My first visit to Dubai is something I won’t quickly forget, despite having stayed in hundreds of hotels in the past and written many reviews. But Dubai is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience! For my trip to Dubai, I chose to fly with Emirates. In less than 7 hours, you can reach Dubai via a direct flight from Brussels Airport. From the Dubai airport, it’s just a 15-minute drive to Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. This trip marked my first visit to Dubai, and my stay at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk immediately ranks among my top 10 best hotels ever. It was an incredible experience right from the beginning. I had booked a private chauffeur through the hotel, and an American SUV picked me up from the airport and swiftly transported me to the hotel, where I could easily check in at the reception. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk opened on October 29, 2020, and offers a perfect blend of modern French art de vivre and the ancient Egypt reflected in the famous design elements of Wafi, a signature shopping and leisure destination, including Khan Murjan Souk, Vox Cinema & Magic Planet. The hotel features 595 units, including 498 luxury rooms and suites, and 97 furnished and serviced residences. The Obelisk has 51 floors, and my suite was on the 48th floor. It was already 02:00 local time when I checked in, so it was time for a power nap. The view of the illuminated city from the 48th floor was already breathtaking, so I couldn’t imagine how it would be in the morning. After a short but good night’s sleep in an excellent bed, I opened my curtains using the home automation system. Believe me when I say the panorama presented to me was beautiful, simply stunning! The suite was equipped with a dining area, offering even more beautiful views of Dubai Downtown, a bathroom with a large rain shower and a bathtub with a view of the city as well. Sofitel uses very luxurious products for its guests, such as Hermès bath amenities. The suite had 3 rooms – a living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Exquisite Cuisine If you are a food enthusiast, your palate is in for a treat! The Obelisk offers distinctive dining concepts in its stylish restaurants. Brasserie Boulud provides an authentic French brasserie experience. La Veranda is the perfect space for gatherings and social events, offering an indoor alfresco experience with a skylight ceiling that changes ambient lighting depending on the hours of the day, giving guests the feeling of sitting on an outdoor terrace under the open azure sky. With a contemporary cuisine, Taiko Dubai will take your taste buds on a journey through the flavors and textures of the Far East. The Nine, a British neighborhood gastropub with old-Egyptian influences, is eclectic in both atmosphere and design, offering a lively ambiance where guests have the chance to watch sports and socialize while enjoying all British favorites. The modern, elegant, and refined Bijou is located in the heart of the hotel lobby, welcoming guests to a paradise of sweet indulgence. Sofitel’s signature afternoon tea, Le Goûter, is a unique combination of flavors created with passion and served in an elegant jewel box unlocked with a special key. Fortunately, I was able to experience almost everything in this hotel, including the restaurants, with Taiko being my absolute favorite. Breakfast was more than fantastic, with a wide selection including à la carte options. Through my booking, I had access to the Club Millésime on the 51st floor, where you can enjoy a private breakfast with yet another beautiful view of the city. The same club transforms into an apero chic club, serving wines, gin and tonic, and delicious snacks, every evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM – definitely worth the upgrade!
Proximity
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is not only located just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport but is also close to the business district and financial center, Downtown Dubai, the legendary Burj Khalifa, La Mer Beach, the Creek, and major cultural and tourist attractions.
Leisure
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk offers the ultimate in leisure and relaxation. With an outdoor pool in the shape of the key of the Nile featuring Wafi’s symbol engraved in the center in Arabic calligraphy, the pool is surrounded by a sail-shaped bar and a range of private cabanas, two of which have their own jacuzzis. With private cabanas, aromatic shisha, and an enticing menu inspired by Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine, this oasis of relaxation serves as a pool during the day and transforms into an exotic lounge after sunset. Sofitel FITNESS offers the perfect environment for exercise, featuring a full range of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and a studio ideal for group classes. L’Obelisque Ballroom With a special private entrance, two grand staircases lead to a spacious pre-function area filled with natural daylight, where guests enter the magnificent L’Obelisque Ballroom, which can be divided into three halls and accommodates up to 600 guests. The ballroom’s ceiling is adorned with Swarovski crystal chandeliers in the shape of star constellations, allowing guests to celebrate their special occasion ‘under the stars.’
Meetings
Guests have access to over 2,300 square meters of meeting space, including 10 meeting venues and a state-of-the-art ballroom ideal for the most sought-after social gatherings. The names of the meeting venues symbolize the Luxor Obelisk’s grand journey from the Luxor Temple in Egypt to its arrival at Place de la Concorde in Paris. Sustainability In line with the UAE Vision 2021 on improving air quality, conserving water resources, increasing the contribution of clean energy, and implementing a green growth plan, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is committed to a sustainable environment and infrastructure. At launch, it has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing sustainability initiatives such as a zero-plastic policy, an increase in digital touchpoints, a reduction in the CO2 footprint, and reducing food and beverage waste.
A word that regularly came up during my stay is ‘possible,’ from breakfast by the pool to dinner. The staff is very attentive and helpful, and above all, very friendly! And finally, all questions/requests were always met without any issues. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, I’ll be back, no doubt about it!Welcome to the future!
International Team buildings, Incentive travel and motivational trips – Uniglobe Robins Travel
