Last July I was in Dubai and I had an opulent afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar of Burj Al Arab, the so-called only 7-star luxury hotel in the world. In reality, there is really no such thing as 7-stars, its just all marketing and image hype, which we all unfortunately willingly buy in. You can read it here: A Ritzy Afternoon Sky Tea at Burj Al Arab in Dubai
The round platform on the topmost part of the hotel is the helipad. I remember seeing an advertisement of Dubai with Tiger Woods golfing on top of this platform, as well as Roger Federer and Andre Agassi playing a tennis match. Really cool.
Inside the Burj Al Arab Hotel
Website: Burj Al Arab (Jumeirah Hotels)
Naturally I am not letting the experience pass by without getting a closer look at the interior design and architecture of the hotel. Non-staying guests are allowed to wander around the public areas of the hotel, which is the main lower lobby and the mezzanine where a few of the costly luxury shops are located. If you stray beyond this terrain, you will get an austere-looking hotel personnel up your nose blocking your way and asking where you are going.
I am sure these hotel personnel know all their staying guests by name and face, with a hefty rate per night, the VIP guests obviously wants to be exclusively acknowledged, and well, pampered.
Anyway, I got out of the capsule lift and ventured into the mezzanine, inspecting the details on the floor and the walls, and the atrium-like interior went with the shape of the hotel, that of a sail of a traditional dhow boat.
Frankly, I am not a big fan of Arabic design, I find it too loud, there is too much gold and the patterns are very busy to the eye. Reminds me of the Victorian period bordering frivolity. They all look pretty actually, eclectic and nicely put altogether but it is not my cup of tea.
When it comes to the architectural lines though, I am wordless. The interior contours and shapes of Burj Al Arab are just so sleek, stunning and mesmerising. British architects, WKK, indeed did a beautiful job. They have as well successfully launched this building into becoming the icon of the country. I am sure, with a little help of course from the sheikh. Job well done.
In the evening, Burj Al Arab looks like a sailboat floating just off the shores of Jumeirah Beach.
Because the Burj Al Arab sits on an artificial island, I would need to be shuttled off to the main gate in order to get a ride. Very few cabs come inside so I will have to wait for the shuttle to be ready. While waiting, I busied myself taking pictures of the surroundings and of Jumeirah Beach.
Finally, the shuttle is ready to bring me to the gate.
Goodbye for now Burj Al Arab. Thank you for having me. Who knows, we may meet again in the near future?
Travel Period: July 2013
Destination: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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