Seahorses are peculiar creatures in nature, their quirks making them one of the ocean’s most marvellous inhabitants. Limited in movement, they make up for their lack of speed with their hard and resilient bodies, their tails prehensile enough to help them hold on to the coral reefs. Such a unique creature, which is often associated with the sea and the tranquillity it encompasses, given its strangely noble features, is the inspiration behind the Jumeirah Bay in Dubai. A magnificent artificial island shaped after a humongous seahorse, its pronounced curves hide some of the city’s most exclusive locales, among which the Bvlgari Resort Dubai stands as a beacon of elegance and Italian perfection.
The megaproject was meticulously designed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel from the homonymous Italian architectural firm, who have designed every Bvlgari resort worldwide. Their approach to architecture and interior planning is extraordinarily precious, as they take the Italian luxury and tradition and mix it with the prevailing essence of the geographical context to create spaces of untamed excellence. For the Dubai Resort, raw and treated materials have been chosen to decorate even the smaller details to perfection: Arabescato marble covers the external walls and Shanxi Black Granite covers the public areas, while the complex in general is made to look like a midpoint between a traditional Italian sea village and the Arabian desert with its limestone finishes. Built around the bay, the hotel allows guests to observe the Arabic Gulf on one side and the Dubai Skyline on the other while resting under the coral-like sunscreens that surround the building.
Mediterranean gardens surround the main living space, boasting palms, olives, lemons, rosemary bushes and even Australian baobab trees, creating a lush oasis of tranquillity in stark contrast to Dubai’s urban hustle. The resort houses 101 rooms and 20 additional villas, each of them decorated to perfection and presenting the most precious of Italian design tendencies.
The rooms range from 55 to 120 square meters, while the villas go from 175 square meters to the magnificent Bvlgari villa which stands at 540 square metres. All rooms have walk-in wardrobes and state-of-the-art technology and amenities, and a private balcony, unique to the Dubai resort. Earthy tones and natural raw materials create a cosy feeling ideal for unwinding at the guest’s leisure. The suites enclose a spacious living area, marble bathroom and separate powder room, and private libraries stacked with coffee table books from a sophisticated selection, as well as access to private Technogym weights and yoga mats. Each suite also counts with indoor and outdoor dining spaces, crafting the sense of a private living space. The standalone villas are ideal for those looking for the ultimate luxury residential experience, with their own private swimming pools and sun decks, butler service and in-house staff quarters. Finally, the magnanimous Bvlgari Villa in its 540 square metre space, an additional 500 square metre garden, and the possibility to link to an adjacent villa, is the most impressive space within the resort. Fully equipped with a bar area and a 14 seat diner table, the Bvlgari Villa is more heavily inspired by Arabian identities in its decorations and materials. All suites, rooms, and villas are masterfully furbished with marble, silk-fabric, wool, fine leather and wood, and are paired with the personalized bespoke service that characterizes Bvlgari. Italian cocktails, individually crafted tours through the historic districts he modern marvels of Dubai and the possibility to arrange in-room Bvlgari jewellery shows and sales, the service at the resort is one of a kind.
The resort offers some of Dubai’s most varied culinary offers, beginning with Il Ristorante-Niko Romito, where the homonymous chef, praised with Mechiln stars, created a selection of ‘Made in Italy’ dishes prepared by chef Giacomo Amicucci, personally trained by Chef Romito. A philosophy of simplicity, synthesis and flavour above all comes together with locally and internationally sourced ingredients of the best quality, most of which come directly from Italy. The HŌSEKI comes next with its Japanese influenced cuisine by chef Masahiro Sugiyama, served in one of Dubai’s most exclusive locales with only 9 seats overlooking the cityscape. The Chef’s proposal is a tailor made experience for each diner, aptly named in Japanese after precious stones. Il Café offers a more casual approach to dining, ideal for a morning coffee, all-day breakfast and Mediterranean flavours. Specially designed for the locale, the menu features Middle Eastern ingredients and dishes, grilled meats and Arabic seasonings. La Spiaggia offers guests a variety of international food and drinks in the beach club, while Il Bar is an elite gathering space where guests can enjoy signature Bvlgari beverages and specialized Aperitivo Hours.
Luxury is non stop at Bvlgary Resort Dubai, with a Spa and Fitness option catered to each guest’s needs. The Bvlugari Spa offers treatments for him and her, the signature being the Bvlgari Royal Lulur, a three hour indulgence that includes body polishing, exfoliation, foot rituals, a rice powder and spices scrub, and a full-body enveloping algae treatment. The Spa also houses a Hammam and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and ice fountains and cooling showers to round up the relaxation atmosphere. The Fitness Centre is a state-of-the-art gymnasium with Technogym machines, weights and personal trainers who are ready to help guests achieve their fitness goals through the Workshop programme by Lee Mullins.
A first for the Bvlgari Resorts is the Marina and Yacht Club, unique to the Dubai location. The Marina, which obtained the Golden Anchor Accreditation, offers space for anchoring and services such as onboard dining and spa treatments, dock service, housekeeping and ice delivery. The Yacht Club overlooks the Marina and counts with its own bar and restaurant, outdoor pool and kid’s club. A vintage nautical theme prevails throughout the space, which is open for dinner and lunch. The library offers a collection of historical and photographic books and the kid’s clubs creates a safe and fun space for the youngest members of the family.
The Bvlgari experience is not complete without the shopping option the luxury brand offers. The Resort’s Bvlgari store is the brand’s third location in Dubai, where guests can browse through the impressive collection of jewellery, watches and accessories. La Galleria, a laboratory of trends, is a concept store styled after a bazar of old, where the collection changes and rotates constantly, showcasing everything from chinaware and homeware to fashion and accessories. Il Cioccolato is Dubai’s second luxury chocolate boutique, where artisanal haute couture chocolates are on display and available for purchase. Ideal for a gift or a gourmet treat, the chocolate gems contain some outstanding flavours like gorgonzola and orange peel, coffee and mascarpone, and the Dubai exclusives dates and pistachios, and lavender and salt.
A unique jewel in the sea, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai is a shining diamond in the middle of the Arabian Gulf, on par with the most exclusive resorts in the area. A unique amalgam of Italian excellence and Arabian luxury, the Bvlgari Resort stands as an exquisite destination for the most discerning travellers. Relish in the Italian villa lushness and the Middle Eastern elegance in one of Bvlgari’s most outstanding resorts.
Photos: courtesy.
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