Delano Dubai review: Miami export is a modern wonderland

When Lewis Carroll wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, he could not have predicted how influential it would become. Stepping into Delano Dubai is just like falling down the rabbit hole featured in that famous novel. 'We just want guests to come and relax, you know? Forget about the outside world and be in this world,' a member of the guest relations team tells me. It's an ethos taken from the brand's flagship Miami hotel, which opened in 1995, and its Maison Delano in Paris, which opened in 2023. The National checks in to find out what's beyond the looking glass at the Bluewaters Island hotel. Having visited The Banyan Tree on Bluewaters Island just a few days before, I think I've made a mistake on the taxi booking app when my driver begins following a familiar path, pulling off the main road at the same turn. But as he reaches the security gates, he takes a left turn to the aforementioned hotel, which also has residential buildings, and a right turn to enter Delano Dubai. Together, the two hotels took over the space that was once Caesar's Palace, another US export. Behind the thin, translucent curtains – a signature design feature of the hotel – is a bright and airy lobby. Cream rugs top light pine floors, and more fabric drapes from tall ceilings against white walls and glass panels overlooking the sea. Minimal furniture includes oyster-hued curved sofas, tall potted plants and monochrome coffee tables topped with travel books. After a smooth check-in, the mood shifts as my guest and I leave the lobby. While the same curtains grace the corridors, the lights have faded, dimly shining over the dark marble floors as we enter the tunnel into 'Wonderland'. As we check into the fourth-floor room, the fun begins. It's one of the best hotel rooms I've stayed in. I notice the stunning terrace view: palm trees, hotel pool, blue seas. Cliched perhaps, but I do feel miles away from home, despite being a short drive away. Besides the bed, there is a sofa underneath one small window, indoor-opening wooden shutters adding extra charm. A sizeable study desk as well as a padded foot bench and a big light-up wardrobe complete the amenities. The refreshing spritz and range of desserts is a nice touch. The bath, shower and wash basin are in a separate room from the toilet. It's nice to see a sensible design decision here, meaning guests can soak in the supersized bath for lengthy periods without disruption. I also love the Byredo products the bathroom is stocked with. With dark hues and low lights, sultry vibes are consistent throughout the hotel. Things lighten up by the pool, though. Delano strikes a delicate balance with its poolside ambience. There's music and a buzz of chatter, but it's also possible to peacefully tuck into a novel. There are plenty of spots to throw down a towel for the day, from poolside loungers to cabanas and hammocks. Staying true to its Miami roots, two bistro chairs and a table stand firm in the pool's shallow end. Supposedly, they're an ode to Roman baths; a place to come together, unwind, discuss ideas. The gym is an unexpected highlight. It's spacious, with great sea and pool views and screens with workout programmes to select. During my visit, the on-site personal trainer gives me a challenging yet rewarding session. There are several restaurants in Delano Dubai, from Tutto Passa to Blue Door and The Delano Pool & Bar and the Rose Bar. Breakfast is a beautiful spread of classic morning foods, with a pastry offering to marvel over. The friendly staff remember from the previous evening that I'm vegan and bring me fresh avocado toast, a bowl of mixed berries, a chia yoghurt pudding and an oat latte before I even have the chance to scan the buffet. The night before, it was a specially-made vegan pizza for me (Dh95) and fresh spinach and ricotta ravioli (Dh105) for my guest. We also enjoyed colourful panzanella salad (Dh75), made with cherry tomatoes, red onion, crispy croutons, basil and cucumber and a bread basket to share. We also dine at Gohan in neighbouring Banyan Tree, tucking into edamame (Dh27); sweet soy cauliflower (Dh40); shiitake mushroom skewers (Dh35); baby spinach salad (Dh54); and the a vegan maki selection (Dh44). Each bite demonstrates vegan dishes done well, simple vegetables dressed and seasoned to make a lasting impression. Our final visit is to the speakeasy-style Rose Bar. The drinks are spectacular, but it's the disco room with light-up floors that stands out. The seating is reminiscent of disco balls and there are mirrors for walls. There may not be any Mad Hatter tea parties, but you won't get bored between the hotel amenities and the surrounding venues on Bluewaters Island. There is Madame Tussauds Dubai, Swingers Crazy Golf, an interactive City of Illusions museum, an arcade gaming zone at Brass Monkey, igloo-style dining at The Pods restaurant overlooking the water, and many more restaurants and bars to visit. Ain Dubai is also back in motion. Small details add up to a positive big picture at Delano Dubai. Despite a hiccup here or there, the overall experience is positive, making the hotel one I'd confidently recommend. Pricing is dependent on the dates and the season, with deluxe rooms starting at approximately Dh2,000 per night. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout is at noon. This review was conducted at the invitation of the resort and reflects standards during this time. Services may change in the future

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Khaleej Times

4 hours ago

• Khaleej Times

Emirates, Etihad, other UAE airlines extend flight suspension after US strikes Iran

