Delano Dubai: A Design Masterpiece on Bluewaters Island
The opening of Delano Dubai marks an exciting new chapter for the iconic brand, bringing a fresh perspective to luxury hospitality while retaining the signature aesthetic that has defined its legacy for over three decades. Located on the serene shores of Bluewaters Dubai, the hotel seamlessly blends the vibrant energy of the city skyline with the tranquil beauty of the Arabian Gulf. The architecture and interiors of Delano Dubai have been meticulously crafted to reflect a contemporary elegance that is both inviting and sophisticated, setting a new benchmark in luxury resort design.
Featured photography: The pool, beach and bar
The interiors of Delano Dubai are the result of a collaborative effort between Elastic Architects, SA Consultants, La Bottega Interiors, and YDesign, working in tandem with Ennismore’s in-house design team. Together, they have reimagined the brand’s Miami-inspired aesthetic, evolving its distinct principles to suit its new Middle Eastern setting.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed through a discreet entrance framed by lush, manicured greenery reminiscent of South Beach’s signature hedge. A veil of flowing white curtains leads them into a luminous, open-plan space that exudes effortless elegance. The interiors balance light and dark elements, defining the hotel’s aesthetic. The pristine ‘Delano White’ walls contrast with dark, wide-board timber flooring, while architectural lighting enhances the dynamic textures and layers within the space. At the heart of the lobby, a striking reflective art piece by Hussain Jamil captures the themes of movement and fluidity, adding a contemporary artistic touch.
Guest Rooms & Suites
Delano Dubai’s 251 guest rooms, including 84 suites, are a testament to understated luxury. The design philosophy revolves around a monochrome palette infused with warmth and soft minimalism. Each room is flooded with natural daylight, captured poetically in names such as Rising Light and Waking Eclipse.
The rooms are thoughtfully curated, featuring white oak flooring accented with plush custom wool rugs, king-size beds framed by fluted headboards, and living spaces adorned with textured boucle sofas and chairs. Private balconies and terraces offer breathtaking views of the verdant gardens or the glistening Arabian Gulf. At the same time, ground-floor Breaking Waves Suites provide guests exclusive access to private pools steps from the beach. Luxury amenities include Byredo bath products and Dyson hair dryers, with a signature nod to the brand’s playful heritage—a beautifully crafted apple-shaped vessel offering daily surprises instead of the traditional ‘apple a day.’
Featured photography: A selection of the rooms and suites
The Delano Penthouse
Occupying the entire seventh floor, the five-bedroom Delano Penthouse is a sanctuary of ultra-luxury and exclusivity. Designed by La Bottega Interiors, the penthouse features a private elevator entrance, unveiling an opulent world of meticulously designed living and entertainment spaces. Polished stone columns line the stately corridor, leading to a sophisticated series of rooms, including a Bulthaup professional kitchen and a shaded private terrace with a fully stocked bar and formal dining area.
The layout masterfully separates the family quarters from the entertainment areas, ensuring privacy while maintaining an effortless flow between spaces. The penthouse guest rooms boast uninterrupted views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. At the same time, Zebrano marble bathrooms feature freestanding soaking tubs carved from single blocks of stone, a detail that underscores the penthouse’s commitment to design excellence.
Featured photography: The Rose Bar
A Culinary and Social Destination
Beyond its meticulously designed accommodations, Delano Dubai is a vibrant social hub with six distinct restaurant and bar concepts, each thoughtfully designed to enhance the guest experience. The reimagined Rose Bar exudes sophistication with rose-hued marble, plush tufted velvet banquets, and secluded corners that invite intimate conversations. Blue Door Restaurant reinvents the legendary Miami dining venue, now within a garden-filled oasis cascading onto the soft sands of Bluewaters. Meanwhile, Tutto Passa channels the relaxed glamour of the Amalfi Coast with sun-drenched interiors, bold-patterned tableware, and an elegant private dining space that discreetly connects to the Rose Bar via a hidden passage.
Featured photography: Tutto Passa
A Legacy Reimagined
Delano Dubai successfully captures the essence of its Miami predecessor while redefining contemporary luxury for a new audience. With its masterfully curated interiors, innovative use of light and texture, and an unwavering commitment to design excellence, the hotel establishes itself as a landmark destination on Bluewaters Island. Delano Dubai is a true testament to the art of hospitality design, whether experienced through its striking guest rooms, immersive social spaces, or unparalleled penthouse living.
All photography: Natelee Cocks, courtesy of Delano Dubai
