Bulgari knows a thing or two about catering to the precise demands of luxury lovers, and since branching out into hotels back in 2004, they have proved that they are more than capable of delivering superlative sparkle.
Debuting in December 2017, their most recent venture, The Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai adds a new jewel to their luxury hospitality collection. Situated on the exclusive, manmade Jumeira Bay, an island carved into the shape of a seahorse and adjoined by a 300m bridge to central Dubai coastline, the sunny property resembles a traditional seaside Italian village, blending Mediterranean landscaping with the natural surroundings of the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
Designed entirely by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the renowned Italian architectural firm that has created all the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, the 1.4 million square-foot property is a first-of-its-kind development for Bulgari, both in scale and magnitude. Charming with a Mediterranean village feel, the complex features the Resort, six residential buildings with 173 sea facing apartments, 15 private mansions, and Bulgari’s first-ever Marina and Yacht Club.
EDITOR’S REVIEW
The City Oasis Escape
A Mediterranean landscape blending with the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
For a person that spent more than 200 days out of 365 traveling between cities around the world for work, it was only ideal that the best treat to myself would be steering away from any airport and staying in Dubai. Now the question was where would be the best place to spend a short family holiday in the city?
The Bulgari Resort Dubai had just opened a few weeks earlier and while I visited briefly to interview its top executives I was fascinated by the location that I decided that this would be a place worth trying.
In the heart of city, and 5 minutes or less off the Jumeirah road we drove over a bridge that disconnects you from the city and connects you to what I called an Island. Yes, it felt like you travelled away, very far from hustle and bustle of a dynamic city like Dubai.
Welcomed warmly by the team, not to forget the “sweet” treats and personalized welcome that the kids got on arrival, where my son was like: “Mom I love this place”! Well, the things that impress kids!
But what impressed the mum, me, was the stunning 3-bedroom beach skyline villa that we were escorted to by our personal butler “Yogesh”, that was one of the highlights that made our stay super comfortable. The villa was beautifully decorated with balloons as it was my Son’s Birthday and the kids’ room had 2 tents set with beds to make the kids’ stay fun and adventerous, but what topped it all was the brands’ keen knowledge of my love for their “Serpenti” bags that the tents were also Serpenti inspired.
I don’t intend to go into the smallest details but I believe that the true luxury starts from there and the attention to the smallest gestures.
The villa had a private pool, which is a perfect option for couples or families that favor privacy, yet the beach was just few steps from our door, which made us enjoy the most beautiful of sunsets everyday.
The F&B offering at the resort is wide where we had breakfast at Il Café, Lunch at the Yacht Club and Dinner and at Chef Niko Romito’s 3 Michelin star Restaurant “Il Ristorante”. Hard to stay fit with all that isn’t it? Well, let’s say I managed, as I was training every morning at the Resort’s fitness club, The Workshop Gymnasium, with one of the best trainers that I’ve worked out with, Brian.
The kids had their fair share of fun as the resort had a kids club (Little Gems Club) that is managed by a highly skilled team, which operated from 10 am till 10 pm daily. Betwen outdoor games, handcrafts, and a variety of kids entertainment programs, the club is convenient for toddlers and even safe for babies if accompanied by their nannies. I struggled daily to take my kids back as they never wanted to leave.
Our last day was memorable and festive as the Pastry Chef baked for Tarek and Lamar a very special Gingerbread house to take home for Christmas.
It was truly a “Staycation” to remember, a beautiful property, generous hospitality, very friendly staff and such an exemplary service! Isn’t that what we need as a treat?
We will surely go back soon.
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