DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is a wonderful family friendly resortlocated only 50 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. The resortoffers 723 rooms and suites, spread over 650 meters of white sandy beach, 7 swimming pools, 2 spas (including a ladies only spa with indoor pool and relaxation lounge), 13 restaurants and bars offering a wide range of cuisines to satisfy all tastes and extensive kids facilities including a kids club, playground, Pirate Boat Aqua park, Tarzan Boat and newest attractions beach bouncing castle and football darts.
We were kindly invited to experience these impressive facilities and DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature warm hospitality firsthand. What were our thoughts? Read on to find out…
THE EXPERIENCE
We set off from Abu Dhabi and after a pleasant two-hour drive on the modern highway to Ras Al Khaimah, spotting camels in the desert on the way, we pulled into the hotel’s impressive domed forecourt, where we were immediately greeted by polite and professional staff, who began to unload our luggage and guide us through into the spacious lobby and reception area to check in. To our pleasant surprise we were each given the hotel’s signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie as a welcome gift, something which certainly brought big smiles to our children’s faces and immediately made us feel at home. Our check-in was quick and efficient and within minutes we were being escorted by a private club car to our nearby Bay Club room.
The room was modern, stylish, comfortable and spacious with large beds, premium linen, and a large bathroom with a wide bathtub with stand-alone rain shower. The large balcony area offered an enticing panoramic view of the palm fringed gardens, extensive white sandy beach and Arabian Gulf. We couldn’t wait to explore!
To our delight, The Bay Club rooms benefit from close proximity to the Bay Club infinity pool, set back from the attractive beach with a full complement of comfortable sun loungers and parasols all conveniently served by a poolside bar.
After a stress-relieving dip in the warm silky smooth water of the infinity pool, we set off to discover more about the wide range of activities, dining experiences and facilities on offer. Everywhere we went we found the staff to be highly professional, helpful and friendly. Spoilt for choice and torn between quiet down time as a couple versus active fun as a family, we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds. We had some much needed rest and relaxation at the large adults only pool at the centre of the resort, combined with creating wonderful family memories with our children at the Bay Club infinity pool and on the beach having creative sand castle competitions and enjoying the large beach swing that swings over the sea at high tide. But the highlight for our children was without a doubt the Pirate Boat Aqua Zone, where they spent hours tiring themselves out enjoying the water slides and splash area while we enjoyed complete peace of mind that they were safe and happy. Once the sun dipped and temperatures dropped a little, The Kids Club provided a welcome social haven of activities with an indoor climbing wall, ball pit, arcade games and more!
The dining options throughout the resort were wide-ranging and varied from simple bar snacks, sandwiches and freshly baked pizzas through to traditional English, French, Italian, Turkish and Asian cuisines.
Breakfast in Al Marjan – the all day dining restaurant – was a wonderful start to the day and offered an extensive buffet with live cooking stations and special requests are made to order and delivered to your table by the warm and friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure that you have everything you desire. Fresh juices and coffee/tea options were plentiful and could also be ordered or made at the popular self-serve machines.
We particularly relished the Islander’s Friday Brunch where the food and beverage offerings across five unique dining venues were abounding and the party atmosphere was in full swing thanks to the live music and buzzy crowd! An expansive array of individually themed food stations will satisfy any craving you might have with an exquisite variety of meat at the cold cuts station, including a separate pork station catering specifically to the needs of expats. The highlight for us had to be the fresh fish station where your choice of seafood is prepared to order and delivered to your table. The impressive menu of exotic cocktails offers brunch-goers the perfect accompaniment and suited the vibrant and fun atmosphere! The raised terrace of the Italian restaurant, Vespa and the neighboring French restaurant, Brasserie, provides a fitting setting for this Friday Fiesta with a refreshing light breeze and tropical views of palm trees and the beach. The Brunch after party moves upstairs to The Anchor bar from 4pm to allow revelers to relax and unwind after their feast!
The dining highlight for us over the entire weekend was without a doubt, the resort’s signature and award-winning Asian restaurant, Sanchaya. We felt so relaxed dining al fresco and soaking up the romantic waterside setting, whilst enjoying world-class service and stunning food. Sanchaya uses exotic spices and fresh ingredients to create delicious and vibrant dishes each of which is presented as a work of art – a feast for the eyes as well as the soul!
In the evenings, romantic dining options can be found at most of the restaurants throughout the resort, but particularly at Sanchaya, Meze, Vespa and Brasserie. As a lover of Italian food, we indulged in a dinner on the raised terrace of Vespa where we enjoyed freshly cooked risotto and pasta infused with truffle – a ‘must-try’ for foodies!
The whole family had a wonderful time enjoying all that the resort had to offer. From the moment we had our first ‘warm cookie’ welcome, we felt right at home and knew that we were in good hands. This warmth and professional hospitality that was extended to us from the outset was very much felt by us all throughout our stay. We drove back to Abu Dhabi feeling relaxed, refreshed and with precious memories that we will cherish for years to come.
ACCOMODATION
All the essentials and more are covered in the modern, stylish guest rooms with an array of amenities to make you feel at home. There are a variety of room types to choose from at the resort.
