I paced through the dim hallways of Dubai’s Park Hyatt. Night had fallen. Illuminating the glass corridors were outsized candles on either side, they flickered with serenity. I glanced outside at the lush tropical greenery surrounding the hotel – and for mere moments I forgot the hotel was located in the midst of frenetic Dubai. The calmness of this destination overwhelmed me, and made me ponder an old Arabic proverb “The fruit of silence is tranquillity.” For maybe, just maybe, the Park Hyatt is Dubai’s such fruit.
Covering the main foyer of the hotel is a round, blue and white coloured oriental carpet. And I am not exaggerating when I say that the several hundred tassels on this masterpiece were actually combed into place on a daily basis. Yes, one of the hotel staff would actually sit there, brushing each tassel to perfection, until they were all straight and orderly.
I made my way over it, and was so lost in the eerie silence that I could barely concentrate on listening to the receptionist address me. Once all the administrative details were taken care of, I set off to my room at a leisurely pace down some hushed, winding hallways. A good few minutes later, I had arrived.
Of course, my predominating desire was to sleep, seeing that I had had a long flight and was placed in an awkward situation at the Emirati customs. But upon entering my room, my thought process changed to: ‘explore’ then ‘sleep’. I slipped off my shoes and let my feet sink into the deep, creamy carpet before floating about the spacious room from sumptuous deep pile to cold marble bathroom tiles. I took in my surroundings - the stand-alone tub adorned with aromatic soaps and creams; the 2-metre long shower, and my very own walk-in closet – all in sophisticated shades of warm browns and neutral beiges. I made my way to the window to embrace the scenic views of Dubai’s extensive creek. Two strides back and, cradled between rich linens, it took me no longer than three minutes to drift into an oasis-inspired slumber.
Of course, I was completely oblivious to the fact that I would be waking up to a whole new pace of life the next day. Breakfast was held at Traiteur – a café and restaurant in the Park Hyatt. The buffet boasted a mouth-watering display of foods – part of their ‘healthy living’ programme. And although the selection of foods was wide-ranging, your options to go astray are not. Amusingly the staff get quite snooty if you request a regular espresso over one of their more trendy smoothies. But it’s worth breaking out and trying something new.
It was at that moment that I realised that I had come with an excess baggage of stress and fatigue weighing over me. So there and then, in the middle of Traiteur, I decided to surrender and give in to the Park Hyatt’s captivating spell. To be honest, I only awoke from this mellowed daze upon arriving home days later.
So pamper me why don’t you. I was spa-bound. I expected to see a similar spa set-up as in other city hotels. But this one was on a completely different level. The Amara spa is set in a different world for starters, with its own entrance independent of the hotel itself. June, a Thai masseuse lead me into my own private room, complete with an indoor shower, an outdoor shower, couches, a dressing room and a massage bed. First my feet were immersed in cool rosewater and after that it all became a blur. The details escape me. But what I do recall is that, I awakened to revitalising, crushed, rubies being massaged into my skin before then being wrapped in warm cottons. But again it was a blur: I was after all in a deep trance, falling asleep twice in the course of three hours.
I was awakened - what seemed like an eternity later - to complete my therapeutic session in the Tranquillity Garden. Huge white beds, covered in pillows, were placed one after the other. Exotic potted plants were scattered throughout, adding a brush of colour to the whole setting. Behind each bed was an arched window that was bordered by a band of dark steel featuring Arabesque motifs. Meandering through everything was a steady stream of water, the sound of which effortlessly helps you break away from the real world. After settling me on one of the beds, my masseuse placed a tray of light snacks at my disposal. I spent the next 30 minutes just gazing at the flowing water, sipping on ginger tea. I think if anyone had tried to speak to me in the course of that half hour, I probably would have been unable to construct a coherent sentence.
Once back on the ball, I read that I was massaged using the fine oils that were in fact infused with precious gems, according to ancient healing philosophies. Some of the other jewels I could have opted for were: diamonds that supposedly give you energy and clarity, emeralds that are said to detoxify and heal, and lastly sapphires that are relaxing and calming. So choose your antidote wisely.
The Park Hyatt is probably one of the few hotels in which you can opt to do any spa treatment in the sanctuary of your own room. A room illuminated with flickering candles and infused with the aroma of rich, sweet oils. Once basted and batted you can enjoy a private, room service dinner on your terrace so that you can lose yourself in your thoughts with only Dubai’s Creek to keep you company. In this day and age it is these sorts of luxuries really make the difference.
The next favourite aspect of my stay was the food. Indeed there is an array of cuisines on offer. Café Arabesque is a fusion of Middle Eastern foods. This venue was my preferred lunch destination. Next to Café Arabesque is Thai Kitchen, where you can relish the spiciness of Thai cuisine, from noodles, shrimps, and fish wrapped in seaweed. If you’re not into piquant foods, steer away from this restaurant. Now if you hold your sea-views sacred, then opt to dine on The Terrace, which offers alfresco dining by the creek.
For the last night, a group of journalists and I dined in a beautiful, 14-person, private dining room located in Traiteur. There is a strictly 4-course menu here but there is no need to stray off it, as it is quite superb. “It’s modern European with a French influence,” Maria Basziszta, the marketing and communication manager of the Park Hyatt, told us. I particularly enjoyed savouring the zesty lemon sorbet, which cleanses the palate between the delicate fresh crab appetizer and the mouth watering main course.
After dinner, I made my way up to my room, where I allowed my crisp white linens to do as they had done day-in day-out, namely leave me in a dreamy-eyed stupor that always ended in a peaceful sleep. It’s good to get away.
Park Hyatt
Dubai, UAE
+971 4 602 1234
www.dubai.park.hyatt.com
Park Hyatt offers the E Concierge service, with a link provided on their website. When you receive your confirmation, you can book all your activities and treatments with the simple click of a button.
