There’s a mosaic on the lobby floor of Dubai’s Palazzo Versace hotel. It’s made up of 1.5 million tiles and depicts the classical Medusa head. Above it hangs a 3,000kg Bohemia crystal chandelier imported from the Czech Republic. And that’s all before you’ve even checked-in.
From the lobby to high-ceilinged rooms, the three outdoor pools to a spa covering 1,000 square metres, large spaces are elegantly styled here, neatly avoiding the gaudy pitfalls that some of the city’s more opulent hotels seem to slip into.
There are eight restaurants to choose from but head to the signature Italian Vanitas or fine dining Turkish spot Enigma for some of the best food around. End the night enthralled by some live jazz at Qs Bar and Lounge – Quincy Jones’ place – it’s packed at weekends.
Then as you settle in under your exquisite Versace bedspread – all rooms are furnished by the Versace Home Collection – remind yourself that you are not, in fact, royalty and that days (and nights) spent here are very special indeed.
Words: Andrew Nagy
Image: Palazzo Versace