Voted Best Luxury Business Hotel Worldwide at the Hotel of the Year Awards, The Oberoi, Dubai was the Group’s first property in the United Arab Emirates opened in June 2013. With its central location at The Oberoi Centre just a few minutes drive from downtown Dubai and the Dubai Mall, The Oberoi, Dubai is a multi award winning contemporary luxury hotel that embodies height, light and space as can be seen as soon as you step into the hotel’s spacious lobby.

Each of the spacious 252 rooms and suites feature high ceilings and have floor-to-ceiling windows which afford spectacular views of the city’s skyline. The luxurious rooms have refreshing views of hotel’s azure olympic-sized pool, Dubai’s dramatic skyline or the iconic Burj Khalifa. The stunning views are rival those of any of the other luxury hotels in Dubai.

From the Presidential Suite to the Premier Rooms, the interiors feature timber floors, rich fabrics, hand-tufted rugs and specially commissioned artwork which further accentuate the stylish elegance of the rooms. The magnificent Italian marble bathrooms are all fitted with a standalone bathtub with a separate glass-panelled shower and also afford spectacular views of the stunning city of Dubai.

There’s so much for families to enjoy at The Oberoi, Dubai from the luxurious and comfortable guest rooms to the temperature-controlled olympic-sized outdoor pool where you can enjoy the hotel’s legendary hospitality with some cool drinks and tasty poolside snacks whilst lazing in the sun or taking a dip in the 25 metre long heated pool.

The Oberoi Spa in Dubai offers a comprehensive range of holistic therapies that include Western, Balinese, Thai and Ayurveda massage treatments to promote relaxation, rejuvenation and wellbeing in luxurious surroundings. For busy parents in need of pampering, we particularly recommend the Ayurvedic inspired rituals which include treatments using Abhyanga traditional Indian massage, Padabhyanga reflexology, Marma Point Therapy, Shirodhara warm oil therapy and Hot herbal poultice therapy. All the treatments are immensely relaxing, calming and leave your mind and body feeling balanced and rejuvenated.

Culinary highlights at The Oberoi, Dubai include an array of sensory experiences and we were delighted to dine at their Indian speciality restaurant Ananta. The culinary philosophy behind Ananta at The Oberoi, Dubai is the creation of a gastronomic bridge between traditional and post-modern Indian cuisine. Ananta restaurant serves a tantalizing array of culinary masterpieces, innovative specialities and classical dishes embellished with contemporary flair in sumptuous surroundings. Even the waitresses look spectacular in their stunning saris.

Ananta offers unparalleled luxury fine dining in Dubai. Luxuriously furnished in rich crimson with crisp, white linen tables, Ananta is dominated by a magnificent show kitchen where guests can watch our master chefs hand craft Indian delicacies in traditional, coal-fired clay ovens. The menu focuses on cuisine to tantalises the senses including a tasting menu highlighting the restaurant’s new #7Senses dining concept. Chef Sreejith promised to take us on a sensory jaunt of gastronomic brilliance and the menu looked sensational.

First to whet our appetites was some crunchy poppadoms with a choice of chutneys and dips.

The team at Ananta believes that “eating appetizers gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship for the main courses to follow”. To test that theory we were served with a selection of delectable appetizers from the post-modern and traditional era of Indian cuisine.

A story about a toothless Indian king accompanies the selection of entrées including the aforementioned dish of Shahi Nehari – 48 hour slow braised Indian lamb shank with onion and spices served with taftan.

We were told that “One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention for the first time to the gastronomic pleasure of Ananta’s main courses from the post-modern and traditional era”. We couldn’t agree more as our attention was drawn to these delicious dishes.

Delicious dishes on the degustation menu include Chicken tikka masala – succulent chicken cooked in onion and tomato based sauce with fresh coriander; Hyderabadi jhinge ka salan – prawns simmered in nutty gravy tempered with mustard and red chilli; and Dal makhani – 36 hour sous vide black lentils cooked with butter. Chef Sreejith and his team did a fantastic job pleasing our palates with this plates of perfection.

Our culinary journey from the traditional to the post-modern was almost at an end. To finish the exciting meal, we enjoyed two desserts beginning with Ananta’s interpretation of traditional Kulfi served with saffron pistachio and malai.

For those with a sweet tooth, Ananta’s dessert menu is sure to please with its post-modern and traditional interpretations of mouth watering unique and home-made desserts such as these delightful gulab jamun – sweet and sticky, the perfect end to a perfect meal.

