Pros

  • Secluded and serene Palm Jumeirah setting
  • Over-water villas with glass floor panels, the only in the UAE
  • In-room amenities include Nespresso machines and 42-inch flat-screen TVs
  • Three lagoon pools and huge infinity pool
  • Long white-sand beach with cocoons, cabanas, and water sports
  • Entertainment and activities for kids and teens
See More Pros

Cons

  • Poor location for Dubai sightseeing
  • Beach cocoon and cabana rental expensive
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is an upscale, Thai-style hotel located on the secluded east crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai's two artificial palm-shaped archipelagos. Arranged around several lagoon pools and extending to a white sand beach, the Anantara is certainly one of Dubai's prettier resorts, and it caters well to both romancing couples and families with kids. Over-water villas are particularly impressive, though all of the rooms come with excellent amenities. Rates certainly aren't cheap by any standards, and the location is awkward for sightseeing, but for a high-end holiday resort with plenty of facilities it's an excellent choice.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Scene

Traditional Thai-style resort and one of Dubai's prettier and more romantic settings

The resort has a Thai atmosphere that's noticeable immediately upon arrival at its Asian-style portico, lotus-flower water feature, and collection of figurine statues. The hotel reception continues this theme with a lofty wood-slate ceiling and collection of hanging lamps, while traditional Thai touches -- from ornate carvings, natural wood furnishings, and even traditionally Thai-dressed staff -- complete the illusion. Every effort has been made to give the whole resort an Eastern feel, with Thai temple-style architecture set in lush but meticulously tended grounds. The gardens are full of colorful flowers, exotic plans, and tropical palms and are arranged around a series of lagoon pools and extending to a lovely white sand beach. The complex is a particularly attractive resort by day, but its when night falls and the resort lights up when the place really shines -- making for one of the more romantic settings in Dubai and a popular spot for couples.  

See More Scene

Location

Secluded and serene Palm Jumeirah setting, though not ideal for sightseeing

The hotel is located on the Palm Jumeirah -- one of two of Dubai's palm-shaped artificial archipelagos that stretch out into the Arabian Gulf.  Its position halfway down the palm's eastern crescent and overlooking the islands fronds gives it a secluded feel, while at the same time making it a bit of a hassle to get to and from the Dubai mainland. Getting anywhere in Dubai from the property can take a while -- especially with Dubai's notoriously busy traffic -- so its best for those not planning on doing too much sightseeing. 

See More Location

Rooms

Elegant, Thai-style rooms and villas, including the only over-water villas in the UAE

The resort has 260 rooms arranged around the lagoon pools and 30-plus villas, 18 of which constitute the only over-water villas in the UAE. Decor in all units is a contemporary take on traditional Thai styling with smart and simple dark-wood furnishings, natural wood floors, and occasional splashes of color. In-room amenities include free (and fast) Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with media hubs, while bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, separate tubs, double basins, bathrobes, and both slippers and flip-flops. The over-water villas offer particularly superb sea views and have glass viewing panels in the floor. For the real high-end experience, however, the Beach Pool Villa comes with a private infinity pool and direct access to a pristine stretch of beach.

See More Rooms

Features

First-class facilities for families and couples and a superb white-sand beach

The Anatara has all the facilities one would expect from a high-end resort, including a huge infinity swimming pool, tennis courts, a full-service spa, and a decent selection of restaurants and bars. However, the hotel stands out on several fronts, not least because of its particularly attractive, white sand beach, a pleasant change from some of Palm Jumeirah's lackluster beaches. Beach cocoons and cabanas are also a excellent touch (though daily rental is pricey) and the relatively long stretch of sand rarely feels crowded. Candlelit dinners by the beach can also be arranged for romancing couples (with notice), while families with children are well catered to, with entertainment and activities for both kids and teenagers. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Scene

Traditional Thai-style resort and one of Dubai's prettier and more romantic settings

The resort has a Thai atmosphere that's noticeable immediately upon arrival at its Asian-style portico, lotus-flower water feature, and collection of figurine statues. The hotel reception continues this theme with a lofty wood-slate ceiling and collection of hanging lamps, while traditional Thai touches -- from ornate carvings, natural wood furnishings, and even traditionally Thai-dressed staff -- complete the illusion. Every effort has been made to give the whole resort an Eastern feel, with Thai temple-style architecture set in lush but meticulously tended grounds. The gardens are full of colorful flowers, exotic plans, and tropical palms and are arranged around a series of lagoon pools and extending to a lovely white sand beach. The complex is a particularly attractive resort by day, but its when night falls and the resort lights up when the place really shines -- making for one of the more romantic settings in Dubai and a popular spot for couples.  

See More Scene

Location

Secluded and serene Palm Jumeirah setting, though not ideal for sightseeing

The hotel is located on the Palm Jumeirah -- one of two of Dubai's palm-shaped artificial archipelagos that stretch out into the Arabian Gulf.  Its position halfway down the palm's eastern crescent and overlooking the islands fronds gives it a secluded feel, while at the same time making it a bit of a hassle to get to and from the Dubai mainland. Getting anywhere in Dubai from the property can take a while -- especially with Dubai's notoriously busy traffic -- so its best for those not planning on doing too much sightseeing. 

See More Location

Rooms

Elegant, Thai-style rooms and villas, including the only over-water villas in the UAE

The resort has 260 rooms arranged around the lagoon pools and 30-plus villas, 18 of which constitute the only over-water villas in the UAE. Decor in all units is a contemporary take on traditional Thai styling with smart and simple dark-wood furnishings, natural wood floors, and occasional splashes of color. In-room amenities include free (and fast) Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with media hubs, while bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, separate tubs, double basins, bathrobes, and both slippers and flip-flops. The over-water villas offer particularly superb sea views and have glass viewing panels in the floor. For the real high-end experience, however, the Beach Pool Villa comes with a private infinity pool and direct access to a pristine stretch of beach.

See More Rooms

Features

First-class facilities for families and couples and a superb white-sand beach

The Anatara has all the facilities one would expect from a high-end resort, including a huge infinity swimming pool, tennis courts, a full-service spa, and a decent selection of restaurants and bars. However, the hotel stands out on several fronts, not least because of its particularly attractive, white sand beach, a pleasant change from some of Palm Jumeirah's lackluster beaches. Beach cocoons and cabanas are also a excellent touch (though daily rental is pricey) and the relatively long stretch of sand rarely feels crowded. Candlelit dinners by the beach can also be arranged for romancing couples (with notice), while families with children are well catered to, with entertainment and activities for both kids and teenagers. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Full Kitchen

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.