The Delano has always known how to make an entrance. Now, with the launch of Delano Dubai, the brand's signature blend of style and irreverent energy finds a fresh footing in the Middle East.
Since its 1990s debut on the sun-drenched shores of Miami’s South Beach, the brand has walked a confident line between high design and high spirits; its Dubai property’s low-slung silhouette is deceptively understated from the outside, but step through the veil-like entrance and the tone shifts: textures deepen and a sense of theatricality takes hold. The team behind the design – Elastic Architects, LaBottega, Ennismore, SA Consultants and Y Design – have taken cues from the Miami original, but given the Dubai counterpart its own vibrant identity.
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Inside, the brand’s classic white still dominates, softened by honeyed light, sculptural furniture and flourishes of marble, onyx, leather and mohair. Botanical murals, fluted wall panels and curved seating clusters create a rhythm of movement throughout, flowing onto verdant gardens and terraces framed by palms. The pool is a showstopper in every sense, drawing clear inspiration from Delano Miami’s famous original: striped yellow-and-white parasols line the deck like a Slim Aarons photograph brought to life.
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While many of the rooms lean into calm, beachside elegance, the Collins Suite brings something a touch grander. Clocking in at 156 square metres, it’s more residence than room, with two bedrooms, a generous living area, a sleek marble-clad kitchenette and a wide terrace that opens out to uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
All guest accommodations (from entry-level to the Delano Penthouse) are bright and open, with curved headboards, fluid drapery, bespoke furniture and balconies that capture either garden, pool or sea views. Bathrooms are generous, lined in marble and stocked with Byredo products and Dyson hair tools. Some suites offer private gardens or plunge pools, but even the smallest rooms feel thoughtfully designed, with a sense of lightness and flow.
With six dining destinations, Delano Dubai is as much a culinary address as it is a hotel. The most theatrical space is the Rose Bar – a decadent speakeasy-style bolthole that channels the golden era of Miami nightlife. Velvet seating, low lighting and mirrored ceilings – it’s the place for classic cocktails, conversation and a club sandwich that’s already something of a legend.
There’s also plenty on offer for more active guests: a wellness studio hosts al fresco yoga and meditation sessions; holistic living experts offer bespoke rituals that mix beauty and wellbeing; the gym is open 24/7; and there’s a curated concept store that gives hotel retail a stylish upgrade. With design at its heart and a playful spirit running throughout, Delano Dubai is a welcome addition to the city’s high-end hotel scene, and a confident new chapter for a brand that knows how to capture attention. delanohotels.com/dubai
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