Burj Al Arab: A Jumeirah Property

Luxury Hotels: With hotels located in London, New York and Dubai, Jumeirah Properties is considered by many to be among the world's most luxurious hotel groups. Though the London and New York properties both have earned five-star ratings, it is Dubai's flagship Burj Al Arab, which truly defines opulence.

The Burj Al Arab is housed on an offshore man-made island, situated just south of Dubai in the Jumeirah Beach Resort complex. If its unique sail-shaped façade wasn't enough to gawk over, its sky-scraping silhouette will surely drop jaws. Towering at 321 meters above the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab is the world's tallest hotel. The sail-shaped architecture pays homage to the region's maritime heritage while its nautical theme is an extension of its neighboring landmarks.

There is much more to this hotel than its pretty packaging. Beyond its billowing sail exterior, the Burj Al Arab boasts an equally satisfying interior, with all the luxuries one might expect. Guests are greeted by the world's tallest atrium and a cascading eclipse waterfall, featuring a colorful fiber optic display, and fireball pyrotechnics. The Burj Al Arab is constructed from only the finest materials such as Statutario marble, and is accented with 22-carat gold leaf embellishments.

The 28-story all-suite hotel features 202 duplex suites, all offering floor to ceiling windows, laptop computers, remote controlled state-of-the-art technologies, an around-the-clock butler, and more. While each suite would hardly be considered roughing it, it is the two Royal Suites which exude star quality.

Spread across the hotel's 25th floor, the Royal Suites feature a private elevator, private cinema, rotating beds, oversized dressing rooms, and a separate room in which to hold meetings. For the guests' convenience, the Burj Al Arab offers in-suite check-in, an around-the-clock concierge, a private reception desk on each floor, and even a helipad on the 28th floor. The luxurious Royal Suites only add to the reasons why Burj Al Arab has received numerous international travel and tourism awards.

Dining options are plentiful, but the two standouts are the Al Muntaha and the Al Mahara Seafood Restaurant. The first offers a bird's eye view from 200 meters above the Arabian Gulf, and is accessible via an express panoramic lift. The Al Mahara Seafood Restaurant takes guests to new depths, both literally and figuratively. A three-minute simulated submarine voyage from the hotel lobby to the restaurant makes for an unforgettable experience. The U.S. magazine, "Hotels" recently ranked the Al Mahara Seafood Restaurant amongst the top ten best hotel restaurants in the world.

Jumeirah Properties plans to add 57 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide to its portfolio by 2011 and has already begun developing new projects in Dubai, Aqaba, Doha, Phuket, Shanghai, Bermuda and London.