Resembling the billowing spinnaker sail of a J-class yacht pile-driven into its own little artificial island, the extravagant Burj Al Arab in Dubai was the most talked about hotel in the world when it opened in 1999. Quickly establishing itself as the iconic landmark of Dubai, similar to Sydney’s Opera House or New York’s Statue of Liberty, it not only broke the record for being the tallest hotel, but also inspired one particular British journalist, on a pre-opening press trip, to coin a throwaway line of hyperbole when she declared the hotel was so luxurious it must be a seven-star. Even though there wasn’t – and still isn’t – any such thing, the narrative stuck.
Nowadays, the hotel is a beacon for well-heeled Chinese, Russian and Arab tourists eager to experience the undiluted Dubai dream. With 202 duplex suites, ranging from 169 square metres (starting at 2,700 USD per night) to 780 square metres (starting at 19,000 USD), the Burj Al Arab is still totally unapologetic in its opulence and indulgent personal service that aims to spoil you rotten. Sure, the exuberant interiors may not be to everyone’s taste – picture gold leaf, leopard upholstery, embroidered silk wallpaper and the most precious ‘Statuario’ marble (as in the same kind that Michelangelo used to create his masterpieces) plastered across just about every surface – but it’s hard not to be overawed by the scale and ambition of its luxury. It may be bold, and flashy, and over-the-top, but it’s also quintessentially Dubai.
Well, last May, the Burj Al Arab was back in the press for its sizeable new north-side extension, built over the sea. Named the Terrace, this outdoor deck has added over 1,000 square metres of space and accommodates no fewer than 32 air-conditioned cabanas, 400 sun loungers, a fresh-water pool, a saltwater pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
“Burj Al Arab continuously evolves and re-invents our guest experience through state-of-the-art facilities. Burj Al Arab Terrace is the ultimate destination for indulgence, socialising and relaxing, and is another initiative in our endeavour to delight our guests,” said Anthony McHale, the hotels’ general manager, at its opening ceremony. “It is our most ambitious project since the hotel was created and it’s a global first in hotel construction with a breakthrough combination of creative marine design, ingenious engineering and guest-friendly planning.”
