“Collect moments, not things” they say. Moments of pure bliss which you will long remember – if not forever – after you’ve checked-out. Unforgettable moments spent with the person you love, moments that make you wish there was a way to freeze-frame time. Beyond the comfort, the amenities, the service, the glitz & glamour or the breathtaking views, each time we are reviewing a hotel / resort we’re also considering this: can it make a lasting impression? Can it give you enough reasons to rave about it, recommend it to all your friends and business partners? Can it make you dream about returning there sooner rather than later and experience it again?

From depths to stars

Take, for example, a romantic dinner for two in Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab’s signature seafood restaurant. Checked! Recognised as one of the finest dining venues in the world, Al Mahara (Oyster Shell) is accessed by a gold-plated elevator located in the upper lobby. Exit the elevator and you will be greeted by a golden entrance revealing a stunning floor-to-ceiling aquarium, The Oval, around which all of the dining tables are arranged. The huge jaw-dropping aquarium is home to many species of fish and marine life, from reef sharks to George, the Napolen-fish (humphead wrasse, for connoisseurs). With such surroundings, it’s easy to “take a dive” and get lost in the eyes of the person you love. We only had to sink into the soft seats at a table right by the aquarium and choose from the mouth-watering seafood delicacies. Add a fine selection of wines and the team of award-winning chefs – we’ve also experienced live cooking – and you get a memorable evening in one of the finest restaurants we’ve sampled so far. Haute cuisine at its best.

Or, if you fancy seeing The World and The Palm from above, you can head to Al Muntaha (“The Ultimate” or “The Highest”) restaurant and Skyview Bar, suspended 200 metres above the sea level. Two express panoramic elevators – travelling six meters per second – whisk you to the hotel’s 27th floor, where breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf are part of the menu. We’ve experienced Al Muntaha in one of our previous visits at Burj Al Arab and we highly recommend it for afternoon tea or pre- and post – dinner drinks. It is the only place in Dubai to offer Mixology, the unique concept of creating personalized cocktails to suit guests’ tastes and mood. Together with their cocktail, guests also receive a card with the unique formulae of their personal drink. While Al Mahara and Al Muntaha are just two examples of the fine culinary experience awaiting guests at Burj Al Arab, you can check here the other dining venues. In total, nine world-class restaurants and bars.

Arriving at Burj Al Arab

Since we’re speaking about the hotel that put Dubai on the map, the arrival experience had to be special. For some, being transferred to / from Burj Al Arab in the latest generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class or GL-Class doesn’t quite cut it. How about arriving at this iconic hotel in a white Rolls-Royce Phantom? Automotive enthusiasts already know that Burj Al Arab has one of the world’s largest chauffeur-driven fleets of Rolls-Royces. Can the arrival experience go higher than this? All you have to do is ask. Guests can also arrive (depart) by a dedicated helicopter transfer service. They will experience a 15-minute birds-eye-view of the city, culminating in a dramatic landing on the hotel’s helipad on the 28th level. Yes, the same helipad where Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played tennis, where Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy performed some golf shots, where a Vanquish supercar was airlifted to mark Aston Martin’s centenary and the helipad where David Coulthard did some burnouts in a Formula 1 racecar. Surely this won’t be the end of such one-of-a-kind events organized here as Burj Al Arab turns 15 this December. Therefore, expect other PR helipad stunts to go viral on YouTube.

Smooth, seamless check-in

Touring Burj Al Arab during press visits – like we did many times – or discovering some areas of the hotel when holding a reservation in one of its restaurants / bars and actually checking-in for a stay are two different things. Our flight landed in Dubai at 8 PM, so we arrived at the hotel a little over one hour later. As the car waved through traffic on Jumeirah Road and inched closer to the security gate, the hotel’s impressive sail – lit in white when we arrived – caught my attention. Although we’ve photographed it many times and watched every documentary aired on this iconic property, the hotel still seemed magical, holding some secrets waiting to be discovered. “Welcome to Burj Al Arab, Mr. Stefan!” said the security officer before allowing the car to cross the slender, gently curving causeway connecting the mainland to the man-made island, 280 metres offshore.

At the hotel’s entrance we were greeted by Claudia, a member of the staff who smiled and asked how the flight was before accompanying us in the lobby. There, a short traditional welcome ceremony followed, with dates and Arabic coffee. If you’re expecting the usual check-in procedure at Burj Al Arab, think again. After all, it wouldn’t be too pleasant for the hotel’s distinguished guests to queue in the main lobby, would it? That’s why Burj Al Arab offers in-suite check-in and check-out. After the welcoming ceremony, Claudia accompanied us to our suite (2202), located on 22nd floor – the hotel has 202 duplex suites spread on 25 floors. Upon exiting the high-speed, ear-popping elevators – some of the fastest in the world – we’ve arrived at the reception desk found on every floor. Here we met the butlers in attendance 24 hours a day, ready to address every request guests might have. Not a bad feeling!

Once the check-in formalities were smoothly completed, our private butler showed us around the suite and did a walkthrough of the state-of-the-art technologies available, a remote controlled environment including curtains, TV, in-suite music and lights. More than just fulfilling our requests, there were several occasions during the stay when Burj Al Arab’s staff anticipated our needs before we voiced them, which felt rewarding. Speaking about this, we can’t go further without mentioning the three Hallmarks, rules at the core of Jumeirah’s service philosophy which every employee follows in his / her daily duties: I will always smile and greet our guests before they greet me; My first response to a guest request will never be no; I will treat all colleagues with respect and integrity. Another interesting fact: there are over 1,600 colleagues from 75 countries working in Burj Al Arab, which makes the staff-to-suite ratio 8:1. It is one of the highest in the world, ensuring a personalized service and luxury pampering for all guests.

Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite

Suite 2202, 22nd floor and breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah. This was our 170-square meter home for a few days. With rich colors and extensive use of gold – found in other areas of the hotel, as expected – the suite’s interior won’t please everyone’s tastes. If you don’t understand Middle Eastern culture, then Burj Al Arab will seem kitsch. If you know a thing or two about their way of living and their expectations, then you’ll feel right at home. Your own 24-hour butler, ready to accomplish every request, should also help, or the 24-carat gold iPad (US $8,100) which guests are allowed to use during their stay. A side note: these gold iPads can be purchased from the hotel’s shop alongside iPad Mini, iPhone 5 and BlackBerry Q10. Gold-plated, obviously. We also wanted to purchase two iPads, but they were sold out. Well… better luck next time!

The goodies list continues with a set of 14 his and hers (Kelly Caleche) full-size Hermes amenities, including Eau de Parfum and Eau de Cologne, and a master bathroom complete with full-size Jacuzzi and separate five-head rain shower. A selection of 17 types of pillows, exquisite Egyptian bedding and an ultra-deluxe super king bed should provide the ultimate sleep experience. Last, but not least, hi-tech aficionados will smile upon playing with a 21-inch iMac, 42-inch and 28-inch widescreen interactive HD LED TVs, a Bose iPod/iPhone docking station and media hub or the private all-in-one printer, copier, scanner and fax.

The height of luxury: two Royal Suites

Although this wasn’t our first press tour of Burj Al Arab, it was the first time when we’ve accessed one of the two amazing Royal Suites occupying the entire 25th floor (thank you, Kim!). Palatial in every sense, each of the two 780 square meter Royal Suites has been designed with an opulent color scheme, sumptuous furnishings and exclusive amenities, including a private lift and cinema – bring on the popcorn! As only the best will do for Royal guests, both floors feature natural light and breathtaking, uninterrupted views over the Arabian Gulf. You can’t quite describe how vast this suite feels until you experience it first-hand. Besides the amenities from “our” Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, each of the Royal Suites boasts a private dining area for 12, two personalized bars (upstairs and downstairs), two King Size beds – one of them, revolving – and two large dressing rooms. Also factor in the world’s largest brigade of butlers (available 24 hours), daily breakfast buffet for four in Junsui, Bab Al Yam or in the privacy of the suite, as well as separate staff entrance with private butler’s kitchen, an exquisite majlis style lounge plus a library and you get a picture of how it feels to live like Royalty.

In focus: the youngest guests

If you thought kids don’t quite fit in the Burj Al Arab picture, think again. Whether it’s splashing around, face painting, playing sports, watching movies or doing crafts, the youngest guests will have the time of their lives at Sinbad’s Kids Club, located on the 18th floor. You can also use the 1,178 square meters Sinbad’s Kids Club (both indoors and outdoors) at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab’s sister property shaped like a wave. Older kids can choose from a range of alternatives tailored to them and all activities taking place within the Club are supervised by a trained, professional team. In-suite babysitting services are also available upon request.

Then there’s Wild Wadi Waterpark, where the young and young at heart can splash all day long. Situated in front of the Burj Al Arab and themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for the entire family. Kids will also love the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, currently the only project of its kind in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Based at Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, the project has been running in its current form since 2004. So far, it has seen the release of over 560 rescued sea turtles back into Dubai’s waters. In 2011 alone over 350 sick or injured sea turtles have been treated by the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project after being washed up on the region’s beaches.

Seven years at Burj Al Arab

It seems some people love this iconic hotel more than others. Way more. During our stay at the end of July we’ve found out that, apart from regular guests, there are also residents who spend longer periods here. Nothing unusual so far. However, it will take some time and financial resources to beat the “record” of one particular guest who spent seven years at Burj Al Arab. Yes, seven. Much as we’ve tried, we couldn’t find more details on him like age, nationality or field of activity. But we can tell you, randomly ordered, which are the top 5 nations when it comes to guests’ spending: United Arab Emirates, Russia, China, United Kingdom and the United States. Remember the sold out 24k gold iPads?

Our feelings upon check-out

Regardless if you fancy the interiors or not, if you like the hotel’s daring architecture or it doesn’t move you at all, staying at Burj Al Arab is an iconic experience. The story behind the hotel, the engineering feats that had to be achieved to meet the Sheikh’s requests and vision, the staff-to-suite ratio, the signature restaurants, breathtaking views and impeccable service – all create a story worth living. And retelling. Another highlight of our stay was taking a stroll on Burj Al Arab’s private beach at sunset, photographing the hotel while enjoying blissful moments with that person close to our heart. No matter how many luxury hotels you’ve experienced so far, no matter how many destinations you’ve crossed off your bucket list, in the end it all comes down to this: you’ll always remember those properties which made your heart beat faster. Which felt more than just “another hotel”, adding the “wow factor” to those unforgettable seconds, hours and days spent with the person you love. From this point of view, Burj Al Arab delivers. In spades.

