Eat, Play, Stay: Why Palm Jumeirah Will Forever Be Our Go-To Destination For A Summertime Staycation
The mercury rising can only mean one thing — retreating indoors and making the most of it at Dubai’s most iconic destination…
Year after year, the summer exodus of Dubai’s expatriates feels palpable. As for the lucky few who stay put? They’re in on a secret, one that entails staycation deals, specially curated dining experiences, and retail promotions that infuse the city with some much needed excitement. And while you can traverse the city to uncover them, there’s only one address that offers a little of everything with a side of luxury: Palm Jumeirah. Expansive rooms, panoramic views, vibrant beach clubs, dedicated menus, and more — this is summer on the island at a glance.
Stay
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Adding an award-winning spa, ten culinary concepts, and a 65-metre-long swimming pool overlooking the ocean to the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is the ideal address for families curious about the recent flurry of development in this vicinity. For starters, kids up to the age of five dine for free. The spacious property is hosting a staycation offer that makes a quick getaway seriously tempting — between now and 18 September, you can book a room starting at AED 675 per night. The mechanical bull at Claw BBQ is just the proverbial cherry on top. hilton.com
Hotel Fairmont The Palm
Effortlessly elegant, Hotel Fairmont The Palm remains a top choice among families looking to spend leisure time on the shore. The luxurious property is inviting UAE residents to experience a beachchic staycation this summer, with rates as low as AED 449 per night in place until 31 August — but there’s more. You can also avail a 25 per cent discount on all F&B venues, including a two-for-one offer on breakfast and dinner buffets. Foodies, take note: Fairmont is home to Michelin-approved Little Miss India and unapologetically dynamic BA Boldly Asian. Brunch at the latter features Asia’s finest, with packages starting at AED 250 per person. fairmont.com
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
In a case of location, location, location, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah spans 7,000 square metres of white-sand seafront along West Beach on Palm Jumeirah — and has swiftly earned recognition as an idyllic beach hideaway as a result. Here, elevated escapism comes by way of ten dining concepts, a 75-metre pool with four jacuzzis, a tranquil spa, and both water sports and marine activities to boot.
Staycationers taking time off with family can avail the UAE Staycation Offer that is valid until 30 September and entails both half board and up to two kids under 12 go all inclusive, putting younger guests at the centre of attention. Up to two adults, meanwhile, can enjoy breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner at select venues (AED 150 dining credit in lieu of buffet). The UAE Staycation Offer starts from AED 880 per room, per night. Surf and sand adventures on the private beachfront aside, there’s plenty of perks involved — unlimited ice cream poolside and free access to the kids’ club included.
Not looking to check in? Grab a fully redeemable beach pass (AED 150 on weekdays, AED 250 on weekends) as the perfect daycation awaits at Bal Harbour Beach. Located at West Beach, this sunkissed haven is easygoing during the day and takes an energetic turn come dusk, making it ideal for all ages. And if you’re pressed for time, think spacation, not staycation. The Spa-cation Offer at Saray Spa includes a 60-minute ‘All About You’ massage as well as complimentary beach access and AED 150 to spend on F&B at Bal Harbour Beach. Consider this your cue to escape — even if it’s just for the day. marriott.com
NH Collection Dubai The Palm
Options for elevated beachfront living continue at the new NH Collection Dubai The Palm, where striking views are made possible by the property’s location on the shores of Palm Jumeirah. And because its staycation offer will run until 30 September, now’s the time to discover what the NH Collection brand’s first outpost in the region has to offer — playful décor accents, trendy dining concepts, sleep-centric amenities, an emphasis on sustainability, and a rooftop infinity pool. You can avail a 20 per cent discount off the flexible online room rate, only enhanced with a 20 per cent discount on all spa treatments and F&B consumption in all outlets except in-room dining. Taking the kids in tow? All-day dining outlet Maiora, Seven Sports Bar, and Revo Café offer complimentary meals to children under 11. The rates are inclusive of a buffet breakfast at Maiora restaurant for single or double occupancy. nh-collection.com
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm
Over at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, it’s all about taking time this summer to pause, linger, and indulge among storied hospitality traditions like the personalised St. Regis Butler Service. Priced AED 595 per person, the Tuesdays for Ladies offer promises pampering through a 60-minute massage at the Iridium Spa, followed by allday pool access. The spa is famed for incorporating ingredients prized for their healing benefits, so utter relaxation is guaranteed, regardless of the massage you opt for. The self-care journey continues at the infinity pool, where you’ll be greeted by three complimentary drinks at Dip Pool Bar.
