Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is the trailblazer of luxury tourism in Dubai, symbolizing the city’s metamorphosis into a global destination. With its over-the-top opulence and daring design, it shook up the scene, drawing in savvy globetrotters and cementing Dubai as the go-to destination for those craving the most indulgent experiences.

• The massive rooms—standard rooms are duplex suites that come with a private butler
• Hermes toiletries, including full-size perfume bottles
• SAL, the hotel's beach club with an infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Jumeirah Beach

Dubai’s iconic symbol, this sail-shaped hotel is situated on its own private island 919 feet off the coast of Jumeirah Beach. Since the Burj al Arab debuted in 1999 to much fanfare, it has remarkably maintained its reputation as being the “most luxurious hotel in the world.” The level of service is top-notch, with a staff-to-guest ratio of eight to one. (There are even staff members in the common area of every floor to greet you upon exiting the elevator.) For travelers seeking unparalleled luxury and opulence (almost to a comical degree) the Burj Al Arab is the perfect way to kick off a blinged-out Dubai vacation. But the aesthetic may not be to everyone's taste—the design is far from modern, with bold and vibrant colors often clashing with opulent interiors that date back to the early 2000s. Some may even describe the property as “gaudy”, but that is part of the charm of Arabian Luxury.

With that in mind, a stay at the Burj Al Arab is surprisingly homey and comfortable. There is no shortage of space, as all guest rooms are duplex suites and even entry-level rooms are a whopping 1,820 square feet, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of Dubai and the Palm Jumeriah. The bottom floor of the suites comprises a spacious living room and dining area, and a grand spiral staircase leads up to the master bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom. To top it off, each suite comes with full-size Hermes products, nightly amenities like foie gras and caviar and a private butler service to ensure guests have a flawless experience.

The Burj is home to several impressive dining outlets including Al Iwan, which offers buffet-style Arabesque dining and mezze; Al Mahara, a dreamlike aquarium setting with decadent and delicious food; and Al Muntaha, the Michelin-starred French restaurant on the 27th floor, with views of Dubai. One of the most impressive feats is the Terrace, which stretches over 330 feet into the Arabian Gulf. It has two swimming pools with a swim-up bar, four Jacuzzis, a saltwater infinity pool and SAL restaurant and beach club, which is filled will sand imported from Saudi Arabia. Hovering over the Arabian Gulf with views looking back on the Dubai Cityscape, any and all leisurely activities on the Terrace feel exclusive.

Guests who truly appreciate luxury in excess or travelers with a sense of humor about it all, who want to experience the “world’s only seven-star hotel”

Anyone seeking sleek and modern accommodations