and not like freshly squeezed. This is a point that my husband raised with the kind French chef in charge of the restaurant who ensured us that it would be improved (something to be checked next time).

While still being on the food subject, the hotel’s main (star) restaurant needs to be mentioned, greeted and appraised! The French chef Yannick Aléno has taken his concept STAY to Dubai and the O&O The Palm, and this is definitely not to miss. French bistro food goes gourmet is what is offered at this restaurant. The food is exceptional, the service even better (with an array of staff members wanting to make the evening memorable for each guest), and the setting is taken from a romantic film. Do not forget to ask for a table outside when booking as the terrace is splendid. The evening is not fulfilled without a visit at the dessert bar inside the restaurant where the Pastry cook is awaiting to present and prepare his desserts in front of you, while you indulge in homemade marshmallows, truffles and candid nuts.         

During our stay we also pampered ourselves in the spa after working out in the gym. Speaking of the latter, the gym is spacious and offers a great range of tech-machines for every muscle group. Even for those wanting to do Pilates moves with machines, there are options, and a personal trainer is available at any time of the day. Unfortunately, as bicycles tend to be one of the most popular machines in a gym, and with only one normal and one reclining, at certain times of the day these two were occupied. Personally, I feel that the hotel could add another bicycle in the gym. After the grueling gym sessions, the spa is strategically located next door offering an array of ESPA treatments. Being in Dubai, I just had to enjoy a signature O&O Rhassoul Experience which consists of the Arabian cleansing tradition of a sea salt scrub followed by a mud session inside the steam bath. This is a tradition that I very much enjoy. However, I did feel that my therapist did not explain enough for me to fully enjoy this treatment. She performed the salt scrub and then left me alone in the steam bath for 40 minutes, during which I was meant to cover myself with mud, then leave it for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off and getting into the hot bath prepared with bubbles and purple orchids. However, as I was expected her to enter and inform me of when it was time to do each step of the ritual, I ended up having 10 minutes to rub the mud, rinse it and enjoy the bath. Nevertheless, the subsequent back massage was heavenly relaxing and compensated for the lack of instructions during the first part of the treatment. Together with my husband, we had also booked aromatherapy massages together in the spa suite that we enjoyed to its outmost. 

As I mentioned in the very beginning of this publication, each villa has its own butler who is available 24/7 for all your needs. He comes to see you by the pool to check on you and provide his assistance and he calls the room to know if he can assist with any reservations etc. My husband and I had already booked restaurants and spa treatments prior to arriving at the hotel (a very Swedish side of me), thus we did not really use this service. However, the idea is excellent and my husband and I highly appreciated knowing that he was there in case we needed anything.

To summarise, O&O The Palm is THE ultimate luxury experience with many surprising luxury details that take you by storm, such as the cucumber slices on the beach or the hand towels by the pool. The deco is true to my Scandinavian taste of simplicity, warmth and charm rather than bling-bling and gold, and the staff are so gentle and kind that you definitely miss them once back home. The refined luxury meets attention to detail and warm hospitality are all big plus at this hotel. I am already looking forward to going back, why not make it an annual tradition in November when the grey weather holds Europe hostage. If only to just have dinner at STAY for one night!

Learn more about the hotel here.

Belmond Hotel Splendido - Portofino

This year, my husband and I have made several trips to Italy as this is one of our favourite countries; who doesn’t like traditional Italian cuisine and exquisite Italian red wines?! A few weeks ago, we returned once again to the land of pasta. This time, the flight destination was Genoa airport and there we were picked up by a black Mercedes (sent by the hotel) which drove us to our final destination. The sunny and picturesque fishing village of Portofino is nowadays one of the world’s most glamorous holiday destinations, and the grandiose Belmond Hotel Splendido is the village’s focal point where sunbathing and dining next to actors and designers are everyday happenings.

With extremely high expectations on this star studded hotel, we arrived in style and were greeted warmly by the bell boy as well as the reception desk and shown up to our room. Our Deluxe Junior Suite with sea view was located on the first floor, in the middle of the building. We entered our room and fell in love immediately! In front of us was a vast and open space bedroom built like a bridge with a king size bed, a small table with two chairs as well as a working area with a desk and a sitting area with a sofa and a television in front of each window/balcony door. Upon opening the balcony doors, we were met by a large balcony divided in two areas (one with two lounge chairs and the other perfect for a romantic breakfast in the sunshine). If the impressive room was not enough, the view from the balcony was taken straight from a painting! Opposite the hotel was the beautiful bay of Portofino filled with impressive yachts and sailing boats. Instantly, I understood why Richard Burton had chosen Belmond Hotel Splendido to propose to Elisabeth Taylor. Back inside, the room tour is not yet completed as I must also mention the roomy bathroom, elegantly decorated in white marble and brown wood panels. Double basins were accompanied by a separated shower and bathtub as well as a toilet and a bidet. And as if luxurious and generous Bulgari products are not sufficiently impressive, you also find Molton Brown mouth wash and makeup remover as well as English Penhaligon’s shampoo, soap and body wash. I had arrived to the bathroom amenities’ paradise!

