"Stay like a Caesar" is the mantra that sits front and centre of Caesars Palace Dubai's website, but does the beachfront little sister of Las Vegas' most famous hotel live up to its promise?
Dubai has long been an enticing destination for A-listers and paradise seekers alike. With its adrenaline-filled attractions, copious brunch spots, lavish nightlife and a glittering skyline, this now ultramodern city is worlds away from the desert landscape I grew up in two decades ago.
If a dose of serenity is your favourite tonic, Caesars Palace is the only resort in Dubai that boasts an undisturbed coastline. While the tempting lure of waterparks, sky diving and dune buggying is only a short drive away for those wishing to plunge themselves into the city's adventure-packed attractions, this glorious resort on Bluewaters Island is the perfect escape, nestled on 1.7km of pristine sandy shoreline.
I had the pleasure of spending a long weekend doused in sun and indulging in all the luxuries this celebrity-hotspot hotel has to offer. Can I confirm the five-star resort is the closest I've ever felt to royalty? Keep scrolling to find out…
It's all in the details
With celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, its exclusive Qua Spa, five outdoor pools and two energetic beach clubs, a hotel with the grandeur of Caesars Palace Dubai could easily rely on its wow-factor amenities to entice guests. Yet it was the finer details that I delighted in most; from vanities laden with sleek toiletries and face towels thoughtfully embroidered with the word 'makeup', I instantly felt like I had stepped into a (very lavish) home away from home.
I loved opening my wardrobe to discover a beach bag had already been provided for effortless trips down to the sea. After a day of basking in the sun, the plush towel robes were perfect for enveloping me after a soak in the chariot-like bathtub - followed by a siesta on the daybed conveniently built into the snug of my balcony.
Sunset seekers will want to book a sea-view suite for unmatched views of the Arabian Gulf.
While floor-to-ceiling windows flooded my room with natural light, the modish Romanesque décor and sprawling super king bed fitted with Frette linen sheets were equally appreciated touches that made for an ultra-luxe stay.
Hotel staff will treat you like royalty
It would be fair the say the kindness and efficiency of the staff at Caesars Palace Dubai were easily one of the highlights of the trip. Poolside staff were quick to replenish cocktails while restaurant waiters were attentive and charming, with servers always keen to share the history or inspiration behind our orders.
There are even golf buggies ready and waiting to transport you from beach to pool party, or from yoga to brunch - a luxury I am ashamed to admit I enjoyed a little too much.
Eat like a king
Of all the 12 exclusive eateries situated in the cove of Caesars Palace Dubai, Alvin Leung's Demon Duck is by far the most impressive. As a lover of Asian cuisine, I was in my element dining out on Leung's eclectic pan-Aisan fare hailed for its reimagining of traditional "foods for the Emperor".
I was equally impressed by Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen which is just as good as expected from the hailed British chef. Venus' Saturday brunch with bottomless limoncello cocktails and a to-die-for tiramisu was better than the true Italian meals I had tasted in Milan, and the hotel's buffet-style breakfast at Bacchanal was everything you'd expect from a hotel buffet, yet somehow rather elegant.
My Caesars Palace Dubai takeaway
If you're looking for a sun-soaked escape dripping in luxury, it should be a no-brainer that Caesars Palace Dubai, a private beach resort with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, is top of your travel bucket list.
There's a reason A-listers flock to this rare gem. The sheer size of the exclusive beach resort means that even when the hotel is fully booked, stars can go largely undetected. Love Island's It-girl Maya Jama had checked out just days before I arrived, and Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts was happily lounging a few sunbeds away from me on our final day - much to my excitement.
Rates start from £650 per night in high season and £310 in low season. To book, visit Caesars Palace Dubai.
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