[Editor's Note: Follow our live blog for real-time updates on the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.] UAE airlines on Sunday announced an extension of flight suspensions to several regional destinations due to widespread airspace closures, following the United States' decision to join Israel in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Aviation experts warn that US involvement could escalate regional tensions, potentially leading to further disruption of air travel to destinations such as Syria, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, and others. In response, the UAE and other Gulf nations have voiced concern, urging restraint and de-escalation. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv until July 15 due to the ongoing military conflict. 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi on their way to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. Affected passengers are being offered alternative travel arrangements,' said Etihad, the UAE's national airline. 'This remains a highly dynamic situation. Additional changes or disruptions — including sudden airspace closures — may occur at short notice. Etihad is closely monitoring developments in coordination with relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions,' the airline added. Separately, Etihad flight EY652 from Kuwait International Airport (KWI) to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) was cancelled on Sunday due to a technical issue. Flydubai also announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and St. Petersburg until June 30, 2025. 'Passengers connecting through Dubai to any of the affected destinations will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin until further notice,' the airline said. It advised affected passengers to check rebooking options on its website and monitor their flight status regularly. 'Please note that some flights may also face delays or rerouting,' it added. Emirates, Dubai's flagship carrier, has temporarily suspended all flights to Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra) until June 30, 2025. Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia has also halted flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan through the end of the month. Additionally, flights to Jordan are suspended until June 25, 2025, due to the ongoing regional tensions and airspace restrictions. 'Several other flights are being delayed or rerouted as a result. Passengers transiting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to any of the affected destinations will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,' the airline said.

Arabian Business

5 hours ago

• Arabian Business

RTA announces major Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall metro station expansion

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to expand the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station in partnership with Emaar Properties. The move is part of the authority's efforts to meet rising passenger demand during peak periods including New Year's Eve, public holidays, and national events. #RTA, in collaboration with Emaar Properties, announced the expansion of Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station to boost capacity by 65%. In addition to the planned expansion of the station's area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres, the project included provisions for enhancing… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 22, 2025 Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa metro station expansion to handle 220,000 daily passengers The expansion will increase the station's area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres, boosting hourly capacity from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers – a 65 per cent increase, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a statement. Upon completion, the station will accommodate up to 220,000 passengers per day. 'The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is a key hub in the Dubai Metro network, thanks to its strategic location near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and )Dubai Downtown(. It serves as a convenient and efficient gateway for residents and visitors, particularly during large-scale events and holidays, particularly New Year's Eve, Eids, national events and public holidays,' Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said. 'This expansion project responds to sustained and rising demand for metro services, with projections extending to 2040. Passenger numbers during New Year's Eve exceed 110,000, and the station has recorded an average annual ridership growth of 7.5% over the past five years,' he added. The station has experienced consistent growth since opening in early 2010. Al Tayer revealed passenger numbers rose from 6.13 million in 2013 to 7.254 million in 2016, reaching 7.885 million in 2019 with an average of 43,000 daily boardings and alightings. 'In 2022, the figure climbed to 8.827 million, surpassed 10.202 million in 2023 (56,000 daily average), and exceeded 10.577 million in 2024, with nearly 58,000 daily boarding and alighting,' he revealed. The expansion project includes enhanced entrances and pedestrian bridges to facilitate access, expanded concourse and platform areas, and additional escalators and elevators. Entry and exit gates will be separated to optimise passenger movement, whilst the number of fare gates will increase alongside expanded commercial spaces to boost revenue. The project will integrate with public transport and other mobility modes, and include landscaping enhancements. The architectural design follows the same concept applied to elevated stations on the Red and Green Lines of Dubai Metro. Inspired by the shape of a seashell, the station maintains an interior design philosophy that prioritises safety, security, and ease of movement. The design emphasises clarity and simplicity whilst reducing walking distances where possible. The internal layout preserves visual connectivity, and ground-level entrances are integrated with public transport and alternative mobility options such as bicycles and e-scooters. The station offers direct pedestrian access and integration with the surrounding urban environment. It is designed to be inclusive, considering the needs of People of Determination, senior citizens, residents, and parents with strollers.

The National

6 hours ago

• The National

British Airways halts flights to Dubai and Doha

British Airways has paused flights to Dubai and Doha in light of escalating conflict in the region. It is one of several airlines worldwide that have suspended flights to the Middle East. The UK carrier said in a statement to The National:"All flights to Dubai and Doha scheduled to depart LHR [London Heathrow Airport] on June 22 and their subsequent return flights have been cancelled. Our teams continue to keep the situation under review." Hostilities continue in the region, with the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities in the early hours of June 22 and Israel's ongoing strikes on Gaza, as well as Israel and Iran trading attacks. "As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew," the BA statement read. For passengers already booked on to affected flights, BA said it was working to reach all those affected. "We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation." Passengers, it continued, will be offered a "flexible booking policy" regarding changing their dates of travel. "Those due to travel between now and June 24 can rebook on to a later flight up to and including July 6, free of charge, by contacting us by phone." On Sunday morning, a BA flight carrying 206 passengers from Chennai to London changed course less than an hour into its journey, after the US strikes on Iran. Elsewhere, Flightradar24 reported a second BA flight, which took off on Saturday evening, was rerouted to Zurich, Switzerland, while over Saudi Arabia. The airline has also halted all flights to Bahrain until the end of this month. It said the move to suspend the flights was made to 'ensure the safety of customers and crew' amid a rapidly changing and volatile scenario." Air Canada and United Airlines have also cancelled flights to Dubai, while American Airlines has paused flights to Doha.