Great Getaways

Feeling horse?

Not as far away as you think and possessing a wonderful restaurant in Rare, head to The Desert Palm polo resort in Dubai

THE ‘SPORT OF kings,’ polo has a time-old association with the finer things in life. Thus, a resort dedicated to the pursuit should also pass muster with the crowd it will no doubt attract. Thankfully the Desert Palm Resort, just past the Dubai Outlet Mall, manages to live up to this exclusive image. Whilst not a formal country lodge, the airy and modern boutique hotel aims to provide guests with a comfortable environment in which to retire after surveying or playing in matches held upon the surrounding fields.

The relaxing amenities include everything from deluxe rooms, suites and poolside villas, a five-star spa, various dining options and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Staying in Palm Suite it is clear to see why the peaceful establishment is constantly at 100 per cent occupancy. The equestrian theme that runs throughout the hotel, does not really extend to the rooms bar the view of the main polo field, but in its place is a contemporary chic feel that one wouldn’t expect in what is, in Dubai terms, a ‘rural’ retreat.

Sleek counters and breakfast bar, all mod-cons including a flat screen TV, coffee making facilities, an iPod station and an artistically designed couch are all present, surrounding an enormous bed fit for a monarch. The open planned chamber’s bathroom, separated from the main area by a large set of black wood shelves, houses a bath tub to rival some of the greatest in Dubai along with a decent shower to boot.

If any criticism has to be levelled at the set up, it is that there is no balcony of which to speak. However, with the room situated one-floor directly above the hotel’s main restaurant, any outdoor time may have been spent a tad uneasily anyway.

The restaurant below, Rare, offers some of the finest cuisine. A steakhouse at heart, it is the foie gras has to be tasted to be believed.

Breakfast in bed is always a treat and the Desert Palm does not disappoint. Eggs Florentine and Benedict were delivered to the room with the right amount of panache and sumptuousness, which topped off a fine night’s stay.

Visit: desertpalm.peraquum.com

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Further Afield

A few deals from around the world

Regal RAK

The recently opened Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah has opened its signature lounge.

Peacock Alley is as much an integral part of New York’s vibrant history as it is of Waldorf Astoria. The original promenade that joined together the Astoria and the Waldorf hotels allowed the celebrated brand to be known as Waldorf Astoria.

A touch of the legacy of Waldorf Astoria New York is now in Ras Al Khaimah with the finest traditional Waldorf food including the globally acclaimed Waldorf Salad. The Alley is a bright and open place during the day, perfect for some of the world’s finest coffees and light snacks, and as the night draws close and cocktail hour begins, the atmosphere changes and guests can relax.

Visit: waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

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The Dold and the beautiful

The Dolder Grand invites honeymooners to experience a world of romance.

Whether it be spending the day gallivanting amongst the adventurous slopes of the nearby Alps, experiencing his or her massage treatments in Dolder Grand’s spa, or delighting in the range of cultural and nightlife activities, newlyweds will be enchanted as they experience the elaborate diversity of The Dolder Grand lifestyle.

Situated near Zurich, The Dolder Grand provides honeymooners with the ultimate romantic destination.

Visit: www.thedoldergrand.com

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App-tastic

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®) has introduced a new app for iPad. The SPG App for joins the SPG App for iPhone, which gives travellers a visually rich, personalised experience on every step of their journey from imaginative destination exploration to the details of your trip before, during and after a visit.

Visit: www.spg.com/mobileapps

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On yer bike

GCC cyclists are making their way from the Arabian dunes to the Yorkshire dales on a cycling trip inspired by theGrand Départ of the 2014 Tour de France. The British countryside, famous for its outstanding natural beauty, wil ltake centre stage in this fascinating journey.

The trip is part of VisitBritain’s ‘Dunes to Dales’ initiative launched in the GCC this summer through a digital campaign. Visitors to the website were asked to vote for one of two routes for the GCC cyclists to take on their upcoming tour. The route that inspired the most votes is the route that covers parts of the first stage of the Grand Départ.

Visit: www.dunestodales.com