The United Arab Emirate of Dubai is known for its extravagant projects, such as the world’s tallest skyscraper and indoor ski slope. However, the opening of the Dorchester’s Lana hotel in Dubai marks a shift towards understated luxury. Developed by Mahdi Amjad, the hotel is located in the Marasi Bay Marina in Business Bay and is a collaboration with London’s Dorchester Collection hotel group.
The hotel, which is the Dorchester Collection’s 10th property and its first in the Middle East, offers a sophisticated and elegant experience. Guests are greeted by top-hatted doormen and enter a lobby adorned with sandy hues that reflect the Arabian Desert. The design focuses on textures, artwork, craftsmanship, and amenities rather than gilding, creating a luxurious yet understated atmosphere.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the building features stunning architecture that provides breathtaking views of the city while remaining graceful and elegant. The hotel also boasts upscale dining options, including a Basque restaurant by Michelin-star chef Martín Berasategui and a Côte d’Azur-inspired restaurant by chef Jean Imbert. The 30th-floor High Society rooftop offers an infinity pool and cocktail bar with an ancient sun-worshipping theme.
The Lana stands out for its expansive guest rooms, which feature luxurious details such as freestanding tubs with views, Vispring beds, Dyson hair dryers, and balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also offers unique amenities like double watch winders and a Dior Spa on the 29th floor. Despite its high prices, the hotel has been successful since its opening in February, attracting European guests impressed by its beauty and luxury.
The Lana represents a departure from Dubai’s traditional over-the-top beachfront resorts, offering a more refined and sophisticated experience. The hotel’s success may influence the design preferences of residents and tourists in Dubai, showcasing a new approach to luxury in the rapidly growing Emirate. French pastry chef Angelo Musa praised the hotel’s beauty, comparing it to a dream and expressing his emotional response to its opening.
Overall, the Lana hotel in Dubai marks a significant shift towards understated luxury in a city known for its extravagant developments. With its sophisticated design, upscale amenities, and elegant dining options, the hotel offers a unique and refined experience for guests. As Dubai continues to evolve as a global hub, the Lana is leading the way in changing perceptions of luxury in the Emirate.
