The Four Seasons Jumeirah , Dubai

The Four Seasons Jumeirah

The Four Seasons resort, newly opened in December 2014, has found the perfect location to enjoy the best of both worlds -- right on Jumeirah Beach, a perfect holiday location, yet with close proximity to the Dubai business district, making it ideal for business travellers too. The first sight of the hotel often brings surprise and pleasure, with the realisation that it has managed to avoid Dubai glitz and excess, with its low-rise dusky-pink exterior providing a pleasing contrast to surrounding skyscrapers. Its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, with unobtrusive Arabic accents, emphasises elegance and chic rather than extravagance.

In the lobby, instead of a showy chandelier, there are fresh flowers, and a sense of space is provided by the soaring octagonal dome, with a geometric pattern etched in gold leaf, casting a warm light on the gold and creamy marble decor. The main light is provided by a floor-to-ceiling arched window, framing a dazzling view of the gardens, and the sea beyond. This un-showy elegance extends throughout the building, with even the handrails in the lifts being constructed of genuine Murano glass.

At the heart of the complex is a stunning indoor pool, sparkling with natural overhead light from the glass roof, and framed with classical-style columns. This is complemented by the Royal Spa Suite, a show-piece spa designed to become a Dubai destination in its own right. Adjacent to this is the round-the-clock fitness centre, which harnesses the natural energy of the sun.

The Four Seasons offers a wealth of dining and relaxing options, including five in-house restaurants and lounges, plus another five independent venues in an adjacent satellite restaurant mall. In-house, the Suq is a dynamic motel-style restaurant, with three open kitchens serving an eclectic range of dishes from all corners of the globe. The fine-dining Sea Fu promotes itself as the perfect spot for romance, serving seafood with an Asian twist from its terrace tables, against a sound track of crashing waves.

The most iconic feature of the Four Seasons is the stunning Mercury Lounge on the sixth-floor roof top, its bar in a large glass sphere inspired by the bulb of a mercury thermometer. Around it are several private Majlis or sitting areas, surrounded on all sides by views of the Dubai skyline or of the sea. In contrast, there is the Hendricks, a sophisticated gin and cigar bar, reminiscent of a British gentleman's club with its leather-panelled oak walls, while the Shai Salon right by the main entrance, opening out to the gardens, is the place to meet for afternoon tea.

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