DAY 1
15:00 - Surrounded by a tapestry of sky-scraping buildings and the torus-shaped, gleaming silver oval that is the Museum of the Future, just a short drive from Dubai International Airport is where you will find 25hours One Central. Step out into the eclectic courtyard where Cinema Akil rolls indie movies and classics from yesteryear, while the property’s lobby doors beckon guests inside with the message: ‘Come As You Are’ (be sure to look up and marvel at the space mural, Under the Same Sky by Dominik Bulva). In the heart of the lobby, a gargantuan fountain of 5,000 books are topped by a large, multi-coloured globe. As you make your way to the check-in desks, take a moment to cast your eyes at the various mounted shelves, filled with an assortment of gadgets and gizmos as well as giant hanging swing basket chairs on which one can relax.
15:30 - Check-in complete underneath the flashing sign, ‘We Are All Nomads Here’, make your way to your suite via the elevators that host dioramas by Sandra Havemeister that depict scenes from the desert and the mesmerising region. Enter your suite; 72 square metres of colour, retro designs and useful accessories such as the over-the-shoulder Canvasco bag that doubles as a beach tote or a laptop bag, and a Schindelhauer bicycle that can be removed from its station and taken for a ride around the local area. There’s a workstation decorated with an array of portraits, paintbrushes and plants that offer a welcomed distraction from emails, and five armless sofa chairs in the living section, where you can nap away travel fatigue. To freshen up, the bathroom’s freestanding bathtub, double rainfall showers and double vanity sinks are on hand.
16:00 - Blow the cobwebs away on the sixth floor with a visit to the hotel’s fitness room. Fully equipped with free weights and exercise bikes, work up a sweat before cooling down with a dip in the rooftop swimming pool that yields some of the best views of the city. Soak up the sun from bean bag-style loungers and don’t miss the opportunity to embrace novelty with a session in Dubai’s first mixed-use sauna.
18:30 - In preparation for the evening ahead, place yourself in the hands of the expert spa therapists at Extra Hours Spa. Soothe any stress and tension away with a 60-minute Swedish massage as you drift into a blissful state of unconsciousness. Revived, enjoy sessions in the steam room and sauna to complete your journey to full rejuvenation. Feeling good, it’s time to look good. Make your way to the chic surrounds of Akin Barber (or Wassim Steve for the ladies) where gents can transform their aesthetic with a fresh fade and stylish beard trim.
Soothe any stress and tension away with a 60-minute Swedish massage as you drift into a blissful state of unconsciousness.
20:30 - When it’s time for dinner, pull up a chair for a feast of grills, tandoors and fragrant dips at Tandoor Tina. As you immerse yourself in flavourful North Indian dishes such as paneer pollichathu, grilled prawns and tamarind glazed lamb chops, admire the interiors of Jaipur pastel pink hues, wicker lights and luscious botanicals. Bring the experience to an end with a spoonful of moreish dark chocolate, or Tina’s dessert thali – the house signature.
22:30 - Night has fallen and Dubai’s cityscape is sparkling. Witness the best view by heading to jungle-inspired hideout, Monkey Bar. Secure your seat in privacy and indulge in a spot of people-watching – Banana Old-Fashioned in hand – or take your place on the dancefloor where revellers swing and sway to the beats of the resident DJ. Consider staying until the early hours of the morning or head back to the cosy confines of your suite for a restful night’s sleep.
DAY 2
09:00 - Begin the day at your leisure with a nourishing breakfast. Linger over a fragrant coffee at Nomad Day Bar as you pour over the pages of one of the hotel’s many books. Once satisfied, hop on your bike and enjoy a pleasant cycle around the One Central neighbourhood. There’s much to see including the Dubai World Trade Centre where a plethora of shops and restaurants await.
12:30 - Back at the hotel, if emails are calling, select from a myriad of work benches, group tables and breakout rooms. But don’t exert yourself too much as the Analogue Upgrade area tempts workers away from laptops for much-needed rest breaks. Take a trip back in time with VHS tapes, vinyl records, Walkmans and arcade machines as you turn work into play.
14:00 - Bookend your stay with a hearty Sunday roast and a serving of sports action at the Bavarian-inspired Ernst Biergarten. Choose a seat inside the airy surroundings where pine benches, chequered cloth-clad tables, large TV screens and booming German pop anthems welcome you to savour your final moments before the journey home.
