An Extravagant Escape: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai – Hotel Review
By
9 months ago
Lauren Ho checks in
When it first flung open its opulent doors 24 years ago, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah instantly put Dubai on the map, thanks to its home in the now iconic sail-shaped landmark building. It was also dubbed the world’s only seven-star hotel thanks to its unmatched luxury that includes a helipad, a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms, and collection of suite-only duplex rooms. So, how does it stand in 2024?
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Hotel Review: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
STAY
Given its standing as one of the tallest hotels in the world, each of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s 198 suites have panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows shed light onto a lavish interior of rich blues, purples, gold plating and sumptuous textures that are revealed over ornately furnished sprawling lounges and a grand staircase that leads to the first floor bedrooms. Here, a ceiling mirror reflects the palatial bed, television screens rise through a push of a button, and mosaic-lined bathrooms feature whirlpool bathtubs, large walk-in showers, and twin basins complete with gold-plated taps and Hermés toiletries.
DO
With an aquarium-lined lobby, waterfalls, jewellery boutiques, and an interior decorated with approximately 2,000 sqm of 24-carat gold leaf as well as 10 million mosaic tiles, you can spend a lot of time gawping at your surroundings. However, there is also a two-floor spa to explore, complete with 14 treatment rooms, infinity pools, steam rooms, saunas, plunge pools and Jazuzzis, as well as an outdoor infinity pool, where you can spend the day lounging about in your private cabana.
This alongside its location along Jumeirah Beach Road, which is lined with the Burj Al Arab’s sister properties and numerous restaurants, bars and beach clubs to choose from. Guests also have the option to partake in watersports from jet skiing and kayaking to diving, alongside complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark.
EAT
With eight restaurants and bars to choose from, you certainly won’t go hungry at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Spend the day munching on poolside crowd-pleasers like lobster rolls, savour a romantic dinner against an aquarium of fish at Ristorante L’Olivo – which serves a seafood-focused menu from chef Andrea Miglaccio – or head to Al Iwan, a casual family-friendly Arabic restaurant.
We suggest starting at Skyview Bar for a sunset cocktail and panoramic Dubai views, followed by dinner at the adjacent Al Muntaha, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef Saverrio Sbaragli sends out a fine-dining menu of French and Italian dishes like the Bottini Surf and Turf, an indulgent dish with foie gras, king crab and truffle broth.
THE FINAL WORD
Love it or hate it, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an over-the-top, extravagantly indulgent stay, which you have no option but to embrace and lose yourself in. Not to mention the service and the staff, who will give you the chance to experience what it’s like to be royalty throughout your stay.
BOOK IT
Rates from £1,283 per night, including breakfast, access to full spa facilities, two beach clubs and Wild Wadi Waterpark facilities. jumeirah.com
Lauren was working in Dubai when this review was conducted.