AT A GLANCE

Burj Al Arab rises out of its own man-made island 280 meters from the Jumeirah coast, 15 km south of the city and 25 km from Dubai International Airport. In 1993, architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins took on the challenge of creating this groundbreaking superstructure. Construction began in 1994 and involved 3000 companies and contractors; 250 designers from the UK, USA and Dubai; and 3500 workmen on site at any given time. It took two years to reclaim the island in the shore waters of the Arabian Gulf, and a further three years to erect the landmark. Burj Al Arab’s doors officially opened on 1st December 1999.

Height
At 321 meters above sea level, Burj Al Arab is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the tallest single structure on a man-made island, taller than the Eiffel Tower and 60 meters shorter than the Empire State Building.

Design
Designed in the shape of a billowing Arabian dhow sail, Burj Al Arab represents a tribute to the nation’s seafaring heritage. Burj Al Arab continues the nautical theme established by its sister hotel, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the neighbouring Wild Wadi waterpark.

The sail
The sail was a considerable technical challenge, featuring a double-skinned, Teflon-coated woven glass fibre screen across its ribbed belly. It is the first time such technology has been used vertically in such form and extent in any building worldwide.

The helipad
Located 212 meters above the sea level, the helipad provides an opportunity to arrive or depart from Burj Al Arab by helicopter and admire the city from a different perspective.

Structure
An incredible 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and more than 9,000 tons of steel were employed in the construction of the tower. The hotel weighs 250,000 tons.

The island
Burj Al Arab stands on a man-made island 280 meters offshore, connected to the mainland by a slender, gently curving causeway. The building is supported by 250 columns that go 45 meters under the sea and is held in place by the friction of the sand.

The Ellipse fountain
20,000 litres of water, combined with bursts of fire, are orchestrated into a unique and dramatic visual symphony at the entrance of the hotel. This taming of the elements has never been achieved anywhere else in the world and was developed by Wet Design.

Fire display
Each of the four towers located in front of the hotel propels fireballs into the air, created by releasing a controlled amount of non-toxic propane gas. The result is a spectacular optical illusion, with the flames reflecting in the hotel’s glass exterior.

Interior design

Khuan Chew of KCA International drew the inspiration for the interiors from the land, its people and culture. A robust and vibrant color palette was derived from the elements; earth, air, fire, water. The layout incorporated ancient and revered traditions of hospitality, particular to Arabic nations.

Cascade waterfall
Situated between the escalators leading to Sahn Eddar, this waterfall combines finely atomized water with fibre optics to produce a unique kaleidoscope effect. As water and fog flow downward through its glass, stone-filled steps, water arches elegantly in choreographed movement.

Aquarium
There are three aquariums in Burj Al Arab, two situated on each side of the main hotel lobby and the circular tank in Al Mahara restaurant, with approximately 50 species of fish kept in the tanks.


Atrium
The world’s tallest atrium is over 180 meters in height. It is abundant in warm, natural light, flanked by golden columns, with a beautiful central fountain where water arches dance in sudden bursts over 42 meters into the air.

Lights
There are over 28,000 light fixtures in Burj Al Arab.


Materials
The finest and most exclusive materials were sourced for finishing the interiors of Burj Al Arab. Amongst the fine items brought in to create the magical interiors were custom-made carpets and rugs from South Africa and India; marble from Brazil and Italy; wooden doors from Dubai and chandeliers from the UK.

Marble
The rarest Statutario marble was used in walls and flooring. This is the same marble that was used by Michelangelo when creating his masterpiece sculptures. Over 30 different types were used throughout the entire hotel, covering nearly 24,000 square meters: 10,000 square meters of marble flooring in suites and lift lobbies and 13,000 square meters in public areas.

Gold leaf
Approximately 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf was used to embellish the interior.

Glass
43,446 square meters was used to embellish the interior.

SUITES

Burj Al Arab is an all-suite hotel with 202 luxury duplexes which range from 170 square meters to 780 square meters.

142 One Bedroom Deluxe Suites
28 Two Bedroom Deluxe Suites
18 Panoramic Suites
4 Club Suites
6 Diplomatic Suites
2 Presidential Suites
2 Royal Suites

When it comes to luxury hotels, there’s no shortage of options in Dubai. From high-rise buildings imagined to smash records, imposing structures which impress with their sheer size or design-driven properties, the tiny oil-rich emirate has something for every taste when it comes to 5-star accommodation. There’s the iconic Burj Al Arab, with its unmistakable shape, the world’s first Armani hotel, nestled in Burj Khalifa, and the fashionable Palazzo Versace.

Apart from the awards already mentioned, Palazzo Versace Dubai has also been named “Best Luxury Hotel in 2017” by Ctrip – the leading online travel agent in China, with more than 250 million customers, and the second largest travel agency in the world. The accolade, which involved 25 million of Ctrip users and an esteemed panel of judges from across the industry, recognizes Palazzo Versace Dubai as the top choice for luxury Chinese travellers. Russian-speaking travellers have recognized Palazzo Versace Dubai as well. During a gala ceremony held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the luxury travel consultancy agency CHANCE (Ukraine), has named Palazzo Versace Dubai as “Best Design Hotel”. Two years ago, in October 2016, Palazzo Versace Dubai was awarded the best “Luxury Brand Hotel” in the Middle East at the 10th annual World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Location and architecture

Set in the heart of Culture Village, Palazzo Versace is conveniently located along the shores of the historic Dubai Creek: 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport (DXB), 8 minutes from Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai and 8 minutes from Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai’s business district. Reminiscent of a 16th century Italian Palace, Palazzo Versace Dubai is a Neoclassical masterpiece with subtle traces of Arabian architecture. Featuring a striking entrance, high ceilings, landscaped gardens, and a range of well-crafted Italian furnishings, the hotel is a true representation of the Versace lifestyle renowned across the world.

