< PreviousTHE RAKE AWAY sofi tel-dubai-theobelisk.com Sofi tel Dubai Th e Obelisk This Franco-Egyptian landmark dominates the skyline of the surrounding area in Dubai, and is Accor group’s largest Sofitel property to date in the Middle East. In ancient mythology the obelisk was an important symbol in the Egyptian world, Soiftel has certainly spared no expenses in creating this impressive tower - for a reported cost of $1.6 billion. What are the property’s highlights? If you’re going to build a 230 metre obelisk, you want to base it on the best. And Sofitel certainly did with the design of this building being based on the 3,000 year old Luxor Temple obelisks, which flank the awe-inspiring eponymous temple in Egypt. In nod to marrying French and Egyptian culture in the design of this hotel, the design of this one was also chosen due to a third Luxor- style Obelisk standing at the centre of Paris, along the Place de la Concorde. Step inside the foyer and you’ll notice two black and gold canine-headed statues in another nod to the ancient culture, inside the main reception there is a dramatic giant golden falcon - an emblem of the hotel’s home country, the UAE. Throughout the property, design inspiration from both Egypt and France and successfully woven together to create a remarkably unique hotel design. One of the key ways the hotel does this is through the use of French marble (the stone was notably first mined by the Ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago) thus seamlessly joining the two cultures. In a less obvious link to connecting the two cultures, Art Deco also plays big in the hotel design with stunning pieces throughout the property. Another key highlight of the property is the exceptional service, which certainly deserves a mention. Despite Dubai being a well-known five star hotel destination, service can vary between properties, and the staff at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk notably provide guests with a seamless five-star experience, from a smooth check in process and friendly manner to requests being promptly carried out. One of the areas this is palpable is in the hotel’s Club Millésime VIP lounge situated on the top floor of the property. Alongside incredible views of the Dubai skyline, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks served with canapes. Those who enjoy to shop when they travel will be happy to know that the hotel is also connected to Wafi Mall (which is incidentally pyramid-shaped, along with neighbouring Accor sister property Raffles Dubai). How do the rooms and suites fare? The colossal build unsurprisingly comes with a high number of rooms and suites. In total, there are 498 rooms and suites alongside 97 furnished and serviced apartments. The interiors largely veer towards the French-style in terms of inspiration. Think sleek lines, shades of white and cream, plush carpets and furnishings in dark wood with sophisticated touches of gold. Each room offers a floor to ceiling window, overlooking the city’s incredible skyline, while Hermes toiletries are in each of the rooms and suites. Each room also comes kitted out with a bluetooth speaker, Nespresso coffee machine and well sized bathtub and waterfall shower. What are the restaurant off erings? The hotel is home to some excellent culinary options. Leading the pack is Brasserie Boulud, the brainchild of Daniel Boulud (who has previously been tapped by Michelin for his restaurants in France). It marks his first expansion into the Middle East region, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Must-try dishes include the Omani shrimp starter and the French-style escargot. Providing strong competition is Asian restaurant Taiko. First established in Amsterdam, the opening marks the restaurant’s first international outpost. The delectable menu takes guests on a mouthwatering tour of Japan, with a menu packed full of gyoza, robatayaki and sushi. Overall experience Led by an incredible team, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk manages to successfully marry French luxury with Ancient Egyptian culture, resulting in an impeccable five-star experience. “The building is based on the 3,000 year-old Luxor obelisks, while the interiors marry Franco-Egyptian culture.” 