Review: Afternoon Tea at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab's Skyview Lounge
Up above the world so high…
When you find your imagination drifting off to the world’s premier ultraluxury properties, there are few (if any) names that can compare to Dubai’s Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. So it’s no surprise the uber-luxurious hotel’s Skyview Lounge does an exquisite afternoon tea experience, one that redefines luxury experiences in the sky – in a grand way.
Images: supplied
For those that are new to Skyview Lounge, it’s the little turquoise oval that sticks out like a speech bubble on the regal megastructure that is the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, as you drive down the iconic Jumeira Beach Road (D94). In the property’s own words, it’s where “hypnotic views of the cityscape inspire exquisite mixology in an inviting atmosphere”.
With incredible, unmatched, panoramic views of glittering Dubai, you realise you’re stepping into an irreplicable experience from the second the elevator’s doors slide open and you’re at the entrance of Skyview. While it’s 200m above the ground, you’re whisked up 27 floors in a flash, and once you’re done settling in and peering out of the massive floor-to-ceiling panes, you’ll see it all in one breathtaking snapshot – the Arabian Gulf, sparkling blue Jumeira waters, astounding architecture including the soon-to-open Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and above it all – the vision of a megacity that’s evolved dizzyingly fast.
Did it seem like we were going off on a tangent? It’s hard not to, when you’re experiencing this awestriking structure in all its glory – chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce automobiles pulling up sleekly, seven-star repute, and just opulence in the air. All of this, before you’re seated for your afternoon tea and awaiting the tower of treats contained on their menu.
The British tradition you’re likely familiar with gets an superstar revamp at Skyview Lounge. Contemporary, plush, and bursting with signature Arabian influence, their menu draws you in from the get-go. From delicately designed finger foods, scones, mini-sandwiches, pastries and pristinely-plated creations, to classic tea selections that’ve adorned the breakfast trays of British royalty for ages, your afternoon tea experience at Skyview Lounge is the stuff of connoisseurs.
So whether it’s a mega-deal waiting to get inked, a centenary celebration, or just an afternoon you want to linger in your memories long after you’ve departed the megastructure, Skyview Lounge is the ideal destination for you.
When it’s your time to visit, feel free to pull up looking like you’re on location to film the next Bond installment, because in case we haven’t implied it enough, luxury is serious business here.
What’s On verdict: Afternoon tea, 27 floors high, at the world’s only seven-star hotel – enough said.
Skyview Lounge, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, 1pm to 4.30pm. Tel: 800 32 32 32. @jumeirahburjalarab