Simply Abu Dhabi XXVI

L aunched inNovember 2015, Palazzo Versace Dubai is a spectacular waterfront urban resort located on a prime plot of the Dubai Creek in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, surrounded by elegant landscaped gardens and steeped in classic Italian design. Reminiscent of a 16th century Italian palace, it is a neoclassical masterpiece with subtle traces of Arabian architecture. Set in the heart of Dubai’s newCulture Village, Palazzo Versace Dubai is a convenient 15-minute journey from Dubai international airport, and within easy reach of Burj Khalifa and downtown Dubai. Featuring a striking entrance – the Pietra di Fiume design of the iconic Medusa and Greek décor – high ceilings and a range of tailor-made, well-crafted Italian furnishings, the hotel is a true symbol of the Versace lifestyle. It is only the second Versace resort property in the world, the first having been built on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, and a world exclusive in terms of a fashion branded hotel concept. At Palazzo Versace Dubai, artistic director Donatella Versace has exclusively designed the interiors and furniture for each of the 215 rooms. Every detail is exquisite, from the ceilings hand-detailed in gold to the finest marbles and mosaics. Throughout the design run the iconic motifs of Versace, such as theMedusa head, the Greek key and the fashion house’s legendary prints (including special editions). The grand lobby features an extraordinary 1000sqmmarble mosaic floor, with bespoke furniture and textiles decorated with peacocks, falcons and horses. “This truly is a luxury destination second to none in the world,” commented Donatella Versace during the hotel’s grand opening. “The United Arab Emirates is a very important market for Versace, and we have many brand loyalists living there. We’re so happy to be able to bring the Versace experience to the Middle East.” Developed in joint venture with Enshaa Group – one of the region’s premier developers – the five-star property also features a world-class spa, 169 condominiums ranging from one to six bedrooms and decorated and furnished in the true Versace style, an array of fine dining options, and spectacular lagoon pools and reflection ponds that complement the serenity of the lush gardens surrounding the hotel. 9 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I