Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai targets March-end 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 on either side – the hotel element within the centre feels fairly 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 are confident we can deliver on that, but there’s a lot of elements in this hotel.” He added that eight residents have moved in already.

Viceroy is going to be targeting upmarket leisure couples in the main and by placing the natural-light-studded 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 designed as individual pods.

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

More fresh ideas in the rooms too; guests won’t find any fruit bowls but they can access drinks through a stylish draw-back cabinet, and there are large walk-in closets. Rates start from Dhs1,700 a night.

On site will be 10 F&B venues, in line with its ‘LA vibe, lifestyle push’, including Italian, Chinese, all-day Brasserie, beach club, patisserie, spa cafe, lobby lounge, pool and rooftop bars and nightclub options.

Owner Kabir Mulchandani from Skai Holdings was inspired by Apple’s cube store in Manhattan when seeking to create the novel arrival experience.