25 Places to visit before you die: No. 19 Burj Al Arab

The magnificent 56 storey Burg Al Arab 'The Arabian Tower" is one of the world's largest and most prestigious hotels and is on afterabc's list of, 25 Places to visit before you die. Designed and built in the shape of a traditional Arab Dhow's sail rising out of the Arabian Gulf and soaring to a height of 321 metres, the Burj dominates the Dubai skyline.

The hotel was finished in 1999 and it immediately became an icon of the tiny but very wealthy booming Dubai.  The wonderful clear blue crystal waters and golden sands are in themselves spectacular enough, but then you enter the Burg Al Arab and the fantasy continues. Once you enter the atrium lobby, you feel as though you are on the set of a James Bond movie as everything is so totally over the top.

Only in a James Bond movie would there be a submarine that takes guests to the glass-walled restaurant submerged beneath the gulf, a helicopter pad and a private butler to explain how all the fancy gadgets work in the suite.

This hotel was conceived to pamper the immensely rich sheiks and wealthy international executives and it certainly has not let the side down, as the Burg Al Arab is an oasis of ultra luxury and sheer indulgence. Illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire it is a truly spectacular vision.

The hotel is not for everyone's pocket as double suites are from US$1,000 per night and the two 8,400 sq ft penthouse suites with their own private cinemas, meeting rooms, rotating beds and more, will set you back a cool US$7,000 plus a night, and that's before you tip.

Now we all know that Dubai, like the rest of the world has been hit with financial difficulties recently but don't be put off taking a trip to this most wondrously outrageous hotel in the remarkable Gulf State, Dubai.

January 8, 2010  |  Article Posted By: afterabc admin , London
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