TRAVEL Escapes

TOUCH ME and even the curtains open and close at the push of a button – is there anything in this room that isn’t controlled with such ease and convenience?

You’ll simply LOVE the indulgent Bliss Spa bath amenities and delectable W MixBar, all designed around the groovy, bold space.

Most hotel rooms come with an iPod dock – hallelujah, the W is in with the times. The compartmentalised rainshower and separate restroom add to the whole ‘many dimensions’ effect while the standalone bathtub adds an element of luxury to the open concept that calls out your inner voyeur.

The fully-equipped mini bar, the sprawling flat screen and the white leather seating beside the bed help to create a great feeling of space and comfort all-in-one – gain, the stuff of a James Bond scene.

A quick video tour of the room and even a picture of the amazing view overlooking Dubai Canal will make for the most like-worthy insta and snapchat stories.

THE GRUB

Epicurean pleasures, you say? Well, they’ve got all that and more at the W. We checked out Namu, the Japanese-Korean outlet which walked away with the award for Best Newcomer Casual Dining at the recent FACT Dining Awards Dubai. The menu may be more Korean than Japanese and encourages a sharing concept, meaning diners are able to try a number of dishes to really embrace the true flavour profiles of these two distinctive cuisines. Stripped of the usual conformity of fine dining, Namu embraces a casual approach with dishes arriving, as they’re ready, as opposed to following a strict regimented order.

The menu is broken down into alluring sections, with appetisers that include Hokkaido (scallop, truffle soy, tenkatsu and sashimi kombu) and the Wagyu Tataki called the ‘Namu Impressions.’ But of course, we started off with Guro Edamame to whet our appetites before a true food feast. Highlights included the super refreshing Yuzu Hamachi Ceviche, which will blow away the taste buds of any raw food lover and the Namu Bibimbab, a classic Korean rice that mixes mountain vegetables with a free-range egg to bring a sweet and almost velvety nature to the dish. We cannot recommend this it enough. Mocktails were just as impressive: we went for the Amaririsu which means Shy and is made up of Yuzu, Passionfruit, and Tonic Water which was prickly sweet and washed down our amazing food nicely.

The Edge

Located within Al Habtoor City, the Emirate’s first fully-integrated urban resort, the hotel offers insider access to Dubai, with a full calendar of W Happenings showcasing what’s new and next in fashion, music and entertainment. The whole vibe surrounding the property is buzzing. The staff too, are super cool. You can talk to them as if they were your friends, because they’re that open and approachable. The hotel’s club-like (but not offensively loud) party music adds to the fun and makes you feel like you’re part of the coolest community in town – if only for the weekend!

GO: Call +971 4 435 5544 or visit www.wdubaialhabtoorcity.com for reservations and more information.