Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped building, is one of the world’s most photographed superstructures. And this isn’t just one of the top places to visit in Dubai, you can stay there too! We find out about what to expect from a visit to this 5-star hotel in Dubai. Spoiler alert: It‘s as big, bold and luxurious as its reputation in the UAE!
With a name meaning “Tower of Arabs”, the Burj Al Arab can be seen across the city of Dubai. Moreover, it’s designed to resemble a billowing Arabian dhow sail, with windows that reflect white and blue by day and show off a spectrum of colours during sunset. It’s also built on a manmade island, connected to the mainland by a bridge that a fleet of Rolls-Royces use to take guests to and from the airport. With cars as swish as this, you almost wish the 25-minute ride from Dubai International Airport took longer. (Mind you, it’s only 10 minutes for those using the helipad!)
First Impressions of the Burj Al Arab
Coming through the main entrance of this 5-star hotel in Dubai, you’re met by a spectacular visual experience. Along with an impressive fountain are four standalone pillars that propel fireballs into the air! Once inside, you’ll notice that the ceiling mimics the milky way – this is thanks to a showcase of 21,000 Swarovski crystals, the largest of its kind in the world.
Statuario marble, the same used by Michelangelo to create the statue of David, is featured throughout the Burj Al Arab. Plus, the interior is embellished with 24-carat gold leaf, with three huge aquariums home to over 50 species of fish on display, and one of the world’s largest atriums. It’s a hotel that truly embodies opulence!
Suites & Eats
The 199 duplex suites have floor-to-ceiling windows for unrestricted vistas of the Arabian Gulf. Each one features a rain shower, a jacuzzi and a selection of complimentary Hermès amenities. The hotel’s flower team can also create bespoke arrangements.
You’re promised a blissful night’s sleep, too, thanks to bedding made from Eiderdown feathers that are hand-picked from abandoned Eider duck nests in Iceland. Plus, there’s a pillow menu with nine options, including choices for children.
Speaking of options, the Burj Al Arab has loads of fantastic places for wining and dining under the management of Michelin Chef Andrea Migliaccio. From cocktails and afternoon tea to fine dining, there’s no reason to leave this luxury hotel. There’s Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine by the terrace infinity pool, French and Italian cuisine on the 27th floor, a sky view restaurant and an Arabic restaurant that features an extensive buffet.
Other options include East Asian flavours, a laid-back Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breakfast, and sampling fresh seafood with an aquarium as your backdrop. There’s also a popular afternoon tea experience with handcrafted pastries and a tea sommelier on hand. Make sure to grab a cocktail at the striking golden bar and try something special from the hotel’s acclaimed mixologists. Private dining is also available for those looking for a more intimate experience.
Pampering Galore
At the Burj Al Arab’s Talise Spa, you can choose between 13 treatment and therapy rooms. It also has separate indoor infinity pools for men and women, plus jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools.
If you don’t want to break up your exercise routine, on the property are ladies and mixed gyms, a squash court and personal trainers. Feel like heading to the beach but don’t want to leave the hotel? No problem! The Terrace is home to the first manmade luxury beach facility of its kind. This platform features salt and freshwater pools along with a thousand tonnes of imported white sand! The space also has sunbeds aplenty, plus love beds and luxury private cabanas.
Water Sports & More
There are five swimming pools in the hotel for taking a dip, or if you’re interested in adding a little more thrill to your day, all guests get complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark just across the water. The hotel also has a private beach on the north side of the access bridge and there are water sports available for the whole family, including kayaking, fishing, diving and water skiing. So there are plenty of places to visit in Dubai right at your doorstep.
Finally, car enthusiasts can explore Dubai in one of the hotel’s luxury cars for private hire. It’ll be a hard choice between an Aston Martin, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and more!
Five Facts about the Burj Al Arab
#1 Many stars have performed stunts on the hotel’s 212m-tall helipad, including a tennis face-off between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, and a charity DJ performance by David Guetta.
#2 Burj Al Arab Jumeirah holds a Guinness World Record for the most expensive cocktail, valued at more than S$10,000.
#3 This is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world.
#4 In 2016, the hotel created a 17kg gold-plated tin of organic Empress caviar – the world’s largest.
#5 The hotel is 14m taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Looking for places to visit in Dubai? Find out more about the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and book a stunning suites at this 5-star hotel in Dubai here.
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