Back on the 1st of December 1999 the world’s first 7* hotel, the Burj Al Arab opened it’s doors. Currently the third tallest hotel and one of the only 7* hotels of the world, the Burj Al Arab is rumored to be the world’s most luxurious hotel.

The Landmark building stands 321 m tall on an artificial island located in Dubai, just off Jumeriah beach. Access to the hotel is extremely limited with reservations or as part of a tour only, a security point sits at the entrance and then leads to a private bridge connecting to the hotel which enforces this.

During my visit to Dubai I contacted my fellow luxury hotel colleagues that I had met at Cornell, who kindly arranged a show around of this remarkable property. On arrival we were escorted to the lobby, where we were greeted by the duty manager who took the time to show us around this incredible property, even during the busy Eid period – just goes to show the level of service offered in this exceptional hotel, which offers a staff to guest ratio of 8:1.

Hotel & Accommodation

The hotel is an all suite hotel, which boasts a total of 202 suites, each offering a private reception area for check in, foyer, staircase and luggage storage room, 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms decorated with mosaic tiles to match the colour scheme each bedroom, walk in closet, dining area, living room and private kitchen on 2 floors (duplex set up). The decor is bright, luxurious and colourful, bright shades of red, blue, green and yellow decorated in patterns which remind us of the Arabian nights, accents and furniture is decorated with gold, which also replaces regular metallic faucets, handles and knobs. Each suite is equipped with a golden video buzzer. A holographic clock in the entrance welcomes us with the local time and is accompanied by a large chandelier and blue stain glass window, which complement the yellow walls and carpet lined staircase leading upstairs to the master bedroom.

The first floor is equipped with the private reception, lounge, dining and living area leading into the fully equipped kitchen. Up the stairs we enter first the blue bedroom (or children’s room as the duty manager called it), decorated in the cool shades of blue and pale green decorated in pale yellow, a creme coloured carpet and the trademark gold and red wood furnishings of the hotel.

The bathroom, decorated in the same shades as the first bedroom, which complement the white marble floor, columns and golden handles, faucets and light fixtures. A large, glass surrounded walk in rain shower is located directly next to the spacious Jacuzzi bathtub, which is decorated with a painting of a mountainous beach landscape, sail boat and little castle.

Toiletries provided feature Hermes, an eau de toilette, deodorant, aftershave and soap for the gentlemen, Kelly Caleche perfumed body lotion, eau de parfum and soap for the ladies. The master bedroom is decorated in the same manner, the cool shades of blue being replaced by rich colours of red and royal blue, of course with the signature gold featured throughout the hotel. The master bathroom features the same decor of the other bathroom, the shades being replaced with those to match the mast bedroom. My personal favorite feature was the walk in closet and make up room, every girl’s dream.

Dining and other facilities

The Burj Al Arab features up to 9 signature F&B outlets dotted throughout the hotel, the Talise Spa features a luxury environment to relax and unwind in. I have linked to the pages of each outlet as I found this a real pain to find myself.

Dining facilities:

• Poolside Cafe (casual)
• Bab Al Yam (casual to semi-casual, then smart casual, open air, al fresco dining)
• Al Iwan (semi-casual to smart-casual)
• Al Mahara (smart casual, then semi formal, award-winning)
• Al Muntha (smart casual)
• Skyview Bar (smart casual, age restriction 21+)
• Juna Lounge (smart casual)
• Junsui (casual, far east asian cuisine, dining room and cocktail lounge)
• Sahn Eddar (casual, afternoon tea is also served here featuring sweet and savoury delights)

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The Bab Al Yam translates into “Gate to the Sea” and is a private, outdoor poolside restaurant featuring an al fresco dining experience overlooking the sea just beyond the poolside cafe. It is located on the ground floor and is transformed into a Shisha Terrace from 7-11:30 pm. Children are welcome throughout the day and the dress code varies from casual to semi-casual over lunch and lounge hours to smart casual over dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available here, served buffet-style, enabling you to explore the vast variety of international dishes at your convenience.

The Al Iwan, translated to “The Royal Hall” is a 25 hour luxury lobby lounge, offering Arabic Cusine overlooking the Sea on the first floor. A Casual breakfast, semi-casual lunch and smart-casual dinner is served here and children are welcome throughout the day.

The Al Mahara translates into “The Oyster Shell” and offers what is reputed as the best Seafood in Dubai. This award-winning restaurant is located on the ground floor and features the most incredible floor to ceiling aquarium, providing a dining experience unlike any other. The dress code, again is smart casual (this applies throughout the hotel) during lunch, semi formal during the dinner service and children under 10 are welcome during the lunch service.

The Al Muntha translates into “The Ultimate” or “The Top” is located on the 27th floor, 200m high up, is accessed through a panoramic elevator and overlooks the Persian gulf. It offers a fine dining experience, the menu featuring modern, European cuisine. The dress code is smart casual, lunch, dinner and Friday brunch is available throughout the week and a Jazz duo provides live
entertainment each evening from Tuesday to Sunday and during the Friday Brunch. Children under 7 are welcome during the lunchtime service.

The Skyview Bar is also located on the 27th floor and offers light bites, cocktails, drinks and afternoon tea. The
minimum age for the Skyview bar is 21 years and the minimum spend is 350 AED per person. Dress code is smart casual and entertainment is provided by a live show of Jazz trio Tuesday to Sunday from 8 pm and Pianist Saturday to Thursday 1-4 pm.

The Juna Lounge is located on the ground floor and offers international cocktails, whiskey and cuban cigars. Reservations are not taken as this area is reserved for guests dining at the Al Mahara or staying in-house.

The Junsui means “Pure” in Japanese and serves Far-East Asian cuisine. Swarovski crystals line the entire dining and cocktail lounge area, complementing the dark, light and sleek design maintained throughout the area. 12 live cooking stations enable you to observe each culinary piece come together for you to enjoy, a vast buffet offers a selection of different dishes  ranging from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Korean dishes. The dress code is casual during breakfast and semi-casual for lunch and dinner. Children are welcome throughout the day.

The Sahn Eddar is the atrium restaurant, located on the first floor of the Burj Al Arab. Afternoon tea and morning coffee is served along with a symphony of classical quartet, solo harpist and Arabic band, all played live. The cusine is international and dress code smart casual. Breakfast, high tea and beverages are served here to be enjoyed at different times throughout the day.

The Talise Spa features and facilities:

• located 150m up, housed over 2 levels
• ladies and gentlemen relaxation areas featuring aqua retreat
• separate indoor infinity pools
• Jacuzzi and treatment rooms
• Sauna, Steam rooms and plunge pools
• Squash court
• Fitness centre with aerobic facilities
• Cardio and resistance training equipment
• A vast selection of spa treatments:
• Facials
• Massages
• Body treatments
• Zone therapy
• Wellness experience
• Body enhancements
• Spa gifts

Inspired? [jbutton color=”green” link=”http://www.thoryatravel.com/bespoke-travel-enquiry-form/” newpage=”yes”]get in touch now[/jbutton] to arrange your free consultation and first step towards your personal travel experience!