Award-winning lobby

We’ve arrived at the hotel late in the evening. As soon as we entered the imposing lobby, the striking ‘Pietra di Fiume’ design of the iconic Medusa and Greek décor caught our attention. Speaking about the lobby, Palazzo Versace Dubai has been awarded the “Best Hotel Lobby” accolade at Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2018, at the end of April. A reputable jury comprising some of the region’s key experts have presented Mosaico at Palazzo Versace Dubai the “Best Hotel Lobby” Award for its distinctive design. This public space is a masterpiece which combines the Italian craftsmanship and the elegance of a fashion-branded decor. The interiors showcase the Versace lifestyle through the contemporary eyes of Artistic Director Donatella Versace, the iconic motifs of Versace being present in each detail such as the Medusa head, the Greek key and the House’s legendary prints.

If photos of you in the imposing lobby are not enough to wow your friends, try this: every Friday between 12pm to 3pm, hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary photo session with a stylish Falcon – UAE’s national bird and a symbol of courage and force – perched on a Versace-designed stand in the hotel lobby. We’ve checked out on a Thursday, so we didn’t get the chance to experience this, but we’ll surely do it next time. Speaking about check-in and Guest Services, Yanina – a member of the staff – has caught our attention with a genuine smile, a pleasant conversation and a warm welcome.

Versace feel throughout the property

The furniture at Mosaico has been carefully designed to provide an intimate experience, ensuring that guests are fully immersed in the Versace lifestyle. A series of artworks set in the hallways feature sketches of the fabulous Atelier Versace gowns. The lobby features a 1000sqm marble mosaic floor, with bespoke furniture and textiles decorated with peacocks, falcons and horses, exclusively designed by Versace for the hotel. The grand chandelier ‘Golden Breeze’ that welcomes guests right at the entrance is made of amber-tone and crystal-clear elements and is based on a classic Versace arabesque pattern, shaped to appear as if moved by a soft breeze, bringing delicacy to 3000 kg of hand-blown glass. The lobby mosaic marble carpet is composed of 1.5 million pieces, hand-cut and laid piece by piece. The mosaic was designed in conjunction with Fantini Mosaici, which have created other masterpieces in the United Arab Emirates such as the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque.

Before heading to our Grand Suite Creek View, we went for a short night stroll around the hotel, both inside and outside. Walking through the public interior spaces we’ve noticed several exclusive designs and fabrics from Versace which fashion fans will surely love. Even the names of the 3 outdoor pools – decorated with mosaic tiles and surrounded by palm trees and flowers – are as Italian as they can be: Capri, Ischia and Portofino. The beautifully landscaped gardens and unobstructed views of the Dubai Creek and skyline make this luxury hotel an ideal venue for weddings and social events. We’ve also noticed that each of the hotel’s 8 restaurants and bars is designed to have an al fresco terrace to reflect the heritage of Palazzos, where the internal court was the informal space to meet, dine and enjoy the weather.

Rooms, suites and residences

Palazzo Versace Dubai awaits its demanding guests with 150 rooms, 65 suites and 169 residences. Every piece of furniture and every fabric that adorns the interiors of these rooms / suites has been designed and tailor-made by Versace exclusively for the Palazzo Versace Dubai. The hotel’s rooms and suites are furnished with the Versace Home Collection that features colours of turquoise, blue, beige, gold, and salmon. Plenty of natural light illuminates the rooms and suites, and serene views of the Dubai Creek or Culture Village can be enjoyed from a private balcony or terrace. The bathrooms feature handcrafted mosaic and Carrara marble tiling, while the parquet flooring brings a mix of white and cream shades.

The Residences at Palazzo Versace Dubai are spacious, with plenty of natural light, and stylishly designed with furniture from the Versace Home Collection. Consisting of 1 to 6 bedroom apartments furnished with bespoke designs and Versace artworks, the apartments feature stone mosaic tiling throughout the living areas, kitchen and bathrooms, while the bedrooms feature parquet flooring. Each apartment comes with its own signature colour palette ranging from turquoise, salmon, azure and beige, giving guests the option to choose one that matches their preferences.

Restaurants and bars

8 is a magic number. I was born on the 8th, so I can easily state that, but there’s more to it. Eight is considered a lucky number in China and in other Asian cultures as it sounds like the word which means “to generate wealth”. Some big companies have even changed the naming pattern of their models to highlight the importance – and sales potential – Asia has for them. Back in 2011, Gulfstream changed the name of its super-midsize business jet from G250 to G280. The change was prompted because the company “determined that G280 is a more amenable number sequence in certain cultures,” said Larry Flynn, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

8 is also the number of restaurants and bars found at Palazzo Versace Dubai. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and classic food, then Vanitas – the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant – is the perfect place. With elegant interiors and eye-catching chandeliers, Vanitas is set against the Dubai Creek, which acts as the perfect backdrop for an intimate and cosy experience or a romantic dinner. For a genuine taste of Persia, head over to Enigma restaurant. Inspired by the Iranian origins of the hotel’s Michelin starred Executive Chef Mansour Memarian, Enigma has indoor and outdoor seating that offers beautiful views of the main pool and Dubai Creek.

