You never get a second chance to make a first impression; a sentiment that Rixos Premium Dubai seems to have taken very seriously. Upon tapping my wooden key card against the sensor of my One Bedroom Premium Suite and pushing through a hefty door, I am welcomed by a giant floor-to-ceiling window revealing the show-stopping view of a slowly circling Ain Dubai.
I drop my luggage and make a beeline for the window, ignoring everything in my path, to secure a closer look. No obstructions or distractions; just uninterrupted viewing of one Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks, dominating the distant Bluewaters Island. After a few moments of admiration, I come to my senses and remember I have a rather elegant suite to enjoy for the next two nights. Perched on the 23rd floor, my suite is a generous 94 square metres, designed to capitalise on those postcard panoramas, with large windows running its entire length. Bathed in natural light, the suite is divided by a sliding door between the living room and the bedroom.
Modern yet wonderfully minimalistic, it’s all about neutral tones with pops of colour coming in the form of kaleidoscopic bed cushions and a velvet red window seat — a place where I spend a few minutes every day, gazing at the shimmering Arabian Gulf and the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Rose-coloured glass lanterns descend from the ceiling and are controlled, alongside various other aspects of the bedroom, by a slick control panel. The bed is luxurious and envelopes you in pure comfort that makes staying awake all the more challenging when one is trying to watch a movie on the adjacent HD screen.
The bathroom features a designer sink sculpted from marble alongside a free-standing tub, perfect for those who are in need of evening soaking in relaxation with a book and a glass of wine. However, I am a devotee of the rainfall shower, so I forego the opportunity to bask in the bath for the all-encompassing warmth of the shower, which comes replete with Molton Brown toiletries. In the living room, there is a sizeable dining table, adorned with welcome amenities. A three-piece furniture suite offers prime position to watch the free-standing TV and more importantly, those views.
One could be forgiven for wishing to spend their entire stay here, however, to Live Bold—the property’s motto—I stray from my sanctuary and go in search of fun. My first port of call is the swimming pools, where there is ample choice when it comes to sun loungers and cabanas. Just across from the hotel’s pool is Azure Beach, which features its own glamourous in-pool loungers and private plunge pools from where to enjoy Dubai’s Spring sunshine. Returning to the cooler interiors, there is a fitness centre boasting sea views and the Naturelife Spa, where you can soothe away any stress that may be lingering with an indulgent treatment.
For gourmands, the food and beverage choices are vast. There are nine venues from which to choose including Asil Restaurant serving up a blend of Turkish, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine; Ammos that specialises in Greek plates; Black Tap that dishes out moreish burgers and mega milkshakes; Luigia for those who crave authentic Italian cuisine; and STK, a vibrant venue offering prime cuts of meat. For me, I settle with the pleasant all-day dining restaurant of Turquoise for both breakfast and dinner, where I gorge myself on a smorgasbord of Turkish and international cuisine from the seemingly never-ending buffet. Make sure to spend some time at Godiva Café, where you can savour a coffee and chocolate alongside a live violinist and cellist, reinterpreting some of the world’s biggest tunes.
Of course, it would be remiss not to explore the hotel’s incredible location at the heart of the buzzing neighbourhood, JBR (or Jumeirah Beach Residence). The main entrance is a hive of activity, thanks to its collection of supercars—Ferraris and Lamborghinis galore—parked inside and outside. JBR is one of Dubai’s most popular strips, packed with beach clubs, shops, restaurants and bars, so the options for fun and entertainment are truly endless. Further afield, the property invites guests to explore the city through a series of exciting activities including desert safaris, skydiving, ziplining as well as an opportunity to make a splash at the world’s largest waterpark.
Alas, check-out time is approaching and as I pack up my belongings, I pause to savour another glance of that view. What a picture!
