“I must be one of the luckiest hoteliers in Dubai,” declares Richard Alexander, The Lana’s general manager, over breakfast at the hotel’s Riviera restaurant.
It’s a bold statement, but after spending a couple of nights at this recently unveiled Foster + Partners landmark in the burgeoning Business Bay district, it’s easy to see why he’s so pleased.
This is the Dorchester Collection’s first venture into the Middle East and its first new property in over a decade, developed in partnership with local developers Omniyat.
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In a market often saturated with opulent hotels, The Lana distinguishes itself with a sense of refined understatement. While Dubai is synonymous with extravagance, The Lana opts for subtle luxury.
From elevators lined in rippled soft-pink leather to rooms offering guests delicate white strawberries or rare black plums as welcome treats, every detail feels thoughtfully luxurious without being ostentatious.
One of the more ostentatious features is the hotel’s partnership with Dior to create the spa, which is an epitome of quality. My therapist, trained in Paris, delivered an expert facial, perfectly balancing professionalism and warmth. Post-treatment, I relaxed in my room’s private conservatory with fresh juice and a cookie.
The view from my 29th-floor retreat, overlooking central Dubai with an unobstructed view of the Burj Khalifa, is another standout feature of The Lana.
This spectacular view can be enjoyed from my suite’s balcony, the terrace of the 18th-floor Basque restaurant Jara, and the outdoor infinity pool at the 30th-floor rooftop space, High Society. Alexander mentions that the hotel’s owners also own the surrounding land, ensuring these views will remain unobstructed.
In a city known for rapid development, this permanence is a rare luxury, making it no surprise that Alexander feels fortunate.
In addition to The Lana, Dubai’s hotel scene continues to evolve with new entries like One&Only One Za’abeel and Siro One Za’abeel, part of the ambitious One Za’abeel development.
The Link, a 230-metre-long cantilever 100 metres above ground, connects the towers and boasts a 120-metre-long infinity pool on its roof. This suspended structure houses an array of restaurants, bars, and food counters, forming one of Dubai’s most innovative dining districts.
A highlight of my visit to The Link was a Moorish-themed dinner at Qabu by Paco Morales. The impeccable service, exquisite presentation, and flavorful dishes, including sea bass with cherry tomato and mandarin gelée and lobster with spinach and smoked butter, made it one of my standout meals of the year.
Siro One Za’abeel, Kerzner International’s new brand, is tailored for an active lifestyle, featuring suites with integrated massage rooms and punch bags.
Its Fitness Lab and Recovery Lab offer numerous fitness classes and wellness treatments like vibroacoustic therapy. Conversely, One&Only One Za’abeel, the brand’s first vertical urban resort, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, embodies modern luxury.
Breakfast at the lounge featured impeccably arranged raspberries, and the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie offered highly tailored consultations based on skin and body-composition analysis. Despite a minor hiccup with a fire alarm, my stay was largely smooth and reflective of the hotel’s high standards.
Dubai’s luxury hotel market is undeniably competitive, but these new additions, with their unique offerings, continue to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality. Rooms at The Lana, One&Only One Za’abeel, and Siro One Za’abeel start from £735, £475, and £230 respectively.
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