Emirates Palace

More than a hotel, the Emirates Palace stands as a modern architectural ode to Arabian heritage, where every detail whispers extravagance. Its 1.3km private beachfront and 85 hectares of manicured gardens frame a structure adorned with 114 domes - the central dome towering at 72.6 meters (238 ft), coated in pure gold leaf that shimmers under the desert sun. Designed by British firm Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, this palatial masterpiece took 3,000 artisans and 22,000 cubic meters of marble to complete its vision of contemporary Arabian grandeur.

Opulence Redefined
Step inside to discover 1,002 crystal chandeliers, including the legendary 2.5-ton Swarovski centerpiece in the main rotunda. The hotel's 394 rooms and suites feature bespoke furnishings with mother-of-pearl inlays, while the Presidential Suite boasts a private elevator, cinema, and 24-karat gold iPad concierge service. Even the air conditioning carries a whisper of luxury - infused with the hotel's signature Emirates Palace fragrance of oud and saffron.

Culinary Theatre
Dining here transcends mere meals: at Le Vendôme, breakfast includes champagne and gold-flaked pastries served on Versace china. The iconic Gold Cappuccino - dusted with 23-karat edible gold - has become a social media sensation, while Mezlai offers Emirati cuisine in a Bedouin-inspired setting with solid silver cutlery. For the ultimate indulgence, the Caviar Bar serves Iranian beluga on ice sculptures carved to mimic the hotel's domes.

Wellness Fit for Royalty
The 50,000 sq ft spa features hammams lined with Moroccan marble and a gold-leaf facial using actual gold sheets. The temperature-controlled pools employ NASA-inspired UV filtration, while the private beach offers pearl diving experiences reminiscent of Abu Dhabi's heritage.

Beyond Accommodation
Day visitors can join palace tours (AED 200, redeemable against F&B) or simply stroll through the fragrant gardens where 5,000 date palms frame views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel's Helipad Suite has hosted everyone from Beyoncé to Vladimir Putin, its interiors photographed for architectural journals worldwide.