“Can you please help me look at the board signs?" I told my companion as we cruised down Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah at about 60km per hour. The driver of the car behind me was already flashing his car’s headlights. With a sharp breath, I am forced to hit on the gas, silently praying I won’t miss the signs to Fairmont The Palm.
Fat chance. “I think we were supposed to take a right,” my companion said as I drove past a signage. A U-turn later, we found ourselves outside the hotel, a sigh of relief escaping my breath as I spotted the big signage from the service road.
The drive up the entrance was pretty narrow and steep but thank goodness I managed to get there without further incident. There was a slight wait for valet service though since the place was packed. It seemed everyone had the same idea—a weekend getaway at a hotel resort in the city.
The stress of the morning drive quickly dispersed as we stepped into the expansive, modern lobby, which looked busy with guests lounging in the wide seating areas. “Let’s check in quickly because I’m hungry,” my companion unabashedly told me as we headed towards the reception where a smiling guest service officer processed our reservation. Hungry, we headed straight for brunch after the quick check in.
There were five signature restaurants to choose from, but we already had reservations at Frevo, their Brazilian restaurant located at the lobby level and just a few steps away from the reception. Waitresses in Brazil’s football jerseys greeted us at the door and we were led to our table, which had a small box with a large button and what looked like a wooden chopping board. We were about to experience the churrascaria’s meaty brunch of 18 different cuts of grilled meat.
But first, we helped ourselves to the salad buffet, which offered a decent selection, including some Mediterranean-style veggies and various types of cheese. I went for my favourite smoked salmon and some fresh greens.
When we were ready for some grilled delights, we pushed the button green, which was an invitation to passing waiters carrying grilled meat in skewers.
We were given slices upon slices of beef, chicken and lamb—all deliciously cooked tender and juicy. At one point they were arriving more quickly than we could finish what was put on our plate that we had to press the button again so that it shone bright red.
For desert, the chef brought out a beautiful tray of traditional Brazilian sweets, which included sweet rice, curau (creamy custard) and pe-de-moleque, a hardened candy-like dessert made of sugar and peanuts. The experience was such a delight we ended up staying there until brunch closed at 3pm.
Sated, we headed to our room, one of 381 in the beachfront hotel. I loved the Arabic architectural fixtures, including the arches in the interiors. The deluxe room was bright, spacious and offered views of the swimming pool and the Arabian Gulf. I could also see the Dubai Marina skyline.
The balcony was just as inviting, with lounge chairs and low tables. “If it isn’t hot and humid, we could hang out here with a pot of tea tonight,” I said, heading back inside and plopping on the bed and feeling the silky set of sheets. I had wanted to go out and enjoy the pool but the room was so cozy I ended up spending the afternoon indoors.
When I next checked my watch, it was nearly 6pm and time for my massage treatment. A visit to the Fairmont is not complete without trying the massage at their signature Willow Spa. It’s been ages since I last had a massage there, and I was excited because they have just launched new treatments (more on that soon).
A few hours later, a completely de-stressed me headed to Seagrill on 25º Restaurant & Lounge for seafood delight while watching the glittering Dubai Marina skyline. The service was stellar, with very attentive waiters assigned at each table. The seafood was amazingly fresh. I started with a delicious seafood chowder, followed by some fresh oysters and succulent grilled lobster. My companion opted for well-done steak as main course.
For desert, we decided to climb one floor up to their lounge area where we enjoyed Moroccan mint tea and delicious molten chocolate fondant.
Breakfast the next day was at Flow Kitchen, which offered a mix of European, Middle Eastern and Asian fares. We strolled in at past 10am (I overslept, which I blame on the late night out and that inviting bed), which meant we only had less than an hour to enjoy the buffet. I headed to the cooking station and asked the chef to whip me up an egg, sunny-side up. It was on my plate in no time, a delightful start to my day.
I made a mental note to come back here with more time to enjoy a weekend of pampering.
Ratings
Rooms ①②③④❺
Service ①②③④❺
Value ①②③❹⑤
Cleanliness ①②③④❺
Location ①②③❹⑤
Fairmont The Palm is located on Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah. Website: www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai. Contact 04 4573388
