Dubai’s deserved reputation for innovation and experimentation is perhaps best realised at The Palm, its huge manmade island in the shape of a palm tree.
Anything but subtle, it’s home to some of Dubai’s most expensive real estate - the ‘fronds’, or arms, that extend from its trunk are populated by one mammoth beachfront mansion after another - and some of the Middle East’s most audacious, attention-grabbing resorts. (Almost three years later, locals and residents alike still talk about the opening party for Atlantis the Royal, which was headlined by Beyoncé and attended by hundreds of international celebrities.)
But for all the headlines it still generates, The Palm has matured and is also now home to a longstanding community. Much more discreet than so many neighbouring high-profile properties, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is easily one of the island’s most elevated luxury hotels. Though you won’t get the full beachfront experience here, you will get excellent service, sophisticated dining and design details that prioritise good taste over attention-grabbing gimmicks.
In Short:
A skyscraper retreat that eschews the Palm’s typical bravado for understated luxury, offering a curated, urban sanctuary with views over the sprawling fronds of Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah.
The Location
Alongside the hotel, Palm Tower is also home to The View at The Palm, a 240-metre-high observation deck, and its neighbouring Aura Skypool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool (you can always count on Dubai to introduce superlatives nobody previously thought about). Immediately beside the building are Palm Jumeirah Mall and a Palm Monorail stop, but prospective visitors should be aware that this is one of the few Palm hotels that isn’t directly by a beach - adult guests instead have complimentary access to KYMA Beach Club, a short walk or shuttle ride away.
The Background
One of two St. Regis hotels in the city (with the other located 20 kilometres away in Downtown Dubai), the property opened in 2021 within the 52-storey Palm Tower. The only true skyscraper found on The Palm, it feels markedly different from your typical low-slung Palm resort crammed with families and couples in full-on holiday mode. Instead, the vibe is sophisticated, adult and urbane.
The Guests & Ambiance
Affluent but low-key American, European and regional guests abound. This hotel is the antithesis of the more flashy, influencer-frequented resorts that predominate on much of The Palm.
The Rooms & Suites
Elegant and a touch minimalist by Dubai standards, rooms are unshowy but top quality - upmarket toiletries by Sodashi and REN are a nice touch, as are the standalone bathtubs that take centrestage in glass-walled bathrooms (which can be privatised in an instant - just touch a button and blinds will descend to protect privacy). It’s worth requesting a room on a higher floor, where stellar unobstructed views overlook this fantastical manmade island and then beyond to reveal the sail-shaped silhouette of the Burj Al Arab and Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel. Though the views are Dubai through and through, from way up here it’s easy to feel away from the city.
The Dining
When we arrived at Ruya on a blisteringly hot summer evening, our waitress assured us the empty restaurant would ordinarily be packed in high season. Though the absence of other diners did make for a slightly awkward dinner, I could well believe her because the food and service were exceptional - this is now one of my favourite hotel restaurants in Dubai. Order the ‘Anatolian Experience’ set menu for a multi-course overview of the diverse Turkish and Turkish-influenced dishes on offer, like slow-cooked chilli short ribs with spiced chickpea puree, or the signature Anatolian Toast dessert, a more complex and sweet alternative to the French toast staple spiced with saffron and star anise and served with roasted peach.
With its fancy buffet including a commendably varied array of healthy options alongside the expected dishes and pastries, breakfast at international restaurant Cordelia is a much busier affair.
The hotel also provides easy access to St. Regis Gardens, a dining district that houses a cluster of high-end restaurants.
Wellness & Spa
Though the St. Regis SPA is notably less spacious than those you’ll find at many other resorts on The Palm, it offers a comprehensive menu of massages, facials and manicures. Guests additionally have access to a gym and two outdoor infinity pools set on opposite sides of the building - a clever incorporation that means sun- and shade-seekers alike are catered to throughout the day.
The Staff
The high standards of service you’d expect from a St. Regis are comfortably met here. I found staff to be polished, poised and perceptive.
Sustainability & Accessibility
The hotel is Green Key certified. In-house initiatives aim to optimise energy efficiency and water conservation. Access for those with mobility impairments The hotel features a number of accessible rooms for guests with mobility impairments.
How would you describe it to a friend
Refreshingly discreet and genuinely refined, this skyscraper hotel stands literally and figuratively apart from your typical Palm resort.
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm: Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah Mall by Dubai Retail, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Prices start from Dhs 755 (SAR 790) per night (depending on season)
Book your stay here
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