Dubai exudes a vibrant magnetic energy that has long drawn curious travellers. After all, where else in the world can you stroll along a pristine beach, shop for spices in a souk, ride a buggy on desert sand dunes, and relax with a world-class cocktail atop a soaring skyscraper all in the same day? Opulence is the raison d’etre of this remarkable city and, accordingly, regal five-star hotels abound. And if your idea of ultimate luxury is a tranquil haven in the heart of the buzzy city, look no further than the Shangri-La Dubai.

Standing in the epicentre of Dubai, on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Shangri-La Dubai is mere moments from some of the city’s best-known attractions, including the Dubai Mall, City Walk, La Mer beach and the trendy restaurant-lined streets of Dubai International Financial Centre.

Housed in a striking dual-towered skyscraper, the hotel’s exterior sets the tone for the opulence inside – experienced initially via a beautiful marble-clad lobby with high ceilings, gold and burgundy accents, giant chandeliers, and exquisite floral arrangements.There are 302 spacious rooms and suites, as well as 126 apartments, each with views of either the Arabian Sea or Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline. Rooms are elegantly crafted in a calming palette of soft grey, white and lilac with gold highlights and dark wood furnishings. Plush carpets and a cloud-soft mattress promise a relaxing stay while a cosy sofa positioned for a prime view from the floor-to-ceiling windows makes for a comfortable base from which to enjoy the sights outside. Expansive marble bathrooms with spacious sinks, bathtubs and shower areas are equipped with premium toiletries from Crispy Mint and L’Occitane.

Shangri-La Dubai understands intimately that no trip to Dubai is complete without sharing a snap of that famous skyline with your followers. So, in signature Shangri-La innovative fashion, the hotel offers the Picture-Perfect Room package: a dedicated room designed for taking your social media moments to new heights, featuring breathtaking views of the skyline and the iconic Burj Khalifa framed by a vast window and a beautiful floral corner with customisable photo frames. Complete with an in-room Polaroid camera, Yukata robes and slippers, and an exclusive breakfast menu, this one-of-a-kind experience is memorable both on and off screen.

As well as curated aesthetic rooms, the hotel’s communal amenities are also a class apart. The picturesque rooftop terrace has multiple pools shaded by palm trees for days spent lounging in the sun. For fitness-minded individuals, the hotel’s health club boasts a state-of-the-art gym and tennis and squash courts. Indulge in post-workout R&R at Chi, The Spa, where treatments include facials, massages, scrubs and vitamin therapy, in addition to locally-inspired rituals such as a full body Arabica coffee exfoliation and a rose-infused Rassoul clay wrap.

Shangri-La Dubai’s array of restaurants promises something for every taste. While breakfast is served in the all-day diner and lobby lounge, for a unique experience, the Ikandy Ultralounge serves an incredible floating breakfast spread designed for in-pool dining. Elsewhere, the hotel’s Vietnamese restaurant, Hoi An, serves up mouthwatering, authentic fare while the indoor Balcony Bar is a great spot for light bites and craft cocktails. The gem of the collection, however, is undoubtedly the Michelin Guide-recommended Shang Palace, which offers traditional Chinese cuisine with modern touches. Our favourite? The Peking duck, carved tableside and served traditionally in pancakes.

As with any Shangri-La property, the staff have mastered the art of providing exceptional service and anticipating your needs before you do. The hotel’s modern architecture, exquisite amenities, delicious gastronomic offerings and breathtaking views make for a truly luxurious stay in one of Dubai’s best locations.

Rooms from £168 per night, visit shangri-la.com

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