Dubai is known for its love of luxury and is home to more than a few five-star hotels, but for sheer scale and grandeur, few compare to Raffles The Palm Dubai, on Palm Jumeirah.
The first Raffles resort in the Middle East is nestled on the West Crescent of the man-made island and styled as a luxurious palace with 388 spacious rooms, suites and villas, restaurants, swimming pools and spa facilities. With its extensive, palatial building blending Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture, and a lobby featuring 24-carat gold carved ceilings, crystal chandeliers, red velvet drapes and lavish carpeting, its air of opulence is immediately striking.
The National checked in to explore the resort.
The welcome
The hotel's location means there is only one road leading to the property and the drive out is pleasantly scenic on a lovely UAE winter morning with views out to the Arabian Gulf. Arriving at the resort, valet service is quick and we enter to find that we’ve arrived on a rather busy weekend, with preparations under way for a lavish two-day Indian wedding.
Our check-in is delayed — the suite is not quite ready on arrival — and an almost 40-minute wait ensues, something we are not used to by Dubai’s competitive and exacting five-star service standards, but it's excusable given the number of people in the hotel, most of them guests for the wedding. A welcome drink is offered to those waiting for rooms, and the staff are patient and courteous in explaining the reasons for the delays.
The neighbourhood
Spread across more than 10 hectares of Palm Jumeirah and offering 360-degree views of Dubai’s skyline, Raffles' first resort in the Middle East offers an ideal beachside getaway for couples or families without having to leave town, and the fact it's on a thin slice of land with only other five-star hotels and the sea for company means you do feel as if you've left the hubbub of the city.
The room
We score a Premier Ocean room, and on entering, promptly forget all about our check-in delay. It has a large living room and bedroom, and an extended balcony set-up complete with sunloungers and a panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf. In contrast to the lobby, the palette in the rooms is entirely pastel tones, with soft blues offset by muted golds, and some striking handcrafted furniture.
There is a spacious executive desk, which comes in handy when my friend has some last-minute work to complete, and a walk-in wardrobe, ideal for long-stayers, or wedding guests for that matter. The Baroque theme of the resort spills over to the furnishings and wallpaper in the room, so you can be sure the hotel’s extravagant vibes are the never out of sight.
The bathroom is similarly spacious, with a walk-in shower and a separate tub. Toiletries by Sicilian brand Ortigia, formulated with natural ingredients, provide a nice touch and complement the surroundings which have a sumptuous Italian touch.
The service
Our 24-hour butler service is discreet yet efficient, bringing us decaffeinated coffee pods for the Nespresso machine without request, for instance. The restaurant and spa staff are similarly quick, and while the hotel is in the throes of wedding preparations, you get a sense it is typically run like a well-oiled machine.
The scene
Whether you’re here for a night’s stay, an entire weekend or longer, you’re unlikely to run out of things to do. From its award-winning spa and large indoor swimming pool to the 500-metre private beach and two traditional hammams, this is a place for rest and rejuvenation.
And if you want to just zone out on your devices, there's strong, free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. The 24-hour health club is equipped with Technogym machines and aqua fitness classes are offered in the swimming pool. The resort also has one of the most beautiful yoga studios we’ve seen, with a large mandala filigreed on an entire wall.
Guests can also head to Blue Safari Watersports, where jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats, wakeboarding, water skiing and surfboarding are on offer.
For younger guests, there’s a Kids’ Club brimming with games and interactive activities such as Lego, arts and crafts, and puzzles.
The Cinq Mondes spa is a haven of relaxation, and with its secluded, winding entranceways, almost feels like it’s a stand-alone spa destination. We enjoy a much-needed Balinese massage in the serene and refined setting, where there are also hammams, saunas and warm relaxation rooms, making us reluctant to leave the almost meditative space after we’re done with our treatment.
The food
Designed so that guests won’t have to leave the property if they don't want to, the hotel’s restaurants offer an extensive array of cuisine. The spacious Le Jardin serves lavish breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, and if you want to dine beachside, Piatti serves seafood in a setting inspired by the Amalfi coast. Our alfresco breakfast was particularly memorable — it's definitely one of the larger spreads we have seen, even by Dubai standards.
In keeping with the property’s grandeur is Bluthner Hall, the lobby lounge, where an afternoon tea experience fit for royalty is served daily, alongside notes from a bespoke Bluthner Louis XIV grand piano. Sola is the sultry jazz lounge, which hosts performances by acclaimed artists throughout the week, accompanied by a menu of Asian and Mediterranean finger food.
Our dinner, at Matagi, is a highlight of our stay. The contemporary Japanese food is complemented by the beautiful venue, which offers ambience and theatre in a moody, lowlight setting. Entire walls are filled with stacks of Japanese ceiling tiles, offset by patterned floor tiling, and contemporary artwork and lighting. There's also an extensive bar and wine cellar.
We get our meal off to a good start with an order of tenderstem broccoli tempura, served with truffle honey and roasted almond (Dh120) . Salmon ceviche is served with a mango leche de tigre and pickled Italian tropea onion in a bed of avocado purée (Dh80), contrasting flavours that aren't obvious pairings but that work wonderfully together. A Matagi bao (Dh130), filled with Wagyu short rib meat and braised endive is rich and flavourful, and I'd go so far as to say one of the best things I’ve eaten in Dubai. For mains, we pick from the robata section opting for a den miso black cod with yuzu pickled Italian giardiniera (Dh240) and the 72-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs and black truffle (Dh250) which do the meal justice, leaving us with no space for dessert.
Highs and lows
The overall experience of staying in this property, the hallmark of which is luxury and grandeur — if that is your thing — is quite unlike any other. Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, the Cinq Mondes spa and fantastic restaurants are worth a visit for the sheer quality and variety they offer. Large indoor and outdoor pools are ideal for unwinding and we can't help but wish we had more time on our hands to enjoy the facilities for longer.
Our delayed check-in and the general level of activity and bustle in the hotel surrounding the wedding weekend were the only downsides, but this is unlikely to be the case every time.
The Insider Tip
The resort’s palace-like setting and beachside location make it a hub for events, so if you're after a serene escape it might be worth checking that there's no big weddings or events taking place during your stay.
The verdict
It's not to everyone's taste, but Raffles The Palm is an unrivalled choice for travellers seeking that renowned Dubai bling and a slice of the lavishness and extravagance for which the city has built a reputation.
The bottom line
From $858 (Dh3,151), excluding taxes. Check-in is at 3pm and checkout is at noon; www.raffles.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel. It reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future
SQUADS
South Africa:
JP Duminy (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi
Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed
Fixtures
Oct 26: Bloemfontein
Oct 29: Potchefstroom
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Tom Fletcher on 'soft power'
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Ready Player One
Dir: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance
The view from The National
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Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
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.”
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
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