Dubai: With its resort-style living and private beaches, life on Palm Jumeirah feels more like a vacation than reality, says Shoreline resident Marleen Nyuts. "When you work all day and come home to an oasis of peace and calm, such as on the Palm, it feels wonderful. We have a pool, gym, sauna and private beaches, plus all the basic amenities and facilities one needs for everyday living," says the Belgian.
But luxury like that comes at a price. Rents on Palm Jumeirah, although notoriously lower than what they were two years ago, are still at the higher end of the city's rental spectrum. With eight developments completed, rents fluctuate from affordable to sky high.
Ben Keith, Palm specialist at Fine & Country, says, "One bedroom apartments with no view would rent at Dh70,000, with the most prestigious big villas going up to Dh700,000."
With variety like that, it's easier to first locate which development in the Palm suits your needs. Shoreline Apartments, on the trunk on the Palm, is the only development with retail, restaurants, spas and health clubs.
The average one-bedroom apartment on Shoreline begins at Dh65,000, going up to Dh100,000 for a two-bed. Compare that to Dh115,000 for a one-bed and Dh185,000 for a two-bedroom unit on Tiara Residence, and the jump in rents is obvious, explains Keith.
A quick drive down the trunk reveals Milk & Honey, a boutique supermarket, a well-equipped pharmacy, a children's play centre, a variety of restaurants, salons for men and women and at least two spas.
Across the road from Shoreline lies the Golden Mile. With grand plans that never quite materialised, Golden Mile is still bare of retail and residents have to drive across to Shoreline, or out to Dubai Marina for their groceries. The most expensive area on the Palm to live on are the signature villas on the fronds of the island.
This is where the city's moneyed and elite live, rubbing shoulders with international and local celebrities.
Security is strict, with only residents or accredited guests allowed to enter. "In today's market, one could rent a five-bedroom signature villa for Dh430,000, or a six bedroom of Dh450,000," says Keith. As each signature villa comes with its own stretch of private beach, an outdoor pool and spacious rooms, it's a tag that many believe is justified.
However, when it comes to entertainment, residents have to be willing to shell out top dollar to dine in the Palm's prestigious Atlantis Hotel, or the newer One and Only and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, or venture out to Dubai Marina.
Nyuts, an aviation consultant, says the upside to living on the Palm, besides the exclusivity of the address, is the lack of traffic jams and the availability of taxis at all hours.
"After having lived on the Palm for two years, and in Sharjah before that, I think this is one of the best places to call home, at a price that's not over-the-top. The bad reputation the Palm has boils down to human nature," says Nyuts. "When there's something so beautiful and successful, people feel compelled to put it down."
Home truths
THis week we shift our focus to palm Jumeirah, Offering resort-style living and private beaches, life at this place feels more like a vacation, say residents.
Must know
- Utilities: Although it has its own district cooling unit, homeowners and not tenants handle chiller costs.
- Amenities: Shoreline has a travel agent, real estate company, florist, restaurants, retail, supermarket and pharmacy
- Schools: There's a play centre in Shoreline, but schools/universities are 3km away in Knowledge Village
- Hospitals: Nearest facilities are Welcare Ambulatory Care Center in Knowledge Village and Medcare Hospital in Safa.
- Security: Round-the-clock security services
- Pets: Apartments have a strict no-pets policy, although the villas are pet-friendly.
- The beach: 24-hour access to a private beach
- Hotels: Atlantis, The One & Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and the Virtual Hotel Dubai
