Raffles Dubai - See the World Differently

However, ample glass throughout the upper floors gives the hotel a light and modern look and the view of the building is as spectacular as the view from within. From the unusually large, suite-like rooms, guests are treated to a view of the entire skyline of the vibrant emirate of Dubai. In the lobby, dark floors, stone columns, again echoing the ancient Egyptian motif, and gold accents provide a rich setting that softens the bright desert sun that floods the space. The solid, modern and timeless aesthetic is reflected throughout the hotel's amenities.

A note I received from the manager upon arrival at the Raffles Dubai set the tone for my visit. It said that one's destination should be the ability to see things differently rather than an actual place and I was impressed throughout my stay with how this message is incorporated into the Raffles Dubai's many offerings. One example from my stay would be in the arena of luxury footwear.

Yes, that's right, luxury footwear. To honor Dubai's status as a destination for luxury shopping, the hotel entered a partnership with high-end shoe design house, Manolo Blahnik, to create a distinctive addition to the menu at the Raffles' famous afternoon tea. Through this unique collaboration, a miniature version of a Manolo Blahnik stiletto shoe is rendered in chocolate and placed top the tiered cake tray that accompanies the tea service. Suffice to say that after tasting this delicious confection, I will definitely see women's footwear in a whole new way.



Another unique and eye-opening delicacy I was fortunate to enjoy during my stay was in the form of the exclusive Raffles 1915 gin from Sipsmith, a world-renowned artisanal distillery in London. The hotel has partnered with Sipsmith to create this bespoke gin which is available exclusively in Raffles hotels worldwide. I sampled the Sipsmith gin in a refreshing cocktail at the Raffles Dubai's Crossroads Bar and will be looking for the Sipsmith Raffles gin again whenever my travels bring me near a Raffles hotel.

As a full-service luxury hotel, the Raffles Dubai boasts an excellent spa on the premises, offering a variety of European, Asian and Middle-Eastern services designed for refreshment and rejuvenation. I enjoyed my visit to the spa and also the opportunity for further relaxation at the property's spectacular pool which sits on a large deck, surrounded by fountains and includes a swim-up bar. Seven fine dining restaurants are also available on the property to cater to a wide variety of tastes.

The Raffles Hotel Dubai truly provides guests with a an eye opening experience of luxury in one of the world's foremost destinations.

Visit website: www.raffles.com/dubai/