We’ve all heard/read/wished we stayed at the huge resorts that litter Palm Jumeirah.

They’re world-class, have vast stretches of private beach for guests only and they’re right on our doorstep. Who wouldn’t dream of a staycay here?

And since international travel plans have ground to a halt, people are looking inwardly to explore these world-class resorts, those that are just a hop, skip and a jump from where we live, but seem like a whole other world when it comes to luxury and service.

Recently, I stayed in an over-water villa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort for two-nights. This is the Dubai resort that’s famous for its private lagoon and stunning over-water villas which are probably the nearest thing you’ll get to a Maldives vacay in Dubai.

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Tbh, I had seen pretty snaps on IG, but this was my first time stepping foot inside the Thai-themed escape, and now it’s obvious.com why people travel from all over the world to visit.

You genuinely feel like you’re in a resort in a far-flung island and it’s hard to believe this incredible beach getaway is just a stone’s throw from the city

If you hate panoramic sea views, avoid these villas

…These not-so-humble abodes genuinely look like they’ve been ripped from a fancy interior magazine. (Read: They’re FAB.) Each features a private balcony that opens out onto sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and comes complete with sun loungers AND a roomy cabana. Dreamy.

But the bathroom is the serious show-stopper. Like how rooms can be special, but you can properly judge luxury via the bathrooms… Just me?! Well, if his & hers sinks float your boat, a waterfall shower, plus a giant tub (which is probably big enough to host a boat) that overlooks the sea, this bathroom has it going ON. And before you even think it, YES, I 100% bagged a couple of the dreamy bitesize L’Occitane products that adorned the shelves to take home. (You can take the girl out of Ireland…)

Finally, the room itself features HEAPS of fancy bits and bobs, like a wine fridge, the COMFIEST bed, a couch and even a glass panel floor INSIDE the room meaning you can watch over all the fishies! Nemo says hi…

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCydvv_A7f8/

Sundowners, sunset views and private balcony dinners… What?!

Since ain’t nobody got time for sitting out in 50C heat, summer in Dubai calls for floor-to-ceiling windows, sundowners and sunset views, and there’s nowhere better for this than The Lotus Lounge. (Note: they also serve up an indulgent afternoon tea, I tried it with my mum and she approved of the scones. That’s BIG).

Then work your way to Mekong for dinner which offers up a seriously extensive selection of Asian dishes, (two words: duck pancakes) and if you have a weak spot for OTT cocktails (join my club!) … this specially curated cocktail menu will sort you right out.

And now for the show stopper.

All hotels offer in-room dining, but when you stay in an over-water villa, this kicks the in-room dining experience up about a dozen notches and it’s truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime memories. It’s THAT special. Organised to perfection, this is completely private and a beautifully laid out meal on your balcony.

You won’t lift a finger from start to finish

Isn’t that what holidays are reallllly all about? Switching off your phone and your means to function as a basic human being so you can TRULY enjoy some serious R&R.

From the moment we stepped foot into the lobby, (where there were a fair number of people checking in at the same time, but the staff kept it orderly and people were sat in separate areas until our turn came) everything was taken care of.

There are golf buggies to whisk you to your room, (this is how I want to travel everywhere from now on) in-room meals and a thoroughly helpful team providing outstanding service from check-in, to any in-room queries we had and at the mix of resort restaurants we ate at. We couldn’t fault it.

Pool. Beach. Longboat Cruises. The gang’s all here

The resort has a large lagoon and you can choose a room that sits DIRECTLY onto it, so if your idea of a dreamy morning is jumping from your balcony headfirst into a temperature-controlled lagoon, choose this).

There’s also a large pool with varying depths, a shaded jacuzzi and of course, there’s the photogenic private beach where you can find a heap of water sports, or simply choose a lounger and prop up with a book.

You can now stay for longer, for less with rooms starting from AED893 per night

For direct beach access choose one of the spacious one or two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas or
for the ultimate island living, the Over Water Villas

Booking and more info about Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort here

Your package includes:

• Stay three nights or more and save 15% on accommodation with daily breakfast
• Avail Half-board service at any of our award-winning restaurants
• 25% savings on select activities.
• Late checkout until 4.00 pm, subject to availability.