The Oberoi’s legendary service without compromise is delivered by attentive and caring team members making Ananta at The Oberoi Dubai a favourite dining choice for discerning business and leisure travellers to the amazing city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The Oberoi Dubai
The Oberoi Centre, Al A’amal Street, P.O. Box 71847, Business Bay Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971 4 444 1 444
www.oberoidubai.com
@oberoidubai

Located within the opulent surroundings of Raffles Dubai, Solo is a home-grown Italian Restaurant & Bar, serving an authentic taste of Italy with a modern twist to their generously portioned dishes in a vibrant and convivial atmosphere.

Solo offers Raffles Dubai guests with delicious homemade cuisine inspired by Italy’s diverse regions; from Lombardy and Tuscany, to Campania and Sicily. Signature dishes of fresh meat, seafood and pizza are baked to order in the authentic Italian wood-fired oven, the centrepiece of the stylish dining area.

Executive Chef Doxis Bekris has over 20 years of culinary experience starting in his native Greece before branching out all over the world. Within Dubai, Doxis has worked at The Address Dubai Mall and Kempinski Mall of the Emirates. In 2010, he took on the role of corporate food & beverage/culinary Director for Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts.

From 2011 to 2014, Doxis was the Complex Culinary Director at The Westin Resort & The Romanos Luxury Collection in Costa Navarino, Greece. He then joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Kenya as Group Executive Chef.

In May 2016, Doxis took over the culinary operations at Raffles Dubai as Executive Chef. He is also the co-author of several cookbooks, including Famously Mediterranean. Doxis re-launched Solo Italian Restaurant & Bar, taking over the management in 2016. He introduced an attractive and inventive new menu, presenting cuisines from 20 regions in Italy, in addition to wood-fired oven signatures dishes.

Solo prides itself on sourcing local farm produce when the UAE harvesting season allows, whilst also importing seasonal ingredients from Italy. All of the dishes, from the bread, right through to the sauces, pastas and pizzas, are freshly made in-house.

It’s easy to see why Solo won Best Italian of 2016 in the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards with dishes like Carpaccio Di Tonno – the freshest thinly sliced raw tuna with Herbs & Spices served with Lemon Dressing, Pomelo, Capers & Mixed Cress Salad. The tastes and textures were divine.

Other antipasti dishes include Fritto Misto – Crispy Fried Calamari, Prawns, White Bait and Mussels are joined by a mixture of classic vegetables such as courgette and aurbergine all served with Lemon Mayonnaise and Spicy Marinara Sauce with a muslin wrapped lemon to brighten the flavours.

Stunning salads to savour include Burrata E Pomodori – Fresh Burrata and Heirloom Tomatoes served with an innovative Basil Sponge and an amazing Tomato Sorbet whose sweetness complemented the cheese perfectly with a dusting of Olive Powder.

Classic Italian dishes to tantalise the taste buds include Risotto Nero ai Frutti di Mare – a delicious dish of Squid Ink Risotto topped with succulent mixed seafood decadently dressed with Lobster Foam and delicate gold leaf.

Another authentic Italian pasta dish to perk up your palate is Ravioli di Spinaci. The creamy sauce paired well with the spinach filling in the handmade ravioli dressed with parmesan and decadent shavings of black truffle.

Meats on the menu that mean business include Carrè Di Agnello – perfectly grilled trimmed Rack Of Lamb was succulent and flavoursome served on a bed of Creamy Polenta with Sicilian inspired Caponata and Thyme Jus.

Another classic dish definitely worth a second look is Spaghetti Alla Chitarra – herbs & spices infuse the freshly made pasta bathed in a delicious Lobster Cream Sauce with a serving of Spicy Caviar on the side.

The dessert menu offers classic sweet treats to finish your Italian gastronomic adventure such as Pannacotta, Cassata and this beautifully presented Tiramisú.

Solo delivers quality Italian food, excellent service and creative drinks, and is the ultimate destination for Italian food enthusiasts in Dubai. Doxis has been heavily involved in repositioning Solo Dubai and developing creative promotional ideas for the restaurant, including Solo Cooking Classes on Saturdays.

In these interactive classes Doxis and his team teach guests how to cook flavoursome Italian dishes from scratch as well as demonstrate professional culinary skills and techniques. A must-try experience for any food lover and one we look forward to on our next visit to this wonderful Italian restaurant in the heart of Raffles Dubai.

Solo at Raffles Dubai
13th Street, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Wafi City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971 4 324 8888
www.solodubai.ae
@solodubai

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is enviably located along the JBR Walk, and offers its guests distinctive Emirati experiences at this luxury resort from sophisticated rooms and suites to international cuisine at one of its 9 restaurants, all just steps away from Dubai’s premier attractions.

Named Best Southeast Asian Restaurant by Time Out Dubai, Blue Jade is the Ritz-Carlton Dubai’s signature Pan-Asian restaurant offering a variety of the most authentic and sought after dishes from across Asia allowing guests to reminisce and relive their travels across the continent whilst giving those whom have not yet experienced Asian cuisine the opportunity to indulge and relish dishes that will be at once new yet familiar to them.

