DAY ONE:

UNPACK & SWITCH OFF

Arriving mid-afternoon, we headed straight to our Harmony Oceanfront Master Suite, where a spacious private balcony opened out onto uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. With plenty of room to sit and enjoy the surroundings, it was somewhere we found ourselves returning to throughout our stay. The suite also came equipped with a Pilates kit, a thoughtful addition for anyone wanting to make the most of the outdoor space with a morning workout.

Inside, the attention to detail continued with a selection of bathroom amenities, a pillow menu and even a choice of dressing gowns, allowing guests to personalise some of the smaller comforts – making it very clear from the off, that even the smallest details matter!

After settling into our suite, we headed down to the pool for the remainder of the afternoon, where our VIP sunbeds were positioned in the front row, with views across the pool towards the beach and Arabian Gulf. Far more spacious than your usual sun lounger, each came with its own phone charging point, storage space and plenty of cushions, giving us absolutely no reason to move for the next few hours.

The service was just as memorable, with the team looking after us throughout the afternoon and regularly bringing over complimentary refreshments, from fresh fruit and sorbet to ice lollies. We stayed until sunset, ordering drinks and enjoying the last of the afternoon sun before heading back to our suite.

DAY TWO:

A BIG BREAKFAST, A LONG LUNCH & AN AFTERNOON NAP

Feeling well rested after an early night, we started our second morning with breakfast at Alizée, which quickly became one of our favourite dining experiences at the resort. Breakfast begins with a generous selection of freshly baked breads and pastries, followed by hot dishes ordered from an extensive à la carte menu, with plenty of options for younger guests too. We’d recommend choosing a table outside in the gardens, particularly at this time of year when the mornings are warm enough to enjoy breakfast outdoors.

With no particular plans for the day, we spent most of our time relaxing by the pool, apart from a leisurely three-course lunch at Alizée. We started with the Goat’s Cheese Tarte with caramelised onion and a selection of salads, followed by Baby Chicken with lemon and the Short Rib Pappardelle. For dessert, we chose the Lemon Tart with Italian meringue and a warm Chocolate Moelleux. No notes! After such an indulgent lunch, an afternoon nap was very much on the cards.

For our second evening, we had dinner at Demon Duck, the Dubai restaurant from acclaimed chef Alvin Leung, also known as the Demon Chef. With three Michelin stars awarded to his restaurants in Hong Kong and London, his reputation certainly precedes him, and Demon Duck earned a place in the Michelin Guide Dubai within just three months of opening.

As we were visiting on a Friday, we opted for the Demon Friday Feast, a set menu featuring everything from a selection of starters and dim sum to wok-fired dishes and the restaurant’s signature roasts.

The real highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the duck. Aged for 14 days before being roasted to achieve perfectly crisp skin, the duck is served with steamed Calamansi buns and Chef Alvin’s signature sauce. It’s no exaggeration to say that it was the best duck we’ve ever had, and the quality of the dishes throughout the evening was equally impressive. It’s a restaurant we’d happily return to, and one we’d recommend making time for during a stay at Banyan Tree Dubai. You won’t be disappointed!

DAY THREE:

DAY THREE: A SLOW MORNING BY THE SEA

With no particular plans for our final day, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and a couple of coffees before spending the rest of our time at the beach, making the most of the warm weather before heading home.

One of the things we particularly loved about Banyan Tree Dubai was its beachfront setting. Unlike many of Dubai’s beaches, particularly those around the Palm and within sheltered coves, the shoreline here is exposed to the open sea, with waves rolling onto the sand and a noticeably different atmosphere. It feels much closer to the experience of a traditional beach holiday, despite being just a short distance from the city.

The walk down to the beach is equally lovely, taking you through the resort’s lush gardens and palm-lined pathways. The tropical surroundings are a beautiful contrast to Dubai’s more urban landscape and add to the sense of being somewhere entirely different, even with Dubai Marina just minutes away.

THE INSIDE EDIT

Book it for:

A weekend away that doesn’t need a flight

The room:

Harmony Oceanfront Master Suite

Don’t miss:

Demon Duck’s Friday Feast (6pm to 9pm)

Ask for:

Front-row VIP beds facing the pool and the beach

With little ones:

Under-6s are welcome at Demon Duck until 9pm, and the Club Tropicool kids’ club takes ages 3 to 12 (younger children with an adult)