And Now for Something Completely Different: the All-New Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre Opens
In a city of superlatives, where each day seems to bring something bigger, brighter and bolder (it’s known as the city that holds the world record for the most world records with good reason), the leading global luxury hospitality brand presents something entirely different: the all-new, intimately scaled Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre. At eight stories and with just 106 guest accommodations, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is redefining the very meaning of luxury.
“People who come to Dubai have often travelled the world, experienced the best of everything, and have extremely high expectations – at Four Seasons, our role is that of facilitator, to anticipate and exceed, to personalise and to delight in ways that mean the most to our guests,” says Carlo Stragiotto. Most recently posted at the legendary Four Seasons Hotel Milano, the multi-lingual Stragiotto views his team of 200 carefully chosen staff as personal guest assistants whose mission is to make business travel more productive and leisure time more rewarding.
Situated in the pedestrian-friendly DIFC – home to global corporations as well as art galleries, shops, restaurants and night clubs – Four Seasons is the perfect pied-à-terre for those with frequent business in the UAE, an ideal base from which to experience Dubai’s myriad amusements and diversions, and with its expert concierge team, a great starting point for a first-time visitor to the city.
Chef Concierge Peter Wharmby notes that spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the city, with the Middle East Film & Comic Con next month followed by the much-anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises shopping season – the 1,200 retailer strong Dubai Mall is just minutes away – and then Dubai Music Week in early fall. He recommends booking the Bed and Breakfast package, freeing up days and nights to explore the city.
Work, Rest and Play – Your Way
Every aspect of Four Seasons Hotel DIFC has been conceived with flexibility in mind. “No matter the hour of your arrival, the fullness of your schedule and the length of your must-see list, Four Seasons transforms itself into your own personal hotel,” promises Stragiotto.
It begins upon arrival, with two separate access points – one at street level for those arriving by car or heading out into the city, and the other opening into the pedestrian walkways of DIFC. In the upper lobby, Penrose Lounge welcomes hotel guests as well as local businesspeople and shoppers for cocktails, tea and light fare into the late hours.
The Hotel has also created an exclusive haven for in-house guests just off the lower lobby – a flexible space where guests can host business meetings, or even set up an impromptu workstation for the day. Light bites and refreshments are also available. The Monogram is open daily until 1:00 am, and is available for private events or meetings.
For those who prefer to work alone, guest rooms and suites offer multiple options, including an ergonomic workstation, a sofa with coffee table that transforms into a desk or dining table with ease, and bedside task lighting and plug ins for those who like to put their feet up. Nourishment is available at any hour of the day through in-room dining, or at the personal bar outfitted with coffee maker, snacks and even a shake-your-own signature cocktail station.
Dining Out in Dubai
The DIFC is home to more than 40 top-flight restaurants and bars, including several new options at Four Seasons. American celebrity chef Michael Mina has opened his first international outpost here, at the “modern retro” style Firebird Diner by Michael Mina. Here, guests will find hearty American fare with a gourmet global twist – think wood-fired steak and eggs, lobster pot pie, truffled mac & cheese, and “chicken fried” wagyu steak.
“The choice of cuisines in Dubai is unlimited, but in the end, sometimes all you crave is a really, really great burger, and we will not disappoint,” says Executive Chef Matthew Dahlkemper, who notes that with a closing time of 3:00 am, Firebird Diner, which opened earlier in March, is already a favourite after-hours destination for the city’s club goers. “Our menu is designed to be both familiar and surprising, and above all satisfying.”
Taking the drinking experience to a higher level, the Luna Sky Bar opens onto a wrap-around rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa, city skyline and Arabian Gulf.
Head Mixologist Alexandru Avram and his team craft the classics as well as modern innovations and made-to-order libations, with an extensive list of premium spirits, fine coffees and teas, and paired bites.
The space, envisioned by New York-based Tihany Design – which created all of the Hotel’s interiors – is inspired by the falcon, an emblem of luxury and bravery. A strong black and gold palette is highlighted by the rotating cage-like liquor displays behind the bar and the ceiling treatment that mimics the falcon’s feathered coat.
Up the stairs, cigar aficionados will find their own slice of heaven – the Churchill Club features hand-rolled selections from around the world, with expert pairing advice.
A Desert Oasis
Yes, it can get quite hot in Dubai, and relief awaits at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC. A secret rooftop oasis – open only to Hotel guests – features shaded lounges and casual tables, a refreshing juice and snack bar, and a swimming pool made even more inviting by its open-sided construction reminiscent of an ice cube.
Just inside, a secluded Spa offers treatment rooms-with-views as well as a 24-hour fitness centre. Spa Director Hayley Bluett – who also manages the award-winning Pearl Spa at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach – has devised a cleverly edited menu that anticipates the needs of timezone-hopping travellers as well as those looking for a little indulgence. Options include an array of less-than-an-hour targeted express treatments; a Sports Massage and the unique Signature Blue Tigers Eye Massage; results-oriented therapies such as the 24 Carat Gold Cellular Rejuvenation facial; and the comprehensive Time Travellers Recharge including full body wrap, meditation, facial, hand treatment and scalp massage.
If time is on one’s side, guests of Four Seasons Hotel DIFC have full signing privileges at its beachfront sister property, just 15 minutes away. In addition to the extensive spa complex, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach boasts two enormous pools surrounded by lush landscaping dotted with private pavilions, tennis courts, and an array of restaurants and bars, including the popular Sea Fu on the beach, and the super chill Mercury Lounge on the rooftop.
World Renowned Four Seasons Service
“True luxury goes beyond the fastest cars and the most expensive jewelry; the ultimate luxuries are intangible. Time well spent, memories made, small moments of joy and surprise, peace of mind – that is what we offer at Four Seasons,” notes General Manager Stragiotto.
In addition to the many innovations found at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world – from twice-daily housekeeping to one-hour pressing, at-your-fingertips technologies and much more – guests at Four Seasons DIFC can also access personal shoppers, art consultants, business assistants and more.
“We have special relationships with retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols, and we can even arrange for in-room tailoring by Tom James,” says Chef Concierge Wharmby. “Those looking to augment their art collections can access the services of the Lawrie Shabibi gallery’s team, which can set up private viewings, advise on purchases and arrange safe transport home.”
Four Seasons in the Gulf
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre is the first of two openings in the UAE this year, preceded by Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach in late 2014 and followed by Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island this May. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay opened just over a year ago, and Four Seasons Hotel Doha recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Gulf collection also includes Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, and coming soon, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya.
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