This award-winning Dubai hotel swaps sparkle for simplicity, and the results show a mastery of minimalism
1. Sleek design
The work of Paris-based Architecture-Studio – the same outfit behind the National Theatre of Bahrain – FORM Hotel Dubai has an aesthetic that is decidedly modern and minimalist, while retaining nods to the city’s past. The property’s stark all-white façade has an extruding frame etched with local calligraphy, while the interior features crisp lines and plenty of muted timber. Meanwhile, in the lobby, you’ll find long wooden beams from a deconstructed dhow (traditional wooden boat) that arch towards the lofty ceiling.
2. Rooms with a difference
The hotel’s bright and light rooms feature brushed brass accents that add a glint to the otherwise black-and-grey colour palette and include custom-made furniture pieces and art by photographer Nina Dietzel. Each bathroom has a walk-in rain shower, and guests can avail themselves of apothecary kits, plush robes and designer pyjamas via room service. Meanwhile, floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of Dubai.
3. Locally roasted coffee
Everything in this understated property feels curated – even the in-room coffee set. A brushed copper pot sits alongside ground beans from local company Nightjar Coffee, so you can create your own café experience without leaving your quarters. If coffee isn’t your thing, the minibar comes stocked with organic juices from Höllinger, SunBlast Vitamin Water and apple cinnamon bars from Huber. If you’d rather have someone prepare your drinks for you, one of the hotel’s many add-on services includes a private butler.
4. Wellness-focused dining
In keeping with the design of the space, FORM Hotel keeps its food clean and bold with a few creative twists. At roots kitchen by parlour, the hotel’s main café, vegan and gluten-free options appear alongside pretty-as-a-picture dishes. There’s an açaí bowl and chia pudding; Atlantic salmon with couscous and harissa oil; and complimentary breakfast daily. The café is airy, with brass, marble and dark wood accents. Wooden slats act as space dividers rather than walls – all part of the hotel’s effort to encourage guests to roam freely.
5. An incredible infinity pool
Photograph the golden hour over the Al Jadaf boatyards and old Dubai at the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool. This half-Olympic-sized pool provides space to get in some laps and is framed by several standalone sun loungers and a small seating area. Once the sun sets, travellers mill around Salũs Housetop lounge, noshing on pulled chicken quesadillas while sipping cold-pressed juices. For guests that want views from even higher, the hotel offers an add-on skydiving experience; it’s available to purchase via the room service menu.
Singapore Airlines flies to Dubai daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: 5 local businesses to check out in Dubai
This article was originally published in the June 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
