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Raffles Hotels & Resorts has made a dazzling debut in the Middle East with the pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai, a head-turner even in this city of eternal construction. The 19-storey, all-suite hotel with four rooftop restaurants and bars is the brainchild of Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who also built the interconnecting, upmarket Wafi City Mall. A keen Egyptologist, the sheikh has included subtle Middle Eastern accents to give this modern hotel a sense of place: there are fine examples of Arabic art and replicas of the colossal statues in Karnak, and motifs of the Eye of Horus are woven into carpets leading to all 248 suites. The sheikh is also an avid horticulturist and fan of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, so has ensured there is a lovely one-hectare garden. Bringing in Singapore-based Raffles Hotels to operate the hotel was a stroke of genius: a brand synonymous with style and luxury, it has brought along its signature Amrita Spa (try the two-hour Arabian Ceremony), impeccable service and, most notably, a restful, residential feel that will put even the most jaded business travellers at ease immediately.
WHEN TO GO
January, when temperatures hover at around 25ºC and the Dubai shopping festival is in full swing.
ROOM TO BOOK
The four Presidential Suites are lavish, though the Raffles Inc rooms, tailored to business travellers, are fantastic value for money.
Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi City, Dubai (00 971 4324 8888; www.dubai.raffles.com). Doubles from 2,350 dirhams (£325); Presidential suites from £4,150
Find out more about Dubai in our city guide |
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