What’s New With Abu Dhabi’s Most Luxurious Hotel?
Designed as an ode to the desert, Emirates Palace’s newest updates invite contemporary elegance while retaining its ancient Arabesque character
Architectural beauty, gold cappuccinos, lavish lighting — an endless list of luxuries characterises Emirates Palace. But how exactly does it retain its foundational superiority while reinventing itself with the times?
The grand hotel, envisioned by the late British architect John Elliott in collaboration with Reza Rahmanian of HDC Architects, on the western end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, has seen several design renovations since being taken under the wing of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
The building stays true to its old-style character with traditional Islamic elements such as balance, proportion and geometry seen throughout the property, while the contemporary updates and brand-new suites invite 21st-century grandeur.
The world-famous hotel is built upon an area of one-million square metres, with a purpose of marrying heritage and modernity while echoing traditional values. “Abu Dhabi has a rich and ancient history of cultural exchange with people and influences from Arabian, Persian, East African, Western and Indian cultures,” explains Michael Koth, General Manager of Emirates Palace. “The city has played host to a diverse and welcoming community.”
The hotel comprises 114 domes, each one intricately crafted with gold and crystals, with the central dome rising 72.6 metres above the ground. During the daytime the golden exterior beautifully clashes with the bright greenery, while by night the changes in lighting form an ethereal glow around the land that’s capable of inspiring painters and poets alike.
The colour scheme is a memorable marriage of sunrise golden and yellows, a tribute to the Arabian desert, while the exterior reflects an oriental personality with sparkling silver fountains and lush green gardens.
“With its strong Arabic architecture, Emirates Palace supports Mandarin Oriental’s first pillar – tradition, and furnishes guests with a deep emotional connection to the location,” expresses Michael.
Shaped by the rich cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi, the interiors showcase Middle Eastern class with a nod to Andalusian architectural influences. Grand arches, decorative details, deep openings, and high ceilings adorned with gold inlays recall an ancient Arab past, while muted greys, contemporary artworks and furniture evoke a present-day glamour that whisks guests into a world of modern luxury. The corners are adorned with mother of pearl and crystals, ensuring no detail is left unnoticed.
And then there are the statement pieces; the building is home to over one thousand Swarovski crystal chandeliers — the largest weighing 2.5 tons — with other incredible features such as two handmade wall displays portraying the palace.
A testament to its distinctiveness, Emirates Palace is the only hotel in the whole world to have a gold-leaf specialist as part of its in-house team, whose job it is to preserve the striking gilded ceilings and over one-million square metres of 24-carat gold leaf.
“The interiors of the hotel instill a focused point of view layered with sophistication and modernity while reflecting the traditions and cultural developments of the emirate,” Michael continues.
There are several culinary experiences to try, with the newest being Talea; the famed two-Michelin-starred Chef Antonio Guida’s first restaurant outside of Italy.
The design of the space presents stunning two-toned columns and walls layered with art inspired by the landscapes of Italy: ports and palaces, lakes, cities and Roman ruins, embellished by jewelled lights and geometric floors.
The spa boasts an exotic blend of Moroccan-inspired interiors interlaced with delicate décor, evoking a sense of relaxation from the very first step inside.
One popular treatment is the Rose and Oudh Hammam, which relaxes, softens and nourishes the body with rose ghassoul clay and rose shea butter, increases blood circulation, and promotes healthy skin texture.
The Hideaway by Emirates Palace Spa, a new pop-up concept by Mandarin Oriental, combines Western, Middle Eastern, and Asian treatments and techniques that focus on holistic wellness and minimalist luxury, rejuvenating the mind and body.
“The design has incorporated relevant innovation to facilitate the guest’s experiences better and exceed the expectations of travellers today,” adds Michael.
“Luxurious in every aspect, from the mood of the lighting to the tactile feel of the materials, the attention to detail is paramount, and every element is designed to make guests feel at home, indulged and pampered.” mandarinoriental.com