Elsewhere, The St. Regis Bar is fuelling the festivities ahead of the weekend. Jazz Night takes place every Thursday, transporting guests to the Gilded Age from 7pm to 10pm. Tune in to three-piece band’s legendary sounds, served with a side of bites and beverages such as the signature Glitzy Mary at tempting prices. Friday nights make way for a specially curated masterclass that invites guests to immerse in the art of beverage-making led by experienced mixologists for AED 150.
Also taking place every Thursday are Nazar Nights at RÜYA, a new offering that fills the night with energy to ward off bad luck — nazar is Turkish for evil eye, after all. Expect to spend Thursday nights indulging in three variations of the Anatolian eatery’s unique Nazar Sour drinks, with DJs setting the tone for a truly electric night. Sample all three and discover your favourite as this beverage is priced only AED 50 over summer. marriott.com
VOCO Dubai The Palm
It debuted earlier this year, ushering in the presence of IHG Hotels & Resorts on Palm Jumeirah. The boutique-style property has taken up residence on the trendy West Beach, echoing the brand’s low-key and always charming approach to hospitality. Thoughtful extras like pet-friendly floors and plant-powered bath products by Antipodes take precedence, as does sustainability — cosy duvets made of recycled plastic and in-house water infiltration processes are already in place.
Now, you can take a break at the beach and experience it firsthand thanks to voco’s 30-Hour Staycation, valid until 31 August. Early check-in (12pm) and a leisurely late check-out (6pm) aside, a whole host of perks are involved: breakfast buffet for two at European café-restaurant Maison Mathis and AED 100 F&B credit redeemable at the rooftop pool or beach. The 30-Hour Staycation starts at AED 450 per night.
Be sure to make room for the beloved Sunday Roast that pairs beach views with Yorkshire pudding, sauces, and a choice between three types of meat for AED 150. The weekly offer runs from 1pm to 9pm, allowing diners to linger after this feast. Win-win. vocohotels.com
Play
No summer nor staycation would be complete without whiling away a few hours at a seaside retreat, and no one does it like The Club on West Beach at Palm Jumeirah. Redefining beach clubs as we know it, this lifestyle destination is not only home to five distinct concepts (and counting), but also occupies prime real estate on the island. Each of the concepts merges elements of nature and contemporary design to momentarily transport its guests, so regardless of where you end up, laidback luxury is a given.
Eva exudes Tulum vibes, while SĀN Beach looks to the indigenous San people of Africa – who live in harmony with nature – for inspiration. And then there’s Playa, a vibrant beach club rooted in Nikkei cuisine and shamanic house music, celebrating the sun and everything it touches. Mere metres away, art and culinary art come together in a Gaudi-esque setting at Gallery 7/40. Unlike its more casual peers, Ristorante Loren is a fine-dining institution, adding a touch of sophistication to The Club.
Flavours of the Italian Riviera reign at this rooftop restaurant that’s anchored in la bella vita, showcased perfectly by its new Summer Menu. Head to Loren for lunch this season, Monday to Friday, and you can dine on the likes of Branzino Alla Catalana and Spaghetti Vongole E Bottarga crafted using the finest seasonal ingredients. The three-course menu is priced AED 250 per person and will be on offer until 31 August.
A little more carefree, Kyma Beach teases R&R on a private Greek island and resides on Palm Jumeirah’s most happening stretch of sand: West Beach. Hailed for elevating the type of dishes typically associated with beach clubs, the concept is a brainchild of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. And all summer long, guests can avail up to two complimentary sunbeds, Monday through Thursday.