Another resturant with an Italian flair is Giardino, where we had breakfast during our stay. Dominated by green, light green and ivory, the restaurant – with an outdoor terrace – has a marble “terrazzo” flooring, columns and a wall covering inspired by the jungle motif of Versace wallpaper collection. The crockery belongs to an exclusive line “Rosenthal meets Versace” collection, inspired by “Les Reves Byzantines”. Here you can enjoy Italian, Arabic, Indian delicacies and a range of seafood options. If you’d like to lose yourself in the vastness of the lobby while enjoying lunch, the afternoon tea or dinner, you can do that at Mosaico restaurant (all-day menu). Also take in the panoramic views of Dubai Creek and the main pool offered by the lobby lounge, with its high floor-to-ceiling windows.

Q’s Bar and Lounge

Palazzo Versace Dubai also hosts Quincy Jones’ first-ever bar and lounge. Billed as “Dubai’s most desirable venue for live entertainment”, Q’s stands out through live musical performances, a wide selection of fine and rare beverages and the finest cigars. This purpose-built venue, with a living room-like interior, features regular performances from next generation stars, directed by Quincy himself. If you want to take Q’s Bar and Lounge experience even further and learn how to create your own crafted cocktail, the professional bartenders will guide you.

And there’s more when it comes to bars and lounges at Palazzo Versace Dubai. Enter La Vita, a chic and smoke-free bar upholstered in leather and matelassé textile. With its living-room setting, La Vita is the perfect place for either pre or post-dinner drinks, featuring innovative cocktails and carefully selected boutique wines by the glass. Nestled in the east wing and facing Ischia swimming pool lies Gazebo, a shisha lounge where you can sample a selection of Moroccan, Turkish and Lebanese mezze in the outdoors, or simply enjoy a variety of shisha flavours, from classic flavours to Palazzo Versace special mixes.

The relaxed atmosphere that surrounds Gazebo along with the mosaic-tiled tables, snug cushions and warm atmosphere, make it a perfect al fresco dining option for a casual drink out in Dubai. Last, but not least, Amalfi features an al fresco dining venue at the west lagoon pool. Here you can unwind at the poolside bar or sample the restaurant that offers traditional, rustic cooking techniques to prepare classic Mediterranean cuisine featuring healthy salads and crispy wood fired pizzas. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back outdoor dining with the family or vibrant pool parties with friends while enjoying the vibrant tunes of the resident DJ, Amalfi is the place to be.

The pleasure of doing business

When it comes to venues for events, conferences and business meetings, Palazzo Versace Dubai delivers. Gala banquets, meetings and private receptions can be organised in your preferred style in the hotel’s lavish venues which can accommodate between 10 to 600 guests. From wedding and award functions, to fashion shows and corporate gala dinners, Gala Ballroom provides the perfect setting for exclusive events. The hotel’s three elegantly furnished Meeting Rooms are equipped to accommodate business meetings, conferences or company events, and the self-contained Conference Center area features a variety of versatile function spaces – ideal for conferences, breakouts and luncheons. For enhanced privacy, Palazzo Versace’s three Executive Meeting Rooms are discreetly located on the first floor within the Business Center, with plenty of natural light, and are surrounded by a beautiful terrace overlooking the Dubai Creek.

Located on the ground floor, in the hotel’s west wing, the SPA has 7 treatment rooms, a Spa suite, a nail studio and two Moroccan Hammams. Both the ladies and gentlemen’s relaxation areas have plunge pools in vibrant turquoise mosaics, steam rooms and saunas. Almost 1000 sqm of wellness typify the new Versace spa. Its marble floors of Granito Nero Assoluto – we love how this sounds! – match the grey degrade mosaics and the white birch wood walls with mother-of-pearl details. The décor’s motifs belong to the sea world: cornucopias interlaced with small seashells and embellished curlicues. The perfect place to unwind after a full, business day.

Our brief stay at Palazzo Versace Dubai has confirmed, once again, the importance of a good, fascinating story behind a property, a product or a service. A story that people will remember and will enjoy telling others, thus recommending the business. If you don’t have such a story, you’ll be just another name in the vast sea of similar offerings. In the case of Palazzo Versace Dubai, the story is about the Versace family, the attention to details, the tiny things – colours, textures, patterns, flavours, attentive service – which make the difference. A 5-star property amongst Dubai’s best in a market where bigger, better, bolder and more luxurious are words used so often.

“Bonjour, Monsieur Stefan! Bienvenue chez Sofitel!” These were the first words I’ve heard from the beautiful young lady at the reception, followed by an unforgettable smile. For a moment I thought I’ve arrived in France, not in Dubai. I’ve stayed at other Sofitel properties around the world before, but this was the first time I was greeted in French. In a sea of English heard on the plane, then at Dubai International airport and in the taxi, this French moment was more than welcome, signaling the start of an exquisite stay. The huge stars hanging on the lobby’s ceiling and the many LEDs, creating a fairytale-like ambiance, were another nice touch, together with green elements echoing nature.

