The Address Downtown: Spectacular Views, Award Winning Residences
Celebrating the crossover into the New Year with fireworks is a ritual that has long captivated the imagination of many in different cities around the world. The world’s tallest building will be covered in fireworks on New Year’s Eve and a front row seat
It’s the holiday season and Nigerians home and abroad are glad to feel the special vibe that Lagos and Calabar provide at this time of the year. Nigerians being a travelling people though, you expect more than a few to head out of the country for different experiences during the festive season and the days after. One of such attractive destinations at this time is Dubai for a number of reasons: relatively easy to visit at short notice, favourable weather (presently) and of course great shopping opportunities.
If you’re one of those considering Dubai as an option – or you’re there already – you would be making a smart choice by choosing to stay at the Address Downtown Dubai.
The first reason is one of the most impressive fireworks display in the world. The Burj Khalifa which is the tallest manmade structure ever will be completely covered in fireworks to usher in the New Year. It is safe to say there is nothing like it in the world. The Address offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa from its rooms, residences and many of its lounges.
Standing at a majestic 63 storeys, the five-star Address Downtown is one of the tallest buildings in the city and in the top 50 in the world. This means that many of its 196 rooms and 626 serviced apartments feature views of the aforementioned Burj Khalifa as well as the spectacular Dubai Fountain.
Asides the views though, The Address is a sophisticated hotel providing awardwinning accommodation. It features an infinity pool, a 24-hour gym and a panoramic holistic spa. Combining ethnicinspired decorations with hi-tech facilities, spacious rooms at the Address Downtown include, satellite flat-screen TVs, personal iPads, iPod docking stations and mini-bar.
However, the main draw is no doubt the private balconies and it’s worth insisting on a view of the Dubai Fountains – a spectacular light, sound and water show that was created by the same people behind the fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Each of the 626 contemporary serviced residences at the Address Downtown Dubai is a celebration of modern living with a host of upscale lifestyle amenities, the finest features, and a range of five-star services. They range from studio apartments to four-bedroom residences and everything in-between.
All offer a tranquil escape while in the midst of vibrant Downtown Dubai. As a resident, you’ll also have access to all hotel services and 24-hour facilities including concierge, laundry services and fitness centre.
Trying to measure just how secluded I was while still within a hotel, I turned up the volume of the Bose speakers that come with the ipod dock loud enough for a private party. No issues. Practically soundproof. I was in my own world in my one-bedroom apartment.
The separate bedroom in these residences give you room to fully unwind or prepare for business. The main living space features a sleek modern kitchen, with a dining and lounge area, which makes it ideal for entertaining friends or business associates.
Meanwhile, four-bedroom penthouse residences offer some of the most desirable living spaces for families and groups of friends in Dubai. With the vibrant and record-breaking neighbourhood at the doorstep, few serviced residences in the world can offer the same feel of prestige and quality.
This has been corroborated by a few awards and accolades: ‘Best Hotel in the World’ at the Global Traveller Annual Reader Survey Awards in 2013; ‘Readers Travel Award’ in the ‘Overseas Business Hotels’ category by Condé Nast Traveller in 2012; ‘UAE’s Leading Business Hotel’ at World Travel Awards 2011 among many more. Dining There’s a great spread at the international breakfast buffet every morning, after which you’ll probably want to lounge by the infinity pool that cascades over five tiers or unwind at the spa which has a range of wellbeing treatments available. Try it out not just because it was voted Best International Hotel Spa for a City Break at The Spa Traveller Awards 2012, but also because you can enjoy some of the best views of the aforementioned fountains from their relaxation rooms. There’s also a library at the hotel in case you’re so inclined.
The Address has a wide variety of dining options for guests. There are seven different gourmet restaurants, serving cuisines from Asian to Latino, as well as local Middle Eastern specialities.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a critically acclaimed, award-winning modern steak restaurant which serves the widest and best selection of signature cuts, a choice of seafood dishes and more, in Dubai.
The ZETA Restaurant is an outdoor dining experience with its Asian fusion cuisine while Fazaris has two delightful menus that are worlds apart – Italian and Japanese as well as an international breakfast buffet with views of the Burj Khalifa providing a visual feast.
There’s also Risala which offers light meals, afternoon tea and gourmet delicacies, served in chic comfort throughout the day. In the cool months, shisha and beverages are served on the terrace with views of Burj Khalifa.
The Cigar Lounge is where retro glamour meets contemporary style. It serves up premium cigars, classic cocktails, global vintages, a refined menu selection and also stunning views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.
If it’s a drink you’re after, try Calabar, a vibrant, Latin-inspired lounge and bar or Neos sky lounge on the 63rd floor. Calabar is premium cocktail lounge with a vibrant Latin vibe and spectacular views of Burj Khalifa from its terrace. A great place for savoury South American specialities and sundowners, I was especially drawn to Calabar because it shares a name with Nigeria’s leading tourist destination.
Neos too has a special lure because of its location. It’s on the 63rd floor of the building and the elevator ride alone is an experience in itself. Your ears pop due to pressure, just like it does in a plane at altitude.
You can catch spectacular sunsets and take in the glamorous, ever-changing Dubai skyline from Neos which is definitely a destination venue and a ‘must see’ for those looking for a heightened experience. From Neos, you can watch the radiant lights of the Dubai Fountain dance to their own music as you groove to the resident DJ’s rhythmic mixes.
There’s a high possibility you’re in Dubai to shop. Not to worry, the world’s largest shopping mall (The Dubai Mall) is right at your doorstep if you stay at the Address Downtown.
Barely 15 minutes from the Dubai International airport, a limousine shuttle service is available upon request and airport transfers can also be arranged.