insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | страница 142

TRAVEL
Destination DUBAI CONT.
There is a brilliant time lapse of Dubai’s development
over the last decade or so that perfectly encapsulates
just how this unique and wonderful destination has
sprung like a proverbial oasis in the desert. This is
particularly true of Dubai’s new Culture Village
where arts meet luxury, traditional souks meet high-
end architecture – plans are underway for the world’s
next tallest building (yes another one!) – and where,
sitting resplendent on a prime waterfront plot with
Venetian inspired moorings for yacht transfers and
uninterrupted views of Dubai Creek, awaits the
Palazzo Versace Dubai.
The description of it being an ‘authentic European
palace with an Arabic edge’ doesn’t even begin to
do justice to the reality. A pale, perfectly symmetrical
Neoclassical inspired building, beautifully lit by the
scorching sun by day and by striking uplighters by
night, is dominated by looming archways and
columns; its grandeur inspired by traditional 16th-
century Italian palaces. The end result is a new
mosaiced, Italian masterpiece that opened its
stunning doors just three years ago.
Having pioneered the luxury-fashion-branded hotel
sector with the opening of the Palazzo Versace Gold
Coast, Australia, in 2000, the creative team at
Versace were proud and excited to bring the iconic
brand and their Versace ‘lifestyle’ to Dubai and they
were meticulous in their planning and execution
with the design and build taking eight years. And
this attention to detail is evident – everywhere!
Entering through the striking glass entrance to the
grand lobby, your eye doesn’t know whether to look
up past the towering white columns to the intricate
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glass chandeliers, across to the rows of beautifully
crafted bespoke chairs and sofas, with their unique
fabrics – a nod not only to the house of Versace,
but to the recognised and important Emirati flora
and fauna with peacocks, horses and falcons – or
down to the 1,000sqm mosaic floor. Originally meant
to be carpeted, the decision was made instead to
hand lay an enormous 1.5 million tiles and the result
is phenomenal. And then your senses are blown
again as the subtle signature fragrance that emanates
through every public space and walkway take hold.
The hotel has been exclusively designed and is
exquisitely opulent yet with a contemporary feel; in
fact, the interior of the hotel and in particular the
design, furniture and decor for each of the 215 rooms
have been exclusively designed by artistic director,
Donatella Versace. Noticeable throughout are iconic
Versace motifs – the Medusa head, the Greek Key
and many legendary prints and patterns as well as
new ideas created exclusively for the hotel.
Following the plush purple carpet of the west
wing (the east is red) we were bound for the third
floor and a perfect family abode – a Deluxe Creek
View Suite with adjoining Deluxe Creek View
Room room.
The room was as comfortable and practical as it
was opulent and inspiring. Tablet-controlled mood
lighting, curtains and do not disturb signs; floor-to-
ceiling cupboards hiding sleek mini bars, coffee
makers and wardrobes; a dressing area with
incredibly lit makeup mirror and marble dresser; a
large bathroom with a Carrara mosaic, separate
shower and toilet, as well as a tempting bathtub (all
with Versace toiletries, naturally); and the most
comfortable bed ever dressed with pale pink silk
Versace fabrics and plump pillows. Centrally,
we found a lounge area, separate bathroom,
coffee makers, plush sofas and a dining table – a
great family space to grab a snack, fix a bottle of
milk and have some downtime on the balcony taking
in panoramic views of the infinity swimming pool
with its cabanas and loungers, the gardens and the
creek beyond.
Despite initial reservations of bringing a toddler,
preschooler and pre-teen (“please don’t touch the
expensive vase, nor the cushions and get off the sofa
with your shoes on!”), the Palazzo is perfectly primed
as a family friendly resort hotel.
Firstly it is ideally situated and offers a daily shuttle
bus to the Dubai Mall, which is home not only
to an amazing array of shops, boutiques and
restaurants but also to the Dubai Aquarium, the
world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa, and also
a beautiful beach.
When not out exploring, the go-to destination is to
the rear of the hotel to the creekside pools.
The show-stopping infinity pool is actually adult
only, offering privacy and peace to those child-free
guests, but we headed instead to the right where the
beautiful family pool offered a perfect combination
of paddling areas, main swimming pool, loungers
and cabana beds where we could spend an entire
afternoon while attentive pool bar staff replenished
drinks and snacks as needed; the most delightful
way to cool off from those Dubai temperatures
surrounded by swaying palm trees.