Among the world’s tallest hotels, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is known for its unique sail-like shape. An icon associated with opulence and luxury, the Burj Al Arab is situated on an artificial island in the Persian Gulf, connected to the mainland by a 920-foot private, curving bridge. The list of amenities (which is virtually endless) includes personalized butler service, nine world-class restaurants and bars, four swimming pools, a private beach, and a world-class spa.
The enormous building boasts a sleek and spacious feel, marked by airy atriums and grand lobbies, and incorporates many elements of Islamic design into its bold aesthetic. Virtually all of the Burj Al Arab’s rooms boast king-sized beds with the highest-quality linens and incredible views of the Gulf, the desert, or the city. Even the bathrooms are stunning, with elaborate tile work and vast Jacuzzi tubs. But if you would truly like to live like a sultan, you would be well advised to check into one of the hotel’s ultra-luxurious suites. The Diplomatic Suite comes with a giant sitting room perfect for entertaining guests, while the Royal Suite includes a majlis-style lounge, a library, a cinema room, and a personal in-suite elevator.
The only thing better than the accommodations themselves? The cuisine. There is no reason to order room service when you can dine in one the hotel’s many fine-dining restaurants. Situated on the building’s 27th floor, Al Muntaha offers truly sublime views of the Gulf. However, if you would prefer to dine under the sea as opposed to over it, Al Mahara boasts an elaborate floor-to-ceiling aquarium inside the restaurant. Watch the fish swim by as you dine on such delicacies as caviar, oysters, and lobster. But an underwater dining experience doesn’t come cheap. Main dishes cost anywhere from $70 to $250.
After dinner, you can grab a drink at in the ultra-sleek Skyview bar or lounge by one of the hotel’s four pools to unwind. The tranquil indoor infinity pool overlooks the Persian Gulf, while the vast open-air pool boasts an in-pool bar fully equipped with a refreshing selection of cocktails. Alternatively, you can always head to the Talise Spa for a Chakra-balancing hot stone massage or an organic body wrap.
If you’re still stressed after a great night’s sleep on pristine linens, a sublime meal, a refreshing post-dinner swim, and a professional massage, don’t worry. There is a staff member on hand who can solve your every problem and make your every wish come true. With an extensive team of butlers, chefs, and other staff, the guest to staff ratio at this hotel is an impressive 8:1. Oh, and did we mention that every guest receives a golden iPad upon check-in to be used as a “virtual concierge” (just in case there isn’t a human around to answer your every beck and call). But keep in mind that luxury doesn’t come cheap! The starting point for a room in the Burj Al Arab? A cool $1,500.