Danat Jebel Dhanna resort,
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort - A hidden Paradise
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.
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.
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