The St Regis brand has returned to Dubai, with the opening of a brand-new property on Palm Jumeirah.
One of Dubai’s most anticipated hotels, The St Regis Dubai, The Palm, is now open for overnight stays for guests who want a little bit of splendour and a taste of the hotel group’s famed hospitality.
Located on the trunk of Dubai’s man-made island, The St Regis Dubai, The Palm, is spread across the first 18 levels of The Palm Tower skyscraper.
The National was invited for an exclusive first media review of the property, and here's what we discovered.
The welcome
The St Regis Dubai, The Palm, is well signposted as you drive on to Palm Jumeirah, and the entrance is located off a slip road in front of Nakheel Mall. Valet staff were quick off the mark to take the car and luggage, and usher us inside where a haven of ivory, gold and marble tranquillity awaits.
A grand staircase spirals down into the lobby – inspired by the staircase from the lobby in the very first St Regis New York, which opened in 1904. In Dubai style, this one is edged in gold and encircles a stunning crystal chandelier, but it's tastefully done. Check-in was smooth and efficient, and after only a few minutes, we were ready to explore.
The neighbourhood
If you’re in Dubai for shopping, then you’d be hard-pressed to find a better hotel. The St Regis Dubai, The Palm, is connected to Nakheel Mall via an internal ramp, and guests can swipe in from the mall using their hotel keycard. It’s also right beside Golden Mile Galleria, and a 10-minute drive from Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall.
In the same building, guests can also visit The View at The Palm for lofty vistas of the city, and there is easy access to other Palm Jumeirah attractions including Al Ittihad Park and Club Vista Mare, which is across the road. There's no beach attached to the hotel, however, The St Regis Beach Club is due to open at the end of the year, and guests will have free shuttle services from hotel to shoreline.
The safety measures
Room keys are contactless; simply hover your card near the marker point and push the door open to enter. Each guest is also given a box containing disposable gloves, masks and sanitising wipes.
The hotel is part of Marriott International, so follows the Commitment to Clean programme, which ensures rigorous cleaning protocols using hospital-grade disinfectants, electrostatic sanitising sprayers and air purifying systems.
There are clear social-distancing markers on lifts and hand-sanitising stations in restaurants, the lobby and at entry and exit points. The hotel wasn't crowded during our visit and guests and staff were respecting distancing guidelines and face mask rules.
The room
The hotel has three room categories and we stayed in a Grand Deluxe King Room with a sea view on the 14th floor. Beautifully designed, rooms evoke a sense of calm and reaffirm that you're very much in a St Regis property with gorgeous attention to detail.
A palette of ivory, blush, grey and gold suggests an Art Deco vibe with geometric patterns inlaid in the bathroom floor, wardrobe doors and headboard. There’s an abundance of mirrors – one for getting ready, a full-length, his and hers and even gold-flecked mirrored bathroom doors. The huge soaking tub is surrounded by full-height glass panelling, allowing natural light to flood into the bathroom, but with the option of setting the electronic blinds to go down if you need privacy.
It's intriguing to see Palm Jumeirah from this angle, with the trunk stretching out underneath and the fronds beyond. Rooms don't have balconies so we settled to watch the view from the comfort of a pink chaise lounge.
The service
Staff are pleasant, helpful and give the impression that nothing is too much trouble. All rooms come with butler service – we asked ours to bring us fresh bathrobes and an in-room dining menu. Guests can request a butler's help with for anything else they need or want during their stay.
The staff in Cordelia restaurant were friendly and efficient, and did not hesitate to go and find out about something if they did not have the answer already, which is exactly what you want in a new hotel as staff get up to speed.
By the pool, staff were friendly and service was good with our sun lounger being set up quickly and an ice-filled bucket containing water and refreshing towels delivered to us poolside. But staff having to run between two pools, located on either side of the hotel, meant there was often a bit of a wait when looking to order drinks or the bill.
The scene
Suave and sophisticated, The St Regis Dubai, The Palm, is a refreshing addition to Palm Jumeirah's hotel offering. It has two long infinity pools on either side of its central tower, one for families and the other adults-only. It’s a good system as the family pool gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon, when the adult pool picks up the rays.
The division also means that if you're trying to have a relaxing staycation, you can do so without the sound of screaming children. Likewise, families can make as much noise as they want without worrying about disturbing other guests.
That said, the family pool wins when it comes to views, with the sea visible in the distance. On the other side, the adult pool overlooks Nakheel Mall's rooftop, residential Palm Jumeirah buildings and a hotel under construction.
Elsewhere, the second floor is home to the Iridium Spa, a definite must-do. We tried the Serenity Massage (Dh650) which uses Amra Iridium hot stones and The St Regis signature body oil. This level is also home to The Exercise Room, equipped with top-range machines and open 24 hours a day.
The soon-to-open St Regis Beach Club will add another element to the hotel, that will definitely be welcomed by those seeking more extensive dining and leisure options.
The food
When it comes to dining, there’s all-day restaurant Cordelia, Her by Caroline Astor, which is open at lunchtime and for afternoon tea, and Dip Pool Bar, although this currently only has outdoor service available.
