My 23rd birthday felt like I had been catapulted into a space port or the set of ‘Tomorrowland’. When I didn’t see Elon Musk or George Clooney, I realised I was on Earth and in a city no other than DUBAI!
Throughout all of my travels, I found myself always being piqued for hotel recommendations in Dubai by my followers and it was unfortunate that I could not offer my best advice. Well, those days are gone since I collaborated with a fantastic 5*hotels in the host spot of Dubai.
Say hello to the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, A Marriott Luxury and Lifestyle Hotel and boy did it set the standard. Upon arrival, we were swept to a meeting with the General Manager in the Sunrise Tower who welcomed us with an in depth discussion of the unique services of Habtoor Grand and what we should expect from our stay. She highlighted that as Habtoor Grand Club Elite members, we could take advantage of a plethora of benefits, including priority check-in and late check-out at 2pm, high tea served from 3pm-5m, pre dinner drinks served from 6pm-8pm, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages served from 6am-11pm, complimentary use of one hour use of meeting room facilities per day and use of Grand Club private dining room for up to 8 guests. Don’t despair if you have children since Habtoor has a dedicated children’s den with books, games, and children’s television. I found the meeting to be very informative and was super helpful taking advantage of all the facilities during my time at the hotel.
Photograph of Sunset and Sunrise Tower
After a tour of the hotel, I was taken to a private access floor holding the Ambassador Suites, which was truly breathtaking. With a whopping 140sqm/1506sqft, it was a more space than I anticipated. The suite featured a living room, dining area, and a bedroom separated by a privacy wall. We had a beach-front view, which was slightly compromised due to construction, but still scenic. The room itself had all the amenities I needed and really set the tone for the week ahead. With the Vogue team staying next door and a long list of elites as residents, it was evident that the Grand Habtoor had built a healthy rapport as a luxury hotel.
Photograph of Ambassador Suite
Photograph of Ambassador Suite
Photograph of Ambassador Suite
Photograph of Ambassador Suite
Photograph of beverages upon arrival
Unpacking done, I started exploring the grounds and made my way to the Infinity pool until the evening. Unlike many hotels, we were able to enjoy pool-side sheesha, complimented by nachos and an amazing sunset. The ambience was beautiful, the staff were hands on deck and the food was divine.
Photograph of infinity pool
Grand Habtoor had kindly organised dinner at their Thai Restaurant ‘Bamboo’ that night, which tickled my Thai loving tastebuds perfectly. We had spicy edamame beans, vegetable spring rolls, sautéed chicken and lamb, tempura prawns, chicken pad Thai and chicken green curry. The service at Bamboo was good, I found the traditional live performance very entertaining and they served up some killer mocktails. Pre-dinner drinks at the infinity pool coupled by dinner at Bamboo made for the perfect evening.
Photograph taken before dinner
Photograph of Bamboo Restaurant
As an early riser on holiday, the beach was calling. But, important business first – breakfast o’clock. The Club Lounge was booming with choice and goodness. I had a vegetarian omelette, with a fresh bowl of fruit and watermelon juice. What I loved the most about breakfast was the view of the beach and The Ain Dubai. Also known as the Dubai Eye, it is set to become the largest and highest wheel observation wheel in the world. With the wheel in development for years, it was amazing seeing it full circle and I can’t wait to enjoy 360 degree views of the city and its coastline during my next trip.
Photograph of Breakfast
The best part? Habtoor Grand has their very own private beach setting the tone for the perfect balance between privacy and relaxation. We chilled on the sun loungers for hours and enjoyed fresh juices with zero complaints.
With the hotel just seconds away from Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR), popular for The Walk, which offers a number of dining, hookah and shopping options, we had little time twiddling our thumbs. Location is key and with reception staff so helpful sharing knowledge of local attractions, it would be an injustice not to get your backpack and adventure shoes out.
Photograph of Habtoor Grand Beach
Post beach time, I visited the other two pools in the resort and noticed it was a lot more family friendly. If you have young children, this would be your spot. Besides the main pool, it has a kids pool and water slides area which to my disappointment, I did not qualify for.
Following hearty conversations with other residents and exchanging tributes about our new profound love for Dubai as well as the resort, I enjoyed lunch at Luciano’s. We had a mouthwatering Canadian Lobster, Sea Bass as well as a mushroom pasta. My stay was not long enough to explore all of Habtoor’s dining options – with a whopping 14 themed bars and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, there will be little left to desire after staying at this luxury resort.
Photograph of Pool
Photograph of Pool
Photograph taken at Luciano’s
In true food-coma style, following my meal I layed out on the pool-side cabanas exploring the Elixir Spa treatment menu. Note that the cabanas are super popular and are mostly reserved by guests by around 10am, so if you want those perfect pool-side chills, come down early. In the same way, be sure to book out one of the four tennis courts, 2 racquetballs courts or the squash courts far in advance to avoid disappointment. In pure holiday mode, I ditched the gym (with regret), but found it to very clean, airy and loved the fact that it overlooked the beautiful Habtoor grounds.
Photograph of tennis courts
Photograph of gym
Photograph of Elixir Spa
Following analysing the 30 different treatments offered, I chose a full body 1 hour Aromatherapy Massage at Elixir Spa which was exactly what I needed to get into full holiday mode. My therapist Ria was amazing and ensured that she understood what areas I wanted her to focus on. I love the fact that she added a personal touch and got to know me not as her client, but as a friend. To make this experience better, a comfier head-rest would be fantastic, but did not take away from the treatment at all. Following my treatment, I used the segregated sauna and steam rooms, and felt pure zen in the relaxation room, accompanied by a perfectly tasting peppermint tea and fruit plate. Following my massage, our time at Habtoor had sadly come to an end.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Habtoor Grand and really look forward to staying there again on my next visit to Dubai. Thank you to Dwayn Riley and the whole team that made my stay extremely special. The Marketing Team really went the extra mile. From the restaurant chefs, cleaners, marketing team, reception staff – the whole workforce went above and beyond to not only make me feel comfortable but from what I saw, every other guest too. A genuine passion for their roles and the difference they were making really came through and was heartwarming to witness.
I would rate the Habtoor Grand 4.5/5 based on the following grading:
5 – Amazing, 4 – Good, 3 – Average, 2 – Not good, 1 – Never coming back!
Location – 4.5
Service – 4.7
Facilities – 4.7
Room – 4.8
HS xo