The chic hotel brand Delano marks its 30th anniversary this year. Named after US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the first hotel opened its doors in Miami, aiming to disrupt what was regarded as the ‘norm’ when it came to five-star hotel experiences for discerning guests.
The original property, Delano South Beach, became synonymous with celebrity occasions and celebrations with the likes of songstress Madonna marking her 37th birthday at the hotel and George Clooney calling the hotel home while filming the thriller, Out of Sight. This was in no small part thanks to the vision of American entrepreneur and revolutionary hotelier Ian Schrager—the mastermind behind the infamous Studio 54 in New York—and the designs and detailing of legendary French designer Philippe Starck, who introduced the now signature touches of the Alice in Wonderland-inspired door in a hedge and a metal plate for a green apple, etched with the words, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away!”
Writing a new chapter in the hotel brand’s story is Delano Dubai, which complements and continues what the Miami hotel began by evolving into its own five-star go-to luxury venue. As you drive up to the entrance of the hotel, there is a nod to the original Miami property (and the Alice in Wonderland inspiration) with a lush green, hedge-like wall in front of you. To your left stands a very Dubai-centric view with an array of luxury vehicles parked side-by-side. Pulling up to the entrance, the staff are extremely affable and well presented, in what I’d consider a modern take on something you might have seen in Miami Vice in the 80s, where most of the clothing worn was considered iconic, capturing the glitz and glamour of Miami at the time.
Venturing inside, you’re not greeted by an expanding opulent lobby—seen in so many properties these days—which for me, can be overwhelming at times. Instead, there are softly billowing white curtains, green apples dotted around and comfortable plush seats, placed beneath eye-catching floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the pool and Arabian Gulf. It all feels so very welcoming and personal. If the Mad Hatter had a weekend beach retreat, it probably would look like this.
Once checked in, I walk down a cosy corridor into a gently lit, beautifully scented area. This rabbit hole is definitely one I want to get lost in with the aroma of lemon grass, sparkling citrus and green tea filling the air and the white linen easily swaying upon the walls, building the anticipation of what I will discover when I open the door to my Waking Eclipse Suite with Sea View.
Upon entering, I am welcomed with an area bathed in natural light, with the sun streaming in as the Gulf glistens in afternoon sunshine. The interior decor is a cultured blend of tans, beiges and whites, with an accent of red here and there. Outside, the balcony looks out onto Maison Revka pool and the sea that is alive with superyachts passing by and people frolicking on jet skis. Back inside, the living room area has some of those incredibly comfortable sofas I walked past in the lobby—they are as comfortable as they look—while the bedroom is home to a bed that could easily accommodate four people. But I’m indulging myself, so it’s all for me. The large sprawling bathroom possesses an elegantly designed shower and double sinks, but they take a back seat to the show-stopping Bangodesign free-standing round bathtub.
Like the original Delano, there is also the Green Apple on a plate, under a glass dome. This is giving me more Sleeping Beauty vibes than Alice in Wonderland. ‘Is it forbidden fruit?’ I ponder before I give into temptation. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed with this very sweet apple treat. The mini bar is very well stocked and has a premium selection of wines and spirits as well as snacks for those who fancy a late-night nibble. Interesting additions to the mini bar are eye patches, collagen shots and electrolytes, spotlighting Delano’s Wellness Pillar.
One of the property’s centrepieces is the pool area, which I enjoy a walk around. It’s a sizeable pool, complimented by palm trees (similar to Miami), with some art deco-esque poolside cabanas, umbrellas and an impressive display of pink dahlias that could have been plucked straight from Alice in Wonderland. However, I must admit I’m not much of a pool person nor sunworshipper, so I content myself with a session at the gym, which has a great selection of cardio and weight machines, alongside plenty of free weights. After a hot workout, I head back to my suite where I grab a quick shower—I don’t think I would have the energy to get out of that bathtub if I got into it—and settle down to order some room service. A quick scan of a QR code gives me access to the menu and I opt for a classic spaghetti Bolognese. It’s flavourful, well-presented and arrives promptly, which is great news because I am ravenous after my workout.
After dinner, I relax on the sofa while trying out a heavy blanket for the first time (surprisingly comfortable). Technology is a passion of mine, and the suite comes replete with its fair share of intriguing tech touches. The TVs are beautifully placed behind a very large, reflective art deco frame. The lighting system is all operated with a simple touch panel: you can easily go from full floodlit to ‘relax’ lighting with a touch of a button. This same panel can also initiate the ‘Do not disturb’ light outside your door and can call for the room to be made up. There are multiple USB and plug ports everywhere, so you’ll never have trouble charging any of your devices and the small Bang & Olufsen speaker can be paired with your phone and generates great sound. I take full advantage and savour a drink on the balcony while listening to some of my favourite tunes.
After dinner and a movie, I find myself becoming far too comfortable under that all-enveloping blanket. I decide to drag myself away and head for the gigantic bed, where I melt into incredible softness. I’m highly allergic to feathers, so the hotel has kindly supplied me with an alternative duvet and pillows — it’s the little things that make the biggest impressions.
Arising from a good night’s sleep, it’s time to pack and check out of Delano Dubai. Having to say goodbye to this luxurious suite is the only truly disappointing part of the whole experience. The Waking Eclipse Suite with Sea View is a great place to be while visiting Dubai. I will definitely be back.