The Bay Club beachfront villas are located at the resort’s seashore, offering spacious and lavish 45sqm king and double queen rooms and 90sqm one bedroom suites.
The resort also has a one-bedroom suite that comes with a living room and an additional kitchenette to accommodate larger families and bigger groups of people.
DINING
Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with 13 on-site bars and restaurants, including four specialty restaurants and an all-day dining venue.
Al Marjan– Al Marjan is the all-day dining restaurant and offers a combination of international fare and local specialties represented in a truly international buffet, with innovative live cooking stations to give a creative atmosphere and a focus on fresh produce and creative presentation.
Boardwalk– Enjoy light meals, sandwiches and snacks at your convenience in a casual setting complimented by lounge music.
Brasserie– A destination restaurant for both in-house and outside guests, Brasserie offers a wide menu with classic European dishes, innovative fusions and some well-known home-cooked style favourites.
Meze– The newly opened authentic Turkish restaurant will take you on a culinary journey inspired by the beautiful colours and tastes of the orient’s spice markets. Enjoy award-winning food in a stunning setting on their spacious terrace boasting panoramic sea views.
Sanchaya– Savour the flavour of Asian cuisine with fresh ingredients and infusions of spices that will tantalise your taste buds. Offering a cool contemporary vibe and a large terrace overlooking the water. Romance abounds particularly in the evenings
ShoFee Rooftop Bar– Soak in the view from the ninth floor while you enjoy your Shisha and Arabic snack in this fully air-conditioned venue.
The Anchor– The Anchor is a maritime-inspired restaurant and bar, where you can relax with a cold drink over a game of darts or pool. Catch the game on one of the big screens as you chat with friends in this friendly gastro pub, inspired by British traditions. Linger over a menu of British classics and European favourites, or just select from our extensive beverage menu. This is a great spot to party at the Friday brunch after party.
The Lobby Lounge– An integral part of the lobby, featuring a warm and elegant atmosphere serving light snacks, coffee, tea and other beverages.
Vespa – Enjoy a fun, friendly, family-style Italian restaurant. Beautiful traditional favourites are prepared using the freshest of ingredients. The warm friendly service enhances the experience.
Bay Club Restaurant– Offers all day dining and a range of fresh and delicious selections to choose from.
LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES
There is vast range of fun and exciting activities available at the resort. The watersports center offers fishing, scuba diving, boat hire and jet skiing. There is a beach volleyball court, a tennis court and a 24hr well-equipped gym / fitness center.
There is plenty to do for the kids with the newly renovated kids club offering an exciting line-up of activities for children of different age groups, as well as the fun mascot named Chuckles. The Kids Club has a climbing wall, a ball pit and an arcade zone. There is also a kid’s outdoor playground, a dedicated kids outdoor pool and the very popular Pirate Boat Aqua Zone with water slides and sprinklers.
There are two spas, the Jouri Rose spa and a ladies only Spa with indoor swimming pool and treatment rooms, sauna, steam and whirlpool.
There is also a shopping arcade, a photo studio, a hair salon and the Islanders coffee house serving fresh coffee by Starbucks.
The resort even has its own ‘XclusiV’ Night Club where you can enjoy the vibrant, fun clubbing atmosphere and let the resident DJ transport you around the world with the fantastic music selection from the 80’s to the latest hits.
There are excellent facilities for business requirements too including a conference center with a ballroom for 300 guests and three individually located meeting rooms, including an executive boardroom.
CURRENT PROMOTIONS AT DOUBLETREE HILTON RESORT & SPA MARJAN ISLAND
Spring Break Discounted Rates
Book now for Spring Break with rates starting from AED 470 BB+ + per night. To avail of this offer, guests must either call: 07 203 0000 or email the resort .
Neon Sushi Nights
Get ready to enjoy an illuminating sushi experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa
Marjan Island DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is giving guests anopportunity to bask in the neon lights at Sanchaya Terrace’s Neon Sushi Nights, starting from 24 January between 6:30pm and 10:30pm.
Ras Al Khaimah is getting a new venue for their Thursday evenings. Guests can indulge inunlimited sushi, nigiri and other mouthwatering choices and quench their thirst with authentic Japanese drinks.
While enjoying the flavours of fine Asian cuisine created with fresh ingredients and an array of exotic spices, guests can soak up scenic views of the Arabian Sea from the terrace and savour an undisturbed indoor ambience.
A night in the neon lights will be complemented by tunes played by the resident DJ, and guests can enjoy drinks all night at the illuminated bar to get into the party spirit.
Neon Nights at Sanchaya Terrace includes a food-only package with house beverages for the ladies with a charge of AED 159, as well as a food package inclusive of house beverages forAED 199.
For more information, call 07 203 0104, Email f&breservations.marjan@hilton.com or visit the website.
Weekends just got more delicious at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is bringing the ultimate weekend experience to guests with a delicious barbeque at Meze restaurant every Thursday and Friday, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
Upgrade your weekend plans with a special barbeque menu that includes a selection of delectable mixed grills along with hot and cold mezzes for two, while enjoying undisturbed views of the Arabian Gulf.
Enjoy a fantastic barbeque experience for AED 250
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