Background
When it opened last December, it became Marriott’s first resort in the UAE. It also marked its 50th property in Dubai alone. In many ways, a debut resort offering demonstrates a desire by Marriott to increasingly speak to the ‘bleisure’ segment of travellers.
Where is it?
Located at Palm West Beach, it’s got the location spot-on for a resort. Nearby, are several other resorts from the likes of Hilton, FIVE and Radisson. With private beach access and prime views of Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai, this is a great location for Marriott.
What’s it like?
There’s an expansive lobby welcome area with reception desks to the left and elevators to take you to your room on the right. Walk straight after entering the doors of the lobby, and it will lead you to a lounge café where you would do well to ask for its signature offering of chocolate ravioli.
Rooms
We stayed in the M Club Room King which was interconnected to another M Club Room with double beds. Both rooms were large and the décor was classy with a beige and brown colour scheme, wooden flooring, a work desk with long mirrors above it and a leather-clad swivel chair next to it, as well as a sofa, and a large-screen TV. There was also recessed lighting in the room which kept the levels of ambient light comfortable in the evenings. USB cable points were located near the bed and multiple plug point types were installed near the desk. There was an extensive pillow menu (options include buckwheat, and memory foam, among others), a Nespresso machine, plenty of wardrobe space and a large bathroom with a separate shower cubicle as well as a tub. The 602-key property also has 46 suites including two presidential suites and two penthouses.
Food and Drink
There were eight F&B concepts when we visited. Señor Pico is a Californian-Mexican beachfront restaurant with a very reasonably priced menu and whose hits include beef chorizo nachos and churros. Another highlight here is the Italian restaurant, Cucina. Apart from a large communal area, there is also a private dining space with an indoor vertical farm adjacent to it. Our dinner at Cucina was accompanied by a lively DJ set. While we waited for our mains, we happily tucked into the heirloom tomatoes accompanied by balsamic vinegar aged for 25 years. All of the restaurant’s pasta, ravioli and ice creams are hand-made in-house. While Myami Pool Bar and Lounge has great options of soft shell crab sliders, lobster rolls and wagyu burgers, a hearty breakfast buffet spread can be found daily at Levantera.
Meetings
There are eight meeting rooms as well as one grand ballroom. There is also a majlis indoor space for smaller events. That majlis area has access to a 1,000 sqm outdoor terrace space with sea views. Up on the 14th floor of the property is M Club. Apart from a small meeting room, the club can also be used to meet with your guests in a space which is a little more private than the lobby downstairs.
Leisure
There’s a 75-metre pool with four spa baths along the edges of it. The main pool has a swim-up bar, while a separate kid’s pool is located next to the kid’s club. In the cooler months, you can head to the stretch of private beach right in front of the resort. The well-equipped fitness centre is open 24 hours and the Saray spa features private treatment rooms including a couples’ suite with a waterbed and spa bath too.
Verdict
As Marriott’s first resort in the UAE, it has presented a great property with plenty of leisure amenities, good restaurants, and also a great mix of indoor and outdoor events and meeting spaces. It’s a solid template, which begs the question: are we about to see a number of more Marriott resorts open in the region over the coming years?
Fact Box:
Best For: A weekend resort getaway that’s still very much in the city.
Don’t miss: A meal at Cucina, and the 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar.
Price: Internet rates for a midweek stay in July start from Dhs900 for an M Club Room King.
Contact: Palm Jumeirah, Palm West Beach, Dubai; +971 4 666 1111; marriott.com
(All images: Supplied by Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai )
