The New Openings To Know About In Dubai
HOTELS
The Design-Led Opening:
Delano Dubai
Hotel group Delano has opened its first hotel in the Middle East. With contemporary interiors, the property on Bluewaters Island has 251 rooms, including 84 luxury suites, all designed in the brand’s understated, cool aesthetic. Rooms have white oak flooring, custom wool rugs and plush king-size beds, while suites have cosy sofas, balconies or terraces with stunning views, and some have private pools. Luxury amenities include Byredo bath products and Dyson hair dryers. Hotel guests can lounge by the outdoor pool with its sunken in-pool furniture and pretty parasols, and dine at six restaurants and bars, including the opulently designed Rose Bar, and Maison Revka – the Parisian restaurant opening next month. There’s also a wellness studio with a fitness suite and numerous treatment rooms.
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The Big Arrival:
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Luxury hotel group Jumeirah already has nearly 30 outposts across the Middle East, and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is set to be one of Dubai’s biggest openings next year. Inspired by the sleek design of superyachts, the hotel will have 386 rooms, 82 residences and a private marina. One of the highlights will be a wellness area and spa set across three floors that will offer a range of bespoke treatments and holistic therapies, as well as top facilities including treatment rooms with private terraces. Elsewhere, there will be five outdoor pools spread across the landscaped gardens, as well as two private beaches, 11 restaurants and nine bars, including its all-day destination restaurant, The Fore.
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The Ultra-Luxe Spot:
Mandarin Oriental Downtown
Mandarin Oriental shows no sign of slowing down. The luxury hospitality group is set to open 40 hotels and residences around the world in the next five years, with work already underway on an ultra-luxe hotel inside the landmark Wasl Tower in Downtown Dubai. There will be nearly 500 rooms, suites and private residences, all set around the region’s tallest ceramic façade. Details are under wraps for now, but we know there will be seven restaurants, from fine dining concepts to a cool rooftop bar, as well as a spa with a rooftop infinity pool and a fitness centre.
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The Affordable Stay:
Mama Shelter Dubai
Regular SL readers will know we love Mama Shelter’s affordable rooms and fun concepts. The brand will continue its global expansion with an outpost in Dubai’s Business Bay area, set to open in December. For a trip that won’t break the bank, travellers can stay in one of with 197 rooms, while those after long-term stays can check into a ‘Mama Resident’ apartment. All guests will have access to the amenities, including four outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym and an outdoor amphitheatre with a lounge area and entertainment zone. Families can enjoy the children’s pool and play areas, while adults will appreciate the cool pool deck with multiple bars and a DJ tower.
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The Arabian Houses:
Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf
Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, a small and private resort within Jumeirah’s Madinat Jumeirah complex, has refreshed its Arabian Houses with lush gardens, scenic waterways and new interiors that reflect the region’s heritage. Designed by Sahar Al Yasser of Dubai-based La Bottega Interiors, the houses are home to majlis sitting rooms, private courtyards, and nine to 11-room suites, perfect for large groups or families. Expect neutral tones, natural fabrics and upcycled furniture as part of the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Guests have access to over 50 restaurants and bars within Madinat Jumeirah, as well as the private beach and recently refurbished Talise Spa.
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RESTAURANTS & BARS
The Party Restaurant:
Sexy Fish Dubai
Sexy Fish will bring its party atmosphere to Dubai next month. The restaurant will be on the rooftop of Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) new landmark building, Innovation One, with views across the city. As you’d expect, the brand’s first Middle Eastern outpost will offer entertainment, unique artwork, and its signature Japanese-inspired menu. Once guests leave the elevator, they’ll be transported to an underwater world created by Martin Brudnizki Design Studios. There’s a beautiful coral reef wall decorated with over 2m pieces of hand-painted coral, as well as a Damien Hirst octopus sculpture poised mid-air. The theme continues with octopus-tentacle columns wrapped in hand-blown Murano glass, and bronze mermaid sculptures. Menus will include sushi, sashimi, tartare and nigiri, alongside meat and fish cooked over a robata grill – all served with fun cocktails. Plus, the bar will house the largest collection of Japanese whisky in the region.
