Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

Truthfully, I need a much longer visit to Dubai and the UAE. I adored my November visit, but would love to return and absorb more of the regional culture.

Like a fingerprint, we all differ in our travel wishes. Despite all the luxurious options in Dubai, each hotel has its own distinct personality and several properties should be visited depending on your travel needs.The Four Seasons is a surprise, despite its central location on Jumeirah Beach Road; it’s not visible from the street. You enter a long curving driveway to reach a low-slung pale pink colored Arabian building tethered by gardens to the slope. The Maserati’s and Bugatti’s hint at the guest list.

Arrival is swift and efficient, polished massive marble hallways opened to the large check in hall and a plush tea room, the Shai Salon. Mostly Saudi businessmen, some accompanied by traditionally veiled women partook of morning coffee and delectable warm cardamom scones with dates; quiet and elegant, what a relief: no one using their phone or laptop! I was intrigued by the exotic veiled women with coal blackened eyes, carrying little Hermes Birkin bags decorated with a fluffy fur snowball tassel. Despite the head to toe covering, they carry a statement bag, a recognizable sense of individual style.

I actually stayed twice and enjoyed two entirely different views. My suites were enormous; I could have entertained the Bugatti Boys and their models! Restful plush interiors are certainly necessary in the hot glaring climate. Suites with balconies provide views facing the beach or out over the downtown skyline. Sound system in room, coffeemaker and stunningly enormous bathrooms, the tub invited soaking.

Frolic on the private beach or hang at one of the two outdoor pools. Pool scene is fun and friendly; pool butler arrives at the push of a button for any needs, including sunglass cleaning. Indoor pool, next to the spa is illuminated with a glass dome and is for adults only. Retreat to the quiet adults-only pool set amid towering palm trees and lush landscaping, within steps of Jumeirah Beach. Sparkling with white and gold mosaic tile, the pool is surrounded by day villas, which offer a private sun terrace, indoor and outdoor showers, private bathroom, mini bar, flat-screen TV and air conditioning.

Inspired by Dubai’s ancient pearl industry, The Pearl Spa at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach creates an experience of luminous luxury. Signature treatments connect to Dubai traditions, incorporating crushed pearls, camel milk and desert sand for body scrubs, while hammam rituals feature classic ghassoul clay treatments.

Dining – so many options! One evening we enjoyed fresh fish from Sea Fu. Chic and relaxing and right on the beach, Sea Fu serves a menu of modern seafood in a cool, loungey atmosphere with refreshing breezes.

The jewel atop Four Seasons, Mercury Lounge is a dynamic Dubai rooftop bar with fresh breezes and one-of-a-kind views: overlooking the Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa on one side, and the Arabian Gulf on the other. A large glass sphere serves as the focal point. Exclusive majlis seating alcoves are most excellent for VIPs or private dining. This is THE Place for cocktails, dynamite view!

 

 

Armani Hotel Dubai

It is essential if you visit Dubai, even briefly, you must visit the tallest building in the world, even better STAY in the tallest building!  Glamorous, sleek and stylish, the Armani Hotel is at the base of the tallest tower – my scrumptious Armani suite with the curving windows looked directly down on, of course, the world’s largest choreographed fountain installed in the 30-acre man-made Burj Khalifa Lake. The rooms are snug, subtle and luxurious, cool and dark; they are the absolute opposite of the glaring hot desert. Luxury leather paneling lines the walls making the room whisper soft, a perfect perch to enjoy the dancing fountains. Sinewy and curvy, sexy sleek curves dominate many of the public and private spaces – So Very Very Italian!Technophobes will love that you can use an Ipad to control everything in the room and also listen to the fountain music from your nest above the world.

A new private passageway links you to an enormous shopping center and the entrance to the Burj Khalifa Observation Tower.

Lifestyle Managers field all questions, organize drivers, dinner appointments or shopping excursions.

Armani/SPA offers a fully tailored sensory experience to suit all needs. Highly recommend reserving a treatment to coincide with your Dubai arrival following the 15 hour flight from the West Coast! Deep tissue massage using Armani bois oil with moody resinous cedar wood used as part of a penetrating pressure point treatment that coaxes  jet lagged muscles into releasing tension.

Then on to one of the fabulous award wining restaurants for a late night supper. Savor exquisite cuisine from one of the many options: Ristorante offers the best of regional Italian cuisine; Amal serves high style tastes of India in an unforgettable setting or Hashi – the best of Japan with an imaginative twist on traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Sexy Piano Bar

Immersed in the glam district of downtown Dubai, the Armani Hotel is classically sophisticated, offers exceptional cuisine, spa pampering and has the premium city views and a high profile address in swanky Dubai.

PACK: Bond Girl Heels and a Slinky Sparkling Dress!