Armani Hotel Dubai: The Fashionable Hideaway That Should Be On Your Honeymoon Wish List | The Escape
An elegant retreat with a focus on privacy and high-end service, this chic hideaway is the perfect spot for newlyweds, says Bazaar Bride Editor, Nina Catt
Nestled inside the iconic Burj Khalifa, Armani Hotel Dubai is unquestionably located in one of the world’s most prominent buildings. Ask anyone that’s visited Dubai and they’re bound to reference the burgeoning city with first-time memories of laying eyes on the tallest building in the world, and the majestic dancing fountains that sit at its foot. Standing at just over 2,716 feet, the soaring skyscraper abandons every surrounding building in its wake.
Oozing with the understated elegance one would expect from a hotel designed by an illustrious Italian fashion designer with a minimal exemplary design aesthetic, Giorgio Armani oversaw every single detail of the 160-room, award-winning restaurant, world-class spa, hideaway. He even personally designed the bottle caps of the luxe Armani Privé bathroom amenities to replicate a large stone he found on a beach that he thought felt like holding someone by the hand – my dedicated lifestyle host informed me as he showed me around the fountain view suite on the 38th floor. “Switch to the fountain channel on the iPad and the music from the show will be piped into your room,” he smiled. I was suitably impressed.
Clean lines, unique textures, state-of-the-art technology and floods of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows make up the interior design concept. If you’re dreaming of dazzling décor with flashy gold-leaf accents found in many of the hotels in Dubai, you’re in the wrong place. Here it is all about sophisticated neutrality with phenomenal views. Oh and the beds. Probably the best bed I’ve ever slept in.
It was 4pm by the time I left my room to go and check out the hotel’s pool. Something I’d been looking forward to all day. As I laid down on the plush lounger, burrowing into a fluffy towel and gazing up at the gargantuan building, I realised it was the first time in my six years of living in the city that I truly took in the Burj Khalifa’s remarkable structure.
“The architecture features a triple-lobed footprint, an abstraction of the hymenocallis flower,” the bartender informed me. “Twenty-six helical levels decrease the cross-section of the tower incrementally as it spirals skyward.” Wow. These guys are clued-up I sensed, as I was then informed that a personal photoshoot on my iPhone could be arranged at sunset – a novel idea for honeymooners.
Joyfully sunbaked in the last golden hours of the day, it was time to get ready for dinner and check out the newly Michelin-starred, Armani/Ristorante – one of five dining destinations within the hotel’s culinary portfolio. Bringing Italy’s very essence to life via exquisite flavour combinations and impeccable presentation, an evening spent here is more like an experience than just a meal. Taking personalised service to new heights, guests are invited on an exploratory journey from a classic aperitivo to the subtle nuances of the degustation-style menu with expert recommendations from the in-house sommelier – a journey I still replay in my mind.
The other phenomenal-in-their-own-right dining options include Japanese, Armani/Hashi, Indian, Armani/Amal, buffet-style Armani/Mediterraneo (where the views alone are worth getting up early for) and Armani/Kaf – the first kosher-certified dining destination in the United Arab Emirates. All of which I’m plotting a return to.
Indisputably designed for a fashionable clientele who appreciate privacy and high-end service, rounding-off the stay with a visit to the spa is a must. A haven of tranquility, several treatments have been curated to enjoy as a couple… scattered rose petals included. What could be more blissful?
Rooms from Dhs3,400 per night with breakfast. Visit; Armanihotels.com
Images courtesy Armani Hotel Dubai