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The Beachfront Spot:
Lúnico at J1 Beach
Lúnico opens next month on La Mer beach. As well as soaking up the sun on chic sun loungers, guests will be able to eat at its fine dining Spanish restaurant and party at its late-night bar. Expect Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including starters of ceviche, Galician octopus and green apple oysters, followed by larger meat and seafood dishes to share. Over at the bar, the menu is inspired by the phases of the moon and zodiac signs (as the restaurant’s name suggests), while nightly rituals will continue into the early hours, featuring music from top DJs and immersive entertainment. The beach club will also welcome African Queen, a more relaxed Mediterranean restaurant.
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The Foodie Hub:
The Ninth Cut
Tucked away behind the lobby of the Novotel Al Barsha, The Ninth Cut is a contemporary restaurant, butcher and deli. On entering, diners are greeted by a butcher's shop showcasing a selection of premium meat cuts and deli items, all of which you can take home. Here, it’s all about steak and perfectly cooked meats – think chicken, lamb, tomahawk, brisket, and dry-aged selections sourced from around the world. Diners can enjoy these with salads, mezze selections and vegetarian dishes. Desserts are designed to be shared and showcase fine spices from around the world.
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The Brand Expansion:
Il Gattopardo & Bar Des Prés
People queue outside Mayfair’s Il Gattopardo to try its famous tiramisu. Very soon, this in Dubai will be able to order the dessert at its restaurant at ICD Brookfield Place. Set to open in early December, the restaurant will showcase a new concept that puts a contemporary twist on Italian classics. A few signature dishes will also remain on the menu – and details will follow shortly. Elsewhere, the parent group that looks after the restaurant is gearing up to open Bar Des Prés on the 51st floor of the same building (headed up by Cyril Lignac), as well as an art deco-inspired bar, 1920, on the 52nd.
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The NYC Hot Spot:
Carbone
Carbone is one of the buzziest restaurants in NYC’s Greenwich Village. It’s a place to see and be seen, so we’re excited to hear a sister restaurant is opening at Atlantis The Royal early next year. Bringing its high-octane dining experience to the city, the restaurant will take over the space previously occupied by Resonance by Heston, on the hotel’s ground floor. Expect Italian-American dishes like generous portions of pasta, salads and sharing dishes of chicken scarpariello and veal parmesan.
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The Beach Club Restaurant:
Gitano
On opening last week, Gitano Dubai became the brand’s fifth global location. Inspired by its original outpost in Tulum, this Mexican spot at J1 Beach has tropical boho décor across its beach club, lounges and dining areas – think lush plants, rattan furniture and a glittering disco ball. Diners can expect a lively party atmosphere with immersive entertainment and partying into the early hours. Food-wise, count on ceviches, seafood dishes, tacos and a range of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails.
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BEAUTY & WELLNESS
The Wellness Centre:
Sohum Wellness Sanctuary
Sohum Wellness Sanctuary is an Ayurvedic retreat founded by Tanya Mansotra. Designed to reset and restore the body after just a few hours, the space features a state-of-the-art studio for yoga classes and sound healing sessions, alongside hot and cold therapy rooms. Guests can try a range of authentic Ayurvedic treatments tailored to promote holistic wellness, while the plant-based restaurant serves nutritious dishes. The centre is open from 9am to 9pm daily.
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The Spa:
Banyan Tree Dubai
Five-star resort Banyan Tree Dubai has refreshed its spa, introducing tranquil relaxation areas set among lush surroundings. The newly renovated facility builds on the group’s eight pillars of wellbeing: connection, growth, grounding, nourishment, rest, movement, practice and mindfulness. Inspired by the natural desert landscape, the spa has earthy tones and textures, complete with a Tranquillity Garden and barefoot pathways. A highlight is the rainforest experience, offering a multisensory journey through hydrothermal therapies, including a rain walk, steam and sauna rooms, and invigorating showers. Guests can try treatments like revitalising body scrubs and a selection of massages. You can also use the gym and try some wellness classes.
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