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The Luxury of The Unexpected at the Raffles Hotel Dubai

Photos Credit: Raffles Hotel Dubai

My stay at the Raffles Hotel Dubai was everything I could have hoped for and plenty that I didn’t expect. The building’s pyramid shape and many decorative references to ancient Egypt blend beautifully with elements like the modern black marble floors, inlaid with traditional Islamic abstract patterns and the large, gold accents in the form of clean-lined light fixtures and giant urns that all merge together to give the magnificent lobby area a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. The rooms, as well, are surprisingly large, almost apartment-like in size and with spacious balconies that offer breathtaking views of the glittering Dubai skyline.

I found another surprise in the highly recommended and exquisite afternoon tea served at the Raffles Dubai. This traditional ritual is updated at the hotel, served in a modern setting with one particularly distinctive nod to the world of fashion. My tea arrived with a multi-tiered cake tray topped with a miniature red stiletto shoe. The chef explained to me that through a partnership with the famed high-fashion shoe brand, Manolo Blahnik, the Raffles Dubai has been able to create a chocolate version of one of the brand’s sought-after stiletto shoes to adorn the tea service and incorporate one of the icons of modern style into the experience. This was certainly the first shoe I’ve ever eaten and it was delicious.

I was equally surprised and delighted to learn that I would be able to enjoy another unique flavor during my stay, this time in the form of a bespoke gin from London’s Sipsmith artisanal distillery. The hotel has partnered with Sipsmith to create the Raffles 1915 gin which is available exclusively in Raffles hotels worldwide. I sampled the Sipsmith gin in a cocktail at the Raffles Dubai’s Crossroads Bar where beer and wine are served along with a wide variety of cocktails.

Raffles Hotel Dubai

Dining options are also plentiful at the Raffles Dubai with seven restaurants offering a variety of cuisines in an array of settings. Among them, the Raffles Garden is set in one of the city’s few gardens and serves Arabic themed cuisine for a taste of the local area. Guests looking for something more western will enjoy the Solo Italian restaurant which features a New York style theme.

Almost as refreshing as a cold cocktail made with a unique premium spirit is the pool at the Raffles Dubai. The grand pool deck, which carries through with the sandstone color of the hotel’s exterior, is surrounded by fountains and bathed in the strong desert sun, providing a perfect oasis in which to cool off. Nearby, the Raffles Spa provides further opportunity for refreshment and rejuvenation with a variety of treatments from all corners of the globe. I was pleased to try a few of the spa services myself and was impressed with the quality of the service and the beauty of the surroundings.

Richard Crawford

A native Scotsman, Richard Crawford grew up with an innate respect for heritage and appreciation for tradition. As a child, he became increasingly interested in culture and history and could often be found at the local airport where he would sit for hours, fascinated by the travelers, captivated by their sophistication and curious about their backgrounds. As an adult, Crawford relishes the opportu...(Read More)

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