By Rebecca Gonsalves http://www.independent.co.uk
While waiting to go through passport control at Dubai airport, a sign informed me that as little as 20 years ago there was only one skyscraper amid the desert here. Since then this arid, inhospitable landscape has grown into a major business hub and has created a luxurious service industry to cater for the wealth it attracts.
Once through customs, I was greeted by a man in full morning suit who directed me to a BMW waiting to transfer me to The Oberoi. As I availed myself of Wi-Fi and bottled water, there was barely time to relax before we had pulled up to the entrance of Dubai’s latest luxury address.
As is common in Dubai, the high-rise hotel is accompanied by a twin building, a business centre that houses offices, meeting rooms and shops. Both structures rise out of an oasis of lush green before curving out towards the top, creating an impressive landmark. With 252 rooms, The Oberoi is – by Dubai standards – a “boutique” hotel. It is the latest offering from the chain founded in India 80 years ago and as such influences from the subcontinent abound, from lithographs of historic places to original works of art by Mrinmoy Barua. In the split-level lobby, high ceilings, leather seating areas and a huge crystal chandelier convey a modern aesthetic.
The ground floor also accommodates three restaurants, offering Indian, Asian and Western cuisine. The hotel only opened six months prior to my stay, which perhaps accounted for the quiet dining rooms in the evenings – a shame, as the food was exceptional, including a Chinese-style chicken and sweetcorn soup at Umai. Up on the 27th floor, a rooftop bar, Iris, is the place to go for cocktails with a view of the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.
A well-equipped spa offers traditional Asian massages including Balinese, Thai and Ayurvedic rituals. Outside, an infinity pool is framed by loungers, to which an attendant will bring a wooden tray bearing bottled water and sun lotion. Service throughout the hotel is attentive, almost to a fault. More peculiar, though, was the experience of reclining on a lounger as cranes and machinery toiled away on the construction of a neighbouring skyscraper – the transformation of this city continues apace.
Travel Essentials
The Oberoi Dubai
The Oberoi Centre, Business Bay (Burj Area), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (00 971 4444 1444; oberoihotels.com)
Rooms *****
Value ***
Service ****
Doubles start at AED3,480 (£578), room only.
