SUITE LIFE

SUITE LIFE THE

Set on a 160-acre polo estate, just a short drive away from Dubai’s city centre, is Meliá Desert Palm - managed by Melia Collection Hotels - that’s apt for those looking for a tranquil desert retreat. If you don’t want to drive to another emirate, make your way to this urban oasis to recoup over the weekend.

ACCOMMODATION

Exclusively nestled on the top floor of the desert resort, the Palm Deluxe Room envelops you with a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Your eyes instantly land on the gorgeous views outside upon arrival, with date palms lending pops of green that complement the earth tone interiors. The room showcases a plush king-sized bed with soft eiderdown pillows, a rain shower with skylights, coffee and tea-making facilities, and high-tech surrounds. Although the room is tucked away on the top floor, you can easily access the main lobby, dining areas and pool.

RARE

Dinner at this renowned steakhouse is an intimate affair, especially with the newly launched romantic dinner experience. Spoil your partner from the minute you arrive, as the venue goes all out with decorating the table with rose petals. You and your loved one can indulge in a three-course set menu with grape pairing, as we did, that ticks all the boxes for a relaxed evening.

For appetizers, take your pick from the Smoked burrata with basil or Grilled lobster with Spanish vinaigrette served on the side, to douse the meat for every bite. My dining partner and I tried both. The burrata was creamy and gorgeous, with mild acidity from the tomatoes that cut through the richness, making space for the fresh basil and olive oil to shine. The grilled lobster was tender and juicy, offering a bite packed with soft garlic puree and roasted carrot mousseline, that paired well with the burrata too.

Our choice of Grilled tenderloin was well executed and just what I was looking for on that particular evening. The steaks, all grilled to perfection on the restaurant’s oak-wood-fired grill, arrived on a bed of quinoa topped with a truffle potato foam. The latter added a layer of richness - without being overpowering - to the prominent crust of the steak. The quinoa also served its purpose of absorbing all the juices from the steak. Diners can also opt for a Black cod with fresh sauce Vierge and asparagus citric risotto.

To end our meal, we indulged in the Chocolate lava cake served with sesame ice cream. The cake was the right amount of firm and moist, with the right consistency of chocolate oozing out at the perfect temperature. The ice cream added depth, which not only balanced the richness of the cake but also added an interesting flavour profile to the dessert. My dining partner’s crème brulée with fresh berries was light and just perfect after a decadent meal.

THE NEXT MORNING

Head to breakfast at Epicure, the all-day dining restaurant that serves international cuisine. Floor to ceiling windows brighten up the space with plenty of natural sunlight and if you prefer a slow start to the day, take a seat by the window and enjoy the serene garden and pool views. With several à la carte options on offer, including egg dishes, we opted for nutritious Açaí bowls topped with desiccated coconut, fresh berries and chopped bananas – a great summer breakfast fix before lazing by the pool with a good read.

BOOK NOW

The Palm Deluxe Room is available from AED700 per night for two adults. Visit melia.com/desert_palm.