Review | Caesars Palace Dubai: Inside The Lavish Resort That Needs To Be On Your Eid al-Fitr Wish List
Celebrity chef restaurants. A private beach. An exquisite spa and an action-packed kids’ club. Editor, Nina Catt discovers the appeal of Dubai’s waterfront bolthole…
Nestled on the edge of Bluewaters Island beneath the shadow of Ain Dubai (the world’s tallest observation wheel), is where you will find Caesars Palace Dubai – the twin hotel resort that oozes razzle dazzle from first glimpse.
It’s Friday night and we’ve just finished sending the latest issue to the printers. These past few weeks have been hectic, and with events season in full swing, the vision of a relaxing staycay has been pirouetting through my mind. I’ve been dreaming about sinking into a sun lounger under a palm tree with my favourite playlist seducing my ears, sipping on a sweet coconut-based something-something. That time has arrived…
Lapped by the Arabian Gulf’s warm turquoise ocean, the palatial property serves up five-star service in spades from the get-go, when bags are discretely whisked away, and you’ve been escorted up to your room via the slick lobby – with its decorative nods to the Roman empire – before you know it.
Having visited the hotel’s original property in Las Vegas, I was unsure of what to expect from my suite in Dubai (resisting the temptation of looking it up online beforehand). Greeted by floods of light from the floor-to-ceiling lounge balcony window, I spotted a palm-fringed pool leading directly onto the beach. Tranquillity ensued.
There’s a laid-back chicness in the design concept of suites, which is far more contemporary than its Nevada desert counterpart. It’s a luxurious space that radiates sophistication without being overly gaudy. Characterised by a Romanesque aesthetic, carefully considered sculptures and artwork speak to that period.
In the oversized bathroom a chariot-like high-backed bathtub feels as though it’s whispering for you to take a dip. Don’t miss taking advantage of the array of Acqua di Parma amenities lined up for use.
Boasting all the tricks of modern hospitality, a discreet two-way valet cabinet allows for laundry to be delivered without disturbance, and high-tech bedside devices control the mood of the room. Suite guests benefit from butler services including packing and unpacking, and shoe shining.
After a quick costume change, it was time to head out for an aperitivo. 12 dining destinations are dotted between the resort’s Julius and Palace towers and my first port of call for the evening was Havana Social Club, a vibrant bar and restaurant that pays homage to 1920s Cuba. Serving up a sublime selection of tapas, opt for a table outside to enjoy one of the mixologist’s creative concoctions. There is of course, a curated cigar collection to peruse.
Time for dinner. One of the staff members kindly offered to escort me to my next destination – a thoughtful touch that continued throughout the stay. Arriving at Demon Duck by Alvin Leung it was evident I was in for a treat. Bringing innovative twists to Chinese classics via exquisite flavour combinations and impressive presentation, signature dishes include the slow roasted duck, bang-bang chicken and Cantonese-style whole lobster.
Vegetarian and vegan palettes are also truly taken care of with personal highlights; the hot and sour soup, salt and pepper tofu, chop chop suey, and miso roasted eggplant. Full to the brim, it was time to retreat to the cloud-like king size to drift off into dreamland.
Saturday morning and today is all about sinking into that sun lounger under a palm tree, but not before a quick stop at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen for a breakfast feast of smashed avocado and scrambled tofu on toast, with a side of banana pancakes.
Strolling around the resort, its appeal became obvious. Here it is all about creating memories your way. Whether on vacation as a family, on honeymoon, or flying solo, Caesars Palace Dubai has all the ingredients for a faultless experience. 178 glorious rooms and suites to choose from; five Instagram-worthy pools; an award-winning spa; kids’ entertainment; a pristine private beach and two luxurious beach clubs see to that.
Speaking of beach clubs, Venus is where I set up for the day, kicking off with my favourite self-curated chill out playlist, followed by Paolo Nutini’s Last Night In The Bittersweet album. This is what it’s all about.
Late lunch was served at Venus Ristorante with its Retrofino brunch, an elegant banquet inspired by 1970s Amalfi Coast complete with a mouth-watering selection of Italian dishes and experimental cocktails. I’m already plotting my return later this month to indulge on the incredible selection of pastas again.
The sun is setting and it’s almost time to head home but not before heading to the spa. Designed to bring a sense of calm to the mind, body and spirit, wellbeing-focused treatments are top of the menu. Opt for a facial to really round-off the experience and to flounce out the door with a post-vacay glow.
If you’re expecting the sensory overload of the original Vegas property with its grandiose pillars, lashings of marble, 4,000 rooms and casino crowd, you’re in the wrong place. The Dubai version, while still offering plenty of razzle dazzle in its own right, does things differently. Of course it does, it’s Dubai…and I’m a fan.
Suites from Dhs4,700 per night with breakfast. Visit; Caesars.com.
View the hotel’s special offers here.
What To Pack…
Resort images courtesy of Caesars Palace Dubai