Does this self-proclaimed ‘palace by the sea’ live up to its moniker?
It’s not easy to find a calm and quiet waterfront resort that also happens to be in an urban location; one with superb accommodation, excellent dining options and is within easy reach of all the main hotspots. However, one place in the Northern Emirates aims to tick all these boxes: Palace Beach Resort Fujairah.
While many of Fujairah’s resorts are clustered together on Al Aqah Beach, close to the border with Oman, Palace Beach Resort Fujairah is situated right in the city centre, offering a beachfront escape with a wealth of shopping and dining options just an hour’s drive from Dubai.
From the moment we enter the waterfront address, elegant local touches abound. From the immaculately-dressed and helpful staff to the contemporary architecture and Arabesque patterns, the property is a testament to a city embracing the future while staying true to its heritage. And whilst the phrase palatial may be hyperbolic, Fujairah’s newest five-star resort is undeniably chic.
Deluxe Living
The beachfront oasis features 167 accommodation options, meaning categories at Palace Beach Resort Fujairah are plenty – from deluxe and executive all the way up to the ultra-luxe two bedroom royal suite – all decorated in contemporary furnishings, earthy hues with royal blue elements to create a relaxed vibe. We checked into a deluxe room pool view king with a lovely balcony overlooking the swimming pool and the crashing waters of the Gulf of Oman.
The rooms are very boutique, offering a serene and relaxing space with modern trimmings, including a small lounge area, large flat screen television, Nespresso machine and a comfortable king-sized bed. The bathrooms though compact, are pleasant and contain a walk-in rainfall shower (no bath), marble finishes and bright lighting, which certainly helps when it comes to getting ready in the evenings. It’s a beautifully-appointed space (32 sqm to be precise) with everything you could ask for in a home away from your own.
Waterfront Wonderment
Lifeguards patrol the natural dark sand stretch of private beach, and the vigorous surf makes for plenty of fun. But for a more tranquil waterside experience, Palace Beach Resort Fujairah’s swimming pool offers respite from the heat with plenty of sun loungers, chic cabanas with billowing chiffon curtains, and a separate shallow pool that’s ideal for small children. The team poolside are impeccable, ensuring we’re armed with chilled water, sunscreen and after-sun, all wrapped up with an eager-to-please attitude. You could easily spend the entire day here soaking up the sun and even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, there are options for pool and beach access for a small fee.
Younger guests can participate in a host of entertaining and educational activities at the Qix Club, where they combine fun, creativity and learning to ensure children between the ages of four and 12 are immersed in an enjoyable and attentively supervised environment. A 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre is also available on site.
Delightful Dining
The resort offers three unique dining concepts. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Ewaan, has been transported from Palace Downtown in Dubai and focuses on Arabic and international cuisines against a backdrop of intricate wooden panelling, luxurious furnishings and wiry olive trees. The expansive breakfast buffet features stacks of golden pancakes, healthy immunity shots and honey straight from the comb. Yet, it’s during lunch and dinner service that Ewaan comes to life. Here, charming staff and a menu of delightful dishes (don’t miss the steak frites or halloumi salad) make up for Ewaan’s unfortunate lack of ambience.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, head to Al Bayt (another staple transported effortlessly from Palace Downtown). Renowned for its afternoon tea, sweet and savoury treats are presented upon a glittering gold stand that takes on the appearance of the hotel’s arched logo. Savour the decadence of munching on orange scones while sipping tea out of gold-trimmed chinaware amidst a stylish setting of soft furnishings and exuberant light fittings.
Buhayra Lounge offers a selection of snacks and beverages beside the pool and an ocean-facing signature restaurant will open its doors in Q4 2022, promising a blend of Oriental flavours with locally sourced ingredients.
Nestled between the topography of the Hajar Mountains and the waters of the Gulf of Oman, Palace Beach Resort is a nice spot for a weekend retreat or extended staycation. Taking the best elements from its sister hotel (Dubai’s Palace Downtown) and injecting them with a contemporary twist, Palace Beach Resort Fujairah relishes the clean approach to hospitality that we’ve come to expect from the Address Hotels + Resorts portfolio. Few places in the Northern Emirates can transport you from the city to the sea, but Palace Beach Resort Fujairah succeeds in doing just that. Palatial? At a push. Relaxed seaside retreat? Most definitely.
GO: Visit www.addresshotels.com for reservations and more information.
