Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Review: Is It Worth the Stay?
“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax”
Imagine a place where the weather is always nice, and you never have to worry about whether it’s going to rain. Welcome to Dubai, a city known for its year-round sunshine, luxury experiences, and iconic landmarks. Located on the famous Palm Jumeirah, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort promises a perfect blend of tropical charm and Arabian elegance.
As part of the globally renowned Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, this beachfront escape brings a touch of Thailand to Dubai. With overwater villas, private lagoon pools, and easy access to Dubai’s top attractions, this resort offers something for every kind of traveler—whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or simply seeking a relaxing escape. But is it worth the stay? Let’s dive into everything you need to know before booking your getaway.
Rather stay in the city and enjoy ultimate luxury and magnificent views of the Burj Khalifa? Then Address Sky View might be just the option for you! Or if you want to explore a unique Desert Resort experience completely far away from the city - Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort will not leave you disappointed.
Here we go! Let’s determine if staying here is worth it while we cover all aspects of the hotel, from the rooms to the location.
The Location
Getting to Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort from Dubai International Airport is a quick and easy ride—it’ll take around 40 minutes by taxi, with taxis always waiting outside the hotel for you. The resort sits right by the beach, offering amazing views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Being on Palm Jumeirah means it’ll take a little longer to get into the city, but if you’re looking to mix in some water fun, Atlantis The Palm is just a short drive away (about 10 minutes). Plus, the hop-on hop-off bus stops right by Atlantis, making it super easy to tour the city’s top sights.
The resort itself is pretty big, so getting around might take some time, but no worries—buggies are available to give you a lift, especially if you're carrying a suitcase. Just keep in mind that since the resort can get crowded, you might have to wait a few minutes for a buggy to show up!
The Rooms
During my stay at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, I stayed in a Premier Deluxe Lagoon Access Room, and it was pretty great. The rooms are clean, spacious, and decorated in that familiar Anantara style—elegant and comfortable. The highlight, without a doubt, is the direct access to the water from your terrace, so you can step straight into the lagoon pool. The only small downside for us was that our room was in the shade for most of the day, so we didn’t get much use of the tanning beds since we were pretty much in full shade. That said, the temperature in the afternoon was still warm, so it wasn’t a big deal. Rooms across from us had sun all day, so it really depends on where your room is located. There are a few overwater bungalows too, but they’re pretty high up, so you can’t actually step into the water from them. They have a great view, though, so if you don’t mind the height, they’d still be a cool choice. For a more direct water experience, I’d definitely recommend the lagoon access rooms.
Another nice touch is that you can book a “birthday surprise,” where they decorate your bed for special occasions (see picture below). Just keep in mind it costs about 600 AED, so it’s pretty pricey. One thing to note is that the resort is pretty spread out, so if you order room service or a buggy to get around, it can take a little while to reach you. For example, we ordered a buggy for checkout, but after 30 minutes, we decided to walk to the lobby so we wouldn’t miss our taxi. My advice? Call in advance and factor in the waiting time for services like room/buggy requests.
The Restaurant
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort has a nice variety of restaurants, offering different dining experiences across the property. There are several dining options, including an Australian restaurant, a Thai-inspired eatery, and a Mediterranean spot. The resort also offers packages that include two meals a day, which is a great deal if you're planning to stay within the resort for most of your meals.
The breakfast buffet deserves a special mention—it’s honestly one of the best I’ve experienced at any hotel. There’s just so much to choose from! The options are pretty standard, but it’s the sheer variety that makes it stand out. When it comes to the other restaurants, though, I have to say they were just okay—not bad, but not anything special. We went to the Australian restaurant once, and while the meal and service was fine, it was on the expensive side,, and nothing about the experience really stood out.
Personally, if you prefer staying in the hotel (and I’m usually one to try everything around), I think getting the buffet option included in your package is a solid choice. Especially if you're traveling with a group or family and want to avoid overspending on meals—it's a great value for the variety and quality you get!
Small Note: something I wasn’t aware of before my first trip to Dubai is that they aren’t allowed to serve alcohol before 12:00 PM. So, if you’re dreaming of a mimosa or champagne with breakfast, you’ll need to wait until after noon. It’s not a big deal, but it's good to keep in mind to avoid any surprises.
Also, if you’re celebrating something special, you can treat yourself to “Dining by Design”, a private dining experience Anantara offers across all their hotels. For our dinner, they set up a table right on the beach - it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for something extra special during your stay!
The Amenities
There’s really something for everyone at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Of course, the pools and beach are the main attractions, but there’s so much more to keep you busy. If you're into water activities, you can try your hand at diving, or enjoy a variety of other water sports.
For a more relaxing vibe, the spa and wellness offers everything from soothing massages to beauty treatments. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, trust me, you won’t get bored here—there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
The Verdict
I really enjoyed my time at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. We stayed for 3 nights (4 days), and I have to say, for me, that was enough. This place is perfect for a family holiday where you can relax while the kids have fun. If I’m being honest, I’d classify it as a more luxurious than your regular all-inclusive—it has all the amenities to keep everyone entertained and relaxed. That being said, I really have nothing bad to say about the hotel—it’s lovely.
My only point of critique would be that I felt there wasn’t enough staff when it came to services like the buggies and room service. The wait times for check-in, check-out, and getting around the resort did get a bit long, but I think that’s just due to how busy the resort can get. Overall, if you're looking for a great family-friendly spot or just a place to relax for a few days while sipping cocktails, it’s definitely worth the stay.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