Step out of the Mediterranean for a slice of Bali at the nearby Koko Bay, complete with sunset views and a private stretch of beach. The simple pleasure of sinking your toes into the warm sand aside, you can make a day of it at this boho beach club as it’s both pet- and family-friendly. Sample from a menu of Far Eastern flavours before settling into the holiday atmosphere set by wicker chairs, thatched roofs, and bamboo accents. The craft cocktails here are especially popular — homemade shrubs, syrups, and blends come together with unusual ingredients like banana purée and kaffir leaves, resulting in the perfect accompaniment to Koko Bay’s sunset DJ sets. Surf Club is another rustic-chic haunt that belongs on your summer bucket list. Starting at AED 199 per person, Ladies Night happens every Thursday, accenting unlimited sparkling beverages and mojitos with a chef ’s selection platter and beachside memories with friends. Alternatively, you can catch one of the beach club’s epic Sunset Sessions, sipping on house beverages as resident DJs set the mood for everyone’s favourite time of the day. But it’s not just adults who get to play on the island this summer.
One of Dubai’s most popular attractions, The View at The Palm, is welcoming children under 12 for free until 31 August. Whether it’s their first or umpteenth time taking that futuristic lift up to the 52nd floor, the 360-degree views over Palm Jumeirah are awe striking every single time. Monty’s Rowing & Paddle Sports is also doing its part to infuse the season with a little more adventure; buy a full-price Paddle Board or Single Kayak session and get a one hour rowing session for free. Additionally, you can enjoy a one-hour paddleboard hire for AED 35 per person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Eat
Dubai’s dining scene has never been hotter, and seemingly half the action has taken place on Palm Jumeirah — a whopping 15 restaurants on the island have been recognised in the 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, making it a confluence of culinary excellence. Bragging rights also come courtesy of the UAE’s only two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Trèsind Studio.
An intimate dining experience residing at the East wing rooftop of Nakheel Mall, the ever-evolving tasting menu designed by Chef Himanshu Saini manages to transform and amplify even the humblest of ingredients owing to his roots; the young chef hails from an agricultural family in India. Saini’s ability to challenge common perceptions of Indian cuisine through his culinary prowess has earned him acclaim and accolades, and Trèsind Studio – his “Theatre of Dreams” – is proof. But dining on Palm Jumeirah isn’t always about exclusivity; plenty of outlets echo the island’s informal, easygoing side. Case in point: Club Vista Mare.
This seafront stretch of bars and restaurants proudly encourages its to lounge and laze around, making it one of the most popular dining destinations around. Beachside BBQ joint Logs & Embers is hosting an array of seasonal specials ranging from Business Lunch (AED 99) to Summer Brunch (AED 199), both of which include three courses. Rumba, meanwhile, transports its guests to Havana circa 1950s, so expect cigars and a culinary journey across Cuba without ever leaving home. Themed nights like Las Chicas Ladies Night, Tropicana, and Homage to The Buena Vista Social Club ensure there’s something for everyone, with live entertainment by resident band Havana 6 perpetually keeping the party going.
Also at Club Vista Mare? Beloved gastropub The Tap House, where the grub is hearty and the atmosphere is still buzzing. Kids under ten dine for free when accompanied by an adult, so whet your appetites and hit the beach. Ría Restaurant & Beach Bar, a newcomer that looks to the Mediterranean for culinary inspiration, will host its Brunch Del Mar every Saturday until 18 September. Heading out with the girls? Starting 4 July, Ladies Night will take place every Tuesday. You’ll share a delicious food platter and enjoy a glass of sparkling beverage, starting at AED 160 per person.
You won’t have to share at Almaro Café, though. This modern bakery with Mexican soul at Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah is currently offering breakfast for two, so you’ll have coffee/tea, a juice, and two freshly baked pastries all to yourself. Bonus: kids up to the age of six enjoy free pastry throughout the week.
Further south, Orange Chameleon also boasts beachy vibes and bites. A casual spot with stunning views of Dubai Marina and the JBR skyline, its Summer Package has a bit of everything — starters, a main, desserts, shisha, and unlimited drinks for three hours. The package is priced AED 399 per person. And when a day out with the family calls for something cheery, throw it back to the 80s at Peaches & Creams. This family-friendly beach club and lounge stands out with its retro feel, striped umbrellas, and candy-coloured sunbeds.
The menu is dominated by Mediterranean dishes, so Seafood Night takes Thursdays up a notch for only AED 300. Sunday Brunch starts at a pocket-friendly AED 295 per person, while two weekdays cater to women with tempting refreshments. Ladies Night takes place every Friday evening, while Ladies Day livens up Monday afternoons — cheers to the summer.
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