Inside Banyan Tree Dubai, The Escape That Highlights A Calmer Side To The City

Given Dubai’s relentless pace, the first thing you notice about Banyan Tree Dubai is how peaceful it is. Located on Bluewaters Island, which sits just off the mainland, it’s far enough from the city’s headline spots like The Palm and the ever-buzzing Jumeirah Beach strip that invites you to take a deep breath. 

When I first visited Bluewaters Island in 2018, it was the kind of destination people visited once, but never rushed back to. The purpose-built artificial island is anchored by Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, and at the time, was dominated by chain restaurants, large-scale residential blocks, as well as Caesars Palace, a mammoth hotel.

Today, the residential population has settled in, giving the island a softer everyday energy, but its biggest shift has been the transformation of its former flagship hotel – the Caesars – into Banyan Tree Dubai. It shares the building with another hotel, the Delano, and is anchored by a clutch of restaurants including Demon Duck by Alvin Leung and Blue Door, a Turkish grill that sits ensconced within a serene fairy lit garden. There’s also TakaHisa, widely considered to be one of the best Japanese Omakase dining rooms in Dubai; I recommend booking in advance and saving your appetite for the Wagyu katsu sando and sushi which uses the freshest fish straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market (formerly Tsukiji Market), best enjoyed from a counter seat where you can let the menu unfold and watch the chefs do their thing.

My room at the Banyan Tree, a Harmony Ocean Front Master Suite, had a private balcony overlooking 500-metres of white-sand beach and beyond that, the sparkling Arabian Gulf. The interiors set the tone for all things Banyan Tree, with natural materials, a pared-back palette and subtle Asian inflections that favour balance and space. 

But it was the immediate view of the resort’s palm tree-lined pool that brought the sense of ease full circle. Here, a fun, bohemian orange and pink palette is revealed through umbrellas that shade private cabanas and Royal Beds that come complete with wireless chargers, built-in power points, USB ports, and drink holders. This along with a delivery of fruits and ice lollies and a menu of crowd pleasers (from chilli cheese nachos to pizzas and the ultimate wagyu beef burger) meant I could live my very best WFH life against chilled background beats.

Elsewhere, as with all Banyan Trees, the spa did not disappoint. Sprawling over 2,257 sqm – one of Dubai’s largest – you could spend an entire day here, meandering between the jacuzzis, vitality pools, ice fountain, and steam and sauna rooms. There are heated loungers and a retail area that kept me occupied for ages, but it was the massage by Ashok who delivered a truly intuitive experience that needed nothing more than to let him do what he does best. 

Even with so many dining options available, it would be remiss to skip out on in-room dining. Not just because the suites are made for staying in, but the chicken soup and a chilled glass of Bollinger was the ideal meal to round off a day spent nourishing yourself in the spa.

This being Dubai, there’s plenty beyond Bluewaters Island worth exploring – but whether you’re there for a quick getaway or lingering a little longer, there really is little need to leave once you arrive.

C&TH Key Notes

– Drink to order: The Geisha Martini at TakaHisa

– Room to request: A seaview suite overlooking the pool for that ‘breathe deep’ experience

– You should know: You can visit any of the restaurants at the Delano and vice versa

– Best bit: The signature Banyan tree scent, which is diffused through bedrooms

– Don’t miss: a massage with Ashok and the spa

THE LAST WORD

In a city built on excess, Banyan Tree offers calm comfort and consistency, resulting in an escape that truly restores.

BOOK

Rooms at Banyan Tree Dubai start at £296, including breakfast. banyantree.com