Celebrities and the world’s rich and famous are no strangers to the Burj al Arab – famous for its sail-shaped silhouette and reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. But you don’t have to be loaded to step inside this skyline-stealer!
Taking one of the many Burj al Arab tours is a bucket list-worthy experience that should be top priority. Here are just a few reasons why:
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1. An unparalleled experience in luxury
From diamante chandeliers to one private butler per suite, the city’s first sky-piercer is well known for its fanciful offerings. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber cozied up here back in the day. Even Kendall Jenner loves Dubai’s £5,000-a-night Burj al Arab, where staff have been known to put lobster on the room service menu!
A Burj al Arab inside tour is a chance to immerse yourself in proper Arabian opulence and extravagance – you’re going to want to spend some Arabian nights here.
Whether you’re exploring on your own or taking a guided Burj al Arab tour, the sheer level of luxury on display will leave you in awe, and if you’re anything like us, a little ashamed of your last trip to IKEA.
2. Amazing photo opportunities
This spectacular sail-shaped hotel is unsurprisingly one of the most photographed buildings in the world, and a Burj Al Arab tour will put you in the best spots for unparalleled photo-snapping opportunities. Its curvy silhouette and stunning location on a man-made island make for a picture-perfect backdrop, especially at sunset, if you can time your tour for then!
Whether you’re snapping photos from the base of the building or taking in the views from a higher vantage point, these unbelievable shots will definitely add some envy-inducing flair to your social feeds.
3. Access to exclusive areas
No Burj al Arab visit should be without access to some of the hotel’s most exclusive areas. It can be difficult to do on your own unless you’re wearing an invisibility cloak, or planning to slip uninvited into a conference dressed as a VIP. However, taking one of the Burj al Arab tours will get you in, no questions asked.
You’ll get a sneak peek at parts that aren’t usually accessible to the general public, including the hotel’s stunning atrium and luxurious suites, which feature Jacuzzis, rain showers, and Hermes toiletries.
Gold leaf accents, marble flooring, and handcrafted furnishings add to the glam! You’ll also get to step out action-hero style onto the helipad, which offers James Bond-worthy views of the city skyline.
4. Cultural insights aplenty
While your Burj al Arab inside tour of choice will undoubtedly thrust you into a world of luxury and modernity, this hotspot hotel is also a nod to Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. The Burj’s dazzling design is inspired by traditional Arabic architecture, and the interior is adorned with artwork and furnishings that pay homage to the region’s history and culture.
A tour of the hotel is an opportunity not just to pretend you’re a millionaire with pockets full of cash to splash… It’s a chance to learn more about Dubai’s humble beginnings and gain a deeper appreciation for what it’s become over the years.
For a city that started out as a small fishing village on the Arabian Gulf coast, where pearl diving was the main source of income, it hasn’t done too badly!
5. Award-winning culinary delights
The Burj al Arab is home to some of the best restaurants in Dubai, many of which have received international acclaim. There’s a huge range of dining experiences here to suit all whims, including a luxurious high tea in the atrium lounge, or a romantic dinner on the hotel’s private beach.
Taking one of the Burj al Arab tours can also include a visit to one of these award-winning restaurants, putting your taste buds on the path to perfection at the hands of some of the city’s best chefs.
From the Al Mahara seafood restaurant, which features a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, to the decadent afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar which also features regular performances by an Arabic band, harpist, and string quartet, there’s no shortage of culinary delights to enjoy and dream about later.
6. Top-notch service and smiles
It’s no wonder that the Burj al Arab has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive destinations. One of the hallmarks here is the unparalleled level of service. The hotel has one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the world, with almost 2,000 staff members catering to the needs of just 199 suites!
A team of butlers undergo extensive training in the art of service, including skills like flower arrangement, serving etiquette, and even addressing guests by name without ever asking for it. The butlers are available 24/7 to attend to guests’ every need, from unpacking suitcases to drawing a bubble bath!
A Burj al Arab visit should also really make use of the Rolls-Royce cars available for guest transfers, all painted in the iconic Burj Al Arab shade of blue. Of course, if you want to arrive in true VIP style, you can always use the hotel’s helicopter service.
7. Sensual spa and wellness facilities
The Burj al Arab is home to an award-winning spa and wellness center called Talise Spa, which offers a range of treatments and services to help you relax and rejuvenate. Set over two levels this award-winning sanctuary features separate indoor infinity pools, Jacuzzi and treatment rooms, plunge pools, steam rooms, and saunas.
Taking one of the Burj al Arab tours puts you in the perfect place to access these facilities, giving you a chance to add more five-star specialties to your vacation. Why not treat yourself to a massage, facial, or other fancy pampering treatment? Just ask at reception when your tour is over, and they’ll see if they can fit you in.
Choosing which Burj al Arab tour is right for you
If you’re planning a Burj al Arab visit, book yourself onto one of the Burj al Arab tours before you go and save time and money on the day. You don’t want to waste a “minaret” once you’re there!
Great for a date
One popular option for lovers, or just really good friends, is inside Burj Al Arab: dining package at UMA Lounge. Indulge in a special outdoor dining experience for up to six people at Burj Al Arab’s most-visited attraction and one of the world’s most luxurious lounges.
With stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, you can treat your taste buds to a tantalizing menu of modern international cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The attentive staff makes this a great place for date night, or for a special treat.
See what the butlers see
For those seeking a more comprehensive experience from staff who spend every day inside the iconic “sail”, the inside Burj Al Arab tour with food or beverage package will give you a taste for true luxury on an exclusive 90-minute guided tour by Burj Al Arab’s dedicated butlers.
Learn about the untold stories and never-before-seen design elements of this famed UAE landmark, including the gilded doors of the Royal Suite. Create your own five-star memories with a drink, or meal of your choice, from pizzas to sandwiches, available at UMA Sunset Lounge after your tour.
Marvellous mosques and beyond
Want to keep exploring? A combo ticket for inside Burj Al Arab & Blue Mosque half-day city tour is a good way to go. Featuring Arabian hospitality, awe-inspiring architecture, and culture-conscious dining it’s an all-in-one introduction to life here!
Marvel at the manmade luxury of Palm Jumeirah, explore the exclusive royal suites of the Burj al Arab, and find inner peace at the Blue Mosque. Experience the richness of Emirati culture at the Al Fahidi Historical District and indulge in Arabian culinary wonders at the prestigious Al Khayma heritage house.
Don’t miss the chance to ride a traditional Abra across the famous Dubai Creek and explore the multi-sensory Spice and Gold Souks of Dubai.
With unmatched luxury, loads of excellent photo opportunities, exclusive access to areas of the hotel, and huge cultural insights, there are countless reasons to explore this iconic property and put it at the top of your Dubai itinerary.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the Burj al Arab in all its splendor on your next trip to the UAE.
Check out more Burj Al Arab tours here and brush up on more fun stuff with our city guide to Dubai.
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