118 COMPENDIUM TRME_116-123_Hotels_11920662.indd 11810/01/2022 02:46:08 PMIMAGES: SUPPLIED 119 COMPENDIUM TRME_116-123_Hotels_11920662.indd 11910/01/2022 02:46:16 PMIMAGES: SUPPLIED 120 COMPENDIUM TRME_116-123_Hotels_11920662.indd 12010/01/2022 02:46:38 PMTHE RAKE AWAY St Regis Downtown If the property looks familiar, that is because it probably is - the new St Regis Downtown was formally the Renaissance Downtown Hotel before Marriott re-flagged it as a St Regis in mid 2021. After making some notable changes, and bringing in the St Regis’ famous butler service, the property has now (re)opened for business. What are the property’s highlights? Despite the size of the hotel (there are 233 rooms and 65 suites) the team at the St Regis Downtown deliver an exceptional service. The layout of the property is much the same as before, however there have been some notable tweaks to the interiors and fittings. The lobby features touches of gold, unique installations, contemporary art and bright airy spaces. There are striking views of the Dubai Canal and Downtown Dubai skyline from the property too, with a fantastic outdoor terrace area to enjoy during the cooler months, along with steps down to the Dubai Canal promenade. Another key highlight of the hotel is the opening of the St Regis Spa. The boutique space features six treatment rooms, with both traditional treatments on offer including deep tissue massages and holistic hammam treatments, to more avant garde options such as a Sound Suite which encourages sleep, and a 24-karat gold facial. The property is also home to a fabulous rooftop pool which all guests can enjoy, along with a state-of-the-art gym. How do the rooms and suites fare? Each of the 298 rooms and suites in the property offer floor- to-ceiling views out to the Dubai skyline, many with views of some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks (such as the Burj Khalifa). Other highlights of the room include a beautiful muted colour palette, a spacious bathroom with a large waterfall shower and bathtub, as well as a walk-in wardrobe, dark wood furniture and unique modern art sculptures. All guests also have access to the St Regis’ famous 24 hour Butler Service. The best room in the property is the St Regis’ Royal Suite which comes with its own kitchen, bar, lounge and dining area across 3282 square feet, and of course - some of the best views in the property. What are the restaurant offerings? The two stalwart restaurants of the Renaissance Downtown - Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill and BASTA! continue to operate in the revamped property and remain as popular as ever. Decorated in pastel interiors, Bleu Blanc serves up delectable French dishes under a hue of warm candle lit light each night. Must-try dishes include the delectable Hokkaido scallops, served with miso pumpkin, almond beurre noisette and citrus spices, and the dry-aged beef tartare served with smoked eggplants and aioli. Breakfast is served each morning in BASTA! restaurant, with a delicious range of buffet and a la carte dishes available. At lunch time it switches over to it’s Italian table service menu, which continues into the evening serving up moreish Mediterranean flavours. Some may remember the former SpeakEasy (situated above BASTA! restaurant) this has now been transformed into the St Regis Bar which remains a popular after dinner spot for guests. Overall experience The hotel offers spectacular service, and is perfectly situated for those visiting the Downtown and DIFC areas of Dubai. The St Regis brand is a welcome addition to the skyline, with fabulous food, a stand-out spa and excellent amenities. “The rooms offer fl oor-to- ceiling views of key Dubai landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal.” marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbdx-the-st-regis-downtown-dubai 121 COMPENDIUM TRME_116-123_Hotels_11920662.indd 12110/01/2022 02:46:55 PMTHE RAKE AWAY Th 8 Dubai This hotel is the latest offering in Dubai from the SBE brand - known for swish boutique properties and stand out larger properties around the world (an example of one of their larger hotels is the SLS Dubai - known for its cascading infinity pool). Perhaps the first thing you’re wondering is how on earth to pronounce the name - it’s the first part of ‘the’ and the word ‘eight’ said all at once which sounds something like ‘th-ate’). So far, so unusual. According to the hotel group the property’s name was inspired by the “8” infinity symbol which represents the concept of eternity and limitlessness. What are the property’s highlights? Situated on the West Crescent of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, the hotel offers some of the best views in the city of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline. Looking at the architecture of the property it initially seems quite large - but don’t be fooled - most of the property is in fact made up of long term residence space rather than for overnight hotel guests. Home to just 121 studios, one, two and three-bedroom suites, the hotel is firmly in the