Travel & Stay

Hotel Review: The Delano, Dubai

Sheer cream coloured curtains drape the hallways, and on Bluewaters Island, a slice of iconic Miami hospitality arrives in Dubai as the Delano hotel debuts, reimagined for the UAE's second capital

BY /
3 January 25
Hotel Review: The Delano, Dubai

Drawing inspiration from the original Delano location on Miami's iconic Collins Avenue, the Dubai property seamlessly blends contemporary elegance and aesthetics with a playful spirit.

Having officially opened on October 7, 2024, Delano Dubai is an extension of the global luxury hospitality company Ennismore, and has become a welcome addition to the brand's international collection of indulgent lifestyle hotel brands. Ennismore is known for its innovative approach to modern luxe hospitality, creating hotels that are more than just places to stay – they are destinations in themselves, offering guests unique stays and memorable experiences.

The Delano Dubai features a collection of exquisitely designed rooms and suites, each boasting modern amenities and private balconies offering stunning views. But it is the iconic Delano pool that acts as a pivotal centrepiece of the hotel, offering a luxurious oasis for relaxation and socialising, complete with plush horsehair-filled loungers and attentive poolside service.

The Location & Getting There

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Just under 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and mere minutes from Dubai Marina, the Delano Dubai provides both visitors and residents with an idyllic escape on Bluewaters Island. The hotel's location provides guests with both stunning views over the Gulf whilst also offering a sense of exclusivity, and still being relatively accessible. Of course, for those driving, valet parking is readily available at the hotel.

Despite its name, Dubai's Bluewaters Island is actually more akin to a (man-made) peninsula, and offers guests a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Dubai and The Palm, whilst the vibrant Dubai Marina and JBR area are easily accessible for those seeking an element of urban exploration. But it is the iconic Marina and JBR skyline coupled with the up-close views of Ain Dubai, the world's largest viewing wheel, which makes for the ultimate wow factor. 

The Ambiance

Quiet and understated, but most definitely not devoid of personality or indulgence. Whimsical voile curtains line the hallways of the hotel, the slightly yellowed hue of oak juxtaposes sharp edges of marble and concrete to create a classic and modern take on expectant luxury. Delano Dubai is a marked departure from the expected extravagance often found in the region, the modern hotel offers guests a more nuanced form of indulgence. It's a place where the brand's personality subtly shines through in unexpected quirks, creating an intriguing contrast to the marble-clad grandeur prevalent in the region. Instead, Delano Dubai evokes the feeling of a chic and contemporary sanctuary, reminiscent of the hidden treasures found within the stylish heart of Paris or London.

The Guests

Attracting a diverse clientele, the Delano Dubai welcomes a wide variety of guests from young families, locals, business people, couples, and holidaymakers, along with a number of internationally renowned celebrities that we spotted on our stay. But one thing is for certain, the guests staying at and visiting the Delano Dubai are a sophisticated and discerning clientele who appreciate stylish accommodations, a vibrant social scene and paradisiacal privacy. 

This is the ultimate hush-hush destination, where international musicians and celebrities go unbothered and wealthy business people, and locals blend in, creating an atmosphere of understated exclusivity.

The Rooms

Contemporary indulgence radiates from each one of Delano Dubai's 251 ultra-indulgent rooms and suites. But the pinnacle of the property - named after US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt - is a five-bedroom penthouse featuring its own private panoramic pool and a beautifully appointed, sun-drenched deck.

Delano Dubai's modern luxury extends to every room and suite, providing all the expected conveniences alongside truly appreciated extras. Enhancing the luxury feel from the main lobby and throughout the room, guests are also able to indulge in Byredo amenities, enjoy the practicality of a steamer, and experience the superior touch of a Dyson hairdryer.

The carefully curated decor and interiors incorporate the signature elements of the brand: striking black and white imagery gracing the walls, and vibrant, punchy peach pillows punctuate the soft, creamy beige couch, whilst the bedroom embodies a clean and chic ambiance of neutrals. The bathroom is bright and clean, double sinks are complemented with gold accented mirrors and plenty of storage. 

