The first Caesars Palace off-shoot from Las Vegas brings a dash of ancient Rome to Dubai. Gambling is not on the cards (it is against the law in the UAE), but there are several other diversions, including an award-winning spa, a pristine private beach, several outdoor pools, and a restaurant by Gordon Ramsay.
The resort is located on the manmade Bluewaters island, off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence, which is accessible by pedestrian bridge. The resort is adjacent to Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel, which opened in October 2021. The Dubai Marina is mere minutes away, whilst it is a 20-minute drive to The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, and a further five minutes to the airport.
Somewhat more understated than its Vegas sister, the resort exudes an air of polished, contemporary elegance in neutral tones, with subtle nods to the Roman empire in the form of Jonathan Adler’s creations featuring modern murals, giant busts, and horse and foot sculptures dotted around the grounds. Sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows suffuse the property with light, while outside the three temperature-controlled pools (including a shaded kids pool) and a 500-metre-long pristine private beach proffer unobstructed sea views (a rarity in Dubai), and crucially, there is a blissful absence of construction work anywhere in the vicinity. For additional privacy, spacious, luxuriously comfy cabanas are available to hire for an additional charge, both poolside and on the beach.
Service is supreme throughout– from the check-in desk to the cheerful housekeeping team. Staff are unfailingly attentive and amiable, stopping to wish you a good day, enquire after your stay, and offer helpful recommendations. Ravi, the maître d’ at Bacchanal is without doubt the most friendly and helpful member of hotel staff I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. An example of his superlative service is the way in which he spotted both of our daughters in a tetchy, jet-lagged induced mood at breakfast one morning, and swooped in with personalised colouring books and crayons for each of them. Never has a day been brightened quite so swiftly and successfully.
For those in need of some pampering, Qua Spa has an impressive array of unique treatments on its menu, such as the revolutionary Japanese Iyashidome™ infrared capsule (the first of its kind in the UAE). Inspired by the traditional Japanese practice, ‘Suna Ryoho’, which involves being buried in the sand near hot springs to eliminate toxins, the treatment combines sophisticated Japanese technology with exfoliation, thermal clay body mask and drainage massage, and – as an added benefit - burns up to 600 calories per session.
The 495 smart room, suites and apartments in sleek slate grey and cream tones feature subtle classical details like horse head cushions, Roman coin artworks and chariot-style high-backed bathtubs feature alongside cutting-edge 21st-century tech such as suite pads to order room service, Nespresso machines, and media hubs for connecting devices via Bluetooth. There are countless creature comforts, including down bedding, Frette linen, pillow menus and deliciously scented Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze toiletries, with thoughtful touches like pop-up lighted mirrors in the dressing table and discreet two-way valet cabinets allowing laundry to be delivered, or used plates egressed without disturbance. For our family of four, the Julius Family Two-Bedroom option – which features an interconnecting room set up - was ideal, and extra beds and cots are available upon request. Suite guests enjoy butler services such as in-suite check-in, packing and unpacking, and shoe shining.
There is a plethora of dining options, many of which are award-winning. The hotel has twelve restaurants, bars and lounges, including the upscale Hell’s Kitchen by Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay (specializing in in British favorites, such as sticky toffee pudding and Beef Wellington), poolside Neptune for cocktails and casual dining, Roman Lounge for afternoon tea and sunset cocktails, and an elaborate breakfast spread with an Arabic twist (think foul madamas and umm ali) at Bacchanal. Before bed, head for a nightcap and a serenade at louche Havana Social Club. Cove Beach is the place to be for party people - including Boris Becker - who we spotted during our stay.
Younger guests can look forward to a packed program of fun activities in the Empire Kids’ Club. 3–6-year-olds can enjoy the Gladiators’ Activity Schedule, which includes face painting, T-shirt painting, Lego and Animal Athletics. There is a brilliant mix of crafts, games and movement- including yoga and aerobics, to keep even the most hyperactive toddler happy. The staff at the Empire Club are unfailingly engaging and entertaining, and it is a daily struggle to prise my children away. Older children are well-catered for too: there is a comprehensive Centurions program for 7–12-year-olds, who can brush up their baking skills as they learn to ‘Cook Like a Roman’, or play out their acting dreams in the ‘Roman Theatre’. Best of all, the activity program runs from 1oam until 7.30pm, and there is no additional charge for the service, so parents can relax, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are being taken care of and are having a great time. For teenagers between 13 and 17, ROAM is a dream come true, boasting a high-tech arcade ambiance through a variety of game zones and virtual reality in one dynamic space. Teens can start their day with coffee and yoga, and spend the afternoon answering trivia questions or embarking on treasure hunts with a millennial twist, such as the Selfie Scavenger Hunt.
In terms of the holy trinity of location, service, and facilities, Caesars Palace Dubai is without question one of the best hotels in Dubai. My only grumble is that I couldn’t stay longer.
Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai offers rooms from £236/$322 per night and suites from £743/$1017 per night.
Address: Bluewaters Island, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: +9714 556 6666 Website: caesars.com Email: stay@caesarsdubai.ae
