Marriott Hotel The Palm 5*, Dubai (UAE)

A stay that reminded me why I love this city

Marriott on the Palm had been on my radar for a while, and last week I finally made it happen — and I left genuinely impressed, which it actually rare for someone who went to so many hotels.

Get the seaview room — trust me on this one

First things first: if you're booking here, get the full seaview room. Non-negotiable. The view from that room is, without exaggeration, one of the most spectacular you can get in Dubai. Waking up to a panoramic stretch of the Gulf, with the city skyline shimmering in the distance — it's something you don't forget quickly. I would have been happy just staying in the room for the entire trip, if I'm being honest.

Beach, pool, and slow mornings done right

The beach is beautiful — spacious, well-kept, with that particular shade of blue water you only really get on the Palm side. And the pool is big enough that even when it's busy, you're not on top of each other. I made full use of both during my stay and couldn't have been more relaxed by the end of it.

Myami Beach Bar — a healthy foodie's dream spot

Myami was a genuinely pleasant surprise. As someone who's very into healthy eating, I was thrilled to find poke bowls and a gorgeous fresh fruit platter on the menu — not something you always come across at a hotel beach bar. The menu is extensive enough that there's truly something for everyone, whatever you're craving. What I loved just as much as the food was the atmosphere — relaxed, breezy, with a great view over the pool. The kind of spot you find yourself lingering at for longer than planned.

Smoki — the restaurant I'm still thinking about

On the food front, I tried a few of the hotel's restaurants, but the one that completely won me over was Smoki — their Korean dining concept. The setup alone is a lot of fun: the food is cooked right in front of you at the table, and the whole experience feels interactive and social in a way that most hotel restaurants don't manage to pull off. But beyond the show, the food itself was genuinely delicious. Bold flavours, fresh ingredients, excellent quality. 

Cucina — Italian dining done with real elegance

If you're looking for a romantic dinner during your stay, Cucina is the answer. This is the kind of Italian restaurant that actually gets it right — the atmosphere is elegant without feeling stiff, and one thing I particularly appreciated was the generous space between tables, which so many restaurants in Dubai seem to forget about. The food is top notch across the board, beautifully executed with no corners cut. It's the sort of place that has your heart from the first bite, and that makes you want to come back before you've even finished dessert.

Spa, sauna, and time well spent doing nothing

I also spent an afternoon at the spa, which was exactly what I needed — time at the jacuzzi, a session in the sauna, a relaxing massage. Everything was clean, well-maintained, and the atmosphere was suitably calm and unhurried. I felt that I lost track of time while chilling there, but I needed it so much after a crazy busy week.

Fully equipped gym to keep up with your fitness routine

The gym is another standout part of the experience and genuinely exceeded expectations. It offers both a fully equipped indoor training space and a separate outdoor area, which is rare for a city resort of this size. What really elevates it is the view — training indoors or outside, you're still looking out over the water and the Palm, which makes even a regular workout feel more enjoyable. I also took the opportunity to do a cycling session while facing the sea, and it was easily one of those small but memorable moments of the stay that made everything feel more relaxed and refreshing.

What I appreciated most about Marriott The Palm is that you can tell the investment went beyond the aesthetics. Every part of the stay felt considered — the facilities, the service, the food. It's a hotel where you feel genuinely looked after, and that's not something you can fake. I can't recommend it enough.

“Catch the sunset, don’t mind the wind, and don’t forget to enjoy your vacation! “