If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Dubai, you can't miss the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious and iconic hotel. This stunning hotel, shaped like a sail, stands on its own island in the Arabian Gulf, offering unparalleled views, opulence and exclusivity. Whether you want to stay in one of its lavish suites, dine in one of its exquisite restaurants, relax in one of its indulgent spas, or celebrate in one of its elegant venues, the Burj Al Arab will make your dreams come true.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Burj Al Arab, from its history and design, to its rooms and suites, dining and bars, wellness and spa, events and offers, and more. We will also share some tips and recommendations for different types of travellers, such as families, solo travellers, couples, and groups. Read on to discover how you can experience Dubai's most iconic luxury hotel.
History and Design
The Burj Al Arab was conceived by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, who wanted to create a landmark that would put Dubai on the world map. He commissioned Tom Wright, a British architect from WS Atkins PLC, to design the hotel. Wright came up with the idea of a sail-shaped hotel that would reflect the maritime heritage of Dubai and the Arabian culture. The hotel was built on a man-made island, 280 meters away from the shore, to ensure its visibility and privacy. The construction of the hotel took five years, from 1994 to 1999, and involved more than 3,000 workers and contractors. The hotel opened its doors on December 1, 1999, and soon became a symbol of Dubai's ambition, innovation and luxury.
The Burj Al Arab is 321 meters tall, making it the tallest hotel in the world. It has 202 rooms and suites, spread over 28 double-height floors. The hotel has a distinctive design that features a central atrium, the world's tallest at 180 meters, with a glass dome that allows natural light to enter. The hotel also has a helipad on its roof, which can accommodate helicopters and has hosted various events and stunts, such as tennis matches, golf shots, and fireworks. The hotel's exterior is covered with a white Teflon-coated fabric membrane that creates a striking contrast with the blue sky and sea. The hotel's interior is decorated with rich fabrics, gold leaf, marble, and custom-made furniture, creating a sense of opulence and extravagance. The hotel's design is inspired by various elements of the Arabian culture, such as the colors, patterns, motifs, and symbols.
Rooms and Suites
The Burj Al Arab offers some of the most luxurious and spacious rooms and suites in the world, each with its own theme and decor, and equipped with the latest technology and amenities. The rooms and suites are divided into six categories, each with its own features and benefits. Here is a brief overview of each category:
- Deluxe One Bedroom Suite: This is the entry-level suite, which covers an area of 170 square meters. It has a living room, a dining area, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a dressing room. It also has a private bar, a coffee machine, a 55-inch TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a 24-carat gold iPad. The suite offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
- Panoramic One Bedroom Suite: This is a similar suite to the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite, but with a larger area of 225 square meters. It has a circular layout that provides 180-degree views of the sea and the city. It also has a Jacuzzi and a separate guest bathroom.
- Club One Bedroom Suite: This is a premium suite that covers an area of 330 square meters. It has a living room, a dining area, a bedroom, a bathroom, a dressing room, a kitchenette, and a separate guest bathroom. It also has a private bar, a coffee machine, a 55-inch TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a 24-carat gold iPad. The suite offers access to the Burj Al Arab Club Lounge, which provides complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks, and snacks. The suite also offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
- Diplomatic Three Bedroom Suite: This is a family-friendly suite that covers an area of 670 square meters. It has a living room, a dining area, a master bedroom, two additional bedrooms, three bathrooms, three dressing rooms, a kitchenette, and a separate guest bathroom. It also has a private bar, a coffee machine, a 55-inch TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a 24-carat gold iPad. The suite offers access to the Burj Al Arab Club Lounge, which provides complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks, and snacks. The suite also offers views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
- Presidential Two Bedroom Suite: This is an exclusive suite that covers an area of 667 square meters. It has a living room, a dining area, a master bedroom, a second bedroom, two bathrooms, two dressing rooms, a kitchenette, a private cinema, a library, and a separate guest bathroom. It also has a private bar, a coffee machine, a 55-inch TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a 24-carat gold iPad. The suite offers access to the Burj Al Arab Club Lounge, which provides complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks, and snacks. The suite also offers views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
- Royal Two Bedroom Suite: This is the most luxurious and expensive suite in the hotel, which covers an area of 780 square meters. It has a living room, a dining area, a master bedroom, a second bedroom, two bathrooms, two dressing rooms, a kitchenette, a private cinema, a library, a private elevator, a private spa, and a separate guest bathroom. It also has a private bar, a coffee machine, a 55-inch TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a 24-carat gold iPad. The suite offers access to the Burj Al Arab Club Lounge, which provides complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks, and snacks. The suite also offers views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
All the rooms and suites come with complimentary Wi-Fi, unlimited access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, access to the hotel's private beach and pools, and 24-hour butler service. The rooms and suites can accommodate up to four adults and two children, depending on the category. The prices and availability of the rooms and suites vary depending on the season and demand, but they usually start from AED 5,000 per night for the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite, and go up to AED 100,000 per night for the Royal Two Bedroom Suite. You can book your room or suite online, by phone, or by email, and enjoy a flexible cancellation policy. You can also check the hotel's website for any special offers or packages that might suit your needs and preferences.
