insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 19 - September 2016 | Page 84

GETAWAYS

In a region renowned for its high-class, luxury hotels it takes a special vision to stand out from the crowd.
Welcome to the difference, the uniqueness and the sophistication that is

THE PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI
by Samantha Ready

You can tell how much of an impact
a new hotel has made when the
podcast on your A380 flight into
Dubai gushes about the intricate
details of the architectural wonder
to which you are heading.
Expectations were mounting as I
slipped into the welcoming air-con
of our chauffeur-driven Maserati
and cruised out of the airport,
bound for Dubai’s new Culture
Village where sitting resplendent on
its prime waterfront plot with
uninterrupted views of Dubai Creek
was the Palazzo Versace Dubai.
Its description of being “an authentic
European palace with an Arabic
edge” doesn’t even begin to do
justice to the reality; the pale
perfectly symmetrical Neoclassicalinspired building, beautifully lit by
the scorching sun by day and by
striking uplighters by night, is
dominated by its looming archways
and columns, its grandeur inspired
by traditional 16th-century Italian
palaces.
Having pioneered the luxury fashion
branded hotel sector with the
opening of the Palazzo Versace
Gold Coast, Australia in 2000 (yes
that one from I’m a Celebrity…
fame), the creative team at Versace

were proud and excited to bring
the iconic brand and their Versace
“lifestyle” to Dubai, and they were
meticulous in their planning and
execution with the design and build
taking eight, (yes eight!) years. And
this attention to detail is evident…
everywhere!
Upon entering through the striking
glass entrance to the grand lobby,
your eye doesn’t know whether to
look up past the towering
rectangular white columns to the
intricate glass chandeliers; across
to the rows of beautifully crafted
bespoke chairs and sofas, with their
uniquely chosen fabrics – a nod not
only to the house of Versace but
to the recognised and important
Emirati flora and fauna with
peacocks, horses and falcons; or
down to the 1000sqm mosaic floor.
Originally meant to be carpeted,
the decision was made instead to
hand lay 1.5 million tiles and it is
incredible. And then your senses
are blown away again as the subtle
signature fragrance which is evident
in every public space takes hold.

particular in the design, furniture and decor for each of the 215 rooms
have been exclusively designed by artistic director Donatella Versace and
noticeable throughout are iconic Versace motifs: the Medusa head, the
Greek Key and many legendary prints and patterns as well as new ideas
uniquely designed and created exclusively for the hotel.
Following the plush purple carpet of the West Wing (the East is red) I
entered into our Deluxe Creek View Room, where the parquet flooring led
to the balcony with its panoramic views of the infinity swimming pool with
its cabanas and loungers, the gardens and the Creek beyond.
The room was as comfortable and practical as it was opulent and inspiring;
tablet-controlled mood lighting, curtains and ‘do not disturb’ signs; floor
to ceiling cupboards hid sleek mini bars, coffee makers and wardrobes;
the dressing area had the best lit make-up mirror and marble dresser; the
bathroom with its Carrara mosaic had separate shower and toilet spaces
with frosted glass as well as a tempting bathtub – all with Versace toiletries;
and it offered the most comfortable bed ever, adorned with pale pink silk
Versace fabrics and plump pillows. To be honest we could have been

The hotel has been exclusively
designed; it is exquisitely opulent
yet with a contemporary feel. In fact
the interiors of the hotel and in

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