Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai: The Luxurious Family Friendly Retreat That Should Be On Your Vacation Wish List | The Escape
A luxurious retreat that works multigenerational magic, Editor Nina Catt discovers the allure of newly opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
The illustrious Palm Jumeirah has long served as catnip for travellers seeking a taste of Dubai and its second-to-none hotel experiences. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, there is no denying that driving onto the famed palm-shaped island promptly shifts the mind to vacation mode at the speed of the flick of a switch.
Nestled on the east crescent, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai is as grand as one would expect. The newest feather in the Indian hotel group’s cap, the glamorous resort is an ideal retreat for those seeking a family holiday without feeling like a typical ‘family holiday’. Its chic décor and tranquil mood sees to that.
Ushered to plush loungers for a personalised check-in experience accompanied by a welcome drink and necklace crafted from tiny shells – for “health, wealth and prosperity,” a sense of arrival ensues.
After a quick tour of the sun-drenched lobby and its ocean-inspired interiors (you can’t miss the glistening waves of the colossal chandelier), our guest-experience host pointed out some of the resort’s restaurants, recommended sundowners at Raia rooftop bar, and reeled off a few of the spa’s most popular treatments while I took a mental note of which I’d like to try.
Quickly, it became apparent that much of the resort’s magic lies in the sheer size of its grounds and facilities: an enormous patio that leads out to the longest pool on the Palm Jumeirah; a sprawling private beach dotted with fancy sunbeds; seven restaurants and bars; a kids’ club, playground, games room and tennis courts – and that’s before even mentioning the 325 rooms.
A stay in one of the sophisticated abodes – each complete with a balcony with stunning views across the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic skyline – has all the elements for a luxurious stay. Bedecked in serene shades inspired by the sun, sand and sea, the well-appointed lodgings are the perfect base for the entire family.
Unquestionably designed for those who appreciate privacy and high-end touches, opt for a suite with Jacuzzi. With its huge outdoor terraces and living, kitchen and dining areas, dreams really do come true – especially at sunset.
With ample delicious dining spots to keep the entire family excited, highlights include Palm Kitchen for a breakfast buffet the kids won’t want to leave, Roaring Rabbit with its eclectic Alice in Wonderland-inspired décor and themed menu to match, and Varq, the resort’s fine-dining Indian extravaganza.
While children happily lose themselves splashing around in the shaded kids’ pool, only to return to ask dad for a treat from the ice-cream cart, mums should sneak off to the spa – a haven of tranquillity where the only conundrum will be which treatment to indulge in. We recommend the Abhyanga massage. If only all decisions were as advantageous.
Rooms from Dhs950 per night including breakfast; Tajhotels.com