Burj Al Arab | bucket list hotel

Burj Al Arab lobby (c) 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

A bucket list hotel, Burj Al Arab markets itself as "the most luxurious hotel in the world." We arranged a site inspection our first full day in Dubai, one of three ways that you can see the hotel. The other two? (1) Spend a night or more. (2) Make a reservation for lunch, dinner, or Afternoon Tea.

Resembling a giant, 321 meter high sail, Burj is one of the iconic landmarks of Dubai. Constructed 16 years ago, it was a first step in the sheik's ambitious plan to turn this dry, sparsely populated patch of desert along the Arabian Sea into a worldwide center of commerce and tourism. Burj impresses the moment you enter the front doors. Directly in front you'll see a playful fountain shooting playful squirts of water back and forth. Then looking up, you'll see the amazing lobby rotunda pictured above.

A dedicated elevator whisks you to the Skyview Bar. High atop the hotel, patrons are treated to a birds-eye view of The Palm and the entire Dubai coastline. This is where you can enjoy Sky Tea (620 AED), an Afternoon Tea with two seatings every day except Friday. Alternatively, you might enjoy dinner at Al Mahara, a seafood restaurant with a giant aquarium in its center.

We were shown an entry-level 1BR Suite, a duplex suite 170 square meters in area. With a vast living area on the first floor and the Master Bedroom on the second level, you'll be able stretch out in comfort and enjoy the views. Burj Al Arab is designed for superlative service with a 6-1 staff to guest ratio and a butler's desk on every floor. Guests receive a set of full-size Hermes amenities for men and for women (value, about $500), and the Virtuoso amenities includes complimentary 50 minute massages for two along with a complimentary buffet breakfast daily.

If you're visiting Dubai, this is your chance to fulfill a bucket list ambition.

copyright (c) 2016 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.