The Delano brand makes its debut in the Middle East.
Bluewaters Island in Dubai has had its fair share of challenges. Ain Dubai stopped spinning, Caesars Palace Dubai closed, and, during the day, it is a sleepy spot. Now, the five-star hotel Delano Dubai has opened, and it looks set to wake up the island with its bars, restaurants and beach clubs.
The hospitality company, Ennismore, is behind Delano Dubai, which marks the first Delano hotel in the Middle East. In 1995, the first Delano opened in Miami, and wherever you are in the world, the ethos has remained the same. The hotels ooze an effortless elegance, and offer a personalised – without being pretentious – experience.
Delano Dubai’s interiors draw inspiration from the sleek, subtle aesthetic of its Miami counterpart. The lobby is a breath of fresh air, and it feels like you’ve entered a spa, thanks to the white fabrics wafting, soft scents and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Arabian Gulf. When I arrived, after a long flight from London, the staff were smiley but slow. While I waited for my room to be ready, the lobby was not designed to linger, and I was ushered to The Store with tiny tables and smart sockets.
Rooms and suites
Delano Dubai is home to 251 rooms and suites. The options range from suites with a private pool to a five-bedroom penthouse. We checked into the Rising Light Guestroom Sea View with a Balcony. Spanning 40 square metres, it boasted a muted, minimalist aesthetic with soft furnishings, marble and wooden floors. The colour palette of beige, creams and whites was punctuated by bronzes, browns and gold.
Delano Dubai features functional finesse, from the safe box hidden behind a bespoke wooden cupboard to the Dyson hairdryer in a leather box. The beautiful bathroom is thoughtfully laid out, with the toilet on one side of the corridor and the bathtub and shower on the other. The room also included a king-size bed, a small sofa, and a balcony with a serene sea view.
It’s not often that slippers make a mark, but these were by far and away the best slippers we have ever had in a hotel. The sink-into-slippers made us feel like we were walking – and getting ready to sleep – on cloud nine.
Restaurants and bars
Delano Dubai is home to a range of restaurants and bars. Breakfast is served at the all-day dining restaurant, Tutto Passa. The concept brings the vibes of the Amalfi Coast to the Arabian Gulf. The breakfast menu includes a range of egg to sweet dishes, from Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon to French Toast. Plus, the buffet is brimming and beautiful. At Blue Door, Anatolian cuisine is served amidst waterfront views, while the reimagined Rose Bar is a luxurious spot with a vibrant social atmosphere echoing the legacy of the celebrated venue in Miami.
The beach clubs showcase a laid-back luxury. Delano Pool and Beach is at the heart of the hotel, and many of the rooms overlook the pool. I wish I had more time to explore La Cantine Beach, which is a short walk or buggy ride away. The concept combines relaxation, wellness, and sport across its menus and facilities, and it includes a pickleball court, a volleyball court, children’s activities, and an outdoor gym.
Maison Revka Dubai feels like a Baroque painting come to life. The Slavic restaurant offers glamorous grandeur, soft shadows and a dose of drama. Rose Bar is fun and funky – visit the mirrored room for a swanky selfie. The venue has created an alluring atmosphere with sultry shades of red, red-hot curtains, sofas and chairs, and dim lighting. Blue Door is a Mediterranean marvel – make sure you sit outside, under the trees and order plates to share.
Facilities
Guests at Delano Dubai have access to the Banyan Tree Spa, which draws inspiration from Asian traditions. The facilities include a Jacuzzi and pool, and treatments range from facials to massages. The menu includes Chinese Traditions, Indonesian Traditions and Thai Traditions.
The property also features a pristine private beach and enchanting gardens. The pool area, reminiscent of Roman baths, serves as a social nexus, with strategically placed loungers and umbrellas emphasising the idyllic setting.
The Verdict
Delano has been shaking up the hospitality scene in Miami and Paris and looks set to do the same in Dubai. Taking over the site formerly occupied by Caesars Resort Dubai, the hotel has undergone a transformation to create a space that seamlessly merges the outdoors with the indoors.
Delano Dubai: wake up to this wonder on Bluewater Island.
GO: Visit https://book.ennismore.com for more information.