Dining and Bars
The Burj Al Arab has 10 dining and bar venues that offer a variety of cuisines and experiences, ranging from casual to fine dining, and from traditional to modern. Each dining and bar venue has its own menu, ambiance, and view, and caters to different tastes and occasions. Here is a brief overview of each dining and bar venue:
- Al Iwan: This is an Arabic restaurant that serves authentic dishes from the Middle East, such as mezze, kebabs, tagines, and more. The restaurant is located in the atrium, and has a rich and elegant decor, with red and gold colors, and a large fountain. The restaurant offers a buffet for lunch and dinner, and a la carte options for dinner. The restaurant also has live music and entertainment, such as oud players and belly dancers.
- Al Muntaha: This is a French restaurant that serves contemporary and creative dishes, such as foie gras, lobster, caviar, and more. The restaurant is located on the 27th floor, and has a stunning and panoramic view of the sea and the city. The restaurant offers a la carte options for lunch and dinner, and a brunch on Fridays. The restaurant also has a bar that serves cocktails and mocktails, and a lounge that serves afternoon tea and snacks.
- Al Mahara: This is a seafood restaurant that serves fresh and exquisite dishes, such as oysters, scallops, salmon, and more. The restaurant is located on the ground floor, and has a unique and immersive decor, with a large aquarium that surrounds the dining area. The restaurant offers a la carte options for lunch and dinner, and a tasting menu for dinner. The restaurant also has a sommelier that can recommend the best wine pairings for your dishes.
- Junsui: This is an Asian restaurant that serves dishes from Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea, such as sushi, dim sum, noodles, curries, and more. The restaurant is located on the mezzanine floor, and has a sleek and modern decor, with 12 live cooking stations and a Swarovski crystal ceiling. The restaurant offers a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a la carte options for dinner. The restaurant also has a lounge that serves drinks and snacks, and a terrace that offers views of the sea and the city.
- Bab Al Yam: This is an international restaurant that serves dishes from around the world, such as salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pastas, and more. The restaurant is located on the ground floor, and has a casual and relaxed decor, with a poolside terrace that offers views of the sea and the city. The restaurant offers a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and a la carte options for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also has a bar that serves drinks and snacks.
- SAL: This is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves dishes from Spain, Italy, Greece, and France, such as tapas, paella, pasta, ratatouille, and more. The restaurant is located on the hotel's terrace, and has a chic and vibrant decor, with a poolside lounge that offers views of the sea and the city. The restaurant offers a la carte options for lunch and dinner, and a brunch on Saturdays. The restaurant also has a bar that serves cocktails and mocktails, and a DJ that plays music.
- Sushi Samba: This is a fusion restaurant that serves dishes that combine Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, such as sushi, sashimi, ceviche, moqueca, and more. The restaurant is located on the 25th floor, and has a colorful and lively decor, with a glass bridge that offers views of the atrium and the sea. The restaurant offers a la carte options for lunch and dinner, and a tasting menu for dinner. The restaurant also has a bar that serves sake and caipirinhas, and a lounge that serves snacks and desserts.
- Ristorante L'Olivo: This is an Italian restaurant that serves classic and modern dishes, such as antipasti, pasta, risotto, pizza, and more. The restaurant is located on the 24th floor, and has a cozy and elegant decor, with a fireplace and a balcony that offers views of the sea and the city. The restaurant offers a la carte options for lunch and dinner, and a degustation menu for dinner. The restaurant also has a wine cellar that stores more than 1,000 bottles of wine from Italy and other regions.
- The Terrace: This is a rooftop venue that offers a variety of experiences, such as dining, drinking, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The terrace is located on the hotel's roof, and has a spectacular and panoramic view of the sea and the city. The terrace has two pools, one freshwater and one saltwater, that are temperature-controlled and have underwater speakers. The terrace also has a restaurant that serves international dishes, a bar that serves drinks and snacks, and a lounge that serves afternoon tea and shisha.
