Palm Jumeirah said hello to a new neighbour this morning when W Dubai – The Palm opened its doors to guests for the first time. If you’re on the hunt for winter staycation, then the coastal resort could be ideal as it is the Middle East’s first W Escape - the brand’s boutique line of resorts that aims to give guests a new way de-stress from the daily grind. First impressions show the W Dubai isn’t shy. The lobby holds a bold 30-metre visual soundwave art installation, constructed of 640 glass pieces that spectacularly capture the light. That giant W sign in the garden is patterned to resemble an evaporated desert river bed, while the valet area – known as Wheels in W speak – is inspired by a falage (an old riverbed covered in palm fronds). The focal point of the W Lounge is a fire pit – a nod to the region’s past when Bedouin tribes gathered round the fire to rest and discuss. The 350 rooms and suites also recalls the region's cultural history with graffiti wall art featuring lyrics from legendary Lebanese singer <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/fairuz-s-new-album-bebalee-is-a-quiet-statement-of-rebellion-1.664522">Fairuz</a>. Dining is the other high point here. The much-anticipated and colourful beachside restaurant Torno Subito, by Italian masterchef Massimo Bottura, will serve up a playful menu evoking childhood nostalgia - a pastel bright gelato cart will be available to cap of the evening’s feast. Pro-snowboarder turned chef Akira Back also has a spot in the hotel. He will bring his signature Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist to the Middle East for the first time. The Miami inspired rooftop bar SoBe, with its 360-degree views, is set to bring DJ’s and live entertainment to its sundowner deck. While the W Dubai –The Palm has joined an ever-expanding and competitive list of luxury hotels opening on Palm Jumeirah, one thing’s for sure, this new kid on the block certainly isn’t lacking confidence.
