REVIEW: Banyan Tree Dubai
Banyan Tree Dubai: where design and hospitality quietly align
Located in the heart of Bluewaters Island, Banyan Tree Dubai offers a calm, design-led escape that blends wellness with gallery-worthy art. With panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai, it’s close to the amenities and entertainment of Bluewaters Island yet offers an atmosphere that encourages pause and connection.
From the moment you arrive, the tone is calm and effortless. The entrance is elegant but intentionally understated. Guests are greeted with cold towels and invited to check in from a comfortable lounge space where the scent of essential oils and soft lighting immediately slow the pace. Materials like natural stone, wood, and textiles set a relaxed tone, while expansive windows draw in natural light and invite a visual connection to the sea.
Art and Design
Spanning 197 guest rooms, a private villa, and 98 branded residences, over 2,470 pieces of art, décor, and accessories were sourced and installed. The collection includes large-scale commissioned works and handcrafted objects from artisans across the globe, with a strong focus on local and regional voices that capture the character of the Emirates.
Signature works by Purdey Fitzherbert, Agnes Hansella, Momoka Gomi and Etienne Moyat are placed throughout the property in key areas such as the lobby, restaurants and suites.
Fitzherbert’s sculptural pieces bring a sense of organic movement and grounding and are praised for her artistic vision and use of traditional craft techniques and natural pigments. Hansella’s large rope installations add softness and texture, weaving traditional techniques into contemporary spaces. Indonesian artist Agnes Hansella elevates macramé to fine art through wall hangings, sculptures, and installations that cover entire buildings. Gomi’s abstract textiles lend warmth and emotion; woven cloth, like denim and skin, embraces notions of personal expression and lived experience through the passage of time. Colours may be subtle, fading into surface textures or eroded in places to represent the life stories of the owner. Moyat’s carved wood pieces layer in depth and tactile richness.
The curation goes beyond the main installations. Smaller handcrafted elements—ceramic vessels, carved accents, bespoke textiles—have been selected with equal care, ensuring each space, whether private or shared, feels layered and intentional. Rather than overwhelm, the art enhances the environment, offering moments of quiet engagement.
The Rooms
The same thoughtful aesthetic continues into the rooms. The Sea View room featured a private terrace with sweeping views of the Gulf and a soft palette of sand-toned neutrals and natural materials. Handmade furniture, clean-lined lighting, and open layouts created a calm flow. A freestanding soaking tub and rainfall shower added a spa-like touch, while the brand’s sustainability ethos came through in details like refillable glass bottles, bamboo toothbrushes and minimal plastic.
Dining
Dining is a central part of the Banyan Tree experience. Demon Duck by Alvin Leung offers bold, expressive interpretations of modern Asian dishes, served in a space that feels playful and design-forward. The focus is on flavour and balance rather than spectacle.
Alizée, the trendy Mediterranean beachside restaurant, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with dishes that spotlight fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and grilled meats. It’s ideal for a long lunch or sunset dinner, just steps from the water.
Wellness
Wellness is woven naturally throughout the experience, from the Banyan Tree Spa and hydrotherapy circuit to quiet movement sessions and a private beach. The design supports rest, with light, space and scent used gently to encourage reconnection.
Banyan Tree Dubai offers something quieter and more intentional in a city known for its shine. By prioritising meaningful design and creative expression, the resort offers guests more than comfort, it offers a sense of place. Every detail, from commissioned art to handmade ceramics, tells part of a broader story that honours both the natural landscape and the cultural richness of the Emirates.
For residents and visitors who value calm and creativity, this is not just a luxury hotel. It is a destination to return to, one that leaves space for stillness and invites you to see more deeply, through design.
Visit: Banyan Tree Dubai
Hayley is a lover of all things 90s art, fashion and music. Her obsession with glossy, artful coffee table books began during her early days in book publishing. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, explores creative workshops across the city and chases dinners with a view, ideally by the beach.
