As the only hotel in the world to be fully designed inside and out by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, ME Dubai offers a sense of intrigue before we even cross the threshold into the inviting lobby.
From the outside, the glass structure appears to have a vast hole cut from within the centre of the cuboid facade, offering a sleek curvature that is eye-catching while creating a sense of intrigue. However, the audacious exteriors provide only a hint as to what guests will experience when checking into this chic city hotel in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Ideally situated in Business Bay, a stone’s throw from Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, ME Dubai offers a fantastic base from which to explore Dubai. Having fully opened late last year, ME Dubai features a striking contemporary design in which futuristic space-age interiors combine effortlessly with modern comforts and luxurious amenities.
The lobby is an ode to the work of Dame Zaha Hadid, having been designed by the acclaimed architect and completed by her firm posthumously. With lotus-shaped gleaming white pods accented in gold appearing to almost hover above the plush maroon sofas, the sleek lines and curvature provide an exciting first impression. The signifiers of Hadid’s design and intricate detailing are front and centre in the lobby, and it feels as if we’ve stepped onto the flight deck of a spaceship headed to the stars.
Passion Suite
Following the opening of the five-star property, ME Dubai has introduced a collection of Zaha Hadid suites categorised as ME, Chic, Personality and Passion. We stayed in the latter, which, as the name suggests, incorporates passionate energy through its midnight blue theme and black marble bathrooms. The suites are futuristic and although they may not be to everyone’s taste, they offer diversity and excitement in a city of identikit hotels and resorts. The expansive suite takes a circular approach that leads guests from the entranceway, complete with a heavy soundproofed door and into a narrow living room, where a leather upholstered sofa in deep blue finds a balance somewhere between retro and futuristic.
The living room leads into a spacious bedroom replete with mood lighting and a king-sized bed that juts out into the centre of the room like the bow of a ship cresting a wave. A bedside panel controls everything from the air condition temperature to the sheer curtains while connecting devices to the flat-screen television is a breeze. The television is also used to answer the door, acting as a camera to show who is visiting the room. The mod-cons continue with motion sensors activating as move from the bed, switching on ambient floor lights to navigate the room with ease.
The sleek and seductive curvature of the suite is complemented by floor to ceiling windows which fill the room with an abundance of natural light to enhance those impressive Burj Khalifa views. The suite is completed with a dressing room and bathroom, featuring a deep-set jacuzzi tub and frying-pan shaped double sinks.
Futuristic Facilities
Tropical vibes abound at the first-floor swimming pool, where the calming body of perfect blue water is enhanced with foliage and potted palms that discretely hide four cabanas. The hotel’s exterior reflects the skyscrapers of downtown Dubai in the glasswork, while a pumping soundtrack brings life to the Dubai skyline with a collection of pulsing beats. The jungle-esque decor leads through to Deseo, a Pan Latin restaurant scheduled to open in November.
Wellness by ME Dubai, the hotel’s chic spa, embraces the curvatures seen throughout the suites and communal areas and uses them to create a cocoon-like space that promotes relaxation through a selectionn of facials, wraps and massages. The hotel’s upper levels are also home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an insightful exhibition featuring Zaha Hadid’s most revered works.
Destination Dining
While many people will have visited ME Dubai for Japanese hotspot ROKA and New England favourite, The Maine: Land Brasserie, the collection of in-house outlets should not be overlooked. Fronted by James Knight Pacheco, the ground floor Botanica is an ambient juniper bar where wooden slats, potted greenery and statement lighting provide the backdrop for beguiling cocktails and Mediterranean small plates such as burrata with heirloom tomatoes and truffle mac and cheese. Attention to detail at this buzzy spot encompasses everything from enigmatic and personable service to metallic napkin rings shaped like the hotel.
The lobby lounge, which recently played host to a pop-up from the artisanal baker, Mélange, is the place for coffee, cake and everything in between. The hotel will also be honouring its Spanish heritage with the arrival of tapas bar Cosmo in the coming weeks.
ME Dubai ticks so many boxes when it comes to a luxurious stay in the heart of the city. From the unique design elements to the strong food and beverage offering, laid-back pool area and attentive staff, ME Dubai offers a memorable stay, unlike anywhere else in the city.
GO; Visit melia.com for reservations and more information.
