By Jane Wilson
Dubais-mystic-sklyline
Swimming in the clouds, rosewater croissants with floating breakfasts, and sun loungers wallowing in an infinity pool enjoying panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. This was a unique experience at one of the newest Address resorts in Dubai.
Dubai has it all. It’s the emirate with the tallest, largest, biggest. The destination that constantly breaks records. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel and here I am in the highest swimming pool in Dubai and in the world at the height of 294m. The emirate has just hosted Expo2020 and continues to attract record numbers of visitors proving its appeal as a destination that cuts across nationalities, regions and continents. And although this destination is slowly bringing in more 3 and 4-star properties, luxury remains king
The Address Beach Resort is pure luxury and glamour, oozing in style and blending design elements to its lush and sustainable features. Opened in December 2020, it is one of Dubai’s newest resorts located on the edge of the Dubai Marina. The building is distinctive with two storey towers which are connected with the tallest inhabited sky bridge in the world which has changed the skyline. And it is this resort that has earned world records for Dubai. The ‘Highest outdoor infinity pool in a building in the world’ and the ‘Highest Occupiable Skybridge Floor in the world’ awarded by Guinness World Record.
Positioned on the beachfront it is an unmissable structure. The façade features 82,000 sqm of curtain wall glass which is the size of 11 football pitches! There are 217 spacious guest rooms and suites including deluxe rooms with Marina or sea view options, one and two-bedroom suites as well as a three-bedroom Presidential Suite. Each guestroom is tastefully presented, digitally controlled with spacious bright bathrooms. In total there are 77 floors with an award-winning spa and a state-of-the art gym on the 75th floor looking out to enviable views. Many of the views look out to the Palm, a sprawling area of residential builds, hotels and restaurants. This was created using land which was extended into the Persian Gulf. Started in 2001. Land and basic infrastructure were in place by 2004, buildings construction began in 2006 and the first residents arrived in 2007. It’s hard to believe that this was once just sea and sand.
Embedded in this luxurious setting of The Address Beach Resort there is an atmosphere of calmness and attentive, friendly hospitality. Views add the glamour of Dubai. High floor-to-ceiling windows capture the grandeur of the place along with the heightened sense of colour and appreciation. It definitely has the wow factor.
Art and design play a major role throughout with gigantic sculptures creating an ambiance similar to a private gallery with breath-taking pieces appearing in various locations to surprise and delight. Enchanting and mesmerizing, delicate glass flowers in blue and white hang from the high ceilings in the atrium. A charming, warm welcome to guests. An iconic calligraphic art piece by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej adorns the outside terrace, radiating an ethereal quality while engraving the tone of the contemporary style of modern Dubai. Sculptures bestow a nod to balance and sustainability while retaining a representation to culture and heritage. At the front entrance the 9-metre high “Movement The Mass Dance Sculpture” sets the tone to represent the balance of sustainability. As guests enter the hotel reflections on the sculpture celebrate the concept of movement. Similarly, the “Optical Mass Sculpture” set in front of The Restaurant displays the symmetry of harmony and balance in line with the hotel’s own symmetry.
A calming aroma floats through the resort, a signature scent. Created from a combination of fragrances which includes bergamot, grapefruit, cedar wood, sea sprays, geranium, rich oakmoss, patchouli and rich vertiver roots, this scented air has become their secret autograph. It immediately takes effect, an air relaxation.
Channels of water enhance the pool areas which are interspersed with cabanas, loungers and green hedges and flowers. The backdrop is a collage of mirrored glass, white and blue shaded wooden cubes and palm trees offering splintered shade. Areas populated by families enjoying precious time with children and couples relaxed in their shared company. Time is unrushed.
Dubai is a melting pot of international cuisines. This resort is a culinary destination itself. There are five restaurants offering a wide variety of dishes and plates showcasing creative cuisine at its best. ZETA Seventy Seven an adult-only Asian fusion restaurant on the 77th floor offers trendy al fresco seating and swanky indoor air-conditioned private cabanas. Here next to the infinity pool, the restaurant also delivers a floating breakfast exclusively for the resort’s in-house guests.
Spread over the terrace and beautifully lit, Li’Brasil, serves a creative blend of Lebanese and Brazilian cuisines from an extensive menu, artfully presented and delicious. Breakfast in The Restaurant is a buffet that begs time to enjoy with a tempting selection of foods to keep fit and healthy as well as to treat and enjoy. The Lounge serves casual beverages and sweet delights such as the pink rosewater croissants. On the edge of the resort is the Beach Grill, a more casual affair but non-the-less exceptional with high quality dishes. And while dining on lobster soup, scallops and the largest prawns you can imagine, the sea ruffles the soft white sands skirting the coastline allowing speedboats to nudge its shores with millionaire cruisers decorating the background.
The Address Beach Resort is drenched in unique design and soothing colours with spaces to relax, private areas to reflect and memorable sunsets to watch: “This is where life happens”, the motto of The Address Beach Resort. This was my Address for the time I stayed in Dubai and where my life centred on the moment, high above the clouds, high above Dubai. A place to indulge, to explore, relax and repose. The Address Beach Resort is the first beach resort of the Address Hotels + Resorts collection, under the Emaar Hospitality Group. A brand recognized for its fusion of contemporary style with a touch of classic elegance
Dubai’s futuristic appeal is unending. The emirate is constantly developing new attractions and experiences, appealing to all age-groups across all nationalities. It is not easy to wind down in a city that is vertiginous and frenetic but at The Address Beach Resort sightseeing from the sky and swimming in the clouds is a comfortable way to appreciate the skyline and to experience the latest of Dubai’s luxury offerings. There are however, many places to visit in person. Here are a few highlights:
The Must-Sees & Dos in Dubai
Check out who is performing before you visit. There are a variety of productions, from classical music and pop concerts to ballet and musicals. Located in downtown Dubai, it’s spacious and worth going to see.
La Perle Dragone
This is Dubai’s first permanent show which has been running a few years. It’s energetic and creative with impressive stunts and special effects – a touch of Cirque de Soleil in an aqua theatre. Expect to get a little wet if you sit near the front! It is located in the heart of Dubai at Al Habtoor City.
Having travelled to Dubai many times these fountains, complete with the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, still retain that wow factor. There is such a buzz around this area with many outdoor restaurants and The Dubai Mall which is retail at its biggest, so be ready with your credit card. The Dubai Fountains stage shows throughout the day from sunset to midnight from two giant floating platforms. These cover 14,000 sq. meters of sea water, towering at 105 meters, and the lights from 3,000 LEDs.A Dhow Cruise
Glide down the Dubai creek on an Arabian Dhow for a glimpse into Dubai’s history. There are also trips around the palm and marina to explore New Dubai. Cruises also offer dining packages.
The new Museum of the Future is an awe-inspiring structure. It may take you years ahead of time but make sure your footwear is comfortable as it’s vast.