TRIED & TESTED

INDIA

the eport Tried, Tested, Tasted.

TRIED AND TESTED Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi TRIED AND TESTED Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

BEST FOR Its proximity to popular landmarks and luxurious room o erings

DON’T MISS Their signature 23K gold-flaked Palace cappuccino and Camel Burger at Le Café

PRICE Upwards of ₹39,000/AED1,766

CONTACT Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, W Corniche Rd, Al Ras Al Akhdar, 51133, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates mandarinoriental.com

BACKGROUND An epitome of luxury, the Emirates Palace cost almost $3 billion to construct. The Palace first opened its doors to guests in November 2005 and has 394 luxury rooms and suites. It is now operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. One of the most prominent features of the hotel is the dome in its atrium. The 60-metre-high dome is completely decorated with 22K gold leafing on the inside of it. The hotel's decor is led by a theme of gold to emanate luxury and status. The golden finishing is also representative of Arabian culture and style.

WHAT’S IT LIKE Each nook and corner of this hotel is immaculately designed. Throughout my stay here I was constantly in awe of the lavish aura I was cocooned in. When one wants a breath of fresh air, they can explore the hotel’s very own private beach, which stretches on for 1.3 km. This is in addition to a 1,000-hectare park featuring beautiful palm trees and refreshing fountains. Furthermore, guests can spend their time taking in the view of the vastly unique Abu Dhabi skyline, which sits right opposite the hotel. landmarks, such as The Founder's Memorial and Heritage Village, the hotel is ideal for culture seeking tourists.

ROOMS The hotel has a wide array of luxury room o erings including the Coral room, Pearl room, Diamond room, Khaleej suite, Khaleej Deluxe suite, Pearl Palace suite, Royal Khaleej suite, Two Bedroom Palace suite and the Three Bedroom Palace suite. I stayed in the Khaleej suite which created an optimal atmosphere to unwind and relax with its beautifully hypnotic sea views. Since I was staying in this suite, I had access to 24-hour butler service.

FOOD AND DRINK Their world-famous signature Le Café has a delicious variety of delicacies, and it is especially known for serving a 23K gold flaked cappuccino. Next on the list of known names is Hakkasan. Another unique dining option in this hotel is the serene beach side restaurant-BBQ Al Qasr. For guests that want to indulge in a decadent Indian meal, they can book a table at Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi. The other F&B options in the hotel are Cascades, all-day diner Le Vendôme, Mezlai and Sayad.

MEETINGS The five-star property boasts of 7,000 sqm of total meeting and conference spaces including an auditorium and ballroom accommodating 1,100 and 2,400 guests, respectively. In addition, to over 40 meeting rooms, six large terraces and a variety of pre-function areas provide an abundance of options for private meetings.

LEISURE The hotel is home a luxury spa that is spread out over 1,500 sqm. The spa can take all your senses on a journey of ultimate relaxation with the help of one of their indulgent packages. The Emirates Palace Spa features a traditional Moroccan Hammam that is well appointed with two jacuzzis, two steam rooms and an ice cave.

VERDICT For those who are in search of a luxurious experience befitting royalty, this hotel is the perfect destination to unwind, relax and pamper yourself. The luxury stay is ideal for business travellers alike that would love a touch of luxury on their professional trips.

Each nook and corner of this hotel is immaculately designed

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

BACKGROUND The opening marks the 13th hotel from Nobu Hospitality, the luxurious brand founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and director Meir Teper, and the third collaboration with L+R Hotels. Previously the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, the building underwent a refurbishment and reopened as the new lifestyle hotel in May following a soft launch in December 2020.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The expansive hotel houses 249 luxurious rooms and suites, and has a beautiful open-plan lobby with double-height ceilings, a mezzanine with events spaces, and natural light flooding in through floor-to-ceiling windows – an architectural feat that shines onto the street as night falls. The public spaces have been designed by David Collins Studio and are inspired by craftsmanship.

The lobby opens onto the hotel’s lounge on the right-hand side, which features lower ceilings, furnishings in burgundy and green, and a sultry art-deco bar clad in black and gold geometric lines. It’s a great space for business meetings, classy cocktails, and some lighter food. Check in was easy, and Anna at reception introduced me to the friendly service emblematic of the hotel. Marble Arch Underground station, and within walking distance of London’s famous shopping areas, Oxford Street and Regent Street.

ROOMS Rooms come in seven categories and start at 18 sqm, many of which have balconies. All feature the same sleek minimalist design by Make Architects which includes subtle tones, soft wooden furnishings with matching sliding doors, and calming original prints. Black metal detailing pays homage to the wrought-iron gates of neighbouring Portman Square, while Japanese touches include lanternstyle lights, bonsai trees and traditional tea sets.

I stayed in a spacious one-bedroom suite, which featured two vast 65-inch TVs, two sumptuous bathrooms (one with a bathtub including a bamboo bath tray, and the other with a large walk-in shower), a Queen-sized sofa bed, and kimono-style Yukata robes.

FOOD AND DRINK Nobu is first and foremost renowned for its cuisine, with over 45 restaurants dotted across six continents. Marylebone is the brand-new home to the former Nobu Berkeley Street restaurant, which operated for 15 years.

A year-round terrace had been transformed into a Japanese Gin Garden in partnership with Roku Gin during my visit in July, with cherry blossoms and bonsai trees.

We opted for the Omakase dinner, a surprise seven-course tasting menu and some inventive cocktails.

MEETINGS The hotel has two boardrooms, and a 600-person ballroom on the first floor with an adjoining reception area which overlooks the lobby.

LEISURE There’s a huge 140 sqm gym and wellness area with three treatment rooms. The main attraction, however, is the world’s first Nobu Pilates Reformer studio which holds classes that blend classical Pilates with high-intensity training and state-of-the-art equipment.

VERDICT The sophisticated hotel o ers a wonderful combination of in-room serenity and lively energy at its glamorous bar and restaurant outlets, which are already a hotspot in the capital. Sta are excellent, the location is well-connected, and brilliant facilities include vast wellness areas and events spaces.

Nobu is fi rst and foremost renowned for its cuisine, with over 45 restaurants dotted across six continents

BEST FOR The melt-in-your-mouth black miso cod at Nobu Restaurant

DON’T MISS A dynamic Pilates class to refresh

PRICE Upwards of £329/₹33,876

CONTACT Nobu Hotel London Portman Square; 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG, United Kingdom (0)20 3988 5888; london-portman.nobuhotels.com

Taking Luxury to New Heights.

Comprising two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai towers above Dubai’s Business Bay, in the heart of one of the most desirable locations in the city. Offering a spectrum of meeting facilities and a plethora of dining options, this Destination of Exceptional Taste is the venue of choice for a seamless meeting experience. Facilities include: 1,608 LUXURIOUS GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES 12 AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS AND LOUNGES OVER 8,000 SQM OF SPECTACULAR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE 2 CUTTING-EDGE AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPPED BALLROOMS 32 MODERN MULTI-USE MEETING ROOMS

Curated Group Stay packages are available on request. For enquiries, contact the Marquis Sales Office on jwmarquis.dubai@marriott.com.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4.414.0000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com