My tryst with Versace may have been limited to the designer bags I acquired during holidays abroad and exotic perfumes I picked right here in Muscat, but even if I were a regular Versace patron, it wouldn’t have prepared me for the first sight of the magnificent structure of Palazzo Versace in Dubai. Its dramatic and jaw-dropping façade is inspirational, to say the least. Whether the reference is to its décor and ambience, service and facilities, or simply the streak of indulgence it exudes, the plush Palazzo Versace Dubai is everything one would want in a weekend stay.
Opened in November 2016 in the presence of Donatella Versace herself, the five-star hotel is designed to reflect the Versace lifestyle, with well-crafted Italian furnishings and swanky accessories. Its structure itself is reminiscent of a 16th century Italian Palace, with charming traces of Arabian architecture woven into it. Versace’s symbolic narration of style and elegance can be evinced all through the Hotel. A walk through the Hotel’s public spaces also reveals its exclusive Versace factor in the designs and fabrics. Interestingly, every single piece of furniture and fabric that adorns the Hotel’s 215 rooms and suites, and 169 residences, has been designed and tailor-made by Versace.
Located in Jaddaf Waterfront, which is less than 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, it is ideal for visitors from this part of the world, seeking to savour a luxurious escape in the midst of serene nature. It is just minutes away from Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, making it a perfect destination even for those who have shopping and sightseeing plans on the agenda.
Described as a neoclassical masterpiece, it features an impressive entrance, made all the more inspiring by the high ceilinged atrium. What strikes one, immediately on arrival, is the attractive ‘Pietra di Fiume’ design of the iconic Medusa and Greek décor. Its lush landscaped gardens, the lagoon pools and reflection ponds complement the serenity that abounds within the property. The three outdoor pools are surrounded by palm trees and flowers, while the artistically curated gardens present unobstructed views of the Dubai Creek and skyline – just what one would need for a quiet interlude with nature from the cocoon of luxury.
Our cocoon of luxury at Palazzo Versace was the Grand Suite Creek View, which is exactly what weekend guests with luxury on their minds would want. It is a large suite (130sqm), designed with the modern day luxury traveller in mind. While the size itself is awe-inspiring, the little details that blend with its chic interiors and refined workmanship, accentuate its aesthetics. As we made way to this luxurious suite, we were introduced first to its spacious living room, which also includes a dining area and a dreamy balcony overlooking the creek. The living room leads on to the bedroom, but is separated with a doorway, ensuring absolute privacy. The king size bed in the centre is decked in Versace linen, while the exclusively designed dressing area is inclusive of a walk-in wardrobe. But what gratified my style sense was the vanity table, which is designed in a Hollywoodesque style. The suite comes with Versace branded vanities, a large bath and separate walk-in shower and Jacuzzi bathtub. The suite ensures a pampered holiday, with unparalleled service and complimentary access to the Executive Lounge.
Food is another forte of Palazzo Versace, with all the eight restaurants and bars of the Hotel designed with an al fresco terrace – reflective of the heritage of Palazzos, where the internal court was the informal space to meet, dine and enjoy the weather. Our food voyage at the Hotel took us to Vanitas, Giardino and Enigma. While Vanitas is the signature Italian restaurant of the Hotel with charming and elegant interiors and classic Italian food, Enigma is a window to the ‘Taste of Persia’, with a culinary story that has been inspired by the Iranian origins of the Hotel’s Michelin starred Executive Chef Mansour Memarian. At Enigma, we also got to enjoy the live performance that is held every Thursday and Friday. Our breakfasts were exclusively at Giardino, whose wall-cover is inspired by the jungle motif of Versace wallpaper collection. Even the crockery belongs to an exclusive line ‘Rosenthal meets Versace’ collection, inspired by ‘Les Reves Byzantines’. Its Friday Brunch is a lavish spread of international favourites, including Italian, Arabic, Indian and a range of seafood options every Friday.
A stay at Palazzo Versace cannot be complete without a pampered session at its award-winning spa – The Spa. There are seven treatment rooms, a spa suite, a nail studio and two Moroccan Hammams, alongside separate plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas in ladies and gentlemen’s relaxation areas. We got a taste of its award winning service as we indulged our body and switched off our minds from all things mundane with a leisurely session at The Spa. Yes, we returned rejuvenated and revitalized, for the everyday life that was suspended over the weekend.
Our indulgent stay at Palazzo Versace was a blessing after a hectic start to the New Year. It was a luxury weekend retreat, one that we will cherish until the next holiday comes along.