An urban oasis nestled on a man-made seahorse-shaped island in Jumeirah Bay, connected by a 300-metre bridge to the heart of Dubai, the BVLGARI RESORT DUBAI is the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility, privacy and the feeling of living in a private home, yet only minutes from the bustling city centre and its cultural attractions.
Upon arriving at the resort, you’re instantly transported to Italy, with its azure waters, lemon trees, and lush greenery. The predominantly Italian staff adds to the overall experience, making you forget you’re actually in Dubai.
As with all the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts the Bvlgari Resort Dubai was designed by renowned Italian architectural firm ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, renowned for its unrivaled design of luxury projects.
Bvlgari Resort Dubai is designed in pure Italian style. The 1.4 million-square-foot Bvlgari Resort Dubai is a first-of-its kind development for Bvlgari, both in terms of scale and magnitude.
Both the interiors and exteriors have been created with the same detail and precision of a Bvlgari jewel: pairing rare, raw materials according to colour, texture and feel, and sculpting them into objects of enduring beauty. Styled with illuminated gardens and pools and resembling a traditional seaside Italian village, it blends Mediterranean landscaping with the natural surroundings of the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
The Italian spirit and the eternity of Rome
The Bvlgari Resort Dubai, like all Bvlgari hotels and resorts, is designed with an emphasis on preserving the brand’s signature characteristics down to the smallest detail, taking into account the uniqueness of each destination.
In the spirit of the old buildings of the 1930s, the architects hand-selected and designed every detail of the resort, where the paramount importance is the exceptional guest comfort, convenience and service with an unmistakable Italian flavor in everything, even the staff at the hotel.
Few places in the world can attest to the longevity of construction that Rome is renowned for. Born in Rome, Bvlgari captures the timelessness of its homeland — from travertine to gleaming onyx, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai uses exquisite materials and finishes to create the timelessness that its home country embodies.
Warm, polished wood, rare, hand-selected marble, fine textiles, furniture, artwork — every piece has been carefully selected and designed.
An eight-pointed star inspired by the Capitoline floor in Rome shines in the lobby of the Bvlgari Resort Dubai as the brand’s now-familiar emblem.
Iconic Bvlgari photographs, often vintage celebrities from the Dolce Vita era, are displayed above common areas as a nod to Bvlgari’s red carpet connections. Original jewellery sketches from the Bvlgari archives are displayed in rooms or hallways, recalling over 130 years of Roman jewellery design history.
The designers have also taken special care and attention to the landscaping. Climbing throughout the area, local and imported plants such as palms, olive trees, lemon trees, rosemary bushes and flowers bring colour and life to Jumeirah Bay. Hundreds of trees, including Australian baobabs, have been planted to create a natural, green setting, a Mediterranean garden in the middle of the sea.
Accommodation
Whether guests want to enjoy the resort’s sunsets over the Arabian Gulf, marvel at the grandeur of the world’s tallest tower, or enjoy the European ambience of a Riviera-style marina and beach club, there’s something for everyone — the 101 rooms and suites and 20 villas at Bvlgari Resort Dubai are the epitome of contemporary luxury and Italian elegance.
All rooms and suites exude comfort and coziness — spacious and bright, exquisitely furnished with high-quality Italian luxury furniture from brands such as Maxalto, Flos, Fexform, B&B, with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline or the Persian Gulf, bedrooms with thick curtains and signature Bvlgari lamps on the nightstand, a dressing room, bathrooms finished with Trevi travertine from Tivoli, which recalls the grandeur of Rome, all the necessary toiletries and perfumes developed by the famous perfumer Jacques Cavallier exclusively for Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts with a scent that embodies Italian freshness and elegance.
We resided in one of the most luxurious Junior Suites, featuring a spacious living room and lounge area, as well as a balcony with a breathtaking view of the bay and the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, where we could witness magnificent sunsets.
Gastronomic Journeys
In true Italian tradition, where excellent food is a must, the resort offers several luxurious offerings: Il Ristorante – Niko Romito (** Michelin), Höseki (* Michelin), The Bvlgari Bar, Il Caffè, La Spiaggia, The Bvlgari Lounge and the Yacht Club Restaurant.
All restaurants and bars use tableware from the famous Italian brand Ginori.
We started our morning with a superb breakfast at IL CAFFÈ. As with all Bvlgari hotels, breakfast is served a la carte throughout the day.
Here you can enjoy the Niko Romito menu, which includes classic Italian dishes, as well as Arabic dishes or combo breakfasts made up of different items.
Lots of items like cheese, ham, tomatoes, lemons, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, olives are brought from various regions of Italy.