- The Beach Bar: This is a beachfront venue that offers a laid-back and fun experience, such as dining, drinking, playing, and relaxing. The beach bar is located on the hotel's private beach, and has a tropical and breezy decor, with palm trees and cabanas. The beach bar has a restaurant that serves seafood and barbecue dishes, a bar that serves drinks and snacks, and a lounge that serves shisha and ice cream. The beach bar also has a volleyball court, a water sports center, and a kids club.
- The Lounge Bar: This is an indoor venue that offers a sophisticated and intimate experience, such as dining, drinking, chatting, and relaxing. The lounge bar is located on the 18th floor, and has a classy and cozy decor, with leather sofas and a fireplace. The lounge bar has a restaurant that serves light bites and afternoon tea, a bar that serves drinks and cocktails, and a cigar lounge that offers a selection of cigars and cognacs. The lounge bar also has a library that has a collection of books and magazines.
Wellness and Spa
The Burj Al Arab has a spa and fitness center called Talise Spa, which offers a range of treatments, facilities and activities, that aim to enhance your well-being and relaxation. The spa and fitness center is located on the 18th floor, and has a serene and tranquil decor, with soothing colors and aromas. The spa and fitness center has the following features and benefits:
- Treatments: The spa offers a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, body wraps, scrubs, and more, that use natural and organic products, and are customized to your needs and preferences. The spa also offers some signature treatments, such as the Burj Al Arab Caviar Facial, the Burj Al Arab Arabian Journey, and the Burj Al Arab Gold Ritual, that use exclusive and luxurious ingredients, such as caviar, gold, and frankincense. The spa also offers some couples treatments, such as the Burj Al Arab Romance, the Burj Al Arab Harmony, and the Burj Al Arab Bliss, that include a private Jacuzzi, a rose petal bath, and a bottle of champagne. The spa also offers some special treatments, such as the Burj Al Arab Bridal, the Burj Al Arab Mother-To-Be, and the Burj Al Arab Gentlemen, that cater to specific occasions and needs.
- Facilities: The spa has a range of facilities that complement the treatments, such as a sauna, a steam room, a Jacuzzi, an ice fountain, and an infinity pool. The spa also has a relaxation area that has comfortable loungers, refreshments, and magazines. The spa also has a beauty salon that offers services such as hair, nails, makeup, and waxing.
- Activities: The fitness center offers a variety of activities that enhance your fitness and health, such as yoga, pilates, aerobics, and personal training. The fitness center also has a state-of-the-art gym that has cardio and strength equipment, and a squash court that has a glass wall. The fitness center also has an indoor pool that has jets and underwater music, and an outdoor pool that has sun loungers and umbrellas.
All the treatments, facilities and activities are available for both hotel guests and non-guests, but they require prior booking and payment. The prices and availability of the treatments, facilities and activities vary depending on the season and demand, but they usually start from AED 500 for a 60-minute massage, and go up to AED 5,000 for a 240-minute signature treatment. You can book your treatment, facility or activity online, by phone, or by email, and enjoy a flexible cancellation policy. You can also check the spa's website for any special offers or packages that might suit your needs and preferences.
Events and Offers
The Burj Al Arab has a range of venues and services for hosting events, such as weddings, meetings, conferences, parties, and more. The hotel also has various offers and packages for guests, such as staycation, honeymoon, family, dining, spa, and more. Here is a brief overview of each event and offer:
- Events: The hotel has several venues that can accommodate different types and sizes of events, from intimate to grand, and from formal to casual. Some of the venues are:
- Al Falak Ballroom: This is a circular ballroom that covers an area of 450 square meters, and can host up to 250 guests. The ballroom has a stunning and elegant decor, with a crystal chandelier, a domed ceiling, and a spiral staircase. The ballroom is ideal for weddings, receptions, galas, and banquets.
- Marina Garden: This is a garden venue that covers an area of 2,000 square meters, and can host up to 400 guests. The garden has a beautiful and natural decor, with palm trees, flowers, and fountains. The garden is ideal for outdoor events, such as ceremonies, cocktails, barbecues, and picnics.
- Al Marsa Beach: This is a beach venue that covers an area of 1,000 square meters, and can host up to 200 guests. The beach has a scenic and romantic decor, with sand, sea, and sky. The beach is ideal for beach events, such as vows, dinners, parties, and fireworks.
- Tameen Majlis: This is a meeting room that covers an area of 75 square meters, and can host up to 18 guests. The meeting room has a cozy and comfortable decor, with leather chairs, a wooden table, and a fireplace. The meeting room is ideal for meetings, presentations, workshops, and seminars.
