Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah gears up for launch

THE SECOND VICEROY HOTEL in the UAE and first in Dubai is targeting a March 31 launch. The resort, the first on Palm Jumeirah as you drive onto the island and Golden Mile, features a striking entrance comprising wooden sculptures twisting within a glass cube, providing guests with see-through views of the Arabian Gulf.

While the overall development appears large, flanked by ‘staircase’ residences (221) on each side, the hotel element within the centre feels intimate with plenty of marble, wood and brass providing a contemporary look.

General Manager Mikael Svensson said: “We have bookings for the end of March and confident we can deliver on that.”

By placing the natural-light-flooded MICE features (meeting rooms and ballroom) on the 13th and 14th floors, it’s certainly breaking away from conventional hotel thinking. The spa also has some novel touches, with more natural light creeping through the soaring hammam, and treatment rooms are designed as individual pods. “It will be more the pampering than wellness side,”added Svensson.

The uppermost 15th floor Penthouse terrace, which provides sweeping Dubai views on each side, contains two bars and private plunge pools.

We saw a JBR-facing Junior Beach View Suite which has a rack rate of AED4,500 (before taxes). Guests won’t find fruit bowls in their rooms but they can access drinks through a stylish drawback cabinet, and enjoy large walk-in closets. A Deluxe Room is pictured.

On site will be 10 F&B venues, in line with its ‘LA vibe, lifestyle push’, including an Italian, Chinese, all-day Brasserie, Beach Club, Patisserie, Spa Cafe, Lobby Lounge, Pool and rooftop bars, and nightclub. Rates from AED1,700 a night.