Dubai Day 9: The Burj
Today is the day of the Burj Al Arab. After a lazy morning spent in bed and lounging by the rooftop pool and enjoying the view of Dubai while the rest of the group went shopping, Monique and I went to check in at the Burj. Security at the entrance was so tight it felt like we were entering another country. As we were driven closer to the hotel, my anticipation was at fever pitch – this is, after all, one of the world’s top hotels and an icon of modern Dubai. It is like staying at the Eiffel Tower.
A multiple-tiered fountain squirting jets of water greeted guests at the lobby, while the hotel floors rose up in tiers on either side.
Also on both sides were deep sea aquarium walls, and two front desks sheltered by giant golden scallop shells. There did seem to be a lot of gold inlay in use.
Our room had a second floor, and we had both a private butler and a floor manager. Just showing us all the amenities took 40 minutes. Everything was remote-controlled, including the giant flat screen television, lights and curtains.
Triple-layered glass prevents window-washers from seeing in, but still afforded us expansive views of the Persian Gulf.
Fresh fruit – including dragonfruit, kiwis, Indian mangoes, apples, pears, grapes, persimmons and oranges, were offered on the table along with preserved dates filled with figs, almonds, apricots and ground nuts, various cakes and delicacies.
When we came back from the beach, assorted chocolate and foot balm awaited us. In the marble bathrooms were his and hers Hermes soaps, cologne and bath products. Gifts for us included beach bags and suit protectors, and the hotel seemed to delight in providing us with little surprises. When I lifted up the hair dryer in its bag to move it, little chocolates fell out. Huge plasma screen televisions were on both floors.
We were supposed to join the others at the Mall of the Emirates, the largest mall in Arabia, but everything was so decadent and luxurious that we could not bear to leave. Instead, we took golf carts down to the beach. As we settled into our lounge chairs, we were welcomed with pina coladas, bottled water and Evian face spritzers.
The waters of the Persian Gulf were warm, albeit a little wild from the strong wind. Oil rigs dotted the horizon, but the Burj Al Arab dominated our view. Since we forgot our sunscreen, and since we did not let our valet unpack so we could not send for him to bring our sunscreen we were provided with Eveline tanning oil.
I must admit it is nice to be pampered. The staff kept track of not only our belongings but of us as well. When Monique was looking for me, they were able to provide her with every direction I had been. Most were Filipino, like a lot of the hotel and restaurant employees we have encountered. We did not see a lot of celebrities this time around – only Billy Zane who starred in “The Phantom” (Ed: The Titanic!!!) and some cricket players.
We all regrouped in our room and ordered room service – lobster bisque, wild mushroom soup, lobster risotto and Wagyu beef, and fresh fruit for dessert. We were supposed to visit the gold souk tonight, but everyone was so seduced by the luxury that no one wanted to leave.
There was a large Jacuzzi that I never even tried because I was so enjoying the best shower ever with three shower heads, a rainshower and a hand-held shower head.
Our valet had one of the hotel staff take us around the hotel, including most of the restaurants. The bar at the top of the hotel had a view of the Map of the World, still under construction. The Palm was so named because of its five points – it will not be finished for another 2 years.
Another restaurant below had a huge deep sea aquarium.
We also saw their many swimming pools. Monique spent some time there and said she saw dolphins silhouetted against the setting sun.
A perfect way to end the night was when we closed all the room lights and propped throw pillows by the windows. We talked in the dark, on the edge of forever, while Dubai twinkled beneath us.
For more pictures, click here.
posted by moan @ 10:48 PM
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