The latest addition to the vibrant world of W Hotels has landed in the heart of Dubai. Dubbed as the ‘Port Of All, For All’, W Dubai Mina Seyahi is reminiscent of a modern-day bazaar with a distinctive beach-party vibe, breathing much-needed youthful energy into the otherwise sleepy shorelines of the neighborhood. Delivering the best of music, fashion, design, and culinary arts, guests here are encouraged to break boundaries and fuel their lust for life.
Blending coastal cool with big-city vibes, the jewel of the United Arab Emirates lures tourists with year-round sunshine and record-breaking attractions like the world’s tallest building or the latest addition, the wonderful Museum of the Future. Dubai is also known for being home to some of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in the world. Actually almost 150 properties are rated 5-stars, and the iconic Burj Al Arab is dubbed the world’s only official 7-star hotel. Relaxing spas, splendid infinity pools, breathtaking views, beach butlers, lavish designer spas and regally decorated rooms are just some of the things that these hotels have to offer. So the opening of a new property must be something truly amazing, like almost everything else that is done in the Emirate.
The UAE’s latest W Hotel, located in the heart of Al Mina Al Seyahi, the legendary ‘Port of Travellers’ district of Jumeirah Beach, is home to the glittering Dubai International Marine Club and its 300-berth marina. Blended between the destination’s vibe and the soul of W Hotels, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is a luxury adults-only gateway for guests seeking new discoveries and is always buzzing with energy, opportunity and great atmosphere.
Designed by BLINK, the venue was inspired by the traditional Dhow boats, the romance of travel, and the storytelling tradition of Al-Halqa. Dubai’s historical, cultural and social fabric is woven throughout the design of the hotel with surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner. The design pays homage to Al Khous (weaving palm fronds), one of the oldest professions still practiced in coastal regions of the United Arab Emirates. With a rich seafaring history of pearling, fishing, and boat-building, the design seeks to honor the city’s love of the ocean in a reimagined lavish retreat.
“The more we researched the history of Dubai, the generations of traders and storytellers coming together to build this shimmering city by the sea, the more excited we became. The ‘Port of Travellers’ was the overarching inspiration, so we set out from the ground up to imbue this hotel with the soul of storytelling and the spirit of the souk, a place for people to meet and share the stories of their travels, and a haven for modern day traders, wheelers and dealers”, says Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Partner of BLINK.
The glass architecture, topped with a snake-head dome, towers over the skyline. Stellar décor welcomes guests as soon as they walk past the huge man-made tree trunk roundabout outside the front door before being transported to an Arabian oasis with colourful glass light fittings. The Welcome Desk features bold colours and textures inspired by the romanticism of a snake charmer – a nod to the Middle East’s history of mystique and its mix of poets, storytellers, and performers who brought the energy of the region to life. Inside, the W Lounge – the brand’s take on the hotel lobby – pays homage to famed, Middle Eastern gold souks, with rich, warm hues and gold accents to create a lively, modern-day bazaar. Woven rugs suspended to walls inspired by Aladdin’s flying carpet also feature, and this is just in the lobby!
W Dubai – Mina Seyahi features 318 rooms including 27 suites – all sea-facing with a private balcony – where guests can take in Dubai’s vibrant sunsets over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah Island. The design blends accents of traditional Middle Eastern elements in a bright, inviting space with thoughtful touches. “There’s a treasure chest as a bedside table, with little treasures inside to surprise and delight guests”, confirms Mr. Nagata.
The bed headboards are white leather, with ribs and shapes inspired by Dhows, as well as fabrics with motifs drawn from local calligraphy and being playful with paper. Lights echo ancient lanterns in colours straight from the Arabian Nights. The suites have been envisioned as a place to gather with friends for pre-dinner drinks and gossip, or for a casual meeting. The beds have a luxurious seating area, with a tilted minibar in brass and dark blue lacquer, a social space where drinks can be served and a perfect place for lazy grazing.
The wow extends to the walk-in closets, closed with billowing curtains in a gradient of sunset colours, echoing the hues of the bay. We play with the idea of the secrets behind the veil. The storytelling theme extends to the bathrooms via a calligraphy theme, with bold black and white colours to echo ink and paper. The bathroom also has its own seating area, encouraging long bathing rituals, cocktails and conversation.
For the most elevated experience, the Extreme WOW Suite – W’s twist on a Presidential Suite – perched on the 30th floor is a 285 square metre contemporary space featuring two bedrooms, a lounge, dining area and a balcony with sweeping views of the city below.
SOMETHING FOR EVERY APPETITE
W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s dining and nightlife options captivate travellers and locals who gather in search of local and globally inspired flavours, or a tucked-away cocktail lounge. Located on the second floor, Ginger Moon is W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s urban beach club experience offering imaginative lunch, sunset and dinner menus. Airy and light, this seamless indoor-outdoor space opens to an expansive terrace leading to an infinity pool that highlights panoramic views from the Mina Seyahi bay. The W brand’s signature take on the poolside scene – WET Deck – offers guests a fresh space to soak up the sun poolside or under the refreshing shade of a cabana while enjoying cocktails, bites and eclectic DJ sets.
ATTIKO is a sleek, high-energy rooftop lounge set to become the latest hotspot in the city. An upscale venue boasting enviable views, ATTIKO is the place to be from sundowners to late-night gatherings. ATTIKO serves imaginative cuisine featuring a curated selection of modern and classic Pan-Asian dishes and an extensive menu of international hops, grapes, and signature handcrafted cocktails.
Infused with an eclectic energy, Farrago Bar & Lounge, this arabesque lunch, dinner and late night spot, is the place to see and be seen, setting the tone for vanguards and trailblazers alike, in this tucked away social spot. Inside its plush velvet and richly decadent décor, gives a sultry, relaxed, contemporary-meets-heritage vibe, while the outdoor terrace is decorated with concrete benches alongside the garden walls scattered with big comfy cushions, low tables and laid back loungers.
SIP AND RELAX
BAR–B, a unisex spa for the guest who likes to show up, show off and show stop! Cocktail culture is at the heart of BAR-B, a unique spa experience where socialising and being pampered go hand in hand. From massages to mani-pedi’s, hair styling to glam booths, BAR-B offers a tantalising spa experience whether you’re looking for chilled out vibes or amped up fun.
