Want to leave the city behind? Get on Sheikh Zayed Road, past Dubai, past the industrial zones of Jebel Ali, take a right towards desert and sea – and you will arrive: a seaside oasis just 20 minutes away from Dubai. This laid-back hotel is popular year-round with couples and families seeking to unplug a little from life. What it offers in return is a sojourn filled with greenery, long stretches of sandy beach, and the ultimate swim-up pool bar.

 

The Welcome

Follow the winding path and beware the peacocks! They’re crossing roads, they’re taking your parking spot, and you’ll later find them chillin’ next to you at the beach. They’re not so good at playing hide-and-seek:

 

 

 

Sweet Suite

The rooms are no frills and keep the focus on the sea. The sea view rooms are so inviting you won’t want to leave your balcony, though the garden view rooms also give a nice splash of greenery that we so crave living in the desert.

 

We opted for a beach bungalow and got the fabulous mix of garden and sea view. Absolute highlight? Being woken up by the sound of what turned out to be baby peacocks tapping on the balcony door! This is the private terrace in front of the room that opens out onto an expanse of sea…

 

 

Food-tastic

White Orchid is a great Asian fusion restaurant with excellent grilled meats and Thai curries. This is also the venue for breakfast in the morning with everything from Arabic foul medammes to fluffy omelettes made to order.

 

This hotel is really ideal for pure relaxation. People don’t come here to party up a storm and kids are usually in bed early. We spent most of the day at the beach with a good book and the rest of the time chasing the peacocks to get close enough for a good photo. I managed one:

And anyway, who needs a club when you can hang out here past sunset?

 

#WhatToPack

For a relaxing stay at JA Palm Tree Court, enjoy beach attire in vibrant colours. Here’s an outfit inspired by beach sunsets at the resort: