It goes through its economical ups and downs, its islands and high rises, but one thing that Dubai never loses is its higher than high standards; its surrounds, its dining and hospitality, and you can’t go higher than the Burj Al Arab if you want seven-star service!
The hotel is quite something and improved we think by the relatively new infinity pool (80m at its longest point) and the surrounding ‘beach’ lounge areas and private, air-conditioned huts (in our world more than adequate detached luxury bungalows!).
You won’t be booking through a .com to stay here, and you may take out a second mortgage on your more than adequate detached bungalow to spend a weekend here – but why not? You’re a long time dead and this is genuinely an experience of a lifetime and privilege.
It is opulence to a degree – adorned by visitors with facilities that go beyond the imagination.
Take a walk or run along the Jumeirah Beach, look at the high rise, the beautiful people and try to cram as much into your day as possible – leave sitting still for when you get home!
This is all about eating and the Burj has much choice – breakfast is a banquet, lunch at the poolside restaurant is a gastronomic pleasure and dinner with Nathan Outlaw in his two-star Michelin restaurant Al Mahara in the lower ground floor – off the scale!
Deep seductive colours make this a sexy environment, the sunken cocktail bar, fish tanks from floor to ceiling – oh look there is Napoleon, an aged grouper quietly perusing the guests for dinner – who’s watching who?
The tasting menu needs to be considered as one may lose one’s shirt – but what a way to lose it – this was one of the most exceptional dining experiences of Enjoy’s considerable dining review career and one that will probably never be repeated!
The service was seamless, educated and charming. The menu – exotic, with a wine list that would keep every connoisseur captivated for days if not weeks, working also with the Coravin option.
Here’s a taster of the tasting:
King Crab, White Sturgeon Caviar, Chilled Asparagus Soup, Château Les Valentines Cuvée 8 Blanc 2014 Côtes de Provence, France.
Fisherman’s Stew of Lobster, Bass, Octopus, Mussels, Tomatoes and Leeks with the Coravin pairing Domaine Perrot-Minot Chambolle-Musigny ‘Les Charmes’ Premier Cru 2014 Burgundy, France.
The desserts are heavenly and all the while Napoleon graciously watches on…
It’s a once in a lifetime – our advice – just do it!