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ME DUBAI: A PLACE TO BE YOU

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The Atrium by Zaha Hadid in ME Dubai

Regardless of its really convenient location adjacent to Downtown Dubai, ME Dubai has the distinction of being the only hotel ever to be fully designed both inside and out by the late Zaha Hadid, and is located in her mesmerising The Opus development by Omniyat. Covered entirely in reflective glass, the cubelike structure mirrors the colour of the sky on any given day or starry night.

ME Dubai offers 74 rooms and 19 suites, including the Chic Suite, Passion Suite, Personality Suite, and the ultra-luxurious Suite ME, which is spread across 198 sqm of opulent space. The spacious pool and wet deck overlooking the Dubai skyline are a great place to spend the days and evenings, the 7,000 sqm state-of-the-art gym and luxurious spa are must-visits. 

The Chic Suite, which we have the opportunity to sample as a family, is an ensemble of soothing midnight blue and fluid designs. A stark contrast with the lobby areas that are dressed in white and cream palates exuding lightness, the Chic Suite captivates due to its choice of dark navy walls and an even darker bathroom.

Floor to ceiling windows offer dramatic landscapes framing the city skyline if you are a bit picky about a room with a view. Integrated LED TVs installed with Netflix and other apps, and the Bose sound system make for excellent TV time if you prefer to stay in and zone out of the world.

Measuring about 66 sqm, this expansive suite has a cosy super king-size bed, along with a comfortable sofa-bed for the little ones to snuggle up in. As with any hotel that focuses on design, light is an important element – concealed within nooks and crannies are little light bulbs that can go from fiery red to calming blue and standard white at a flick of a button. The in-room tech is uncompromising as is expected from any new-build luxury hotel these days. A Nespresso machine and a mini bar, along with a cosy sitting area overlooking the city, round up the offerings of the suite.

The spacious bathroom, however, deserves its own mention, designed to look like the inside of a very black spaceship, but melting perfectly into the midnight-blue theme of the suite. With a separate rain shower and a bathtub with Jacuzzi and two washbasins for him and her, the bathroom though dark appears to be almost as large as the bedroom of the suite. On the mirror is a message inscribed from the legendary Zaha Hadid, “I believe in the fantastic” – a belief which is clearly reflected in the suite’s pleasingly asymmetrical design. 

The food and beverage outlets in the hotel are in line with ME Dubai’s key theme of social exchange. At the heart of The Opus by Omniyat, Zaha Hadid’s trademark designs flow boldly through the spectacular lobby area known as The Atrium by Zaha Hadid, the first public area to welcome guests right by the reception area. Enclosed off from the lobby area is Botanica, an elite green space dedicated to hand-crafted, specialty drinks, made special with a touch of freshly cut herbs and botanicals.

The place to see and be seen, Deseo is a Latin American-inspired contemporary urban terrace, restaurant and lounge situated beside the modern rooftop pool. Central is the hotel’s signature restaurant offering a curious palate of Spanish flavours served with a modern twist creating a truly distinctive dining experience. Situated indoors and overlooking the lobby a few levels down, the outlet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the bar open until late night.

While the spotlight at ME Dubai is clearly on the food and beverage outlets due to the hotel’s social ethos as well as its central location in the Burj Khalifa district, the spa is the true unsung hero of the property. Signature facials, massages to destress and revitalise, and body scrubs form the mainstay of the somewhat limited spa menu and the therapists work their magic effortlessly towards an emotive and fulfilling wellness experience.  

* Find Melia Hotels International on stand HC0655   

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