During the day, pop into The Bvlgari Lounge, a classic-style lounge-style venue, for afternoon tea with pastries and a selection of coffees, surrounded by luxurious soft furnishings overlooking the resort’s beach and Dubai’s stunning skyline.
Open for dinner only, with a breathtaking view of the Bvlgari Marina, IL RISTORANTE – NIKO ROMITO, awarded 2 Michelin stars, is a testament to the exceptional quality of food and culinary excellence.
Working from his headquarters in Italy, Niko Romito regularly consults his personally trained chef Giacomo Amicucci, offering a menu that optimally expresses the culture, elegance and vitality of everything that is the quintessence of Italian hospitality.
Asian food enthusiasts can embark on a unique culinary journey at Höseki, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Masahiro Sugiyama ensures an exceptional gastronomic experience.
The beach club by the outdoor pool at La Spiaggia offers a variety of international dishes and drinks, while at night, under lanterns and candles, it is the perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze.
There’s a beautiful swimming pool just next to La Spiaggia, where we spent one of our afternoons sunbathing and enjoying refreshing summer cocktails.
A must-see is the Bvlgari Dolci boutique with its famous “chocolate jewels” creations, as well as the resort’s concept store La Galleria, which offers the exquisite Bvlgari Le Gemme perfume collection along with a large selection of products from leading local and international designers.
The Bvlgari Bar
In the same space as the restaurant, The Bvlgari Bar offers signature drinks with a magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf.
The Bvlgari Bar, with its sophisticated atmosphere, was conceived as a meeting place for Dubai’s elite.
In collaboration with Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, overlooking the marina, the iconic oval bar is said to have been inspired by the famous Fontana della Barcaccia, just a stone’s throw from the Bvlgari boutique in Rome.
It has become a symbol of the Bvlgari hospitality collection, interpreted in different materials for each property — in Dubai, it is made of shiny chrome, which provides a special atmosphere. The bar is especially charming with chandeliers in the shape of the iconic Bvlgari logo ring, while the intricate cut of black Portoro marble shows off its mirrored veins, which act as a block for car headlights at night.
Here you can relax with signature drinks developed by expert mixologists, as well as stop by for the famous Bvlgari aperitif hour. In the evening, you can sit on the terrace overlooking the marina, from where you can enjoy views of the yacht club and the ocean.
An entertaining storytelling and impressive cocktail experience awaits for connoisseurs and cocktails fans. The Bvlgari Bar team with a head bartender Leonardo Zanini recreates timeless classics and mix their signature drinks, which reflect the Art of Living. They do also curate the cocktail menus of all resort’s F&B outlets.
There’s a number of drinks we tried here, each one with its own story and unique taste.
Bvlgari Negroni made with 4 different vermouths, Americano Cinato, beautiful twist on classic dry Martini called Provenzale, Le Parisien inspired by Leonardo’s journey to Paris, Mill’n’Roses and others.
Bvlgari Yacht Club
The world’s first Bvlgari Marina & Yacht Club is a unique venue that overlooks a 50-boat marina and recreates the charm of a Mediterranean village in the heart of the Arabian Gulf.
Bvlgari Yacht Club includes the Yacht Club restaurant, outdoor pool, pool bar and kids club (The Little Gems Club) and is characterized by a vintage nautical theme, a true journey through time and a relaxed yet chic haven with staff serving guests in vintage naval uniforms and a custom porcelain collection from the renowned Italian firm Richard Ginori.
Nestled within the opulent Bvlgari Yacht Club, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience, open for lunch and dinner.
The menu, curated by the renowned chef Niko Romito, showcases a delectable array of fish and seafood dishes. One evening, we indulged in a memorable dining experience, immersing ourselves in the ‘marine’ inspired cuisine. From freshest tartars and carpaccios to the whole baked fish in a crust salt.
The wine selection includes finest Italian wines available by bottles and also by glass poured with Coravin.
With a large lounge, bar and outdoor terrace overlooking the pool and the Yacht Club’s marina, the nautical theme creates the feeling of being on the ocean.
Spa & Welness
Situated on the ground floor, the 1,700 square metre Bvlgari Spa offers an unrivalled experience of luxurious wellbeing with a host of relaxing facilities — an indoor pool, a hammam, a 24-hour fitness centre, seven treatment rooms and a suite.
The spa’s philosophy is based on using the finest products, including Augustinus Bader, a pioneer in cellular renewal through advanced skincare technology. Each guest will be treated to a carefully selected treatment, from rejuvenating facials to deeply restorative massages.
Our choice was the signature massage for the entire body — a magnificent treatment that will lift your vitality and give you a huge boost of energy.
BVLGARI Resort Dubai
Adress: Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai, UAE
Instagram: @bvlgariresortdubai
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
