Is it the 24-carat gold iPads as a virtual concierge at check-in or the Rolls Royce chauffeur services which attract celebrities from all over the world to bask in the opulent Burj Al Arab?
Often considered as the region’s most famous landmark with its stylish exteriors which compliment the glamorous interiors, itis no wonder that the rich and the famous flock to the world’s most luxurious hotel, also the only seven-star hotel in the world. Many people recognise this icon for its helipad which was famously used as a rooftop tennis court by Andre Agassi and Roger Federer and as a golf course by Rory Mcilroy. It is no surprise that the exclusivity of this famous icon is very attractive to celebrities. Not only that, but it is also a must-see for all when visiting Dubai.
Standing on a triangular man-made island with its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, Burj Al Arab is the iconic symbol and statement of modern Dubai, similar to London’s Big Ben or Paris’s Eiffel Tower.
The palatial 780 square meters (8,400 square feet) Royal Suite is fit for royalty with an exquisite majlis style lounge, library and cinema room. It has two master bathrooms, each with full-size jacuzzis and separate five-head rain showers. The restaurant, Al Mahara, is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage and features a large seawater aquarium, holding roughly 990,000 litres (260,000 US gal) of water.
Depending on season and availability, room costs are between USD 1,500 – USD 15,000 per night. Despite its size, Burj Al Arab holds only 28 double-storey floors which accommodate 202 suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 square meters (1,820 square feet), the largest covers 780 square meters (8,400 square feet). There are 29,000 Swarovski crystals in the ceiling of the Junsui Lounge, designed in the shape of the Milky Way and every female member of the front office and greeting desk team wears bespoke, gold earrings and necklace pendants, in the shape of Burj Al Arab logo.
Many people are surprised that it only took two years to build this impressive icon, although it did involve 250 of the best designers and 3000 companies and contractors. Normally not accessible to the public, the HERO Self-Drive Boat Tour gets you a waterfront view which means you will have the best spot for the ultimate selfie or Instagram post. Perhaps you will even be lucky enough to capture a glimpse of a celebrity sunning themselves on the terrace of the exclusive resort beach club or of a helicopter landing on its rooftop helipad.