Banyan Tree Dubai
Our Opinion of Banyan Tree Dubai
Banyan Tree Dubai sits on Bluewaters Island, with 500 metres of private beach out front and Ain Dubai rising behind. You are looking out over the Arabian Gulf with nothing between you and the water, yet the restaurants and entertainment of the island are a short walk away. From Dubai International it is around half an hour by road, which makes it an easy arrival after a long flight.
The property is unusually flexible in what it offers. There are 178 rooms and suites, with the smallest starting at 54 sqm, so even the entry-level category feels generous, with natural light, balconies and marble bathrooms. Alongside those are 96 furnished residences from one to four bedrooms with kitchens and their own pool, plus a four-bedroom private villa with its own beach, infinity pool and dedicated staff. That spread means the same address works for a couple on a short break and for a family or group settling in for a fortnight.
Dining is a genuine strength rather than an afterthought. Tocha handles all-day modern Japanese in a tea lounge setting, Demon Duck by Alvin Leung brings Chinese and pan-Asian cooking with a Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy bar, Alizee covers French-Mediterranean indoors or on the terrace overlooking the Gulf, and TakaHisa offers Japanese omakase. Three outdoor pools, the Banyan Tree Spa, a salon, a gym with personal training and yoga, and the gallery round things out.
Best suited to couples who want beach and city in one base, and to families who will use the residences well. If you want total seclusion this is not the place, since Bluewaters is lively and visible. For a Dubai stay that balances a real beach with restaurants worth booking in advance, it is a strong and comfortable choice.
The property is unusually flexible in what it offers. There are 178 rooms and suites, with the smallest starting at 54 sqm, so even the entry-level category feels generous, with natural light, balconies and marble bathrooms. Alongside those are 96 furnished residences from one to four bedrooms with kitchens and their own pool, plus a four-bedroom private villa with its own beach, infinity pool and dedicated staff. That spread means the same address works for a couple on a short break and for a family or group settling in for a fortnight.
Dining is a genuine strength rather than an afterthought. Tocha handles all-day modern Japanese in a tea lounge setting, Demon Duck by Alvin Leung brings Chinese and pan-Asian cooking with a Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy bar, Alizee covers French-Mediterranean indoors or on the terrace overlooking the Gulf, and TakaHisa offers Japanese omakase. Three outdoor pools, the Banyan Tree Spa, a salon, a gym with personal training and yoga, and the gallery round things out.
Best suited to couples who want beach and city in one base, and to families who will use the residences well. If you want total seclusion this is not the place, since Bluewaters is lively and visible. For a Dubai stay that balances a real beach with restaurants worth booking in advance, it is a strong and comfortable choice.
Banyan Tree Dubai Summary
Banyan Tree Dubai occupies a beachfront setting on Bluewaters Island, fronted by 500 metres of private beach with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and backed by Ain Dubai. It is around 30 minutes by road from Dubai International Airport, with the restaurants, attractions and entertainment of Bluewaters within easy reach.
The resort has 178 rooms and suites, plus 96 fully furnished one to four-bedroom residences with kitchens, and a 4,465 sqm four-bedroom private villa with its own beach, infinity pool, gym and dedicated staff. Rooms start at 54 sqm and feature contemporary décor, natural light, cosy balconies and marble bathrooms. Residences have access to all resort amenities plus their own pool.
Dining spans five venues. Tocha is a Japanese tea lounge and café with an all-day modern Japanese menu, while Demon Duck by Alvin Leung offers Chinese and pan-Asian classics with a Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy bar. Alizée is the French-Mediterranean restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace seating alongside a pool and beach club overlooking the Gulf, and TakaHisa is the Japanese omakase restaurant.
Facilities include three outdoor pools, the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a beauty salon offering aesthetic treatments for face, body and nails, a fitness centre with personal training and yoga, and the Banyan Tree Gallery.
The resort has 178 rooms and suites, plus 96 fully furnished one to four-bedroom residences with kitchens, and a 4,465 sqm four-bedroom private villa with its own beach, infinity pool, gym and dedicated staff. Rooms start at 54 sqm and feature contemporary décor, natural light, cosy balconies and marble bathrooms. Residences have access to all resort amenities plus their own pool.
Dining spans five venues. Tocha is a Japanese tea lounge and café with an all-day modern Japanese menu, while Demon Duck by Alvin Leung offers Chinese and pan-Asian classics with a Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy bar. Alizée is the French-Mediterranean restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace seating alongside a pool and beach club overlooking the Gulf, and TakaHisa is the Japanese omakase restaurant.
Facilities include three outdoor pools, the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a beauty salon offering aesthetic treatments for face, body and nails, a fitness centre with personal training and yoga, and the Banyan Tree Gallery.
