SLS Dubai, a luxury global flagship for Ennismore’s luxury brands (REVIEW)

Designed by the award-winning architect Aedas and interior designer Paul Bishop, the 75-storey SLS Dubai is a sky-high cabinet of curiosities. With a most impressive arrival lounge and reception on the 71st floor, SLS Dubai features not one but two rooftop infinity pools, a sky-high speakeasy, a luxury spa with 65th-floor terraces, a steakhouse concept by the famous butcher Dario Cecchini and the emirate’s first female-led Italian restaurant serving pasta that would make any mama proud.

Located on the 71st floor, S Bar Dubai is spectacular at sunset when the light hits its golden sofas. Party the night away at Privilege, the rooftop nightclub, or Smoke & Mirrors, the hotel’s speakeasy for those in the know: both offer dazzling views over Downtown Dubai. Do not miss EllaMia on the ground-floor. With a refined setting, EllaMia is a sophisticated coffee bar, also serving freshly-baked sweets, macarons, cakes and pastries. Bringing a sense of cute with its crisp, white interiors, EllaMia is the perfect spot to enter a mid-day daydream with a cup of coffee.

TAMADA is an immersive new destination showcasing Eastern European cuisine with a flair. Curated by the globally renowned architect Laleh Amir Assefi, TAMADA promises visual brilliance, culinary excellence, and an unparalleled ambience. Celebrate Dubai’s cultural vibrancy and diverse palate by savoring caviar and clinking glasses to the rhythmic cadence of captivating music. TAMADA is a collaborative masterpiece by SLS Dubai and 7 Management.

Rooms and suites at SLS Dubai are among the largest in downtown Dubai, some with outdoor terraces. and many boasting magnetic skyline views of Dubai. The design is sleek contemporary, yet with a classic twist. Most bathrooms are awash with natural daylight and superb views. There are separate glass enclosed showers and stand alone en suite bathtubs. Furnishing and finishes are of the highest luxury standards – in 3 years of operations, the hotel has been maintained impeccably.

There are generous wardrobe spaces, and do expect the finest bedding, with a heavenly mattress. Feathery ‘SLS’-monogrammed duvets in high-thread satin cotton, pink velvet headboards and plush cream-and-grey carpets add to the sense of opulence. Floor-to-ceiling hologram murals of women’s faces follow occupants around rooms. Utmost attention is also being paid to soundproofing (both indoors and outdoors) and the AC which is serene and very efficient. Similar focus is on high water pressure.

With a global shortage of staff at luxury hotels, SLS Dubai seems to have found an ideal strategic approach, with most of the staff remaining loyal from the opening day. The team is passionate and dedicated, enthusiastic and proud to work for  SLS. Staff are attentive and most importantly authentic, and most often, they are also intuitive. You will be greeted with a smile and a kind gesture throughout the entire hotel. Housekeeping is of the highest luxury standards I have ever experienced in 16 years and more than 480 luxury hotels reviewed!

Despite its entertainment allure, you will always find a venue or a space which is most serene – and you can relax or unwind. The hotel is also attracting families as well as business travellers, who may be on a ”bleisure” stay (many accommodations have a business desk). The hotel is dog friendly, which is extremely rare for Dubai. Do not miss the breakfast and the Saturday Brunch – food is exceptional and be prepared to be genuinely pampered and well taken care of.

Ultimate desirability is ideally met with value and value in luxury is more important than ever. The fact that the hotel is keeping its relevance in Dubai’s highly competitive luxury hotel market, is truly impressive. Attracting the trendiest crowds in Dubai has been paramount to the success of the SLS Dubai. It is no surprise that over 50% of guests are repeat guests.

Oliver Petcu in Dubai

SLS Dubai