In 1995, Ian Schrager opened the Delano Miami, igniting Miami’s hotel scene. The opening revitalised the South Beach area – kickstarting the scene we know today. The art deco property quickly became legendary, famed for its celebrity clientele (Madonna hosted her 37th birthday here), allowing topless sunbathing by the pool and its billowing white curtains. Nearly 30 years later, the Delano Dubai has arrived, aiming to bring a slice of this legendary hedonism and sexy spirit to the city.
The brand has taken over Bluewaters Island, refreshing the existing resort’s rooms with taupes and pinks and installing its billowing curtains throughout. The result is a slick beach hotel with that brings some Miami spirit to Dubai. Parent company Ennismore’s recent partnership with homegrown Rikas Group means f&b is a destination in itself. Guests can use to La Cantine Beach and Maison Revka, with Banyan Tree Dubai and its restaurants a short beachfront walk away (most included in its half-board packages). Delano Miami fans will also recognise concepts like the famous Rose Bar, which is set to become one of the city’s leading cocktail haunts.
The location
Delano Dubai sits on Bluewaters Island, giving the feeling of being truly away from it all. Views are onto nothing but towering palms and ocean, allowing you to imagine you’re in Miami Beach, or the South of France, making it wonderful for Dubai residents who want to really feel like they’re away from it all. Bluewaters is a short stroll away – the iconic Ain Dubai (currently closed), and restaurants like The Spaniel. At the far south of the city, Bluewaters is easy to Abu Dhabi, Palm Jumeirah, and a walk over a bridge to JBR. But thanks to Sheikh Zayed Road, is just 25 minutes from Downtown.
The vibe
A mix of families, children and couples old and young. The hotel brings the distinctly slick Schrager vibe (also of EDITION hotels) to the beach. The lobby takes on a more social role, with lots of spaces to hang out, a concept store pop-up and a coffee bar serving minimalist packaging matches and latte art with all non-dairy milk.
The design
The hotel itself is a calming display of whitewash, creams, soft woods and its iconic curtain design. Expect the latter throughout – a nod to the original – with textures like boucle and velvet, coffee table books and evocative black and white images of the original Delano. Bright green apples also make an appearance – the brand’s official emblem – along with seductive mood lighting and ultra-modern finishes.
Rooms and suites
251 rooms are on offer, updated and Delano-fied from the original hotel. Room categories are the largely the same, bar the view – resort or sea – and are all light wood, cream with soft pinks and glass. Beds are some of the comfiest around, and housekeeping staff leave daily vitamins and an apple – a fun nod to staying well mentally and physically. The mini bar, too, reflects this, with Humantra electrolytes, sleep patches and collagen shots (refreshingly fairly priced, so you won’t hesitate to use it if needed). Lavazza coffee capsules, too, are a real treat.
It’s clear that care and attention has been put into the functionality, from the suitcase cubby to Steamery steamer and Dyson hairdryer – making it ideal for the modern traveller. Another delight is the Byredo Gypsy Water toiletries, ensuring silky smooth hair. A little more care could come into the design and build – like television speakers muffled by mirrors, no toiletries by the bath and older fixtures – something we hope will be addressed as the hotel comes into its own.
Food and drink
Delano Miami is an institution, and that’s largely of the vibe created by its restaurants and bars. Delano Dubai wants to emulate this spirit, with six outlets, from its slick hotel bar to beach clubs. The most impressive is the reimagined Rose Bar: all burgundy velvet, chandeliers and red lighting with exceptional cocktails – worthy of world-class hotel bars. The hotel’s all-day diner is Amalfi Coast-inspired Tutto Passa, set across a sprawling terrace and restaurant with those same white curtains and a menu of pizza and pasta inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Miami’s former haunt, Blue Door, will also be reborn at Delano Dubai, with a topiary-studden garden backing onto the sands. Breakfast is buffet style and served until a leisurely 11am, with a menu of eggs and pancakes at Tutto Passa – which we enjoy overlooking the pool and beach swaying palm trees.
Rikas Group has been brought into operate the final three: the powerhouse homegrown brand behind La Cantine Du Faubourg, Twiggy, Ninive, Tagomago and more. Its concepts bring this standard of energy, interest and level of food and service. La Cantine Beach is a waterfront take on the Financial Centre Parisian hangout, with a ‘sporty and rich’ feel, pale blue pickleball court, staff in tennis whites and French classics. Former La Cantine speakeasy Gohan will also be brought back to life serving Japanese on the beach. Much-loved Paris Society concept Maison Revka (currently in Paris and St Tropez) finishes the enticing offering.
Spa and facilities
The Delano pool is the hotel’s focal point: sprawling and with a lovely design detail sloping entrance, feeling like walking from the beach into the ocean. It is framed by palm trees, thick comfortable loungers, yellow parasols and cabanas – giving a distinctly South Beach experience. The beach itself is one of Dubai’s best, with scrunch-your-toes-in sands and lapping waves striped loungers with beach cabanas.
Delano Dubai is for modern travellers, so expect a high-tech, bright and stylish gym with all you need for a full workout. There’s also a yoga and Pilates studio (sadly not complimentary for guests), where the occasional class takes place with an instructor. There’s no spa of yet, but customers can book into neighbouring Banyan Tree to experience its stunning new spa complete with Rainforest Experience and spa suites.
The verdict
Delano Dubai is just the beach resort for the modern traveller who prefers stylish spaces, great f&b and in-room amenities over space and extensive facilities (such as racket spot courts etc). Staff are friendly and welcoming, not shy to show personality, chat, and laugh – refreshing in Dubai – and the interiors are beautiful and calming. In-room additions like Dyson hairdryers and steamers make travelling a breeze. Rooms have a few design flaws, but with a little work, this could be a unique and, attractive, fuss-free escape.
Doubles from AED1,218 per night; delanohotels.com/, @delanodubai
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