The Lana Marks A New Chapter In Dubai Luxury

Dubai’s luxury hotel scene evolves at a mind-blowing pace – so it was refreshing to arrive at The Lana, which has a very distinct point of view. As the Dorchester Collection’s first property in the Middle East, described by the team as ‘The Dorchester 2.0’, it sees the group’s signature service blended with a modernity that still retains its classic character. 

Set along Marasi Drive in Business Bay, the location may not have the immediate glamour of Jumeirah or the Palm, but the city views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline certainly make up for it. The building itself, designed by Foster + Partners, is a head-turner, most notably from the water where you get a full view of the organic flowing shape of the interconnected pair of towers linked by a central podium. Inside, Paris-based Gilles & Boissier deliver a markedly different aesthetic for Dubai with feminine interiors in soft pink tones, polished gold accents, sculptural lighting and an extraordinary level of detail that includes fluted leather wall coverings in the elevators lined with real marble.

Hotel Review: The Lana, Dubai

The Lana, Dubai

STAY

The Lana has 225 rooms and suites, each shaped by floor-to-ceiling glass and views that stretch across Downtown Dubai, Ras Al Khor or the canal. The palette is warm with soft pink and burgundy tones revealed through tactile textures and furnishings, alongside generous bathrooms (many with tubs positioned towards the skyline), walk-in wardrobes and terraces accessed through wide sliding doors. 

While the suites, as expected, feel more elevated, the entry level rooms are just as generous and luxurious, with the same attention-to-detail craftsmanship.

The Lana, Dubai

DO

Although its setting in Business Bay might not appeal to some, The Lana’s location does have its advantages, with Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Mall both just moments away. The hotel also has its own yacht, meaning guests can explore the city from the water on a sunset cruise or for the signature Tea at Seas experience. And later this year, guests will be able to hop aboard and be whisked to The Lana’s soon-to-open beach club on Jumeirah. 

Back at the hotel, the 30th-floor rooftop pool and restaurant High Society hums all day long – from breakfast through to sunset cocktails against cityscape views. If you need to pause, the Dior Spa one floor down is a chic space that offers everything from nail treatments to micro-abrasion, alongside a menu of massages like the Japanese-inspired Escale that combines kneading, friction and percussive movements.

The Lana, Dubai

EAT

There are nine bars and restaurants at The Lana including the Veranda, a garden refuge with a crowd-pleasing menu of small bites. However the headline venue is no doubt Jara by Martín Berasategui. Set on the podium between The Lana’s two constituent buildings with views of the marina and the Burj Khalifa beyond, the restaurant serves a Basque-inspired menu. Think chargrilled octopus with galician-style potatoes, red shrimp tartar, and a variety of grilled meats. 

Elsewhere, Riviera by Jean Imbert has a lovely breakfast terrace alongside a sunny Mediterranean menu with standouts including the veal tonnato. And don’t miss out on Bitter Honey, the cosy bar just off the lobby, which serves cocktails like The Bees Knees – a concoction utilising gin, orange and lemon juice and, of course, honey.

The Lana, Dubai

THE FINAL WORD

With the level of detail, service and polish you’d expect from a Dorchester Collection hotel, The Lana has slotted into Dubai’s ever evolving landscape, proving that a heritage brand can move forward without losing its identity.

BOOK IT

Rates start from AED 1,200 (approx £240) in low season and from AED 2,900 (£585) in high season. dorchestercollection.com