Bastion of modern luxury, champion of local heritage – Taj Dubai wears both caps comfortably. An antidote to the region’s obsession with beige, the hotel is a carnival of color and its varied restaurants are full of personality and happy customers. It may be in the business district, but here it’s all about pleasure. Honoring Taj Group’s 115-year legacy, Taj Dubai is an inspiring blend of sophisticated luxury with authentic Indian craftsmanship, incorporating leading-edge ideas and an understated color scheme. Keeping in mind today’s well-travelled and trend-conscious hotel guest, Taj Dubai is designed to fulfill two roles – a temporary residence of a business traveler and a leisure traveler’s hub for a superlative holiday experience. Located in prime position at Downtown Dubai, Taj Dubai is just minutes away from the most important commercial and business districts and a world class shopping experience.Featuring richly appointed accommodations including Taj Club Rooms and luxury suites, Taj Dubai is built to respect and complement its illustrious neighborhood.
Business Bay can appear a little bland. Even the name suggests weekend abandonment – and not the good kind. However, this central location borders Downtown, home to Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa (visible from Taj Dubai). Most other attractions and amenities are within 20 minutes’ drive, including Dubai International Airport, Kite Beach and the dining hubs of super-cheap Satwa and expensive Dubai International Financial Centre. With more than 3,000 Indian sculptures and artworks adorn rooms, restaurants and public spaces in this glossy skyscraper. Gaily illustrated maharajas look down from their gilded frames and ornamental animals march across polished sideboards. In the lobby, an antique burqa and camel bell are among the Arabian artifacts in glass display cases and a sparkling tornado of crystal birds in flight form an impressive chandelier. New arrivals marvel at it as staff bestow them with wooden prayer beads and rosewater mocktails during the Taj’s traditional welcome ceremony.
I will never forget the warmth I felt when I checked in. Taj hospitality is legendary and at this Dubai outpost, little touches reinforce that sense of being looked after. Leg cushions to elevate the knees for added comfort on four-poster cabanas are a prime example. Other indulgences on the outdoor split-level pool deck include a Hendrick’s Gin bicycle cart. Indoors, there’s a designer gym and Jiva Spa offering authentic Ayurvedic therapies. Other than the magnificent Maharaja Suite, Taj Dubai’s rooms are without balconies but Downtown views and elegant décor with Indian accents compensate for the absence of private outdoor space. Beds feature Sealy Posturepedic mattresses complimented by a pillow menu. Marble-clad bathrooms have twin vanity units, separate shower and tub, and Molton Brown amenities. In addition to the usual five-star creature comforts, from sofa seating and 42-inch televisions to padded hangers and plush robes, there are yoga kits and plenty of space for sun salutations.
Breakfast dreams are made of dosa at Tesoro, serving sublime traditional Indian pancakes fresh from the griddle, alongside a pork-free international buffet. By night, the venue adopts its arresting alter-ego, becoming Miss Tess, an Asian eatery with dance performances and dim sum. On the terrace, Treehouse is as leafy as it sounds, serving cocktails in the twinkle of Burj Khalifa’s evening illuminations. Byzantium brews afternoon tea, a deliciously educational experience introducing Indian and Arabian sweets and an oud burning ceremony. The Eloquent Elephant gastropub is as cool as London’s Brick Lane with its wallpaper of vintage postcards, and dining like a maharaja is standard at the beautiful Bombay Brasserie.
Hands down, without a doubt, a destination in itself.
Only the best,
Lucas Raven
