REVIEWS


Anantara World Islands Dubai resort


Dubai, United Arab Emirates


LOCATION: I feel like I’m in a James Bond movie, as I skim the waters of the Persian Gulf with the wind blowing my hair and the spray of the sea lightly kissing my face. In fact, I’m on a 10-minute speedboat transfer from Anantara The Palm to Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. The transfer will eventually take place from downtown ÕL>i] ovviÀin} }ÕiÃÌà > Ãi}niwV>nÌlÞ quicker journey, as they will not have to ÃiÌ in ÕL>i½Ã hi>ÛÞ ÌÀ>vwV on > ÌÀ>nÃviÀ from the airport to The Palm.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I have to keep reminding myself that I’m in Dubai and not the Maldives, as this little, barefoot island resort is more akin to an island paradise than the usual hustle and bustle of the emirate. As I arrive at the jetty, I am greeted by sandy beaches lined with beautiful palm trees, villas with inviting private pools and staff keen to ensure my shoulders drop into relaxation mode as quickly as possible.


THE FACTS: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort opened last year on World Islands Dubai, a collection of 300 man-made islands shaped into the continents of the world. The 70- key resort is located on the island resembling South America. All rooms


boast panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, making it an amazing backdrop for Insta-loving guests. My room is spacious and beautifully decorated. Neutral hues complement the contemporary styling with bamboo and dark woods, while an enormous, comfy bed takes pride of place in the centre of the room. The words ‘welcome home’ are written in fresh yoÜiÀà իon Ìhi VÀië] ÜhiÌi ÃhiiÌà q >n` >à }>âi oÕÌ ov Ìhi yooÀ-Ìo-Viilin} windows at my own plunge pool and an incredible sunset, how I wish it was my home. The hotel boasts three restaurants and a rooftop bar serving dishes that wouldn’t look out of place at any Michelin-starred establishment. The activities on offer range from an impressive spa and gym to a wide choice of watersports. If you have little ones in tow, the Tuk Tuk Kids’ Club will keep youngsters occupied while you have some well-earned R&R.


IDEAL FOR: There are culinary delights aplenty, making the resort a perfect recommendation for foodie clients. Take Qamar, a blend of style and substance in an exotic setting, which offers delicious regional and Indian food encompassing street food,


VÕÀÀÞ-hoÕÃi ÃÌ>«lià >n` wni-`inin} v>ÛoÕÀiÌið /hi y>ÛoÕÀà VonVoVÌi` LÞ the restaurant’s talented chefs mean ÞoÕ Üill niÛiÀ li>Ûi hÕn}ÀÞ q onlÞ hungry for more. The resort’s main restaurant, Helios, conjures up world favourites with a Mediterranean twist: the calamari was the freshest and most Ìin`iÀ ½Ûi Ì>ÃÌi` q LiÌÌiÀ Ìh>n >nÞ Greek restaurant would serve.


104 ASPIRE SEPTEMBER 2022


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


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