There is a new kid on the block – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm has opened its doors and ready to welcome luxury travellers from around the world.
Hotel has fabulous views of the sea towards Burj Al Arab on one side and beach and city skyline to the other. The rooftop bar in Taj is said to become a new posh spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations as it is in the epicenter of all the lavish Dubai fireworks.
Arrival
We got picket up in a Taj Exotica hotel car, a 7-seater 4WD with plenty of space for a family and luggage. We were welcomed on arrival by a very warm hotel team and whisked away to our suite for check-in.
The theme of the hotel is sand and sea. Impressive chandelier in the lobby is made of thousands crystals and reminds you of a giant sparkly fish. The design of the hotel is very fresh, light and modern. High ceilings, floor to ceiling glass and neutral tones make common areas very inviting.
Accommodation
Taj offers its guests 258 guest rooms and 67 suites, ranging from Resort view and Sea view rooms to one- and two-bedroom suites. Rooms start from 45 sq m, amongst the largest on the Palm. We stayed in a Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite on the 3d floor with full frontal view of the beach, separate living room with a small balcony, bedroom with a comfiest bed, spacious bathroom featuring Hermes amenities as well as a small luggage room and guests powder room.
The suites are equipped with the latest technology, large TVs in every room, Nespresso machines. We loved the neutral tones that are so easy for the eyes, lots of space, beautiful views.
For families Taj offers excellent two-bedroom suites on the lower floors – they come with two full bathrooms, private bedrooms and joint living room – excellent option for families with older kids.
Honeymooners will love the Spa Suites, officially a favourite room for all the staff I spoke to. These suites have a large outdoor terrace with a Jacuzzi and deck chairs.
Facilities
Taj boasts the longest swimming pool on the Palm with pretty cabanas and plush sun beds, private beach with beach service, gym and Spa.
The Spa has sauna, steam room and ice fountain that guests could enjoy before and after a treatment. I had a massage and it was excellent, but apart from traditional treatments the spa also offers Indian therapies to honour it’s Indian heritage.
Dining
Hotel’s signature restaurant is Indian Varq. The chef is very creative and talented – excellent at creating dishes that would suit even the fussiest of pallets. I enjoyed this dinner with a friend, who couldn’t have dairy or spicy and chef has come with some great choices for us. Even the traditional dishes were served with a twist making dining at Varq a memorable experience.
Another option in the evenings is buffet serving a mix of Western and Indian dishes or Roaring Rabbit, an English pub with a very British menu.
Lunch can be enjoyed poolside or at Coast, a little cute restaurant on the beach. They have an excellent snacking menu with ceviche, mezze, nachos and other yummy sharing plates.
Buffet breakfast is served indoors or on the terrace with a view of the sea, perfect for the warmer months.
The Lux Traveller Loved
The hotel is brand new, the service exceptional, rooms and suites very spacious. Welcoming design, great facilities.
Splitting Hairs
Suites have only a tiny luggage room, with space for only one suitcase. I like when design of the room allows for the luggage to be hidden, especially when you are on a long holiday.
Lower level suites do not have a good view, some look over the kids’ playground. For better views I would suggest floors from three and up.
All In All
An excellent hotel on the Palm with a private beach. A beautiful addition to the Dubai luxury hotel portfolio. I am looking forward to returning to the hotel again soon.
