We were fortunate to have spent a couple of nights at Meliá Desert Palm Dubai for a short break. This is a hotel and resort located just right after Dragon Mart and plenty of people might not expect such an oasis to be readily available in a short 15-20 minute drive from Downtown Dubai.

Meliá Desert Palm Dubai is a luxury hotel and resort, situated within a 160-acre polo estate. Aside from offering spacious accommodations, it includes a great selection of bars, restaurants, and gym facilities. Guests can also explore the surrounding polo fields or simply relax amid gorgeous gardens.

Trivia: Melia Desert Palm was inaugurated in 2008 by her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, Wife of his Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai

entrance of the hotel

Arabian and Equestrian-inspired decor

welcome drink at the reception

When you arrive, you won’t feel that it’s a hotel. The decoration is tastefully done that you will feel like it’s a huge private property even from its facade. Check-in was very smooth, we were welcomed by the staff with drinks, which was refreshing. They led us to our Palm Suite room situated just a floor above the lobby.

My wife came from a 17-hour flight while I haven’t slept in the almost the same number of hours (yes, this is our life in Dubai). So I tried to take as many photos right away so we could rest and relax. True enough, around 4pm, we easily lulled ourselves to sleep.

some snacks

Staycation: Melia Desert Palm Dubai Hotel & Resort Review

Located along Al Awir Road, Melia Desert Palm is only a few minutes away from the city center. This makes it the great place for a business meeting, family party, or weekend getaway. You’d never guess that a place like this is right near Dubai’s modern buildings and skyscrapers.

Palm Suite Room

Our suite was nothing short of elegance and space. A king-size bed faces the view of the lawn which was very serene. The bed was very comfy that after the day, we looked forward to just spending time getting some good rest.

king-size bed

inside the bedroom

fully stacked mini-bar

High-Tech Gadgets

One thing to note in the bedroom is that Desert Palm Dubai has some high-tech remote controls, which includes a surround-sound entertainment system. They even have a remote for opening and closing the curtains – to which I was really amused. They seem to be detailed with providing these room features which is really a treat just to observe their functionality.

gadgets

view from the bed, curtains can be controlled via remote

Bathroom

The bathroom was as big as the bedroom. Toilet and showers are separated by a glass wall, while a huge bathtub occupied the middle area. I couldn’t help but take a dip even for a few minutes.

bathtub

huge bathroom

Private Pools in Villas

While we stayed in a Palm Suite room, plenty of families and couples come to Melia Desert Palm especially for their private villas. Each villa has a spacious room and a personal pool so you can have that privacy while you enjoy time with your family or your loved one. Mind you, the private pools are big enough to swim, and not just for the sake of having a ‘pool’.

private pool in the villas

Facilities
Desert Palm Dubai offers the following facilities:

• 38 Rooms, Suites, and Villas
• Bars and Restaurants
• Spa and Fitness Center
• Meeting and Events Space
• Polo Fields and Riding School

The resort provides a range of accommodations, from the Palm Deluxe Room, an open-plan room situated on the top floor, to the Villa Layali — a presidential villa that contains three bedrooms, a private inner courtyard, and a swimming pool. Each room comes with a mini-bar, fridge, LED TV, Wi-Fi, Bose surround sound, and other features.

RARE Wood Fire Grill Restaurant

During our first night, we had a sumptuous dinner at RARE, their signature fine-dining restaurant. It’s an elegant and relaxed place to dine, and the staff were very attentive. Chefs also carefully crafted a lovely presentation of our food and drinks. Here’s our blog experience: Dinner at RARE Restaurant

The spacious terrace is also something to experience as you view the Dubai skyline especially during sunset in winter season.

RARE Wood Fire Grill

Baby Octopus and vegetables

Epicure Restaurant

While RARE is only open at night, you can have a great time also in Epicure Restaurant. This is where we had breakfast and dinner during the remaining days. They have some lovely food and you will be served with a refreshing complimentary drink of the day. This all-day dining restaurant is located beside the pool and it’s great to dine outdoors especially during winter season as youm dine against a calm green backdrop.