Located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, in the heart of Dubai Marina, the 5-star Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach awaits guests with 438 rooms and suites, each opening onto a private balcony with views over the Arabian Gulf. The furnishings are a mix of French elegance and Middle Eastern influences, with palm leaves alongside shades of deep red, vivid green and electric blue. During the stay I’ve also noticed how clever lighting and opulent fabrics complement the contrasting colours and rich materials. All rooms feature Sofitel’s MyBed concept and a pillow menu, Wi-Fi Internet access, LCD televisions, DVD player and Bose Home Theatre (in Suites), as well as Lanvin and Hermes amenities (in Suites). The hotel also offers butler service for all 40 suites and 26 Club Millésime rooms, 24-hour concierge and limousine service.

Situated on either side of the hotel, 186 Superior rooms offer views across the waters of the Gulf, either towards Palm Jumeirah or Jebel Ali. The 66 Superior Twin rooms boast a private balcony, two twin-size beds with Sofitel’s signature MyBed concept, deluxe bathroom facilities and a work area, while the hotel’s 120 Luxury rooms offer panoramic views across the Gulf. Located on the 28th to 31st floors of the property, the 26 Luxury Club rooms are suited to both business and leisure travelers. These rooms feature a king-size bed, private balcony, 24-hour butler service and state-of-the-art technolog. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Club Millésime lounge, a private space for Club guests to relax and unwind, with complimentary late check-out and free breakfast and snacks.

Next up: the suites. Those who opt for one of the 27 Junior Suites enjoy a personal airport pick-up service plus 24-hour personalized butler service. Also on the menu: panoramic views across the waters of the Gulf from a large private balcony, Hermès toiletries, a Bose Wave sound system, iPod dock and Nespresso coffee machine. Located on the hotel’s Club Millésime floors, the Prestige Suites make the stay even sweeter with stylish furnishings, autumnal tones, marble bathroom with a bathtub, separate shower and branded amenities, as well as latest generation in-room entertainment system. While floor to ceiling windows provide a panoramic view of Dubai, Club Millésime floor guests benefit from personalized butler service and exclusive access to the club lounge.

The height of luxury? The Imperial Suite. Spread over 210 sqm, it offers ample space for up to five guests. No detail has been overlooked in order to ensure the ultimate comfort: king-size bedroom with jacuzzi, a twin room, a large reception and a living room with kitchen area. As expected, those who opt for the Imperial Suite also get 24-hour personalized butler service and a 31 sqm private balcony with stunning sea views. For even more space, a connecting Prestige Suite can be booked.

French refinement can also be found in the culinary experience, not only in the staff’s attitude or the exquisite ambiance of the rooms and suites. When it comes to dining, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach relies on six restaurants and lounges. The A.O.C French Brasserie features “a la carte menu” and buffets, including live Rotisserie and Bakery areareserved for both preparing and sampling the delicious breads and pastries. A.O.C French Brasserie is the perfect place to enjoy a Friday Brunch or dine on the outdoor terrace “accompanied” by lovely Gulf sea views. The Hub offers comfort food, a large selection of beverages, relaxing atmosphere and broadcasts live sport events.

Plantation restaurant and terrace offers healthy, nourishing and authentic food prepared in cast iron pots known in France as “Cassolette” or “Cocotte” that reminds of the flavours of slow cooked meals at home. Located next to the infinity pool overlooking the sea – where we’ve spent quite some time during the stay – Infini Pool Lounge delights with lively Arabic atmosphere including mezzeh, shisha and Moroccan tea. Be sure to also check-out Lobby Espresso, where French viennoiseries, traditional homemade Parisian pastries, afternoon “Gourmandises” plus a variety of coffees and teas are served in a casual atmosphere. Speaking about relaxation, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach features a Beauty Salon for ladies offering Carita treatments, as well as a health club (So FIT) with sauna and steam room.

Ladies will also appreciate the hotel’s position – amid the shops of Dubai’s JBR, The Walk and The Beach – that means boutiques, alfresco terraces, landscaped gardens and leisure facilities. Dubai Marina Mall not enough for shopping lovers? Then head to Mall of the Emirates or The Dubai Mall, which need no introduction and aren’t far away. Good news for golfers, too! Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach is within easy reach of three prestigious golf courses: The Emirates Golf Club, The Montgomerie and The Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Last, but not least, the hotel’s first floor is entirely dedicated to business and events with a business centre plus five meeting and function rooms ranging in size from a boardroom for 12 to the Grand Ballroom (400 people capacity or 300 for banqueting). Therefore, it’s no surprise that Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach was named “The Best 5-Star Business/Corporate Hotel” at the MENA Travel Awards 2014.

How do I sum up the time spent at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach? It offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre” and it shows that “Life is maqnifique” is more than a marketing slogan. And, unlike other Sofitel properties I’ve experienced before, it made a lasting impression. Guess that French moment had something to do with it…

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Five minutes away from Dubai International Airport, 5-star Grand Hyatt is closely located to the financial and entertainment districts such as Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. Moreover, the renowned Creek Golf & Yacht Club is located in the vicinity, across the creek, being visible from the hotel’s North wing. Set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens, Grand Hyatt Dubai is no stranger to awards, having received several distinctions from TripAdvisor and Condé Nast Traveller. Moreover, it was also one of the winners at Middle East Hotel Awards.

