If you’re dreaming of a peaceful Thai getaway without leaving Dubai, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort brings it to life on Palm Jumeirah. With Dubai’s only overwater villas, you’ll feel miles away from city life as you soak up the uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. The resort’s interiors reflect a Thai charm, featuring warm wooden touches and intricate carvings that make each space feel cosy and personal.

Expansive windows and private terraces pull you into the surrounding beauty, while lush greenery, private lagoon pools, and roomy accommodations create a laid-back escape perfect for unwinding at your own pace.

Accommodation

Staying in the Over Water Villa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a luxurious and comfortable experience, with sustainability woven into every detail. The spacious bathroom leads directly to a well-organised closet and features a large bathtub, complete with stunning views of the beach through the window.

There’s plenty of storage in both the living room and bathroom, making it easy to settle in. Each villa comes with dedicated staff to cater to your needs, ensuring personalised service. Sustainability is key, with reusable glass bottles, eco-friendly coffee capsules, and wooden toiletries. The bath amenities, including L’Occitane shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, provide a touch of luxury.

The villa’s high ceilings and glass-bottom panel near the sofa give guests a glimpse of the ocean beneath, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some fish. A cosy two-seater dining area and a Terim fridge are also included, perfect for popping open a bottle of grape (chargeable) if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Although the resort is large, buggy rides are available to help get around the property. Fortunately, the beach is only a few steps away, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the Palm Jumeirah sunsets and sunrises.

Culinary highlights

Checking in on a weekday was blissful, especially if you’re after the peaceful vibe of this luxe property that feels straight out of a Thai postcard. As the sun set, we made our way to Mekong for dinner, and I opted for a leisurely walk to the restaurant, although the buggy was just a call away.

Once inside, I chose a seat near the show kitchen to soak up the sizzling action while perusing the menu. With so many tempting options, picking our dishes took a while, but we finally settled on a few to start the evening. For starters, the Steamed Prawn Har Gow arrived in an elegant bamboo basket with each dumpling filled with minced prawn and gently seasoned with white pepper and sesame oil.

Equally enticing, the Chicken Jiaozi came with minced chicken, celery, spring onion, and ginger wrapped in a thin, chewy shell. The combination of cabbage and a subtle Szechuan sauce gave it a slight zing, while the scallions brought a fresh, aromatic finish. Moving to mains, we started with the Chili Chicken, which featured perfectly cooked chicken thighs coated in a rich, spicy sauce.

The Beef Tenderloin in Black Pepper Sauce featured the tenderloin coated in a luscious black pepper and oyster sauce that mingled with garlic, bell peppers, and spring onions. Alongside, we had steamed white rice—simple yet essential to balance the bold flavours.

Starting the day early at Crescendo, we were welcomed with a refreshing array of juices and hot coffee options, perfect for a fresh start. We enjoyed a light bowl of cereal alongside freshly cut fruits. Moving to the pastries, the warm, flaky pain au chocolat and customisable pancakes with berries and cream were a delightful treat. We also indulged in an assortment of pastries and mini muffins that added just the right amount of sweetness. For a hearty option, Revo Café’s English Breakfast features crispy hash browns, savoury sausages, fluffy eggs, and sautéed mushrooms.

Next up on the roster was the Spice Spoons cooking class at Mekong, where the challenge was to prepare a selection of traditional Thai dishes under the guidance of the chef. First on the list was Cho Muang Sai Gai, an ancient royal Thai snack distinguished by its intricate flower shape. The dough, made from rice, tapioca, and corn flour mixed with coconut milk and butterfly pea water, came together smoothly. The savoury filling of minced chicken, coriander, garlic, and palm sugar added a rich burst of flavour, and the dumplings were carefully shaped before a quick simmer brought them to perfection.

Moving on to the main course, Phad Thai Goong Sod was prepared in a sizzling wok. A mix of shallots, dried shrimp, and sweet radish was sautéed, followed by eggs and prawns that scrambled together effortlessly. Soft noodles and Phad Thai sauce bound the dish and was finished off with bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, and a wedge of lime. After all the prepping and cooking, it was time to dig in and enjoy our prepared lunch! For dessert, the spotlight was on Khao Niew Mamuang, sticky rice with ripe mango. The sticky rice was gently marinated in coconut syrup and paired with creamy coconut sauce and fresh mango slices.

For dinner, the evening at Bushman’s Restaurant & Bar kicked off with Smoked Chicken and Cheddar Croquettes. The croquettes had a crisp golden crust, giving way to a smoky, savoury filling of tender chicken and melted cheddar. Paired with a refreshing iceberg salad, the walnut tarator added a nutty richness, while the apple dressing provided a sweet, tangy contrast.

The Heirloom Tomatoes with Hydroponic Greens featured creamy burrata with juicy tomatoes, spiced walnuts, and olive tapenade, all perfectly balanced by a tomato and basil vinaigrette.

The Slow-Cooked Black Onyx Angus Beef Cheek was a standout dish, featuring melt-in-your-mouth tender beef enhanced by a rich shallot reduction, complemented by velvety pommes purée and roasted root vegetables. The Blueberry Caramelised Brûlée, featuring a glassy top that cracked open to reveal silky custard, was a delightful twist on the classic dessert, enhanced by a homemade blueberry compote and fresh blueberries for a delicious end.

Facilities

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a luxurious escape with an impressive array of facilities designed to provide both relaxation and adventure. The resort boasts stunning overwater villas, a private beach, and a large infinity pool, perfect for unwinding in the sun. For those seeking rejuvenation, the award-winning Anantara Spa offers a range of treatments inspired by ancient wellness traditions, including Thai massages and hammam rituals. Guests can also enjoy the fully equipped fitness centre, floodlit tennis courts, and a kids’ club that keeps the little ones entertained with creative activities and games.

For adventure seekers, the resort offers an exciting range of water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling, allowing guests to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. Thrill-seekers can also opt for wakeboarding or jet skiing for an adrenaline rush. Beyond water-based activities, guests can explore the resort’s tranquil lagoons by traditional long-tail boat or venture out on organised desert safaris.

Book now!

The One Bedroom Over Water Villa is available from AED4,823 per night. Visit website.