Dubai screams new money. At the forefront of cutting-edge design – the city’s record-breaking Museum of The Future is a case in point – with a booming tax-haven economy and vibrant tourism industry, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates is a study in how, when given enough money, a city can quickly put itself on the global stage. Home to the world’s tallest building and its only seven-star hotel, it’s unsurprising that many of Dubai’s hotels are modern architectural statements – because if you’re going to stand out among a swathe of lofty skyscrapers, you’ve got to do something different. 

While officially born in 1883, it was only when Dubai became part of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 that things really started to happen here – prior to that, this sandy stretch of the Middle East was literally just that. Accordingly, you’ll be hard pressed to find a Dubai hotel that wasn’t constructed in the last 20 years or so. Unlike the historic hotels prevalent in both London and Europe – which have hosted royalty, Hollywood stars and everyone in between – Dubai hasn’t been afforded the opportunity to use its history as a USP. While the likes of Claridge’s and The Savoy can hark back to the heydays of centuries gone by, and have original, period features to prove they had their doors open to guests hundreds of years ago, Dubai is a modern city that lacks a glamorous history – and that, unfortunately, is something no amount of money can buy. Heritage is something that has to be earned and only comes with time – but, in typical Dubai fashion, it’s trying its hardest to recreate it. 

On a mission to offer well-heeled travellers a stay that oozes heritage and history is Raffles The Palm Dubai. More synonymous with being a gatekeeper of history – Raffles won the right to take over the storied Old War Office in London’s Whitehall in 2016, while its flagship in Singapore dates back to 1887 and has hosted Somerset Maugham, Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin, and Elizabeth Taylor – it’s clear that it was important to the brand that its The Palm address fitted in with the other heritage properties in its portfolio. Having eschewed skyscraper design in favour of a palatial, Middle Eastern-inspired (but still new build) property fringing Dubai’s best beach, Raffles had a conundrum on its hands when it wanted to open an opulent hotel with a traditional old-world feel in 2021. 

No stranger to experimenting with architecture – Raffles’ other outpost in Dubai was inspired by the pyramids of Egypt and opened 14 years before The Palm – the exterior of the hotel is striking. Resplendent in ornate pink-hued Baroque design, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re entering an actual palace. Inside, real gold leaf radiates from every wall, while eight huge Rosa Portugal marble columns flank the entrance to create a regal statement. The impressive Blüthner Hall is a lobby lounge on steroids and wouldn’t look out of place at the Palace of Versailles, dressed in ruby red velvet and what seems like more gold than the earth’s crust. 

Blüthner Hall

The 369 rooms spanning seven floors are no less regal. Featuring a cool blue, grey and gold palette, and well-appointed with antique-style furnishings tailor-made by Italian designer Francesco Molon, it’s the kind of gilded glamour Marie Antoinette would approve of. Book one with a terrace for a sea or Palm view, and make the most of the walk-in wardrobe, marble bathroom, pillow menu, king-sized bed and a 24-hour butler, who will be at your service at the click of a button. 

While the design and interiors are reminiscent of a different era, Raffles’ quintessential hospitality is anything but outdated. White-glove service comes as standard, as do stand-out culinary offerings spanning five outlets. A dedicated Raffles Patisserie serves French-inspired chocolates and pastries to tempt anyone with a sweet tooth, while the classic afternoon tea served in the Blüthner Hall pays homage to the great palaces of Europe. Expect a Victoria sponge celebrating Buckingham Palace, a chocolate and orange macaron nodding to the Palace of Versailles, and a speculoos cake inspired by the Royal Palace of Brussels. 

Matagi is a true highlight, drawing on the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine to create an authentic izakaya that wouldn’t look out of place in Tokyo. Start with a selection of small plates – the potato salad with smoked mackerel, and wagyu beef gyoza are must-haves – before indulging in the fresh raw bar, where you can sample an array of maki, sushi and sashimi alongside small plates of smoked tuna with mandarin ponzu and salmon tataki with pear. Still hungry? Opt for the Matagi signatures of roasted whole lobster in Japanese curry, or lamb chops with gochujang and wasabi chimichurri. Elevated further by authentic sake and Asian-inspired cocktails, it’s enough to tempt even the most discerning diners (or those still a little sceptical of Japanese food). 

Elsewhere, those looking for a touch of la dolce vita on the Arabian Gulf needn’t look further than Raffles’ very own sun-drenched terrace, Piatti By The Beach, where you can get your fill of thin and crispy pizzas topped with buffalo mozzarella, black truffle or salami, fresh tagliolini with mussels, clams, squid, and prawns in a cherry tomato sauce. Le Jardin, on the other hand, offers every cuisine under the sun, and flows into manicured gardens and quaint terraces that provide a serene setting. 

Matagi

As with every Raffles hotel, the spa is a talking point – and The Palm’s Cinq Mondes Spa certainly doesn’t disappoint. Offering 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites, scrub rooms, hammams, a hair and beauty salon, and a fully-equipped gym across a whopping 3,000-square-metre space, the ozone-controlled environment and largest indoor pool on The Palm makes this an impressive wellness sanctuary come rain or shine. 

In need of mind and body rejuvenation? Pick from an extensive treatment menu boasting highlights including the Ko Bi Do anti-ageing facial, which uses a jade roller for a natural facelift, a sublime Polynesian massage based on techniques passed down through generations of healers and works to the slow rhythms of Lomi-Lomi, and a relaxing North African hammam session. The two-hour experience will leave your skin feeling silky-soft thanks to the natural clay body wrap and deep massage. 

Raffles The Palm Dubai tries so hard to be a real palace that it practically is one – just without the royal family in residence. If you fancy holidaying like a king or queen while in Dubai, you can bet Raffles will certainly treat you like one. 

From £430 per night. 

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