From the body to the feet, the hotel provides his and her slippers (two sizes and two colours), elegantly wrapped and presented in cotton bags indicating Gents’ or Ladies’ slippers. Furthermore, my passion for good quality laundry bags was further stimulated due to the beautifully embroidered laundry bag made of organic cotton. And to my surprise, there was not only one but three laundry bags in our room (triple score!). Generosity is definitely a keyword at Belmond Splendido Hotel! Another great detail (more fun than required in my opinion) is the safe cleverly hidden behind a painting on the wall. I have never seen that in a hotel (it’s like stepping into a film). The overall decoration is classically Italian with wooden furniture mixed with floral bed linens, sofa cover, vases and paintings. Due to Portofino’s pleasant weather climate, the hotel is beautifully decorated with colourful flowers everywhere. The hotel exterior is as magic as the inside with its clear blue infinity pool, relaxed pool restaurant, classy gourmet restaurant and stone-paved paths taking you through the lush gardens passed the Dolce Vita suite to the spa reception. The scenery is taken directly from a romantic Italian film. 

Also the atmosphere is calm and quiet, perfect if you are seeking to recover after a hectic period in your life or if you just want to leave all your stress at home. And I must not forget the impeccable service from all staff members who elegantly treat you like royalty and as if you are the only guests. During our stay, my husband and I tried both restaurants and the piano bar and we were amazed by the rapidity and effectiveness of the staff who did not let us wait a single time before giving us tables and providing us with the various menus etc. Regarding the food, the quality is very good, with the use of excellent fresh and local products such as squid, fish, pesto and pasta. The pool restaurant offers a small A la carte consisting of pizzas and fresh pasta dishes, but the main event is the generous salad buffet with endless variations of mozzarella, tomatoes and mixed salads and fresh vegetables and fruits. And the best part; eat as much as you want! On the contrary, the A la carte pasta dishes are delicious, but rather small portions (especially for men!). Nevertheless, the pizzas are amply decorated and the dough is thin and crispy (just like it should be!).

We also enjoyed a romantic dinner at the La Terrazza Restaurant with the stunning views of the Portofino bay. Knowing that the portions are slightly small, we opted for a four-course dinner (Antipasto, Primo, Secondo, and finally Dolci) accompanied by a powerful Brunello wine (my favourite). The dishes were appealingly presented and exploded with flavours, particularly the Roasted Lobster with Garden Vegetables and Local Black Olives, Thinly sliced warm sea bass with cherry tomatoes and capres, and the Homemade John Dory ravioli served in a delicate red mullet sauce. However, the meat dishes lacked some refinement and were less interesting than the starters. On the other hand, the cheese selection was outstanding! Or are you not impressed when I tell you that there was even a à la carte for the cheeses!? My husband decided to taste two types of Pecorino which were both delectable. 

 

 

After our dinner, we walked past the bar filled with people dancing to live music and song by a true entertainer in a flashing green sequined jacket! We could not resist but to enter, have a drink and embrace the cheerful atmosphere, before heading upstairs to our room for a good night’s sleep. Every night, the room was prepared for the night and on each beside table there was a bottle of still water and the room-service breakfast menu was awaiting us on the bed. I have rarely seen such an extensive room-service breakfast menu such as the one at Belmond Hotel Splendido. There was everything that you could possibly wish for, from eggs and pancakes until French toast and Parma ham.

With all the eating during the weekend, my husband and I had the intention of burning some of the newly acquired calories in the hotel fitness room. However, to our slight disappointed the fitness room was not as glamorous as the rest pf the hotel. There was one bike and one thread mill for cardio and some other machines for working the muscles. For couples, or even friends, it is more convenient to have at least two of each so that two people can do the same thing at the same time. I have to admit that this fact discouraged us from working out and thus visiting the fitness room was our only time spent in there during our weekend.

Next up, we had to discover the spa and its treatments and thus we had reserved (in advance) two aromatherapy massages. The spa receptionist was kind and welcoming and our two female therapists arrived on time to fetch us and show us the way in to our couple’s treatment room (to our surprises they had organized for us to be together). The massages were relaxing and we were asked to select our oil prior to the treatment (something which I appreciate and thus depending on my mood and physical wellbeing I can alter the effect of the massage). The spa also offers a sauna, which unfortunately is not located in the spa but next to the fitness room which is two floors down with no inside access but you have to access it by passing by the pool area). As already repeated several times in my previous posts, my husband and I enjoy going for a sauna or steam room session after a day in the sun and before dinner time. However, due to the misfortunate (and inconvenient) location of the hotel sauna, this is not really possible at Belmond Hotel Splendido.

Nevertheless, and I emphasise on that word, the hotel is truly impressive and you feel like a film star when staying here. Everything, from the basics down to the very small details, oozes Italian luxury. The rooms are spacious and romantically decorated with magnificently lush balconies. Do not forget that it is absolutely vital to indulge the breakfast on the balconies with the amazing views of the luxury yachts anchored in the Portofino peninsula. And last but not least, you must take a drink the hotel bar with live music! What a romantic dream for couples! This is definitely not to miss!

Learn more about the hotel here.