The hotel also provides catering, entertainment, photography, and other services for the events, depending on the package and budget. The hotel also has a dedicated team of event planners, who can help with the planning, execution, and coordination of the events. The prices and availability of the venues and services vary depending on the season and demand, but they usually start from AED 10,000 for a small event, and go up to AED 1,000,000 for a large event. You can book your event online, by phone, or by email, and enjoy a flexible cancellation policy. You can also check the hotel's website for any special offers or packages that might suit your needs and preferences.
- Offers: The hotel has various offers and packages for guests, that provide discounts, benefits, and extras, depending on the occasion and need. Some of the offers and packages are:
- Staycation: This is an offer that provides a discounted rate for a stay at the hotel, plus complimentary breakfast, access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, and a AED 150 voucher for the Talise Spa. This offer is valid for UAE residents only, and requires a minimum stay of two nights.
- Honeymoon: This is a package that provides a romantic stay at the hotel, plus a bottle of champagne, a bouquet of roses, a chocolate cake, a candlelit dinner, a couples massage, and a late checkout. This package is valid for newlyweds only, and requires a minimum stay of three nights.
- Family: This is a package that provides a family-friendly stay at the hotel, plus complimentary breakfast, access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, access to the Sinbad's Kids Club, and a AED 300 voucher for the Talise Spa. This package is valid for families of up to four members, and requires a minimum stay of two nights.
- Dining: This is an offer that provides a discounted rate for a stay at the hotel, plus a complimentary dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants, such as Al Iwan, Al Muntaha, Al Mahara, or Junsui. This offer is valid for all guests, and requires a minimum stay of one night.
- Spa: This is an offer that provides a discounted rate for a stay at the hotel, plus a complimentary 60-minute massage at the Talise Spa, and a AED 200 voucher for the spa's products. This offer is valid for all guests, and requires a minimum stay of one night.
The prices and availability of the offers and packages vary depending on the season and demand, but they usually start from AED 3,000 per night for the Staycation offer, and go up to AED 10,000 per night for the Honeymoon package. You can book your offer or package online, by phone, or by email, and enjoy a flexible cancellation policy. You can also check the hotel's website for any special offers or packages that might suit your needs and preferences.
Tips and Recommendations
The Burj Al Arab is a unique and unforgettable experience, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips and recommendations for different types of travellers, such as families, solo travellers, couples, and groups, to help you make the most of your visit:
- Families: If you are travelling with your family, you might want to choose a family-friendly suite, such as the Diplomatic Three Bedroom Suite, which has enough space and amenities for everyone. You might also want to take advantage of the hotel's facilities and services for children, such as the Sinbad's Kids Club, which offers games, activities, and entertainment for kids of all ages, and the babysitting service, which allows you to enjoy some time alone or with your partner. You might also want to explore the hotel's nearby attractions, such as the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which has thrilling rides and slides for the whole family, and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which has a private beach and a pool for hotel guests.
- Solo travellers: If you are travelling solo, you might want to choose a comfortable and cozy suite, such as the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite, which has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. You might also want to indulge in the hotel's wellness and spa offerings, such as the Talise Spa, which offers treatments, facilities and activities that will rejuvenate your body and mind. You might also want to mingle with other travellers and locals, such as at the hotel's dining and bar venues, which have a lively and friendly atmosphere, and at the hotel's events and offers, which have a fun and festive vibe.
- Couples: If you are travelling with your partner, you might want to choose a romantic and exclusive suite, such as the Presidential Two Bedroom Suite, which has a private cinema, a library, and a spa. You might also want to treat yourselves to the hotel's dining and bar offerings, such as Al Mahara, which has a stunning aquarium, and SAL, which has a chic poolside lounge. You might also want to celebrate your love at the hotel's events and offers, such as the Honeymoon package, which includes a candlelit dinner, a couples massage, and a bottle of champagne.
- Groups: If you are travelling with a group of friends or colleagues, you might want to choose a spacious and luxurious suite, such as the Royal Two Bedroom Suite, which has a private elevator, a private cinema, and a private spa. You might also want to enjoy the hotel's dining and bar offerings, such as Junsui, which has 12 live cooking stations, and Sushi Samba, which has a fusion cuisine. You might also want to host your own event at the hotel's events and offers, such as the Marina Garden, which has a beautiful garden setting, and the Al Falak Ballroom, which has a crystal chandelier and a domed ceiling.
Conclusion
The Burj Al Arab is more than just a hotel, it is a destination in itself. It offers an unparalleled experience of luxury, exclusivity, and hospitality, that will leave you speechless and amazed. Whether you want to stay, dine, relax, or celebrate, the Burj Al Arab will cater to your every need and desire. Book your stay or tour today, and discover why the Burj Al Arab is Dubai's most iconic luxury hotel. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you enjoyed it. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you. 😊
