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Thursday 09 February 2012

Raffles

 

Eschewing the traditional colonial feel of its Singaporean sister property, Raffles Dubai has positioned itself aesthetically several centuries earlier. In keeping with the Egyptian-inspired adjacent mall ‘Wafi’, the 19-storey property launched in 2007 may not have the historical track record but has certainly got the ‘wow’ factor of its counterpart in Singapore. Today, Raffles Dubai has forged a distinguished identity for itself on Dubai's hotel landscape.

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Raffles Dubai

Raffles Dubai UAE

The "Wow" Factor

 In a city renowned for its five star hotels, innovative architecture and inimitable displays of opulence and with a name associated with some of the highest rated hotels across the globe, Raffles Dubai has high standards to live up to. However it not only succeeds in maintaining the brand's reputation for elegance and bespoke service, but also manages to add that extra dose of indulgence.

 

Opened in November 2007, the 19-storey, 100-metre-high pyramidal structure inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture occupies a much coveted location in the heart of the city; a mere ten minute drive from the airport and adjacent to Wafi, one of Dubai's most exclusive lifestyle complexes. For business people and companies lured by this prime position there is a state of the art business centre, eleven large meeting rooms, a ballroom for 500 guests and access to a vast library that includes a vast collection on the region's history, culture and heritage. The glass capstone which forms the top three levels of the hotel provides superb 360 degree views of the city and houses some of the eleven award winning bars and restaurants of which Raffles boasts.

Lavish Decor & Natural Wonder

 

Inside, the décor is a sumptuous melding of the Middle East with Asian influences and the attention to detail is meticulous, columns carved with ieroglyphics give the hotel an impressive, yet understated grandeur and the lobby is a stunning expanse of marble with lofty ceilings and water displays. However, one of the most original features of Raffles Dubai is its one hectare tropical Raffles Botanical Garden, where guests can wonder through several acres of plants and trees imported from Singapore. The garden provides an oasis of tranquillity in the centre of the busy city and has been themed around the four elements of life: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.

 

Raffles Dubai also somehow manages to always add that unexpected and impressive 'extra', for example, take the cooling system under the pavement around the pools…It will ensure never to burn your feet even though it's under the hot sun all day.

The Royal Treatment

 

For guests seeking ultimate relaxation there is also the famous Raffles Amrita Spa, which is comprised of seven luxurious treatment rooms, including a Couple's Suite and an outside Retreat, located in the Raffles Botanical Garden, with a myriad of exclusive treatments to indulge in and truly make this a spa experience to remember. The Egyptian Gold facial in particular stands out as a particularly opulent treat, a face mask composed of 24 carat gold that leaves the skin glowing and radiant.

 

Another secret of Raffles' phenomenal success and the recognition it has achieved on the international stage is the size and design of the Suites. Larger than any other in Dubai, they are meticulously crafted to create a luxurious and refined environment - more of a sanctuary than a hotel room. sanctuary than a hotel room.

 

Whilst this hotel is certainly a fresh take on the Raffles brand, certain aspects are still a given, for example the staff, drawn from 42 nations, includes some of the Singaporeans whose Asian service standards are legendary. This influence is apparent from the calm, quiet and efficient service. Between the striking architecture, award winning cuisine and flawless service, Raffles Dubai is sure to remain one of the cities' major landmarks for years to come.