Tinu Menachery: Danat Jebel Dhanna resort

Showing posts with label Danat Jebel Dhanna resort. Show all posts

From the onset we had prepared ourselves for the long drive, as we had a first-hand experience while travelling to Tilal Liwa. However, no matter how prepared you are – you definitely tend to get tired of the long drive. We started at 7:00 p.m and needless to say we were only enveloped by the darkness and stillness of the night on either sides.

Those persistent enough to endure the two and a half hour journey from the capital, will discover that the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort is well worth the journey. A place of luxury, seclusion and relaxation and the ultimate UAE beach destination.

We arrived at Jebel Dhanna to discover a large hotel that appears to be brand new, despite that fact that it opened over a decade ago. Passing a large set of wooden double doors, guests arrive in the impressive lobby, an area flanked by large glass windows that during the day time, look out across the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

As you walk in, you realize that the hotel has a distinct ocean theme. From the blue tiled mosaics upon the floor, to the images of turtles and jellyfish above the elevators. The highlight undeniably was the central light fitting that looked like a beautiful blue coral that has made its home on the hotel’s ceiling. Fresh flowers willingly invite you to the comforts of the lobby. The ambiance is light and breezy and the design of the lobby draws the gaze out across to the immaculately tended gardens and the beckoning ocean.

We arrived close to 11:00 p.m. and were really tired with the long drive. No sooner did we walk in than we were greeted by warm smiling faces, which eased away some of my tiredness. The staff was so warm and extremely helpful. This feeling was exemplified by the check-in staff, who provided cold towels– a much needed relief after all that time on the road. Our check in process was very easy and swift, and we were informed that dinner has been arranged for in the hall, since Tides only runs till 10:30 p.m.

We were then taken to our Beach Chalet, which has recently been added to the 13 year old resort. The best part of our room was its accessibility to the beach. You could easily hear the waves, if you were to sit outside in the patio.

We were pleasantly surprised to walk in to gifts from the Danat team. A plate of sweet treats like chocolates, Arabic sweets, a brownie and some delightful colored macaroons along with a welcome letter with our Itinerary listed out.

The Chalet was spacious with a large double bed, fluffy pillows and plenty of natural lighting from the large window if you were to draw the heavy curtains that did make the room super cozy and dark. It had a small comfortable seating area, writer’s desk and wardrobe and al the modcons like nespresso machine, iron board etc. I liked the classic décor and the use of a soft, warm color palette of beiges and browns, and wood furniture.

Post dinner we headed to the L’attitude to unwind over some drinks and music. L’aatitude has a vibrant ambience and coupled with their resident Dj, it’s an ideal place to spend time with your friends and family over a wide selection of tropical cocktails, house beverages and Champagne to sip on. The bar also offers an array of freshly prepared light bites, mains and delightful desserts to satisfy all.

I woke up early the next day and headed to the beach to soak in the beauty of the ocean and calming waves. The hotel is set slightly aback from the staggeringly beautiful stretch of beach, with beautifully tended gardens soaked in the sweet smell of white frangipani. Small paths crisscross through the gardens leading towards a shisha gazebo, complete with Arabic lanterns and majlis style cushioned seating.

Post breakfast at Tides, we went over to the beach. The main reason that people will visit Jebel Dhanna is for the beach. It’s a natural beach with pristine white sands and water with different shades of blue. Its s such a picturesque beach – you can literally lose track of time and place in its beauty.

Apart from being naturally beautiful – the beach area is understandably romantic. Couple sun loungers are evenly placed along the vast sweep of sand. Seclusion and privacy is an added advantage. During late afternoons, the tide goes out really far, making the beach even more appealing. The white sands are littered with beautiful white shells and the water becomes shallow enough for you to walk through and see the bottom of the sea

Feeling inexplicably drawn to the hypnotic pull of the ocean waves, the outside area was obviously our first stop and we indulged in a few water sports that were specially arranged for. Post signing a declaration and getting our life vests on, we were all set to enjoy the water sports. I tried paddle board, and since it was my first time and also being hydrophobic (lol), I decided to sit than stand as is the norm. We then went on the banana boat on my insistence, husband enjoyed his time on the banana boat. Check HERE for what happened to me (rofl)

We would have stayed back for more, however since I was too frightened (you would know if you clicked above), we decided to head to the room and change for the pool barbecue. Post a sumptuous meal we decided to retire to the shaded canopies by the pool and laze around.

The pool is temperature controlled – a relief during the colder months. Poolside offers a swim up bar and sun beds with shaded canopies and loungers. The pool itself is large and has a separate children’s pool as well.

Post relaxing at the pool, we headed back to our Chalet for some quiet time before heading to dinner at Zaitoun.

