Dubai has long been synonymous with a flashy opulence that attracts a ‘nouveau riche’ crowd who want to holiday in the latest ‘it’ hotel and be seen dining in the newest restaurant.
But for those who would rather shy away from that scene, The Lana Dorchester Collection offers different kind of luxury – sleek, refined, and purposefully restrained.
In a city famed for pushing the boundaries of architectural spectacle and gilded extravagance, The Lana is something a little different.
The 5-star hotel’s 30-storey silhouette rises above the vibrant Business Bay district. Its clean lines and shimmering facade present a sharp contrast to the city’s more ostentatious landmarks.
Its rooftop infinity pool is a calm oasis with 180 degree views of Downtown Dubai, and flanked with white cushioned sunbeds. There are many signs of a good hotel: one is that your feet don’t burn on its tiling in the afternoon sun. The Lana manages that with aplomb. Just don’t ask me how!
Just beside it is the popular High Society bar which attracts a crowd of couples and business travellers. From its vantage point overlooking Marasi Marina, the rooftop offers uninterrupted vistas of speedboats skimming the water and the Burj Khalifa looming in the distance. It’s the perfect spot from which to sip on a cool cocktail, brought to you by the hotel’s very cool staff
The Lana’s rooftop infinity pool and bar is an oasis of calm in the busy Dubai metropolis, with breath-taking views across the city’s Marasi Marina
Inside the hotel lies an expanse of cool creamy marble, walnut trimmings and elegant neutral furnishings topped off with huge floral displays, a theme that continues into the bedrooms.
We stayed in a junior suite which came furnished with a vast bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, small lounge area and a private balcony.
But the standout feature – which the hotel staff described as ‘the influencer’s favourite’ – was the deep soak free-standing bathtub positioned directly in front of the window and with an uninterrupted view of the glittering marina. . Slipping into its bubbly warmth was heaven. I can’t think of a better way to relax after an evening desert safari (highly recommended!).
The cool and elegant rooms boast private balconies but the standout feature – available in most rooms and all suites – is the deep and luxurious free-standing bath tub positioned in front of a floor-to-celling window with glittering city views
The hotel is also rightfully proud of its culinary credentials. Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui brings an inventive Basque tasting menu and we sampled an extensive array of it.
For those seeking an oasis of calm amid Dubai’s ceaseless energy, The Lana offers a rare combination: modern luxury with memories you will cherish – like a bath framed by the glittering skyline – that linger in memory long after checkout.
