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In the nine years since I last set foot in Dubai, a lot has changed there. It seems to be the world’s capital for the tallest, biggest and highest records! The skyline is unrecognisable, with incredible skyscrapers that sprawl as far as the eye can see.
I was there to stay at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, a towering 5-star hotel that fuses ancient Egyptian heritage with French art and cuisine. I couldn’t wait to experience it all, and see what was on offer for couples looking for a Dubai destination wedding.
Staring up the 50 floors above, you just know you’re in Dubai. The building is striking, rising to a gold pyramid, representing the Luxor Obelisk in Paris.
The hotel has an Art Deco vibe, along with incredible Egyptian inspired sculptures, including an enormous golden falcon over the lobby (the UAE’s national bird) and a beautiful jewel-toned chandelier, with carved columns and a stunning mosaic floor. The attention to detail is spectacular, and even in my tired state at 2 am, I was just in awe! My first impressions were that I was in for an incredible stay.
My room
The hotel has 498 rooms and suites, as well as 97 serviced apartments and residences. My room was on the 38th floor, so high up my ears popped just getting there! As it was the middle of the night, the curtains were drawn, however, I couldn’t resist a peek behind the curtains at Dubai all lit up – and it was just like a dream, sparkling away around me, so I spent a moment taking it all in.
The room itself was incredibly spacious and comfortable, with a card and fresh fruit, baklava and dates to welcome me. It really doesn’t get fresher or more delicious! The space had an art deco feel, with geometric patterns and neutral tones.
Silky Egyptian cotton sheets, a huge, luxurious Sofitel MyBed™ and fluffy pillows made the bed incredibly inviting, especially arriving at 2 am after a flight! The bathroom had a huge bath, walk-in shower, twin basins and Lanvin products, which all added to the luxury. I slept really well in the beautiful bed before enjoying breakfast in the morning.
Eating at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
There is a range of options for eating at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Brasserie Boulud offers seasonal French contemporary cuisine, Taiko Dubai serves Asian cuisine and has a bar, Bijou Patisserie will provide one of the best Afternoon Teas in Dubai (I spotted incredible cakes as I walked past!), Soleil Lounge is there for all your poolside requirements, and The Nine is a feline-inspired restaurant serving a British gastro menu alongside screens to catch your sports.
Brasserie Boulud is on the second floor, and is spacious and light, with an open kitchen. After taking a seat, I enjoyed a gorgeous Arabic breakfast with houmous and olives – the best I have ever tasted. Guests could help themselves to other breakfast options as well, including fresh pastries and smoothies.
Having arrived in the dark I couldn’t wait to get outside and see the pool. Beautifully escorted to a lounger, a blue and white striped towel was laid out for me as I settled down in my office for the morning. And what a stunning place to work! The pool is inspired by the Mediterranean and is shaped like a key, with a long section that leads under a bridge to a sunken pool bar where you can enjoy cocktails under a bright blue sky. It was so relaxing, with the hotel in the background and poolside cabanas scattered around the place. These would be such a fun place to have a pool party, or just for a little extra privacy to enjoy the serenity of the poolside.
I popped back to the poolside later on where they were setting up for an evening event. The sky was turning a rich orange as the sunset – it would be perfect for a drinks reception or party location for your wedding, it’s just so dreamy.
Sofitel SPA with L’Occitane
Offering a sanctuary to relax in, the spa is the only one in Dubai to use L’Occitane products and offers a Provencal retreat feel. All-natural health and beauty treatments are on offer, with massages, face treatments and body scrubs all included on the spa menu.
With the pool, spa, plethora of restaurants and gorgeous spaces to relax in, once you’re checked in, there’s really no need to leave the hotel, everything is there!
Dinner at Brasserie Boulud
Back to Brasserie Boulud for dinner as I was tempted by their French bistro menu. I was not disappointed! The menu holds a lot of French classics – escargot, caviar, foie gras – and I enjoyed a crisp salad, full of flavour, with aged Gouda cheese, walnuts and a buttermilk and herb dressing and then grilled black sea bass with spaghetti squash, pumpkin seeds, glazed carrots and delicious chicken jus.
To finish, I just had to try the spectacular chocolate fondant, served at the table with a blow-torch to melt the chocolate top and then adorned with coconut ice cream. The food was exquisite and I love seeing it in the kitchen at restaurants, it creates such a lovely atmosphere, almost like a private kitchen.
Weddings at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Planners and wedding butlers are available to provide the wedding of your dreams at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. The Ballroom is bright and sparkles with contemporary Swarovski crystal chandeliers. It can be divided into three smaller rooms and has a maximum capacity of 600 guests.
The hotel will take care of everything for you, even down to a customised cake designed by their master pâtissier. There is a separate entrance and a stunning staircase that would look beautiful for photos. You can take as many rooms as you need, in total luxury to enjoy your day. It is such a gorgeous space and would make a great destination wedding location.
Final thoughts
Bathed in Egyptian gold and kissed by French influence, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is totally luxurious. The staff are excellent, the views are incredible and the food is divine. This is the place to stay if you’re in Dubai, and perfect for a destination wedding.
To read more hotel reviews see here
Address
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Wafi City – Sheikh Rashid Rd – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai
Tel:+971 4 3249999
Email: [email protected]