Head Chef Ta Van has created outstanding menus for The Ritz-Carlton Dubai’s signature Asian restaurant that showcases the flavours of his native Vietnam as well as those of Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China. Dining at Blue Jade takes you on a culinary journey across Asia without you ever leaving your table!

This award winning restaurant in Dubai Marina also offers special weekly themed nights such as DimSumptuous Wednesdays and Sushi-licious Sundays, which showcases Asian favourites of Cantonese dim sum and Japanese sushi for guest to enjoy on an unlimited basis. Blue Jade also offers an extensive drinks menu featuring interesting cocktails and thirst-quenching beers.

Chef Ta Van served us his favourite classics family style at the table and the restaurant’s sommelier was pleased to offer us signature beverages such as the Blue Jade cocktail classics which were expertly crafted and so tempting even the lobster couldn’t keep his hands off it.

To start with a selection of Cantonese dim sum showcasing the most authentic dim sim flavours from across China to begin our culinary journey through Blue Jade’s Pan-Asian menu.

First up was Chicken Siu Mai accompanied in the classic Cantonese style with Prawn Har Gow. The Siu Mai was complemented by Shitake mushrooms mixed with chicken filling and served with traditional soy sauce for dipping. The Har Gow was served with a piquant Vietnamese sauce which paired well with the seafood filling.

This classic combination was joined by Duck Gyoza served with Hoisin sauce. The freshness of spring onions in the succulent filling was delightful.

The dim sum dishes were followed by Wok Fried Atlantic Lobster. This impressive dish is sure to please the eyes with its beautiful presentation and attention to detail. The lobster meat having been removed from the shell is stir-fried with vegetables in a delicious black pepper sauce which was surprisingly mild but really balanced the sweet flavour of the lobster.

The Pomelo Salad with shrimp, fresh herbs and lime chilli dressing was refreshing to the palate and zesty in flavour with a wonderful contrast of textures from the different components of the dish.

Curry dishes include Duck in Thai Red curry sauce with aubergine and pineapple. The tender meat is bathed in a flavoursome authentic red curry sauce accented by fresh Thai herbs scattered on top.

Other signature dishes include delicately Steamed Halibut with green ginger & vegetables in soy sauce. The herby crust added another dimension of flavour and texture to this fish dish.

Alongside Mr Sloan’s favourite dish of the evening – Miso Black Cod. The delicate velvety flakes of black cod literally fell apart with its sweet caramelised texture complemented by the Japanese miso flavours with sautéed vegetables.

Noodle dishes include traditional Pad Thai and a delicious Singapore Noodles with egg vermicelli noodles tossed with succulent chicken & tender vegetables with curry seasoning.

Chef Ta Van and his team offer a very special dining experience with a passion for sharing the culinary diversity of the largest continent on the planet. Using his skills and experience from the region, the chef brings an array of Asia delicacies to Dubai throughout the year making authentic pan-Asian dishes accessible for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Dubai to experience.

If you’re wondering about the story behind the restaurant’s name, the Blue Jade stone is a talisman of dreams, peace and serenity. It is said to calm and restore the mind and body, and is widely used to temper emotional upheaval and to restore equilibrium. After our wonderful dinner we couldn’t agree more with the choice of name for this dreamy Dubai dining destination.

Blue Jade at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
The Walk, JBR. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971 4 318 6150
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dubai/dubai-beach/dining/blue-jade
@ritzcarlton

Joining the towering modern buildings of the vibrant city of Dubai is the brand new Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront. Located in the Dubai Water Canal district of Business Bay, the hotel is part of one of the city’s largest and most impressive waterfront developments. The area is becoming internationally known as one of the top business and leisure locations.

The stylish 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront with its outstanding range of facilities and renowned friendly professional service is guaranteed to make your stay a memorable one. The hotel’s “Yes I Can!^SM” philosophy means you’ll always receive outstanding service with a smile promising guests an unforgettable experience filled with Dubai hospitality.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront is unique in all regards. For business travellers, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport are all within 15 kilometers. Leisure guests can enjoy proximity to popular tourist attractions, including Dubai landmarks like the Dubai Mall, with more than 1,200 retail outlets, and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. There are also multiple world-class golf courses available.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront aims to be the friendliest 5 star hotel in this breathtaking Middle Eastern city. This promise is taken so seriously that the claim is even emblazoned on the shirts of the hotel staff – so we were excited to see just how true this was during Sloan’s recent visit to Dubai.