Back in March 2003 when it opened, Grand Hyatt was the biggest hotel in Dubai. It awaits guests with 674 luxury rooms and suites offering views of Dubai’s skyline and creek, as well as 186 residential apartments. As you get closer to the hotel upon arrival you start to take in the scale of the construction, with over 4000 workers being needed to finish it. The hotel’s exterior, a mix of iron, glass and aluminium, hides 1700 tons of steel and 28000 square meters of aluminum panels for the hotel’s facade. Underneath the futuristic exterior there are 25200 tons of reinforcements, 40000 light bulbs, 124 chandeliers, 5700 wooden doors and over 15 km of fiber optic cables. 

When it comes to accommodation, the guests are spoilt for choice. The rooms and suites range from 39 to 264 square meters and offer contemporary décor and classical Arabian touches. There are 359 Grand King rooms, 122 Grand Twin, 133 Grand Club and 18 Grand Deluxe King Rooms. Grand Hyatt Dubai also boasts 23 Grand Suites (88 square meters), 10 Emiri Suites (132 square meters) and 7 Prince Suites, with two Royal Suites as the height of luxury. The Emiri Suite King offers luxury amenities such as king bed, sitting area, kitchenette, large work area with minibar, complimentary high-speed Internet access, guest bath, and marble master bathroom with bathtub, walk-in shower and bidet. The 176-square-metre upper-floor Prince Suite King brings – apart from the amenities already mentioned – a Butler service, on request.

If you opt for a Prince Suite King (176 sq m), panoramic views of Dubai’s historic creek will welcome you. Last, but not least, the two Royal Suites (264 sq m each) dazzle with luxurious furnishings, top-notch details and offer panoramic views of the creek. Each two-bedroom Royal Suite offers one king and two single beds, spacious parlor, dining for eight, kitchenette, wetbar, work area with minibar, complimentary high-speed Internet access and marble bathroom with jetted spa bathtub, shower, bidet plus Butler service on request. All Suites include Grand Club privileges with access to a private lounge serving Continental breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes.

Grand Hyatt Dubai guarantees a culinary journey through 13 award-winning restaurants and bars. You can enjoy various dining experiences from authentic Lebanese cuisine at Awtar, Singapore-inspired seafood at Peppercrab, New York-style steakhouse at Manhattan Grill, Italian fare at Andiamo, Indian delicacies at iZ and International cuisine at The Market Café. Adding to the dining experience, the menu is backed by soulful music and live entertainment. Located in the atrium garden, Wox restaurant delights guests with flavourful South-East Asian food, from Cambodian and Vietnamese to Singaporean and Chinese. Wox was voted as the Best South-East Asian Restaurant by TimeOut Dubai Awards 2014 and also shortlisted as the Best South-East Asian Restaurant in 2015.

We also recommend Sushi, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant which showcases the art of sushi making during live preparations. For those who are into Friday brunches, Grand Hyatt Dubai offers three venues: Andiamo, iZ and The Market Cafe.For foodie lovers, Grand Hyatt Dubai has one more ace up its sleeve. Chef de cuisine Aftab Ur Rahman from iZ Indian Tandoor restaurant will be pleased to guide you through some cooking classes, expanding your knowledge about authentic Tandoori cuisine. Available for 190 AED / person, lessons take place each 1st Saturday of the month.

Speaking about the activities at Grand Hyatt Dubai, every guest will find something to his / her liking. Whether you’re an exercise enthusiast or a relaxation addict, the right activity awaits at the Ahasees Spa & Club. Among other facilities, the hotel’s Dubai Spa – which has received various awards, including the Best Hotel Spa at the Middle East Hotel Awards – offers an extensive outdoor swimming area and a full fitness and recreation space. The luxurious spa treatments from Ahasees Spa and Club are complemented by saunas, steam rooms, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis courts and fitness centre. Children 12 years of age and younger may enjoy activities tailored for their own interests at the Kids Club.

Grand Hyatt Dubai is the perfect venue to organize meetings, events or memorable weddings in a unique atmosphere, boasting the largest and most versatile hotel convention centre in the city. The Conference Center, amongst the biggest in the Middle East, covers over 5000 square meters. It includes two pillarless ballrooms, each divisible in three separate sections, all interconnected to a state-of-the-art multimedia room. Baniyas Ballroom has a capacity of 2000 people in theater style, while Al Ameera Ballroom can host 900 guests. The hotel also has 9 meeting rooms with flexible seating for up to 60 guests and two executive boardrooms, each designed for up to 14 participants. A unique concept amongst 5-star hotels in Dubai, Al Manzil, a premium residential-style multi-event venue, includes a kitchen and six flexible meeting rooms with audio / visual facilities. 

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Just like the Chinese Wall and the Palm islands, the fireworks displayed during the opening of Atlantis were visible from space. At least that’s what some say. Rumours aside, one thing is certain. Atlantis, The Palm – the result of a US$1.5 billion investment – was the first resort opened on the Palm Jumeirah. Perfect for a family holiday, Atlantis, The Palm welcomed its first guests on September 24th 2008, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after resorts in Dubai. The true scale of this Kerzner International project – 46 hectares, of which 17 are dedicated to Aquaventure – can be appreciated only from the air.

Are you into water sports & fun? Then try Aquaventure, the biggest and most dynamic aquapark in Dubai.
 

