It’s a hotel with a personality as big as its reputation — but can it match up to our very own Deremi Ajidahun? To celebrate its 25th anniversary, GMT GCC’s publisher gets the size of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab — and finds it’s still a perfect fit.
“I have an amazing, long-standing love affair with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. My first visit to Dubai was when they had just started building it. Dubai then was not what it is today; Sheikh Zayed Road was just two lanes, and the biggest shopping mall was Deira City Centre. It’s unbelievable what’s happened in the intervening years, but what’s for certain is that as far as Dubai goes, there’s a ‘before’ the Burj Al Arab, and an ‘after’. I was always fascinated with this new ‘wonder of the world’, and I finally got to stay there for the first time in 2008.
It was an amazing experience to walk into what seemed to be a palace, in the middle of the ocean, with the most fantastic service. And what always struck me were these Maasai-looking ‘warriors’ at the front door who welcomed you from the very first moment. And of course, we had all read about the white Rolls-Royces, and they were as stunning as you’d expect. There was an excitement of the sort that was far beyond what you should feel when arriving at a hotel. And it was never, ever disappointing.
Fast forward to the present day, and I happen to have been living near the Burj Al Arab for the past five years — so with the property’s 25th anniversary in full swing, it was time for an amazing staycation at this icon. The check-in is immaculate, because it happens directly in your suite. From the moment you mention your name, they’re expecting you and you’re greeted by your name each and every time — it feels so good. I was fascinated to find that, upon arriving, it looked identical to how it was in 2008. I deliberately tried to find the wear and tear of all the years that have gone by, but everything was immaculately maintained. The gold, the red and the plush, palatial Arabian style is still there and while today we might not consider it strictly contemporary, it’s immaculate, absolutely beautiful and 100 per cent Burj Al Arab.
And the suite — from the Cinderella-worthy plump sofas to the incredible, heart-stopping view over the ocean — is beyond any expectations. You walk up a palatial-style staircase to a bed so luxuriously comfortable and with a sheet thread count that’s astronomic, to the extent you don’t want to get out of the bed, or the suite either. Luckily your own butler is there to look after you! Anything and everything you need, just one press of a button and you have it at your beck and call.
But leave the suite we did, and our experiences with food and beverage was, of course, outstanding. Spending time at the SAL beach club with its great atmosphere, beautiful view and excellent food was such a pleasure. I’m not usually a great breakfast person, but in the morning there was an amazing spread right on the ocean. What can be better than caviar breakfast on the sea?
Another huge takeaway for me was the people. The Burj has maintained that quality, that premium, that focus on the highest level of service possible. There’s a level of friendliness that’s really quite special. It was also was interesting to see that people still came into the property for tours, which shows the magnitude of attraction this place has all over the world. I’d like to say a big thank you to the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab team, especially to my friend Giovanni — the general manager — who was so kind, and I look forward to coming back very soon. Happy 25th anniversary to the greatest Dubai icon of all.