boutique category. The main highlight of the property is its outdoor pool and 200 metre private beach - something which the hotel has invested heavily in. With this new launch, SBE aims to compete in the “party” hotel space which dominates a significant chunk of the Dubai hospitality scene. The hotel is inspired by the sleek cool city of Miami and The Rake visited there was a two-day party with Kurdish music phenomenon Bahramji, who performed a live set at Fluid (the hotel’s beach club). Certainly it makes the perfect backdrop for a party, the space is decked out in white with an infinity pool facing toward the seafront. Aside from the pool there are also plenty of areas designed to get people taking photos for the ‘gram - from the delightfully decorated poolside food truck to octopus sculptures and sleek VIP cabanas. Moving inside the main hotel, the Miami- cool theme continues. The main hotel lobby dominates the public space in the property and is decked out in black and gold, along with Art Deco inspired pieces and sleek Minimalist lines. How do the rooms and suites fare? Each of the rooms in the property are kitted out in a bespoke collection by design house Maison Kenzo. The interiors are nicely done and manage to walk the line between feeling homely, without feeling like someone else’s home. A quirk of the property is that all the rooms and suites - even at entry level - come with a fully fitted kitchen (which actually makes quite a lot of sense, as the property only has one main restaurant on site). Other highlights of the rooms include the large decadent bathtub (also available even for entry level rooms), and cascading balcony views of the Arabian Gulf. What are the restaurant off erings? Th8 is not a hotel to visit for foodies looking for multiple restaurants to try - there is one main restaurant, an all-day dining concept called Envy, along with smaller snacks and dishes available at the pool bar and food truck, as well as small onsite bakery. However, (particularly for an all-day dining restaurant) Envy certainly impresses. For breakfast there is a large buffet with all the usual suspects (Continental, British and Eastern options) with a la carte dishes available for an additional charge. The interiors of the restaurant are attractive and fit with the overall Miami-cool theme (be sure to check out the striking monochrome floor designs in the restaurant). For lunch and dinner, Envy switches to pan-Mediterranean fare with the best seats found outside on the delightful terrace offering front row seats to the hotel’s gardens and Arabian Gulf further away. Overall experience Even for those living in Dubai, when visiting Th8 it is easy to slip into the mindframe of being on vacation, due to the hotel’s exotic location on the West Crescent Palm Jumeirah frond. If you’re looking to soak up the sun and enjoy drinks with a laidback party atmosphere, this is the hotel for you. “The design of the hotel is inspired by the city of Miami, and features exquisite Art Deco interiors.” the8.ae 122 COMPENDIUM TRME_116-123_Hotels_11920662.indd 12210/01/2022 02:47:05 PMIMAGES: SUPPLIED 123 COMPENDIUM TRME_116-123_Hotels_11920662.indd 12310/01/2022 02:47:11 PM124 COMPENDIUM The Rake sits down with Dr. Manfred Bräunl, CEO at Porsche Middle East & Africa FZE ELECTRIC VIBES ONLY home-charging device, as we expect that most Taycan drivers will charge their car comfortably at home. What are some of the lessons that luxury automakers must learn fr om 2020 and the covid-19 pandemic? We learned that a high degree of flexibility and an innovative approach across all areas of business is the only way forward. At our organization, change is welcome, and innovations are desired. We embraced this period as an opportunity for innovative communication measures that have been incorporated into our business for the long term, such as virtual sales consultations that customers can easily access through our website. We also saw the potential to enrich the interaction with our community. Our high-speed drone video ‘Drive2Extremes’ to launch the all-electric Taycan Cross Turismo is a good example for this. Along with new attractive live events, such as our recent festival “Icons of Porsche”, we have found a good balance. It is extremely important for me that we stay attractive not only for our customers but also for Porsche fans and the wider community. The success of those measures can be seen in our results. Despite many global challenges since early 2020, we have continuously enhanced our business performance indicators in various ways and are able to enjoy a strong outlook for 2022. From Q1 to Q3 of 2021, we delivered more than 5,300 new cars