It contains 18 million litres of fresh water, a 2.3 km long river, rides with fast bends (ascending/descending) and pools. Using advanced technologies, the system uses over 750000 litres/minute to create waves that reach up to two metres in height. The coolest ride of Aquaventure, visible from the shore, is The Ziggurat, a 30 metres tall structure. Spanning 3 levels, this pyramid represents the starting point for 7 exciting rides of different complexity, two of them ending in the shark pool. Not for the faint hearted, Leap of Faith drops, almost vertically, from a height of 27.5 metres. Before you know it, you end up amongst the sharks in just a few seconds! Afterwards, to calm down your beating heart, head to Dolphin Bay. Here, on a 4.5 hectares area with three pools and a beach, you can interact with the dolphins, guided by trained instructors.
  

At the end of a day spent on the private beach or at Aquaventure the culinary experience comes as a natural choice.
 

Atlantis, The Palm prides itself with 17 restaurants, four of them with celebrity chefs. At Ronda Locatelli, surrounded by a decor which blends the rustic side of Italy with Dubai modernism, celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli amazes with his dishes, completed by a rich wine selection. For breakfast, lunch or dinner in a traditional French surrounding, Rostang, The French Brasserie is the perfect spot. Here, the experience of Michel Rostang – two Michelin stars – can be seen in every culinary delight. Atlantis guests can also opt for the first Nobu outpost in the Middle East, where Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s innovative menu is backed by a sushi-bar and the wooden furnace. Moreover, Spanish celebrity chef Santi Santamaria – three Michelin stars – is the person who makes wonders with the menu from Ossiano. 

All 1539 rooms and suites in the Royal Towers come with a private balcony, offering breathtaking views across the Palm or the Gulf.
 

The two Lost Chambers Suites are very popular amongst the guests, overlooking directly into the Ambassador Lagoon. A huge marine habitat, with 11 million litres of water and hundreds of species, the aquarium also includes some ruins which recall the mythical Atlantis. The Bridge Suite (924 sq m) represents the height of luxury, connecting the East and West Tower. Located on the 22nd floor, the Bridge Suite offers a private elevator, three bedrooms, floor-toceiling windows, gold covered dining table for 18 persons, 6 plasma TVs ranging from 82-116 cm in size. Moreover, guests who opt for the Bridge Suite are welcomed by a CD/DVD player, a high-end sound system and an universal remote for absolute control.

Armani Hotel Dubai is a statement signed by one of the world’s biggest fashion designers. In partnership with the developer Emaar Properties, Giorgio Armani ventured into the hospitality sector determined to make a lasting impression. Starting with the location, Armani wanted a famous one: Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Moreover, the hotel is adjacent to Dubai Fountain, a magnet for tourists with its dancing water jets and light shows. From the concourse level to the 8th floor, then to the 38th and 39th levels, Armani Hotel Dubai offers 160 luxurious rooms and suites modelled after the fashion designer’s vision. Guests can choose 24 Armani Deluxe rooms, 54 Armani Classic rooms, 26 Armani Premiere suites and 4 Armani Premiere suites with balconies. Then there are 26 Armani Fountain suites, two Armani balcony Suites, 12 Armani Executive suites, 3 Armani Ambassador suites and 3 Armani Ambassador balcony suites. The height of luxury are the 5 Armani Signature suites and the Armani Dubai suite. Armani Dubai also offers 144 serviced hotel apartments spread between floors 9 and 16 in Burj Khalifa.

The “Stay with Armani” one-of-a-kind experience begins right as you enter the hotel.
 

The lobby is dominated by an impressive wooden arch, which is also the hotel’s logo, flanked by two check-in desks. The formalities are dealt with by one of the Lifestyle Managers who take care of guests from the moment they book a room or suite until they leave the hotel. These Lifesyle Managers are on call round the clock and can be contacted anytime to fulfill the guests’ requests. The 5-star services are accompanied by furnishings worthy of the Armani name. Each detail bears the signature of Giorgio Armani himself, from the Eramosa stone floors, the zebrawood panels and bespoke furnishings to the amenities exclusively designed for Armani Dubai. All around the hotel the simple yet elegant spaces, the flawless finishes and the select colours reveal unique textures and “clean” lines, in harmony with the daring architecture of Burj Khalifa. No matter where you are in the hotel, state of the art techologies play an important role. The doors have no peepholes, but a wall-encompassed video camera. Next to it we find a touch-screen which opens/closes the door, controlls the electrically-operated curtains and light settings – quite a few! These controls can also be accessed via the black touch-screen remotes in every room/suite.

Just like the rooms and suites, the hotel’s restaurants were styled according to Giorgio Armani’s wishes.
 

The hotel offers 8 restaurants with a wide variety of delicacies, from the Japanese and Indian cuisine to Mediterranean and Italian fine dishes. Armani/Lounge guarantees breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountain, while Armani/Mediterraneo invites guests to delicious breakfasts. If the flavours of Tuscany can be enjoyed in Armani/Ristorante, Armani/Amal is the place for Indian culinary delights. Armani/Hashi targets the lovers of Japanese cuisine, while Armani/Peck captures the essence of Italian genuine gastronomy. Last, but not least, Armani/Lobby recommends itself as a “smart-café”, with Armani/Privé being the VIP lounge where Dubai’s hottest and most fashionable parties take place.