Celebrating 25 years since opening on 1 December 1999, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is a symbol of Dubai in more ways than one. Katie Silcox checked in to find out what it’s really like to stay in one of the world’s most famous hotels.
Opening twenty five years ago, the iconic sail-shaped structure of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is perhaps what put Dubai on the international map. At 312 metres high (roughly the same height as the Eiffel Tower), it’s an imposing city landmark, and one that’s become a de facto symbol of the emirate, too. The hotel represents the city’s eager and never-ending ambition, while its silhouette shape graces all manner of souvenir – T-shirts, fridge magnets, paper weights – as well as countless tourist-taken photos of the city.
You’ll spot the selfie-taking tourists as you swish through the gated entrance to the hotel. Do it in style with a transfer by Rolls Royce Phantom (helicopter transfers also available).
Forget any notion of quiet luxury, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is every bit the encapsulation of a maximalists’ dream – and it begins as you approach the hotel. Standing proud on a private, purpose-built island, Lamborghinis, Teslas and (even more) Rolls Royces are parked outside, an army of valet and concierge ready to welcome you.
The Vibe
It’s no secret that the hotel is OTT, kitted out with large, patterned carpets, deep royal blues, vibrant yellows, and gold. Lots of gold. There’s the imposing gold pillars stretching up towards the ceiling of the 180-metre atrium, there’s gold threaded through in-suite drapes, and gold framing television screens, banisters, clocks and the mirrors hanging above each of the beds (yes, really). I ask if all the gold is real. “Almost all of it,” I’m told in reply.
Suites seen from inside the Burj Al Arab. Photo credit: Enrico Costantini
You’ve probably heard about the hotel’s “seven-star” status. The truth is, seven-star hotels don’t really exist. The term was supposedly that of a British journalist who visited and used it to describe the ways in which the hotel went over and above that of a five-star. I understand why. Extravagant decor might be the first thing you notice, but second is the service – which is truly second to none.
The Suites
It’s hard to describe the opulence and space that every suite in this hotel displays. I’ll try by regaling the reaction of friends when I showed them photos from my stay: on more than one occasion there was an assumption that I was showing them the grand lobby. Wrong. It’s the entrance to my room.
Each and every room is a suite – and each and every suite is a duplex. You’re welcomed in with a sweeping, gold-gilded staircase that leads from a large living area towards an equally impressive bedroom, tiled bathroom and vanity area. Sumptuous furnishings in velvet, marble and, of course, gold, decorate the space, and include a spacious corner sofa, a chaise lounge, and large beds fitted with eiderdown duvets.
Burj Al Arab Club Suite
Interiors are designed to stand out, yet are almost overshadowed by the floor-to-ceiling windows framing sea views – either towards the Palm Jumeirah, or across the beach-fringed city. For all the detail and extravagance in the suite, it was this sea view that I found myself spending most time staring at – whether during the morning when jet-skiers, wake-boarders and fly-boarders came out to play, or throughout the evening as the sun, as if in line with the hotel’s manifesto itself, sunk into the Arabian Gulf spreading hues of gold.
The Food + Drink
Perhaps guilty of assuming the hotel’s restaurants might not live up to the hype, I was proved wrong – time and time again.
Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara
If you only eat at one, make it the Michelin-Starred French restaurant Al Muntaha, on the 27th floor of the hotel and with views over the glittering city. Led by head chef Saverio Sbaragli, opt for the eight-course degustation menu (£235 or £430 with wine pairing) featuring duck with beetroot and blackcurrant sauce; foie gras, king crab and truffle bottoni; Oscietra caviar; and finished with sorbet, apple tatin and a cheese trolly. It’s more an experience than a meal, and stands out as much for the quality of food as for the artistic way dishes are presented.
This is true of Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara too, where, on a table next to the restaurant’s subterranean aquarium, you’ll dine on Italian dishes like lemon tagliolini with burrata or Pecorino risotto with chicory and saffron. Afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar is a must, as is ordering its much-Instagrammed gold cappuccino – at £32 it might be the most expensive cappuccino you’ll ever drink, but it’s one you’ll talk about for a while. Poolside Sal offers light bites alongside a shisha menu, and Al Iwan is the place to feast on traditional Arab dishes, buffet style.
The Spa
Spread across the majority of the hotel’s 18th floor, the Talise Spa is worth every Dirham. Treatments range from the Thai Nuat Phaen Boran or the gold-enriched oil massage; I sunk into a 90-minute full-body massage, but perhaps the star of the spa is its three indoor pools. Separated into women-only, men-only and mixed, each comes with panoramic views of the city and sea, 150 metres below. Time your visit for sunset for a truly special experience. There’s also a sauna and steam room, yoga studios and indoor gym.
The Little Extras
It’s an extra, but it’s not little: each suite floor has its own concierge desk, with a dedicated butler. Need more bathroom amenities? Dinner reservations? Someone to unpack your suitcase? Or to run a hot bath (which is actually a Jacuzzi) in the evening? Your private butler is just a WhatsApp message (and one minute) away. They’ll also bring happy hour treats to your room each day: glasses of Champagne or non-alcoholic fizz, alongside light hors d’oeuvres.
Service throughout the hotel is unmatched – whether it’s your butler, who is always one step ahead and ready to open your suite door; the lobby lift attendant who always remembers your floor and greets you with a smile; or your waiter at breakfast who will have your preferred morning coffee ready for you, almost before you even sit down. In-room amenities are impressive too: bathrooms are stocked with Hermès products, including two full-sized perfumes and a beard oil; your closet comes with comfortable indoor slippers as well as flip-flops for the pool; and, beside your bed, look out for the pillow menu, with nine options of fluffiness.
The To-Do List
With (more) sea views, relaxed Mediterranean dining and ample loungers, Sal, the hotel’s ground-floor beach club is an easy-going space to spend a day. Open to (and popular with) guests and non-guests, book one of the cabanas for a really special day – they come with an AC living room, a fully fitted bathroom, and waiter service at the touch of a button.
For a souvenir with a difference visit Les Desserts, a pastry and chocolate boutique by executive pastry chef Tom Coll where you can browse Burj-shaped chocolate. Or head to one of the hotel’s boutique stores to pick up kaftans, Burj-branded bags, sunglasses and more. If you feel like splashing the cash, there’s also a Dhamani store for jewels to outshine even the hotel itself.
Lead image: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel exterior
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