This hotel may be a bit of a drive from Dubai, but after you will reach here, you will forget everything and want to live here! This is one of the most perfect places for a getaway especially if you wish to have some peaceful time with your family or friends or even by yourself. The staff will not only make you feel at home, they will make you wish you were not going back home!

If there is one reason of the many you should stay at this hotel, it is because of how the staff make you feel right at home. From the servers to the receptionists to the managers at the bar or restaurants to the room service staff, everyone has a big smile on their face and welcome you with an open heart.

We would gladly be back and recommend it to anyone who is looking for the perfectly secluded beach and resort in the UAE. Danat Jebel Dhanna truly is a hidden paradise!

Click to read my review of TIDES and ZAITOUN

We were invited to Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.

Tides is one of the all-day dining restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on the ground floor of Danat Jebel Dhanna, it effortlessly fits in with the whole ocean theme. It’s an open restaurant with plenty of light and a beautiful view of the tended gardens and the beautiful azure ocean. I did feel like an overfed pig at Jebel Dhanna, because that’s how amazing the food is. We dined at Tides twice for breakfast, during our stay. I was pleasantly surprised to notice that the menu was considerably different on both days.

Tide’s buffet has a variety of dishes in Asian and continental food. The team at Tides do an admirable job of transforming the buffet with each meal, as new dishes are added and favourite items are re-jigged. Unfortunately there’s no escaping the trappings of Tides’ buffet concept, with as much variety as possible provided to the masses, without always reflecting in quality

There’s a wide array of starters, breads, salads, and even sushi for appetizers. The main course has something for everyone, from parathas to hash browns to French toasts to sea food momo’s, we were spoilt for choice. The cheese omlette was to die for. I only wish I had a bigger appetite.

For beverage you had options of fresh juice to coffee and tea.

The seating options are also vast. You can choose to be at the indoor restaurant area where all of the food items are displayed, or you can choose to be seated outdoors near the garden area.

The staff was ever amazing as is with the staff at Jebel Dhanna. They were ever ready to help and accommodate your needs.

Tides is an amazing restaurant with so many options that the mere sight will make you happy.

We were invited to Tides and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.

While enjoying a recent family staycation at the fantastic Danat Jebel Dhanna resort, we had the distinct pleasure of dining at Zaitoun, the hotels award winning Italian restaurant.

Zaitoun is situated on the ground floor of the resort. Zaitoun features plush furnishing and dark wood, as opposed to the resorts distinct ocean theme. It’s a place you would go for a romantic dinner date. Zaitoun spells sophistication and class.

I was confused as to why an Italian restaurant had an Arabic inspired décor, from traditional lamps to cushions. It was only later that I realized that the name Zaitoun is the Arabic word for olive, which is a staple Italian ingredient.

Like the rest of the resort, Zaitoun has floor to ceiling windows that provide a beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf. They also have a beautiful private dining space, featuring a mural of an Italian beach scene complete with a large dining table for 6-8 guests and large mirrors.

As soon as we walked in soaking in the beauty of the restaurant we were ushered to our seats and were handed a set menu. Neither I nor my husband went beyond pasta’s, pizzas and tiramisu in Italian cuisine and hence we both were very excited to try Italian cuisine in one of the finest Italian restaurants.

Disclaimer: We went to Zaitoun post the poolside barbeque, which didn’t leave much space for us to enjoy Zaitoun as much as we would have loved to.

I loved the intertwined bottles of balsamic and olive oil kept at the table, along with fresh flowers embracing a lit red candle making the ambiance even more romantic.

Our meal began with ‘Carpaccio di Manzo’. Red peppercorn aioli with handpicked vegetables and shaved parmesan was served with bread along with thin slices of Black Angus beef. The presentation of the dish and all to follow were impressive.

‘Minestra de verdure’ was the classic Italian minestrone with basil pesto and black olive crostini. The soup was a bit too tangy for my palate, but Mr. loved it a lot.

Our main courses was a choice between ‘Filleto de Manzo’ or ‘Aragosta’. I went for the former and Mr. went for the latter. ‘Filleto de Manzo’ was a beautiful dish with Black Angus beef cooked to medium rare (my preference) with root vegetables, crispy onion rings and black pepper jus. The beef was juicy and succulent and the jus was just perfect. Combined with the root vegetables and jus, the beef just the best main course I could have ordered for. It can be rightfully said that it was one of the best beef steaks I have had in UAE.

‘Aragosta’ was a creamy feast with lobster and prawns gratinated in cheese sauce.

I have time and again mentioned my love for desserts, and Tiramisu has always been on the top list. I saved enough space for the dessert. Zaitoun doesn’t fail to recreate this Italian classic, with generous lashings of cream, biscotti and coffee infused mascarpone. We would have asked for a second serving, but since we were on the verge of exploding, we decided to give it a miss.