Hanging out at Anantara, The Palm Dubai
Need a break from the old routine mamas – and a shake up to the weekend plans? If you haven’t escaped the city for summer or if you got away and now have major holiday blues then I know just the thing to fix it all. A day-cation at Anantara, The Palm Dubai, is like a (very) mini break to Asia (minus flights and jet lag but complete with tuk-tuks, tropical greenery and a very warm welcome) – the perfect way to spend some family time. Last year we stretched it out and stayed at the resort for a night which was completely blissful – and before jetting away for our holidays, we decided to revisit for a day to make the most of the fab facilities. We absolutely loved it, and this is why.
The location
There’s something about the journey to The Palm and along its fronds that feels like you’re escaping it all. Out there in the ocean, the Anantara feels far enough away from home but close enough to avoid crazy long, meltdown inducing car journeys.
The atmosphere
This property is so clever in capturing the spirit of Thailand from the very moment you arrive. Huge orchids, beautiful ornate Asian architecture and tuk-tuks to ferry you to wherever you might like to go.
The pool
With little ones in tow we always look for a pool that has enough shallow area for some safe splashing. The main pool at Anantara, The Palm, has just that – and a bubbly Jacuzzi area that’s kiddie friendly (and under shade), and lots of shallow parts but also enough swimmable space if you want to practice your strokes. If you’re staying at the resort, the swimmable lagoons are literally the most amazing pools we’ve found in Dubai. Complete with little beach areas and a traditional Thai boat that comes around with snacks, they’re worth a visit alone (we snuck in for a quick dip during our day-cation…ssshhhh).
The beach
A huge stretch of golden sand and calm shallow waters, fringed by palms and lush greenery – with water sports if you want to be active (at an extra cost) – the beach here is simply beautiful. Stay for sunset and watch the colours change over the ocean. Gorgeous.
The food
If you want to feed the kiddos quickly and indulge their bizarre food combos (or is that must mine?) then head to the buffet restaurant, Crescendo – where a really great feast awaits. From pasta to salads, the selection is just big enough to be interesting but not so big that it’s overwhelming and too ‘mass-catered’. For a la carte salads, seafood, pasta and burgers head to The Beach House, a lovely dining space just a stone’s throw from the pool (and beach – obviously). And if you don’t want to leave your lounger for anything more than a dip then the pool bar has fabulous snacks and even better cocktails, especially at happy hour!
Sunshine, swimming, smiling – our day-cation was so much fun. And after an early supper, the kids in pj’s after showers in the pool bathrooms, we headed home with that happy holiday feeling that makes everything ok.