Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai gets all its decor inspirations from 18th Century continental European architecture. The showstopper, however, is a Beby Italy chandelier hanging from the main foyer

The newly opened five-star luxury beach resort is located on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, with calming views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai Marina skyline, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa.

Access to the 391-key hotel takes a little longer if you are driving from Dubai, as the U-turn is a bit far away, but the extra drive gives you some perspective on just how massive Kempinski’s cluster on Palm Jumeirah is.

“We are delighted to welcome our first guests at Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. The Palace is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that brings European craftsmanship to the Middle East through its design and unique guest experiences, characterised by a product of the highest calibre. Every single detail was carefully handcrafted; exquisite materials were meticulously selected from the best producers across Europe. Having such an outstanding Palace, our priority is to provide the highest quality service by exceeding our guests’ expectations and creating memories that will last a lifetime,” says Sébastien Mariette, Managing Director – Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai and Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah.

The journey of grandeur at Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai begins in the driveway itself when a long queue of bell boys welcomes you. The showstopper, however, is a $3.4-million Beby Italy chandelier hanging from the main foyer. It is made of 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 300 candle flame lights and weighs 850 kg.

Paying homage to 18th century French royalty, the chandelier even has its own name – Maria Theresa – after the mother of Marie Antoinette, and is surrounded by a splattering of mirrors, rendering dazzling reflections. This piece de resistance is framed by eight majestic columns made from the finest Portuguese pink marble, Rosa Portugalo, known for its unique black vein pattern.

A Blüthner Supreme Edition Louis XIV grand piano graces the Blüthner Hall, and live music fills the halls every evening as an appealing accompaniment to high teas, caviar and bubbles. Named after Julius Blüthner, the piano was exclusively manufactured for Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. The exterior is designed in the style of Louis XIV, with delicate 24-carat gold-leaf applique and white polish.

Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai, in fact, gets all its decor inspirations from 18th century continental European architecture, celebrating the decadent era of pre-revolution French monarchy. Even the gardens are inspired by those at the Palace of Versailles.

Guests of the Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai are spoilt for culinary choice with eight restaurants, bars and several more dining areas, including miX Alain Ducasse, the three Michelin-starred chef’s first and only UAE outpost at the moment, and All’ond, Italian food with a unique cultural twist. Sablanc Beachside Bar offers attentive service by the outdoor pools and beach, offering bite-sized, delicious amuse-bouche and more filling meals. The kids’ menu is also creative and the outlet staff is quite flexible, keen to go the extra mile to cook you exactly what your child wants. 

The hotel, which is spread over an area of 100,000 sq m, also features a 500-m private white sand beach, with a 175-sq-m outdoor swimming pool, one of the largest of its kind in Dubai. An 80-seat private cinema, one of the largest private screens on Palm Jumeirah, plays two films daily, which are included in the cost of the stay.

Emerald Palace offers a wide range of business and banqueting facilities, fit for royalty. Case in point being the 612-sq-m Grand Salon Maximilian Ballroom, reflective of the Baroque era, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, gold-gilded mirrors and walls painted in rich hues, enhanced with rich damask silk tapestries.

The jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the exclusive Cinq Mondes Spa and Wellness Centre that extends over 5,000 sq m.

Cinq Mondes, the spa and wellness brand, was established 15 years ago in Paris after founders Nathalie and Jean-Louis Poiroux travelled around the world in search of the best wellness and beauty rituals. The brand is now available in about 36 spas around the world and receiving positive reviews. In keeping with the French theme, the spa adds another impressive dimension to the hotel’s offerings.

Cinq Mondes Spa and Wellness Centre at Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai feels a bit like leaving Earth behind and entering a 3,000-sq-m spaceship of calm and comfort. The spa is tastefully designed, expertly managed and perfectly serviced. The treatments range from facials and body massages and hammam to everything in between and you cannot go wrong in choosing any one of them.

There are 23 treatment rooms and even a private suite can be arranged on request.

Adjacent to the spa, a cutting-edge 24-hour wellness club offers Technogym equipment, with personal training also available. With the hotel set on a pristine stretch of white sand beach, guests can partake in a wealth of water sports and recreational activities such as paddle boarding, or take introductory courses in diving.

Apart from this, an outdoor pool, dedicated children’s pool, kids’ and teens’ club, an 18-hole putting green and table tennis, are also at guests’ fingertips.

Each of the spacious rooms and suites is embellished with hand-crafted Italian touches and comes with a choice of gold or platinum furniture. Rooms and bathrooms have their own chandeliers, totalling a staggering 64,000 chandeliers on the property. With room sizes starting at 65 sq m, one of the largest lead-in room categories on Palm Jumeirah, accommodation at the Palace caters for guests with refined taste and those who enjoy the finer things in life.

In-room amenities for children include mini bathrobes and mini carpet slippers, apart from kiddy toiletries. An underwater camera, Salvatore Ferragamo-branded toiletries, a pillow menu, and plush bathrobes and slippers include some of the in-room comforts provided. Welcome amenities include two platters of sweetmeats, a recreation of royal desserts served in palaces of France centuries ago. 

All guest rooms deliver regal décor, a lounge area to relax, a polished marble bathroom and expansive balcony with striking views. Visitors residing here can indulge in 24-hour butler service, making for a special and memorable experience. The butler can arrange for a complimentary in-room bath ritual with a variety of bath salts, for instance, or ensure that the hot tub in your balcony runs at the exact temperature that you like.  

The presidential, royal and mezzanine suites, on the other hand, come with floor-to-ceiling windows, stately bathtubs, separate lounge areas and high ceilings. For a truly luxurious residential experience, the collection of ten stand-alone four-bedroom Royal and Imperial Villas are uniquely positioned flanking the gardens and adjacent shoreline and feature their own rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, spa room and dedicated butler service.

Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 76 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences.

– By Rashi Sen