Banyan Tree Dubai

When a Roman Emperor departed Bluewaters last year, a beautiful Banyan Tree grew in its place, but how much has changed?

2024-04-01 -

LOCATION

In the shadow of a giant wheel that has, for the moment at least, stopped turning – a very different sort of revolution took place along the gorgeous Bluewaters beachfront late last year. Banyan Tree, a luxury and earnestly eco-conscious leisure brand took over operations of what used to be Caesars Palace Dubai. And despite being just a few short months into the tenure, it already feels like a completely different resort. The guest-facing glow-up hasn’t been dramatic, but it has been targeted to key impactful elements, that let you know the soul of the place has changed. Cut this hotel, and it bleeds Banyan sap.

LOOK AND FEEL

Bluewaters has a gleefully easy pace to it – which makes it a fitting foil for Bayan Tree, a brand probably best known for its footprint on breezy Asian islands. And at just 178 rooms/suites, there’s none of that labyrinthian anxiety you get from mega hotels with unending corridors. Through the main entrance and before you even get to the lobby, your nasal passages are given a soothing massage by the zen scents of spa aromatics. And whilst it has inherited its thoroughly modern fit-out from Caesars, the vast glass frontage looks out over more organic tones. The blue hues of sea and pool, the serene greens of tree and leaf, and terracotta-white candy stripes adorn the textiles of the main pool complex. It subtly communicates unfussy luxury – warmth and family-friendly intention.

ROOMS

We stayed in a Harmony Oceanview Master Suite, large enough to house two adults and two functionally feral under-eight-year-olds more than comfortably. The private space highlights include a sea-facing balcony; a huge bathroom with a statement freestanding bath; and the amenities are all environmentally sensitive. Even the water bottles are refillable vessels for filtered H2O.

FACILITIES

Banyan Tree Dubai’s star attraction is undoubtedly the sprawling infinity pool deck – framed by cabanas and with adultsonly and kid-friendly options on the side. Because it faces away from much of the familiar Dubai skyline, and has a private beach combed by churning waves, it genuinely feels like an exotic getaway. There’s a luxurious spa here of course, that’s a Banyan Tree essential; an activity-focused kids’ club (with a PS5, my son Maverick insisted on my telling you); there’s a gym, wellness facilities, and watersports.

FOOD AND DRINK

You’re probably already aware but, when the previous tenant moved out – they took certain restaurants with them. Still present and serving up a storm is the acclaimed Japanese omakase specialist – TakaHisa; and from the beautiful mind of multiMichelin-awarded Alvin Leung – Demon Duck. A new restaurant rushing into the vacuum left by Hell’s Kitchen is Alizée, named after a trade wind, and it really is a breath of fresh air. It serves a Dubai menu (Mediterranean plus Asian), offers a la carte breakfasts for guests, and does a phenomenal turn on the grill.

RATES

Rooms start at around Dhs1,300 for the lead-in category (two adults, one night, breakfast included), or about Dhs5,455 per night for a Master Suite (two adults, two kids, breakfast included).