representing an increase of almost ten per cent over the previous year. We have seen very strong demand, with orders up by 40 per cent over the previous year, and the number of vehicles ordered more than doubling over the past 12 months. What are your expansion and product introduction plans for key markets within the region? From a product perspective, we start the year with the introduction of the latest Macan, our best- selling model in this region. During the second quarter, we confirmed the arrival of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and expanded the Taycan range with our Taycan GTS. On the business side, we have plans to enhance our presence in India. Other network expansion plans include locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India and Morocco. We will also focus on new retail formats and ways to engage with audiences closer to locations where they spend their leisure time. A good example is Porsche Centre Egypt’s moving Porsche Now pop- up store that is currently in El Gouna (Hurghada region). porsche.com All good things come to those who wait, and Porsche has reserved the most powerful version of its all-electric Taycan for their most recent offering. In the race for the ultimate luxury electric vehicle, Porsche’s Taycan 4S is arguably the front-runner. The four- door sports car is everything and more on wheels — exceptional performance, dynamic handling paired with high-end comfort, styling, and cutting-edge technology. Drawing its inspiration fr om the iconic 911, the Taycan 4S is a show-stopper. Not only does it receive a lot of stares, it also evokes a lot of queries too: Is it fully electric? What’s under the hood? Is it fast? How long does it take to charge? What’s the price? The Taycan 4S’s handling is unrivaled. Its steering and braking is responsive, coupled with an incredible air suspension that makes the driving experience — including the toughest turns — almost negligible. It comes with a 16.8-inch gauge cluster; a 10.9-inch central touchscreen, and an 8.4-inch heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning touchscreen. In short, the Porsche Taycan 4S makes a statement that being fully electric doesn’t mean you have to compromise on anything. It is all you ever hoped for in a car and more. Prepare to be amazed. We sat down with Dr. Manfred Bräunl, CEO at Porsche Middle East & Africa FZE to talk about all things Porsche and electric cars. Th e Taycan launched in the UAE during the pandemic. How would you say it was received? The demand for our first battery powered sports car, the Taycan, has proven to be a full success not only on a global level but also here in the UAE, where we recorded an almost 20 per cent model share in the first three quarters of 2021. This is a great result for our first electric product and underlines that our forward- thinking appeals to our customers. What are some of the major hurdles Porsche has faced by electrifying its fl eet? Some governments in countries, like the UAE and other GCC markets, are doing a lot to increase sustainability and expand the charging infrastructure to make the use of battery-powered electric vehicles viable. However, in other markets government plans are not yet that advanced and automotive manufacturers need further support. Our local investors are working on the installation of more Porsche Destination chargers to provide conveniently located charging points at popular locations, like hotels and malls. Porsche also supports the installation of a TRME_124-125_Porsche_11917196.indd 12410/01/2022 10:45:09 AM125 COMPENDIUM TRME_124-125_Porsche_11917196.indd 12510/01/2022 10:45:16 AM126 COMPENDIUM This month The Rake looks at some of the most exciting restaurant hot spots in the Middle Eastern city DECADENTLY DUBAI Hutong Dubai, DIFC Situated in Dubai’s well-heeled DIFC district, Hutong Dubai serves up delicious contemporary Northern Chinese fare. It’s the fifth venture from the restaurant group which first started in Hong Kong, with destinations in London, New York and Miami which followed. Indeed, with that lineup of international cities, it probably doesn’t seem too surprising that the group decided to bring Hutong to Dubai. Like with their other international outposts, Hutong merges both local and Chinese influences with the restaurant’s theatrical interior. On the menu are some firm favourites from the restaurant’s international menu. Including Hutong’s signature “red lantern” which is served to the table in a traditional Chinese wood basket, packed full of delicious soft-shell crab, Sichuan dried chilies and other spices. Also on the menu is Hutong’s tasty roasted Peking duck with