Looking sharp

1 February 2020

A popular beach club, top-rated restaurants and a sophisticated setting make Rixos Premium Dubai a preferred destination among the city’s social set

Flashy, fast-paced and eye-catching. As far as first impressions go, Rixos Premium Dubai doesn’t disappoint – and that’s just the sports cars that line the hotel’s driveway. The rotation of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens (and their smartly dressed owners) set the tone for this high-energy hotel, a favourite among the Dubai party set since its launch in 2017.

Hailing from Turkish luxury hoteliers Rixos, the five-star urban retreat in Jumeirah Beach Residence occupies one half of the Crystal Towers complex, a pair of slick structures on the southern Dubai skyline.

Inside, a triple-height foyer of glossy black marble draws the eye past high-end clothing boutiques and low-slung couches to a vast expanse of glass overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Between the hotel and the gulf’s gentle waves lies Azure Beach club, home to an expansive infinity pool and Mediterranean-inspired lounge. Shaded sunbeds, pool floats and chilled DJ tunes make for laidback days, which step up a notch on weekends.

Rixos’ acclaimed bars and restaurants add to the party vibe, with nine outlets that take you from buffet breakfasts at Turquoise and morning tea at Godiva to sundowners on District’s view-blessed terrace. Yet within the confines of the 414-room hotel, a surprising sense of calm prevails. Muted mushroom tones and soft lighting provide privacy in the common areas, and in the rooms and suites, Arabesque screens and carpets offer a subtle nod to Rixos’ Turkish origins – also evident at the Natureland Spa.

Along with classic massages and facials, guests can experience a traditional hammam treatment, where therapists steam, scrub and cleanse the body using exfoliating kessa mitts and clouds of soap. It’s the perfect place to reset after a weekend of Rixos indulgence.

Words: Sarah Gamboni