Dubai in December is ALWAYS a good idea, Dubai in December in 2020 well that’s another league of fortune entirely!
Just a couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get away for the sixth time this year, having missed travelling regularly so much I decided to utilise the UK’s ‘corridor’ with Dubai and escape for a few days on a short and sweet holiday.
Though COVID regulations may have changed by the time you read this, as it stands right now the United Arab Emirates is a perfect winter sun destination for those looking to travel from the UK. It’s a 6 hour direct flight from London and to enter the country you need only to provide evidence of a negative PCR test that has been conducted within 96 hours. In comparison to a number of destinations throughout the world that makes Dubai a relatively easy holiday option at the moment.
I flew out on the 3rd of December and split our 5 day stay by spending 2 nights in the thick of things on Jumeirah Beach Residence and three days tucked away from the hustle and bustle at the Melia Desert Palm.
The five star resort is an oasis in Dubai just 20 minutes from the international airport. With 4 polo fields on site, the main draw here is the equestrian sport but the excellence of such tradition is matched perfectly by the luxury of the hotel and grounds.
The resort is truly grand and every aspect showcases the magnitude of such with exquisite artwork and sculptures throughout, a large swimming pool and palm tree lined pathways and acres of land boasting unique and uninterrupted views. It’s a serene, village-like destination that is unlike any other accommodation in Dubai.
The Rooms
There’s a number of different accommodation options at Melia Desert Palm, the hotel is located within a country club so there are also some residential properties on site where residents can gain access to the grounds, fields, stables and communal areas. For holiday makers there’s a selection of bookable room-types from stunning suites to charming villas.
We were booked into one of their fabulous polo view suites with terrace which was a real showstopper. If we’re to believe that ‘size matters’ then Melia have fit the bill with these suites, they are enormous. With elegant and modern decor the room features a captivating view over the polo fields, a wow-factor bathroom and all the luxury amenities you would expect from a 5 star resort.
One Bedroom Villa with Pool
During our stay we also spent a morning in one of the pretty and spacious villas with a pool. A dream option for accommodation if you are truly looking for a winter escape. Spending a week or so here would give you little reason to venture out!
The Dining Experience
The food at Melia Desert Palm is absolutely DELICIOUS! From breakfast in the room to fine dining in the evening, they certainly know exactly what they are doing when it comes to food 😉
The pastries were buttery and warm on delivery along with eggs of choice served at breakfast. The menu was extensive for lunch by the pool and there’s the option to class it up a notch when it comes to dining options in the evening.
You can have a casual meal again by the pool at Epicure which offers magical lighting up towards the the palm trees, friendly service and lots to choose from or you can opt to dine in the a-la-carte steak and seafood restaurant, Rare. The second, more opulent of dining options overlooks the polo fields and is very much a ‘special occasion worthy’ dining experience, the kind of restaurant that sets the tone by offering freshly baked bread and truffle butter before you’ve even gazed over the menu…….my kind of establishment 😉
Having truly divulged during our stay I can happily confirm that your taste buds will be well and truly looked after!
Though our own stay was limited to just a couple of days The Melia Desert Palm is a wonderful retreat for those looking for a sunshine escape with space, service and serenity.
For the full room and site tour watch my latest youtube video here:
