What it is

An eye-popping 387 room retreat on the Gulf with a 32,000 square foot spa and hammam, serene indoor and outdoor pools, and six unforgettable restaurants.

What it isn't

Dull. Experiences on offer for guests are deliciously “Dubai,” including a ladies-only jazz and cocktail night and quartz bathing session that’s been an Arabic tradition for centuries.

What we think

If Marie Antoinette were reincarnated as a sprawling Dubai resort, she’d be this one—where fanciful and fabulous details are to be found high and low. Even the starting room category, Deluxe Rooms, are expansive (656 square feet) and dazzling, with antiquity-inspired gilt and carved wood furnishings by Francesco Melon, twinkling chandeliers, tasseled draperies, crown moldings…should we go on? Amenities are luxe, too, including zippy free Wifi, a pillow menu, and, of course, Raffles’ legendary Butler Service. For an even larger castle-away-from-home, we suggest the Duplex Suite with Balcony and Lounge Access, which is 1,076 square feet on two levels, plus a private balcony that peers out on The Palm (the palm-shaped artificial islands that are the pride of the Arabian Gulf).

You're here because

The eye-watering luxury is extended to little ones, too. There’s a Children’s Butler as well as a pirate-themed poolside play structure and Kids Club.

The Moment

Within the tranquil spa, you find that the treatments—devised by Cinq Mondes Laboratories—were worth the trip here alone…especially when followed by a dip in the largest indoor pool in all of Dubai and a detoxing stretch in the hammam. Heaven.

Restaurants & Bars

Blüthner Hall - The place to relax with friends and family, over afternoon

Le Jardin - A buffet featuring international gourmet cuisine from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and India.

Matagi - Contemporary Japanese cuisine in an enchanting venue.

Piatti by The Beach - Offering the charm of the Italian Amalfi Coast.

Raffles Patisserie - A classic French and Italian patisserie

Sola Jazz Lounge - Explore Asian and Mediterranean finger-food specialities

Location

Just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport on a particularly lush wing of The Palm.