Mr & Mrs Smith

Desert Palm is a gem in an oasis of glam, sparkle, glitz, gold, designer handbags, cars and all things absolutely blingin fabulous. Having spent most of the week in the main drag of Dubai tripping over some 5,000 lawyers at an International Conference, including hubbie, WAGS, fast cars and Hermes handbags, it was an utter pleasure to arrive at the cool, tranquil and beautiful Desert Palm. The getaway. Our pool suite for the two days was stunning and had every luxury we could want but in a very understated way. We spent most of our time there just chilling. The polo match being played on the Friday was great and the family atmosphere perfect. The efficient staff were very experienced and very attentive. We ordered a barbecue for the Friday night in our suite and this was the best idea in a hotel I've experienced. Home from home but done in the most fabulous way. Salads, fresh meats, fish, fruits and more – we had such a great experience. We had invited friends over on Saturday for lunch and again we ate the most wonderful food in our suite. Nothing was any trouble for the staff and they made our experience wonderful. We finished the perfect weekend off by having dinner in Rare, the steaks were to die for and sitting on the terrace overlooking the most beautifully manicured polo pitch with the distant twinkling of the fairy lights of Dubai city was the perfect way to spend my birthday weekend. Him indoors said at least five times an hour that the Desert Palm is the perfect short break retreat and we will definitely be back. Pip pip!

Desert Palm provided us with the perfect break. Everything from airport transfers to hotel facilities was handled impeccably. The spa treatments were amongst the best we have had anywhere. I would pay a special tribute to the management staff, and especially Patti, who could not do enough to ensure that our stay was pleasurable and most enjoyable -- Well done and thank you.

We'd like to recommend places to visit in Dubai but, having stayed at the Desert Palm (for two nights only), we had no wish to leave. The welcome was excellent – the fresh juice was just what we needed after the flight. The service was superb, definitely opt for the afternoon tea looking over the polo field – what a treat! The room was AMAZING! As other reviewers have noted, there were many gadgets – it took some time to work out how to turn the lights off, but it was fun finding out! We can't recommend the Desert Palm enough. Roll on our next visit.

Lime spa is truly sublime. Rooms were deliciously decadent. Movie and munchies night fun. Just a shame to almost be alone in the hotel. SO relaxed though! We didn't want to leave.

1. A new bar / hotel called The Address has opened recently and it with it's main bar on the 83rd floor, it is currently THE place to be seen having a cool cocktail in Dubai and gives you wonderful views of the city. For a more relaxed British affair, Barasti (+971 (0)4 399 3333 is a great bar to watch the football and have a pint amongst other ex-pats. We did not get the chance to book, but heard good things about a restaurant called Bateaux Dubai (+971 (0)4 399 4994). As the name suggests it is on a boat and slowly, over two hours, sails along the coast for a truly romantic experience.

As always, you seem to have the best covered, but one addition I would make is Sho Cho at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa. It's a minimalist and trendy Japanese restaurant with lounge, but don't be put off by the word 'trendy' if you don't want to be part of the cool set! The food is superb and not ridiculously priced. Sitting outside was stunning especially with a view overlooking the beach and sea  – inside you are surrounded by fish tanks. And the cocktails were the best I found in Dubai. So good, I went back twice!

Great reception from the staff, stunning views across the polo field and enough gadgets in the room to keep you occupied almost to the point of distraction. The atmosphere by the pool was quiet and relaxed, even at busy periods. One of the best hotel experiences I've ever had.