JA Palm Tree Court Resort Review: Privacy, Luxury and Tranquility in Southern Dubai, UAE

Heaven does exist in Dubai – it’s official. It comes in the form of a lush green resort in the middle of the desert, with its own private stretch of beach, fabulous restaurants, service with a smile and an array of beautiful birds which tweet throughout the day and night. JA Palm Tree Court is my new guilty pleasure and you all need to know about it. Even as you arrive you can’t help but be impressed by its tropical grandeur.

The resort is actually part of JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel as a whole, but operates as one half of it. JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel is a larger resort catering to a busier crowd and with a bigger buffet style offering which is perfect for children. But separated by small wooden gates is JA Palm Tree Court and it’s much more grown up. It’s more of a retreat, an oasis if you will. To think this was once just barren sand dunes, it’s rather hard to believe. I remember coming across this hotel on Kuoni once before, I lost grasp of its name after that – though I’ll never forget it again.

More beach side glamour and sophistication in the lobby as you walk through the doors. Check-in is very speedy here and before you know it your bags are whisked away and a welcome drink with snacks are landed in front of you – as well as a refreshing scented face and hand cloth to refresh. One of my favourite touches when I visit resort hotels.

Considered the best beach resort in UAE. JA Palm Tree Court says it is dedicated to an exceptional standard of family friendly travel. With 208 spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites as well as junior suites with private balconies which overlook the beautiful gardens. We checked into one of those gorgeous suites and explored one of its top junior suites the next day too. Modern, airy and full of all the luxury necessities.

Our bathroom had us speechless for a few moments and the spa bath products from Elemis were a lovely touch, along with the chocolates I devoured in the bath later that evening – with a yellow rubber duck to join me.

The sea view terrace is the best part of it all. Looking out across the manicured lawns and towards the under construction Jebel Ali Palm – set to be the biggest Palm yet. As the sun sets of an evening the terrace is the perfect place to be with a glass of wine and enjoy the warm sun on your face.

After some time to enjoy our lovely room, we set off the explore the resorts grounds. Wooden bridges between all of the trees and plants. Waterfalls in just about every view you turns too and a vivid blue stream which runs through the centre of the entire resort.

The pool area is rather special too. Or should I say pools. While a third is reserved for guests staying in the hotels top suites. JA Palm Tree Court has its own private heated pool with a fabulous swim up bar. Here you can sip far too many cocktails made by the bartender. The water is so warm it’s like being in a heated bath so trust me when I say you won’t want to leave. The beach has it’s very own pool too, shared by both resorts which looks out across the ocean and again has another swim up bar to enjoy.

Just outside of our room the day we arrived were a muster of peacocks. The females staying close to home but the dominant and very colourful males would roam the entire resort, strolling around the pool and behind the loungers – even waling down on the beach. They rage in angry flutters when a tiny bird gets anywhere close, but a human walking past – they simply don’t care. We also spotted some tiny little birds amongst the firs.

For those seeking a light lunch, the multitude of restaurants serve menus which you’ll never tire of. Wraps, grilled dishes, mezze, curry and a range of light bites. We loved our flaky pastry coated prawns at Captain’s Restaurant and was the perfect snack to settle us in.

Head down to the beach bar during the day while soaking up the sun by the beach, but the best time is from 5pm onwards with a glass of bubbles in hand. As the sun sets the whole of the beach and resort is blanketed in a rich golden glow and a light sandy mist which fills the air. It’s absolutely magical.

With a spa and four swimming pools, several restaurants, top of the range sports facilities, children’s entertainment club and The Residence there is always something to do. Guests staying in the most exclusive suites have the benefit of a private swimming pool and lounge area meaning even more privacy.

This resorts best restaurant was the stunning White Orchid Restaurant. A fusion experience combining Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes along with a traditional teppanyaki table to ensure a wonderful dining experience, the latter of which we booked. Perfectly cooked meats and succulent seafoods. Read all about my full dining experience at not just White Orchid Restaurant but from the entire duration of my stay.

Breakfast the next morning was rather legendary. Parmesan wheels, a cheese selection quite like anything I have ever seen of a morning and a hot section with a chef who will do his best to cook just about anything your stomach desires. By far the best breakfast experience from our Dubai escape.

For nature and sports lovers I highly recommend taking a walk towards the exit of the hotel to visit the on-site herb gardens, nature trail and air-conditioned stables where you can watch the training afternoons or take a riding tuition under the guidance of qualified riding instructors.

Thrill seekers can head to the beach for a range of water sports and my favourite – JA Wibit Water Park. A huge inflatable floating structure in the sea guaranteed to inject a little fun. There’s also tennis, mini golf, shooting club and a whole range of other activities.

For a more relaxed afternoon head to what this hotel is famed for – its golf course. A magnificent 9 hole, par 36, championship standard resort coursed esigned by Peter Harradine in 1998 and once hosted the world’s best players as part of the official curtain raiser to the European PGA Tour event – the Dubai Desert Classic. You’ll most likely come across more peacocks and ducks wondering the course, making each hole more challenging and more beautiful. It’s so immaculately well-kept you’ll rarely find another golf course quite like it.

When hunger strikes after a game of golf then head to the Sports Bar. Looking out over the resort marina they not only serve up a stunning home-made chicken makhani – but it has a hidden secret! Located next to where the boats moor up is a completely hidden haven. White sands, crystal blue waters and not a person in sight. We had it all to ourselves.

Sadly all heavenly experiences have to come an end and this was one we really wish hadn’t. Tranquillity, clear blue oceans, wildlife, water sports and incredible food. Just a few of the things which play a keep element to what makes JA Palm Tree Court. While this resort may not have the big neon light of Dubai City, instead they offer something unique and so for that reason I can’t wait to come back. It’s heaven – in Dubai.

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Room rates for JA Palm Tree Court start from £130 per room per night. For more information, please visit www.jaresorts.com.

NB: I was invited to review and my stay was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.