Enveloping guests in both sumptuous comfort and refined style, each room and suite offers a true sanctuary of ease and sophisticated elegance. We stayed in a one-bedroom Midnight Dawn Junior Suite, a one and a half bathroom and one-bedroom suite with an elongated balcony that overlooks the central pool area, complete with a petite but perfect living room area for lounging and doing some work, and a well-designed entry way space. Sunlight spills through floor-to-ceiling windows, only softened by the delicate wispy voile curtains, creating a luminous and light filled ambiance during the day. But don't worry, as twilight descends, blackout blinds promise a haven of deepest slumber. 

And each day, a Delano signature quirk is added to the room, a crisp Granny Smith apple is placed under a miniature glass cloche, because as they say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

The Restaurants

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Guests at Delano Dubai can effortlessly explore a range of dining experiences, both within the hotel and in the surrounding area. And the willing concierge staff are readily available to handle bookings for all these diverse dining experiences, ensuring you secure your preferred reservations.

With several distinct dining choice easily accessible to Delano guests both on site and within the locale, guests can enjoy chilled poolside dining during the day and choose the sophisticated allure of classic Italian and fine Anatolian cuisine with stunning waterfront views as evening falls, whilst the vibrant flavours of the Far East offer a captivating interruption to the hotel's overarching Miami-Mediterranean vibe.

Tutto Passa is the Delano Dubai's Italian-infused, all-day dining restaurant, from fresh juices and flaky pastries in the morning, to indulgently rich pastas and fresh stone baked pizzas: simple and delicious. Grab a delicious and quick lunch by the pool at the poolside al fresco dining destination. Newly opened Blue Door offers guests a delightful coastal dining experience featuring exquisite Anatolian cuisine and breathtaking waterfront views. The restaurant's stylish yet laid-back outdoor seating area resembles a garden oasis, adorned with plush white furnishings amidst verdant foliage, highlighted by a charming blue door that evokes a Mediterranean ambiance. Led by Chef Zulfikar Cambaz, Blue Door celebrates the culinary heritage of coastal Anatolia with a menu that harmonises tradition and innovation. 

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Next door, Maison Revka is an opulent and heavily designed restaurant and beach club serving a unique fusion of Slavic and French cuisine, and a bougie and low-key vibey beach club during the day. And on the other side, La Cantine Beach offers an additional French-inspired high-end casual dining option, whilst nearby Gohan showcases flavourful fusions of Japanese fare. Close to the pool, Rose Bar is an intimate and dimly lit speakeasy style bar that is most definitely worth the visit for afterhours drinks coupled with top-notch music.

Wellness 

Delano Dubai Gym

The Delano's commitment to fitness and aesthetics is evident in the fully equipped Technogym gym that is open 24-hours a day; pivoting on providing essentials with aesthetics, the Delano Gym is one of the best hotel gyms in the emirate. Offering a high-end wellness studio concept inclusive of outdoor pilates space, the gym and wellness areas have been developed in collaboration with Adrienne Everett—a yoga instructor, HWH Studio founder, and past Delano Miami resident. This studio provides versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for barre, Reformer Pilates, breath work, sound healing, meditation, and yoga. Guests can also avail of the indulgent spa facilities at the nearby Banyan Tree resort, where bespoke spa therapies and beauty treatments can offer a luxurious escape from reality. 

And with the beach just steps away from the pool, the indoor-outdoor living experience is not just encouraged at the Delano Dubai, its at the heart of the resort. 

The Staff

Attentive and well-trained, the young staff will readily assist with every need, from taking bags off your hands, to swiftly arranging taxis and offering convenient golf buggy rides to the beach club, to efficiently managing luggage delivery to your room. Bringing an energy 

In Short

At Delano Dubai, guests will find the whimsical seamlessly blending with the chic. The newly opened hotel's tranquil, privacy-pivoting atmosphere is delightfully enlivened by unexpected and intriguing quirks, celebrity spotting and indulgent moments. 


Delano Dubai, prices from Dhs2000 per night 
Bluewaters Island, Dubai, UAE
Book your stay here
@delanodubai