After a full day of business or exploration, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront offers spectacular views and luxurious amenities from the sophisticated comfort of your room. The interiors of the 432 rooms and suites are all stylishly designed with a calm and relaxing atmosphere and high-end finishes, capturing unforgettable views of the Business Bay district.

For a luxurious stay, we recommend one of the suites located on the hotel’s higher floors which have a private balcony and offer spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. Whether you are entertaining business clients or looking for more room to relax and unwind, the Burj Khalifa Balcony Suite is the perfect base for your stay in Dubai.

The suite allows you to fully enjoy Dubai’s luxury lifestyle with its spacious living area and separate bedroom in addition to the private balcony to take in the beautiful views of the Business Bay district and breathtaking skyline dominated by Burj Khalifa. High-end amenities such as a Nespresso® coffee machine and luxuriously equipped bathroom offers the perfect moment of relaxation.

One of the other benefits of staying in a suite at Radisson Blue Hotel, Dubai Waterfront is the complimentary access to the Business Class Lounge and terrace where you can enjoy a selection of beverages, a private buffet breakfast, lunch and evening snacks. The lounge is also a great place to entertain business clients or hold informal meetings.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront is a foodie destination in its own right. The various restaurants offer a wide array of delicious cuisine, guaranteed to delight and impress on every level.  From modern Middle Eastern delights in Republic & Co. and Nordic newbies in the Larder Restaurant to smoke-infused snifters in Makar Scottish Bar or mid-west treats in Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, there is something to please every taste.

The nightlife gets even more exciting at the French Riviera’s crown jewel, Gotha Club Dubai, infused with art and marked with world-class entertainment, offering a unique and animated clubbing experience hosting sophisticated events with top performing artists and original entertainment combining elements of a nightclub and a live entertainment venue.

We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks at Makar – one of the hotel’s popular bars exuding sophistication and style with a Scottish touch. Check out the bar’s drink menu with its fun take on trophy stag heads that’s guaranteed to raise a smile before you’ve even raised your glass!

We were invited to try The Old Man & The Sea, a whisky y based cocktail using Old Pultney and a mix of citrus flavours topped with Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur. We also tried the Orchard Dramble which is a slightly different take on the classic bramble. It is a refreshing fruity drink with a mix of Dewar’s 12 whisky, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and cloudy apple juice.

Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar is an elegant American Mid-West grill restaurant, bar and terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the Burj Khalifa to go along with its mouthwatering dishes and refreshing drinks for an all-round, fine dining experience. It is the ideal location to enjot an evening overlooking the illuminated Dubai skyline. We sampled the Kentucky Mojito made with Jim Bean white label and the Frozen Penicilin made with Dewar’s 12 blended and Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Whisky.

Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar originated in Minnesota and combines the best mid-west traditions of open flame cooking with the art of cocktail creation. The restaurant is all about the flavour of the flame with many of the dishes wood, flame-cooked or smoked.

The culture and style of the food is deeply rooted in North America but with touches that are closer to home. Fire Lake Grill House serves moreish appetisers such as these yummy Crab Croquettes served with a Comeback Sauce that will have you coming back for more!

The restaurant has made use of regional flavours where possible so one can expect to see lots of dishes couple together with locally inspired ingredients from the Middle East. Check out these delectable delights from the starters menu…

Fire Lake Grill House offers guests a menu that tantalises the taste buds including these tasty Lamb & Pistachio Kofta kebab skewers which combine Middle Eastern flavours with American grill cooking methods. We also tried a tasty Whiskey concoction carefully crafted off menu by our friendly bar tender.

The other starters at Fire Lake Grill House also include meaty delicacies like Sticky Lamb Ribs with smoky Gaujillio chilli glaze served with pickled cucumber and scattered with toasted sesame seeds.

Delicious mains courses cooked on coals include 28 day aged Greater Omaha Choice beef served on the bone and succulent coal roasted lamb rump served with charred hispi cabbage, pickled onions, yoghurt and pomegranate seeds.

Also on the menu are a fish lovers delight like flame grilled jumbo prawns served with their heads and seasoned beautifully with garlic, green onions, sumac and smoked sea salt.

Not forgetting some very tempting sides like these triple cooked fat chips with smoked salt.

Save room if you can for the dessert menu sure to satisfy any sweet tooth with choices like this modern interpretation of the classic American favourite S’Mores comprising of chocolate mousse, toasted marshmallow,  Graham crackers and a rich chocolate sauce.

Let’s take one last look at that truly unforgettable Dubai skyline as we end the meal on a high with a scrumptious dessert and a cheeky naughty shake.

Having reached the end of a decadent evening of gastronomic delights, it was time to retire to the luxurious comforts of our suite.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront
Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
+971 4 249 7800
www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-dubaiwaterfront