By Akanksha Dean
Exemplifying beauty, grace, and style, Armani Hotel Dubai outlines grander service, spotless design and unmatched luxury. Armani is up to the 8th floor and then suites on 38th and 39th floors and the 144 residences inhabit levels 9 to 16 of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building!
A WARM WELCOME
I am greeted by a lustrous dark shiny backdrop with the words Armani Hotel Dubai written elegantly across the front. And yes…..I crane my neck right at the back, but I still am unable to see all the way to the top. But am absolutely excited about shooting right up there in the lift to live in the Burj Khalifa! Armani Hotel Dubai is one of only two Armani exclusive hotels in the globe, the other, of course, is in Milan, the home base of acclaimed fashion designer Giorgio Armani. When I look up, I take in the soaring Burj Khalifa, the silvery edifice almost sparkling with the winter sun. Winter in Dubai means on average a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius and has formerly toured to Dubai in the summer, I love it as it is still warm.
AWE INSPIRING
As I peek in at the bespoke Armani chocolate shop, I notice the sleek dark furnishings are well flattered by clues of brushed metal and other textured materials. The design objective behind Armani is ‘discreet minimal opulence’, which is definitely achieved. After a quick check-in, we head up to our suite on the 39th floor. The backlit wood-paneled corridors lead us to our suite. We have a bird’s eye view of the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Mall and the skyline….I spend a lot of time gazing out the window as there is so much to take in. The furniture by Armani Casa furnishings has earthly tones and textured fabrics the designer is known for, for example, the couch is made of a silk-like cloth with subtle embroidery. The writing desk has a black mirror glass finish with Armani stationery, the beverages in the glossy echoed minibar are complimentary and the coffee machine is Italian. In line with the tasteful trifling opulence, every bit in the suite has a purpose and each article has a place.
SPECTACULAR INDIAN DINING
We begin our enjoyable evening on the terrace observing over the famed Dubai Fountain (the world’s prevalent choreographed fountain system, tossing up spectacles set to conventional and modern music every evening, every 30 minutes). And then we head to Amal for a celebration of contemporary Indian cuisine and drinks amidst a magical, wonderland setting this place is whimsical, quirky, and irreverent; the gorgeous views of the famed fountain show makes dining here an experience of a lifetime. The food is almost bewilderingly exotic, try the Galawat twanging with the gorgeous flavour of roasted tomato. Chef’s forte is his pivotal blend of surprising ingredients, which works best with modest dishes. Just when you think Indian cuisine is getting too predictable, Amal’s magnificence is refreshing and memorable.
THE SHOPPING
After breakfast in the Armani Deli, we head to the secret elevator which has a special access key and whizz down to the Dubai Mall, It is a fashionista’s happiness and you can shop in the awareness that your lifestyle manager will have it all whisked up to your room later and that if you change your mind about the dress that seemed magnificent in the shop, but now perhaps you don’t want it, your manager can pop it back to the shop for you. Isn’t that amazing!! The Armani shop itself stocks one of the widest arrays of Armani merchandise in the world. If you are an aficionado of Giorgio’s pared-down aesthetic and you love immersing yourself in the designer’s world, and spotless lines and a room with a view, then you would fall in love with the Armani Dubai just like me. And it’s hard to beat that address!
FAST FACTS
Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 888 3888
Web: www.armanihoteldubai.com – @armanihoteldxb
