Wednesday 13 / November / 2024
When I think of Versace, I see crafted, baroque-print sweatshirts, gladiator leather sandals, and of course their signature Medusa briefs. But my most recent tryst with the world famous brand had nothing to do with its luxury clothing line — it was an introduction to a concrete beauty, a majestic palace where I spent a few glorious nights on my last visit to Dubai.
Designed by the iconic lifestyle brand, the Palazzo Versace offers more than 150 rooms, penthouses, and residences that are fashionably furnished by the one-and-only Donatella Versace. Located on Dubai Creek in Culture Village, about 15-minutes from the airport, and less than 10 from popular destinations like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, DIFC, and Downtown Dubai, it is close enough to the action of the city, though, if you are anything like me, once you enter this lavish property, you aren’t going to want to leave.
As I stepped into the palace, I was struck by the vintage Italian ambiance, so much so that I stood in the middle of the lobby with jaw dropped for a few minutes before proceeding to check in. I gazed up at the oversized modern chandelier, which looked like swaying blades of gilded glass; a black piano was centred on a Mosaic carpet made of marble; while the marble-topped, wooden tables, the chairs, and the sofas sported Versace’s signature patterns in red, gold, and beige. And, in typical Versace-style, the pieces of Italian contemporary art arranged around the entrance and lobby were perfectly framed and matted in cream with golden finishes — marvellous.
After collecting myself and checking-in, one of the pleasant staff escorted me to my room, a Deluxe Versace. As we walked down the hallway of the ground floor I noticed the walls were lined with fashion sketches from Donatella herself. I was deposited in my chic room and was pleased to see that the haute branding was extended to the simplest details with the Medusa head (the central image of the House of Versace logo) emblazed on everything from the tiny shampoo bottles to glasses and towels. Furnished with Versace Home Collection pieces in a peachy pastel colour, I felt I was sleeping in a fashion palace. That night, instead of counting sheep, I let my eyes trace the Greek infinity key bordering the ceiling.
I spent the next few days in a fantasy land surrounded by staff who could have doubled as models with everyone, from the doormen to the waiters, wearing sharp Versace tailored pieces. They were also very friendly and helpful, offering not only superb service, but also a kindliness that can sometimes be hard to find in higher-end properties. I explored the palm tree garden overlooking the creek (a fantastic location for a wedding), luxuriated in the V Spa, and took laps in one of the three infinity swimming pools, each of which were named after Italian islands — Capri, Ischia, and Portofino.
Dining was equally opulent, from perfect light bites and shisha at the chic, casual Gazebo lounge to breakfast in the jungle-slash-fashion-inspired Giardino, where they offered four live kitchen setups each morning. Fashion followers will find the interior design familiar. That’s because the green leaf print on its chairs, staff uniforms, and walls were inspired by the famous Versace dress Jennifer Lopez wore at the Grammys in 2000. And the celeb quotient is only going to grow, as Quincy Jones will soon be opening the Q’s Bar, supper club, and exclusive live music.
On my last evening I dressed appropriately sophisticated and headed to La Vita for pre-dinner drinks surrounded by beautiful people in a beautiful ambiance. As I looked around the subdued, intimate space, my life felt glamorous. A weekend at the Palazzo Versace is a feast for the senses; an escape from the mundane.
Thursday
17.00 Pack your fanciest clothes and head to the airport. Begin to mentally prepare for a splendid getaway.
21.00 After arriving in Dubai, hop into the awaiting black Lexus cab. On your way to the hotel, enjoy wonderful night views of the Dubai skyscrapers.
22.00 Order room service and soak in your oversized tub before calling it a night.
Friday
08.00 Wake up and take a hot shower in the lavish bathroom before heading down to Giardino Restaurant for a breakfast fit for kings, with live stations featuring everything from Spanish to Asian.
11.00 Relax and enjoy a walk through the beautiful palm tree garden before heading to V Spa for their Velvet Crush treatment, a soothing session full of lavender.
14.00 After your treatment hop in a cab or town car to go shopping at the nearby Dubai Mall. Be sure to visit the Versace Home Store. Shop if you can for exotic Versace furniture, home accessories, and even the signature plates featured at Giardino Restaurant.
18.00 Return to your hotel room, treat yourself to a hot brew, and start your favourite playlist from the room’s smartTV while you fill the tub with Versace toiletries for a long, calming soak.
19.30 Have an Indian delicacy at Mint Leaf of London Restaurant on the 15th floor of the Emirates Financial Tower. Savour the lush chicken tikka makhni with naan — the best.
21.00 Check your fashionable outfit in the mirror before heading upstairs to La Vita for pre-dinner drinks as perfectly crafted as the chic interiors.
Saturday
07.00 Rise and shine and head back down to Giardino. Take a table on the outdoor terrace and enjoy Dubai’s sunny weather.
09.00 Change into your swimsuit and take a dip in the Capri lagoon pool and spend a few hours sunbathing, sipping on signature drinks, and leafing through magazines.
11.00 Check-out and ask reception to hold your luggage for you.
12.00 Have a leisurely Italian seafood lunch at Vanitas amidst killer red Versace fabrics and dramatic, oversized paintings.
14.00 Hit the town and visit nearby landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa or go for a stroll around the popular Marina neighbourhood.
18.00 Back at the hotel, enjoy one last, chic nibble at the Gazebo lounge before collecting your bags and heading for the airport.
20.00 As you peep out of the plane window, the glittering city below will no doubt remind you of the gilded spaces you just left behind. Console yourself with a whiff of the Versace lotion that you slipped in your carry-on bag.
