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DUBAI
Towering above the skyscrapers of Business Bay and Downtown, SLS Dubai is the glittery new jewel of the Emirates. SLS beats with the thrum of the city’s trendy crowd, attracted by the surroundings, music and vibrant restaurants and bars, and swish couples who book in for a unique urban escape or a playful evening out. There aren’t many places that can offer a true city break whilst being located in the heart of one – but this elegant compound on Dubai’s shores manages to feel like part of the city, whilst also being gently removed from it.
Perched within debatably the most coveted address in the Emirates, the hotel has 254 rooms and 321 apartments in the property. Boasting two of the top three highest pools globally and showcasing an array of world-class restaurants, this is an experience not to be missed. If you’re wondering what the crowd is like, it’s a truly eclectic mix from around the world—you’ll find yourself mingling with American, English and European tourists, as well as locals.
On the most part, SLS sits on the serene side of Middle Eastern opulence, with marble, crystal chandeliers, and ceiling-to-floor windows cut through with golden, earthy tones inspired by the Arabian Gulf. The hotel is achingly cool, with pop-art and sculptures jazzing up the minimalist feel. Like the bulk of luxury brand hotels in the Emirates, the views are breathtaking, and the check-in area commands the 71st floor. The lobby reflects this higher perspective as guests pour out into the immaculate foyer, with dreamy views of the supercity below.
Images courtesy of Eva Piskadlo
I stayed in the 2-bedroom and two-storey ‘Wonderful living’ suite, which sleeps 4 to 6 people. The design approach is superlative, with light walls, marble floors and luxe furnishing; giving the space that stay-a-while feel. The ‘apartment’ also comes with a fully furnished kitchen, utility room and separate dining room, with all spaces boasting phenomenal views of Business Bay and the Creek. All rooms are furnished with a Lavazza blue machine for those morning caffeine hits – a massive tick in my book.
This sleek approach is continued upstairs on the bedroom floor, which houses two en-suite rooms with an armchair, dressing table and balcony. With flat-screen TV’s and a fabulous bedspread in both rooms, I looked forward to sleeping every evening during my stay.
Images courtesy of Eva Piskadlo
Numerous dining options abound, each lovelier than the last. Breakfast is served either in-room or at the resident Fi’lia in buffet-style from 6:00AM to 10:30AM. Featuring a range of international and local favourites, breakfast time is taken seriously and executed flawlessly. A very special thank you to Kuldeep Sing for making our mornings so special, with fresh exotic fruit and personalised lattes sent to our table in abundance. A light pool-side lunch is offered throughout the day at the sky pool, featuring a range of healthy options, western favourites and finger food amongst the shisha menu (which I made full use of).
Images courtesy of Eva Piskadlo
Fi’lia by Sara Aqel
Fi’lia transforms into one of Dubai’s favourite Italian restaurants shortly after breakfast service. As the region’s first female-led restaurant, Head Chef Sara Aqel fuses classic Italian cooking with Mediterranean flavours to create a phenomenal menu. With an almost-fully female team, the menu is split into three sections ‘Nonna’ (Grandmother), ‘Mamma’ (Mother) and ‘Figlia’ (Daughter), with the concept of a culinary journey through the generations of women. My personal favourites at Fi’lia were the Burrata Populare, Quasi Puttanesca and Tiramisu.
Carna by Dario Cecchini
The second restaurant I visited during my stay, Carna honours the life and death of an animal, and offers a glimpse into the methods of butchers who provide the letters that form an expressive meal. The menu offers an array of prime cuts of the finest steaks sourced from the world’s most prominent locales, all-natural ingredients – all paired with an extensive wine list. Thank you Michael Townsend for making our experience at both Carna and Fi’lia so special. My personal favourites from Carna was the Australian steak plate, and the sweetbreads.
Aside from the breathtaking pools on floor heaven, the hotel also houses a fabulous gym and Ciel spa, with an on-site hair salon. There is also a resident club next to the infinity pool for those who want a convenient night out. You could spend 4 or 5 days at the hotel and not leave without feeling deprived in any sort of way – there really is something for everyone. Location wise, a taxi takes 15 minutes to the Dubai Mall, and 20 minutes to DXB.
Service simply cannot be faulted in terms of friendliness and sweetness, though efficiency is perhaps another matter for the room service. But, you know what, you are here on holiday, or meant to be, so relax. If your corkscrew takes half an hour to reach your room, so be it. Drink in the fresh air and views while you wait. Aside from this very small crease which is inevitable when a hotel first opens, the hotel’s service from start to finish was flawless, making me feel extremely at home the entire time. We were even given an extension until 10:00PM for late check-out due to our 1:00AM flight time. If that isn’t above and beyond service, I’m not quite sure what is.
Despite the sea of luxury hotels and competition in the city, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this stunning property as a personal favourite to anyone visiting. The service, those views, shisha on the roof, that buffet breakfast. All things that would have made me wonder when I can next go back.