During our last night, we had dinner outdoors. We were comfortable as they have some fan machines to keep us cool while we ate. They also have a sisha lounge area and a bar.

full breakfast at Epicure in Dubai Desert Palm Resort

pool area outside Epicure

lovely view during breakfast especially in winter season

Lime Spa

My wife and I had a 30-minute foot reflexology treatment at Lime Spa. The spa is located at the basement level of the hotel so it was an easy elevator access only. Upon our arrival, the staff gave a recommendation if we wanted to change the foot massage into a back massage. We couldn’t say no. 🙂

The spa also has an indoor sunbathing area, a jacuzzi, as well as steam and sauna facilities so you can definitely have a relaxing time pre or post massage.

facilities in Lime Spa

Gym and Fitness Centre

For fitness enthusiasts, you can work up a sweat in their fitness center. You are greeted by wide glass windows with a gorgeous view of the green outdoors as you jog on the treadmill or lift a few weights.

Exercise rooms and shower/steam/sauna facilities are also available.

gym, lockers and steam/sauna facility

fountain with a statue of a horse’s head

Stables and Estate Tour

One afternoon, we had a tour of the stables and estate which was a great way for us to actually see how huge the property is. Hotel management took us on a buggy and it was a pleasant open door experience to see lawns, trees, horses, peacocks and just what’s outside.

If you wish to reach certain areas of the resort, you will need a buggy service to take you there so better call reception for transport assistance.

touring while riding a buggy

inside the resort

lovely area for some photo op

The estate exudes style and class as it offers a rich green and natural landscape which is a beautiful venue for weddings, private parties, photoshoots and other events and banquets. The staff mentioned that a polo event sponsored by a Maserati was recently held in one of the fields. Also, there was a fashion photoshoot from a high-end luxury brand recently took place in their garden.

Horses, Plenty of Them!

The tour of the stables included seeing plenty of horses. Healthy, strong and lovely horses let out in open fields for some exercise. There are horses owned by the resort while there are those owned by private residents.

The estate is also home to many residence villas where people live all year and some of these residents have their own horses. We sensed that these horses are well-cared for.

stables and horses

horses taken out for a walk

Sunset and View of the Dubai Skyline

Despite being summer, we had a pleasant time sitting in the terrace of RARE restaurant with a faint view of the Dubai skyline. We took a few minutes just watching the lawn and enjoy the sunset one afternoon. Would be great to come back for some drinks next time.

sunset view from the terrace

zoomed view from my camera

Highlights
Guests at Melia Desert Palm Dubai can look forward to:

• Exploring the resort estate. Take a stroll or ride on horseback around the 160-acre estate of Desert Palm Dubai and you will discover meandering lanes, enticing polo fields, olive gardens, and private equestrian stables.
• Engaging in exciting activities, the resort includes the Stables Fitness Center, which provides exclusive facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a refreshing atmosphere as you work out.
• Enjoying culinary delights. Choose from these fantastic dining options: Epicure, an all-day, poolside restaurant; Rare, which offers grilled dishes; Afternoon Tea, where you can enjoy homemade scones and tea; Red Bar, the hotel’s signature bar; and Polo Bar, which overlooks the main polo field. For a private experience, you may opt for Destination Dining and choose a romantic location in the estate.

Nearby Attractions
Since Desert Palm Dubai is located near the city center, guests can:

• Go on a desert safari
• Shop at the Dubai Mall (via hotel transport)
• Explore the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
• Marvel at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
• Ride a traditional Arabian dhow along Dubai Creek
• And many more!!!

Due to its prime location, Desert Palm Dubai offers a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is truly a haven for guests and travelers who are looking for relaxation, culinary delights, and thrilling adventures all in one place!

horse statuette inside the bedroom

Welcome note 🙂

Our Desert Palm experience was more than satisfying that it was sad to go home after our 2-day staycation. We really had a great time as we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Contact Information

Hotel Meliá Desert Palm Dubai (BOOK HERE)
Address: Al Awir Road,Warsan 2 – إمارة دبيّ – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 323 8888
Email Address: info@desertpalm.ae
Website: http://www.desertpalm.ae/en/peraquum/desert-palm.html
Facebook: facebook.com/DesertPalmDubai
Twitter: @desertpalmdxb
Instagram: @DesertPalmDXB

Google Map Location

Below is a Google map location showing the address of Melia Desert Palm Dubai and how to get there via car. Please be guided:

Book a Room in Melia Desert Palm Dubai Here