Cordelia spans the width of the third floor and has a sophisticated vibe courtesy of 1920s-style decor including curved velvet chairs, geometric panelling, plush sofas and overhead chandeliers.
Breakfast is a served buffet, with additional dishes available a la carte, and lunch is a curated menu with some crowd-pleasing choices.
Dinner at Cordelia was a delight. We started with oyster gratin (Dh89), which had a delicious habanero spice, and paired perfectly with our tuna ceviche (Dh89) from the raw bar. For mains, the wood-fired seafood is delicious. We tried the king prawns (Dh165) and were impressed by the size and grilled flavour, as well as the sizeable sides of lobster mac and cheese (Dh35) and tasty white asparagus (Dh25). We also tried the lamb chops (Dh210), which were perfectly cooked.
Dessert is a chocolate-lovers dream, a creamy 70 per cent Guanaja chocolate paired with refreshing coconut ice cream (Dh60).
Highs and Lows
The hotel’s design is a high – every space has been carefully thought out and offers the finesse you’d expect from a St Regis property, but without the stuffiness to make guests feel uneasy if coming from the pool, gym, or the mall next door. The spa-like bathrooms in the guest rooms are another high point, as is the spa itself.
Lows are the fact that there’s no beach, which is undoubtedly one of the joys of staying on Palm Jumeirah. We’d also have loved a balcony to unwind while drinking in the view after a busy day of shopping.
The insider tip
Head to The St Regis Bar at sunset any day of your stay to watch the staff masterfully complete a celebratory bottle sabering ritual designed to mark the transition from day to night. We were not informed it was happening, so missed out, but visited the bar later, where the friendly staff gave us a rundown of what we didn't see, plus a tour of the amazing circular cellar and separate cigar room.
The verdict
If you’re a fan of The St Regis brand, you’ll feel right at home in this hotel which ticks all the boxes for service, style and sophistication. It is also a great pick for anyone planning a shopping weekend complete with a post-retail spa pick-me-up. If you’re a fan of Palm Jumeirah for its ocean proximity, then perhaps hang off until The St Regis Beach Club makes its debut.
The bottom line
Check-in is from 3pm, check out at noon and rooms can be cancelled free of charge before 11.59pm on the day before arrival. Overnight stays start from Dh775 ($211) a night, excluding taxes.
The St Regis Dubai, Palm Jumeirah; www.marriott.com
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year
2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)
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if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
Results
4pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Dirt); 1,400m
Winner: Solar Shower; William Lee (jockey); Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
4.35pm: Handicap; Dh165,000 (D); 2,000m
Winner: Thaaqib; Antonio Fresu; Erwan Charpy.
5.10pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Turf); 1,800m
Winner: Bila Shak; Adrie de Vries; Fawzi Nass
5.45pm: Handicap; Dh175,000 (D); 1,200m
Winner: Beachcomber Bay; Richard Mullen; Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,800m
Winner: Muzdawaj; Jim Crowley; Musabah Al Muhairi
6.55pm: Handicap; Dh185,000 (D); 1,600m
Winner: Mazeed; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,200m
Winner: Riflescope; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sucker%20Punch%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%202%20to%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
RACE CARD
6.30pm Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.40pm Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m
8.15pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m
THE%20SPECS
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Abu Dhabi race card
5pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,400m
6pm: Liwa Oasis (PA) Group 2 | Dh300,000 | 1,400m
6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 (PA) Group 3 | Dh300,000 | 2,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap | Dh70,000 | 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Results
4pm: Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
4.35pm: Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m; Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
5.10pm: Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Canvassed, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O’Meara
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
7.30pm: Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Final Song, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
The biog
Favourite Emirati dish: Fish machboos
Favourite spice: Cumin
Family: mother, three sisters, three brothers and a two-year-old daughter
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Simran
Director Hansal Mehta
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
Three stars
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 1 (Martinez 18' pen)
Juventus 2 (Dybala 4', Higuain 80')
RACE CARD
6.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh82.500 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (Turf) 2,410m
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm Dubai Trophy (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (T) 1,200m
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,400m
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group C
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
Anfield, Liverpool
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
World%20Food%20Day%20
%3Cp%3ECelebrated%20on%20October%2016%2C%20to%20coincide%20with%20the%20founding%20date%20of%20the%20United%20Nations%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organisation%2C%20World%20Food%20Day%20aims%20to%20tackle%20issues%20such%20as%20hunger%2C%20food%20security%2C%20food%20waste%20and%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of%20food%20production.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
How Sputnik V works
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450
Price, base / as tested Dh525,000 / Dh559,000
Engine: 3.0L V6 biturbo
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 369hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.0L / 100km
INDIA%20SQUAD
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Fixtures
Friday Leganes v Alaves, 10.15pm; Valencia v Las Palmas, 12.15am
Saturday Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad, 8.15pm; Girona v Atletico Madrid, 10.15pm; Sevilla v Espanyol, 12.15am
Sunday Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, 8.15am; Barcelona v Real Betis, 10.15pm; Deportivo v Real Madrid, 12.15am
Monday Levante v Villarreal, 10.15pm; Malaga v Eibar, midnight
