In the Lap of Luxury

Emerging from the Dubai International Airport into the clear sunshine, I take in the scent of the desert that can be almost felt in the very air. It takes me but a few seconds to get into The Oberoi, Dubai’s BMW 7 Series that awaits my arrival. In its cool comfort, welcomed by the hotel’s attentive staff, I swish across to my destination of choice.

The Oberoi, Dubai boasts of an enviable location and is just a 15-minute drive away from the Dubai International Airport. As I discover soon, it is also in close proximity to Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall — no wonder then this plush property is the first choice of destination for many like me who are wooed by its central location and its phenomenal view — from the property, guests can look out to a panoramic sighting of the towering Burj Khalifa.

Iconic Hospitality
I walk into the quintessential luxury hotel’s lobby to experience an instant sense of height, space and light. The modern design of The Oberoi, Dubai is infused with lines that embrace me with their warmth, even as the courteous staff makes me feel at home. It is in ample evidence how the hotel continues the tradition of offering its guests the legendary Oberoi service — its commitment to excellence, attention to detail and personalised service…all of which have globally warranted a loyal list of guests and accolades.

Presidential Experience
The suites here are certainly fit for royalty. I am enveloped by the luxurious space of the Presidential Suite which is spread over 235 square metres and encloses within itself a master bedroom, living room, dining area, study room, powder room, pantry, plunge pool, terrace area and security room. A personal butler is at my service during all times of the day and night. Truly fit for a President!

When I walk into its space, personalised goodies grab my attention. And during my sojourn there — when I return to its inviting ambience post my meetings outside — I discover little notes which are left on my bed that speak volumes about the attention to detail. One refers to a toothpaste that is replaced, another points out that my jacket has been pressed — all this done, quietly, without being asked for. And yet another example of the hotel’s emphasis on personalised service is the recipe they give me for ginger-honey tea — urging me to ask for a new one the next day — and it is a note that I carry home to make and relish again and again.

Gourmet Paradise
The business of the day dispensed with, I look forward to satiating my palate. I am titillated enough by the hotel’s reputation of being a gourmet paradise to expect the best — for The Oberoi, Dubai offers a diehard foodie the world on a plate, boasting five diverse eateries under its roof. Craving a substantial Indian meal, I head towards Ananta whose ambience, table settings and signature dressings are Indian. I am spoilt for choice as I realise I can feast on the offerings of the three contemporary tandoors – a grill, a roomali roti maker and a tawa.

I sit back unhurriedly, as I am taken on a culinary journey with a specialised Verve, Ananta thali. Being vegetarian, I am thoughtfully served a selection that will satiate my palate, offering me enough variety — my colleague dips into an enticing non-vegetarian repast.

My meal kick-starts with hara bhara kababs, rajma ki galoutis and tandoori paneer tikkas. A palate cleanser of aerated aam panna separates them from the main courses — bhutta methi palak, badam aur tulsi ke kofte and paneer tikka masala. Rounded up with a dessert and a cup of hot coffee, the food has fully gratified my taste buds. After I have savoured the last bite, I am suffused by a delicious lethargy…and head back to the Presidential Suite for a well-deserved rest.

Therapy Time
The next day, my work keeps me busy again. But, once I have wrapped up all my meetings, I return to the hotel. And head to The Oberoi Spa and Wellness Centre for some holistic relaxation and pampering. The seven therapy rooms create a Zen-like experience that is curative and restorative. I inhale the aromatic oils and incense sticks that diffuse an exquisite fragrance, opt for a treatment that offers complete rejuvenation and enter the treatment room for an hour and more of calm. I emerge, healed from the rigours of my journey and work.

A Shopper’s Paradise  
Staying at The Oberoi Dubai, I discover that shopping is made so convenient and easy — a fact that delights me, for apart from work, at the top of my agenda in Dubai was shopping. To cater to my — and any guest’s needs – an exclusive ‘Shop Till You Drop’ package has been designed by The Oberoi, Dubai. It includes complimentary scheduled transfers to the Dubai Mall, where you can explore their all-you-can-stock-up-on buffet of shopping and take advantage of the shopping bag collection service which will ensure that all your procurements reach the hotel safely. An around-the-clock butler service will help you make bookings with personal stylists or enable you to avail exclusive bookings and, later, help you pack. The ‘Shop Till you Drop Package’ also incorporates the benefits of a shopping concierge desk with information regarding the best deals of the day and the best tips. The offer comes with some accommodation options in the hotel.

For more information log onto www.oberoihotels.com