Shades of Calm: Escape to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa’s Tranquil Dubai Sanctuary
The nature-inspired beachfront hotel whisks guests away into a world of serenity
The drive to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, on the seemingly secluded waterfront of Dubai’s residential island neighbourhood, Pearl Jumeira, sets the scene for the restful retreat that’s to follow. The contemporary-style beachfront hotel is made for private escapes amidst uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf’s blue waters, and is home to 132 hotel rooms, suites and villas, five culinary destinations and lounges, as well as a 450-metre private beach. The picturesque property was designed in collaboration with DSA Architects International with island-inspired interiors by Gatserelia Design. The décor, in signature shades of blue and white, reflects Nikki Beach’s ingenious look and feel at its venues across the world.
We begin the stay with an Aroma massage by Clarins at Nikki Spa, an aromatherapy treatment which fuses individually selected body oils to suit personal relaxation needs. From the technique and commitment to care, to the new-age music and heated beds, every moment spent here is precious and carefully considered. The massage is complete with a cup of hot authentic ginger tea in the private relaxation area, further rejuvenating the mind and body.
Our home for the night is an architectural garden villa, split into separate sections comprising a bedroom and a spacious living area. There are colourful Taschen tomes on interior design and architecture housed within a built-in bookshelf including 100 Contemporary Houses and 100 Getaways, surrounded by design details that mirror the pages. The décor elements are directly inspired by the beach, the sea and the sky, intertwining nature with built beauty.
A large-scale, two-tone painting in shades of water hangs before the bedroom, which seamlessly blends out to the open-air terrace with a temperature-controlled private pool.
There’s a bespoke, exclusive ‘Celebration’ lighting system that can be altered depending on guests’ moods, and each setting accentuates the villa’s shades in a unique way. The oversized bathroom is also of note, with a luxurious walk-in monsoon rain shower complemented with MALIN+GOETZ haircare products.
After soaking in the beauty of the private villa, we head to Soul Lounge for lunch, which boasts an ideal al fresco setting to catch the sunset over the tranquillity of the azure waters. A serving of exquisite tuna tartare and salmon ceviche reflects the artisanal qualities that are also found in Nikki Beach’s sister properties, from Saint Tropez to Santorini.
Café Nikki, an all-day urban bistro with global cuisine inspired by Nikki Beach locations around the world, is our dinner destination. Known for responsibly sourced ingredients and fresh flavours served by endless views of the beach, the culinary creations here recall a charm reminiscent of the Côte d’Azur. On the menu are global favourites such as the spring chicken a la plancha, flattop seared half chicken, tarragon, garlic, butternut squash purée and quinoa; and the salmon and citrus, grilled 180g salmon, sautéed quinoa, with chard and lemon butter sauce. The star of the evening is the Thai green curry, made extra spicy with authentic chillies.
The night ends with a barefoot stroll by the waves and meditation by a sand-white beach cabana, where we’ll be found again before the morning adoring one of the most magical sunrise scenes in Dubai.
From Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Spring 2022 issue.