EXPERIENCING THE ICONIC JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB
words by JANA LETONJA
When you think of Dubai, JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB is one of the first things that comes to mind. The iconic sail-shaped landmark is a true definition of luxury in the global hospitality sector, and is built on a man-made island near the coastline. The hotel will celebrate its 25th year this December.
Arriving at JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB from the airport in a Rolls-Royce, like royalty, you are greeted by a superstructure that reflects the heritage and traditions of Dubai and Arabia. Inside, the hotel is embellished with approximately 2000 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf, and is home to the largest SWAROVSKI crystal ceiling in the world, with 21,000 crystals representing the Milky Way. The colours, fabrics, materials and finishes of the JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB interiors are inspired by the four elements – fire, water, earth, and air. The marble used for the walls and floors is the same kind used by the Italian artist Michelangelo for many of his most famous sculptures, including the David.
At 321 metres, JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. The hotel has 198 suites, ranging from 170 to 780 square metres. Entering the suite, you are welcomed by the view of Arabian Gulf through the floor-to-ceiling windows, starting with welcome appetisers and a bottle of chilled champagne. Staff create a memorable and individual experience for each guest, with a personalised e-butler service. Every suite features a jacuzzi, an office space, luxury handpicked materials and HERMÈS amenities. Each guest can also coordinate the private dining menu to be served in the suite on demand.
JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB offers a rich variety of restaurants. AL MUNTAHA serves imaginative modern French and Italian cuisine by Michelin Chef SAVERIO SBARAGLI. RISTORANTE L’OLIVO at AL MAHARA (which is modelled after CAPRI PALACE JUMEIRAH’s two-Michelin-star Italian restaurant by Chef ANDREA MIGLIACCIO), serves exceptional and innovative Mediterranean dishes.The dining room is adorned by a tropical reef aquarium, which gives the illusion of dining under the sea. SAL beachclub combines barefoot luxury with a Southern European culinary experience. The authentic flavours designed under the hands of Head Chef PAOLO MANNIS take inspiration from the Iberian Peninsula to create a tantalising menu of dishes. You can also indulge at AL IWAN, a buffet-style restaurant that serves sumptuous Arabic cuisine, and BAB AL YAM, which is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern details.
There are another two culinary experiences a guest must not miss at the iconic hotel. The first is the ultimate golden cappuccino at SAHN EDDAR, made of 100 percent Arabica beans and blended with 24-carat gold. The second are the exquisite desserts made by Executive Pastry Chef TOM COLL. It will be difficult to decide which dessert to try, but there is no need to worry, since you can always order one to your suite later.
JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB terrace SAL is the first man-made luxury beach facility of its kind, a barefoot luxury with southern European culinary experience. On its 10,000 square metres, it has a freshwater pool, a saltwater infinity pool, and a large beach area, for which 1000 tonnes of white sand were imported. Besides relaxing on one of the 300 sunbeds or 21 ‘love beds’, you can enjoy a day in the sun in one of the 24 luxury private cabanas (including eight royal cabanas) that offer a perfect way to enjoy your complete privacy.
To complete the ultimate luxury stay, TALISE SPA pampers your senses. The spa is the first and only location in the Middle East, and the second worldwide after JUMEIRAH CAPRI PALACE to offer guests the Leg School™ treatment, formulated and patented by Professor Francesco Canonaco at Capri Beauty Farm.
Perched above the Arabian Gulf, it is set across two levels and offers the guests many luxurious treatment and therapy rooms, separate male and female indoor infinity pools, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, and a jacuzzi. To truly disconnect, you can indulge in one of TALISE's signature massages to de-stress and revitalise while the sun is setting down.