pancakes, which is delicately carved at the table. However, there are plenty of dishes which are unique to the Dubai restaurant too. Local favourites on the menu include “Suen Cai Yu” - a Sea Bass dish with delectable pickled cabbage, crispy dumpling, locally sourced hamour fillet and a chilli broth. For dessert there is a delicious take on Chinese favourites - bao and soy milk. Hutong’s moreish dish features white chocolate, sesame and caramel mousse made to resemble a “bao” served along with a praline sesame crunch. It is then topped with lime zest, and served with a scoop of in-house made soy milk ice cream. Papillon, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina The name Denise Faye may not ring a bell, but her abundance of awards will – the director, dancer and choreographer has been recognised for her work in the likes of Chicago and Burlesque, and she has now joined forces with Dubai’s very own Layla Kardan to launch Papillon, a dining experience like no other. “I have dreamt of creating a space like this since I was a little girl.” says Layla Kardan. “I wanted to create a standout venue offering a fresh, artistic, and sensual experience for Dubai audiences. A place that’s intimate and elegant, with everything tasteful – from the show to the décor, the dining experience, and the service. A place where my friends and like-minded people would gather to escape.”Papillion is a treat for all senses. Intense choreography and French-inspired dishes are but two of the delights that await inside The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Marina. When The Rake visited, the night started with a delicious lobster salad and beef tartare setting the tone for more excellent food to come. The seabass and baby chicken courses to follow were truly stunning and oh-so moreish.It’s obvious that the dinner with a show concept isn’t new to Dubai, but Papillion takes the concept to new heights, with it’s inventive menu, artistic performances, along with its prime location in Dubai Marina. Garth, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates A new hotspot has joined the Dubai fine dining scene, in the form of a Southern European restaurant named Garth. Located inside the private member’s club of the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, the premium culinary hub has opened its doors to the public for the first time, with a focus on Italian, Greek, and Southern French flavours. Setting the tone are the restaurant’s exquisite interiors, think neutral tones of cream, beige and brown, complemented by blush pink furniture. Pampas grass lines the windows and the bar canopy and outside there is an expansive terrace featuring lounge seating. During the evening expect a DJ spinning chill beats, while indoors there is often live soulful piano music. When T he Rake visited, the dinner started with a sea bass ceviche in coconut tiger milk, topped with popcorn (yes, popcorn), followed by a Greek salad with feta and drizzled in a Hellenic dressing. An exquisite beef tartare came after, complete with rich mustard and capers. When it comes to the main course, I believe you must go big or go home, so that meant opting for the beef cheeks paccheri. Slow-cooked chunks of meat, veal juice and parmesan cheese - just heavenly. The verdict? Garth definitely lives up to it’s buzz. Great quality food, intimate settings and perfectly paired entertainment. Billionaire Dubai, Taj Dubai The word Billionaire paints a bold picture. Excessive wealth of course, but also all things lavish - and that’s exactly what you get at Billionaire Dubai. The dynamic dining experience has returned better than ever, with electrifying performances complemented by delightful drinks, indulgent Italian gastronomy served with a theatrical flair. A glance around the room reveals elegant, gold- accented décor with a bar on one side, a dining space on the other and a grand stage at the centre. The theatrical flair particularly stands out during the serving of the salt-crust baked wild sea bass with cherry tomatoes and black olives. Grab your phones because it’s a show in itself. After being flamed, cracked out of its salt coat, and drizzled with olive oil, we were presented with succulent, subtly sweet fish fillets. The Billionaire experience includes creatively crafted dessert platters, and right-on-cue to arrive just as the show ended. Take your pick from tiramisu, chocolate fondant, crème brûlée, or a simple scoop of ice cream. TRME_126-127_Dine Dubai_11917296.indd 12610/01/2022 05:15:07 PM127 COMPENDIUM Clockwise from top left: Hutong Dubai, Papillon, Garth, Billionaire TRME_126-127_Dine Dubai_11917296.indd 12710/01/2022 05:15:12 PMNext >