Burj Al Arab Jumeirah - Press Kit
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah - Press Kit
Award-winning executive leader Anthony Costa joined Jumeirah has become a highly respected figure in the international hotel
Group in 2018 as Regional Vice President of Jumeirah Group and industry.
Managing Director of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
Under Mr. Costa’s tenure at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the hotel
In his dual role, Mr. Costa is responsible for all operations and has been recognized internationally through prestigious
management at the world’s most iconic hotel, Burj Al Arab awards. Those include the recent accolades of the ‘Best
Jumeirah, as well as the Group’s city properties in Dubai, Hotel in the World’ as well as the ‘Best Hotel in the Middle
including Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Jumeirah Creekside East’ at the prestigious ‘Ultimate Luxury Travel Related
Hotel. He also overseas regional operations for Jumeirah Awards’ (ULTRAs), successfully achieving the World’s
Living, the Group’s luxury brand of serviced residences. Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel accolade at the World Travel
Awards as well as the highly sought after Forbes Travel Guide
Mr. Costa, who hails from a British-Greek family, has a wealth 5 star rating.
of experience across Asia and Europe, having led teams at
some of the world’s most renowned and well-respected Anthony Costa also has a great passion for culinary excellence.
hotels including the Wynn Palace Macau, Mandarin Oriental Prior to joining Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, he oversaw multiple
Hong Kong and Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. Prior to these Michelin Star restaurants. These included: Amber (two Stars)
leadership positions, which spanned more than a decade, at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental; Signature French Fine
he worked in the luxury hotel space at the Four Seasons, Dining, Tapas Molecular Bar and Sense Cantonese Cuisine
Dublin and Radisson SAS. (all one Star) at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo; and Pierre (two
Stars), Mandarin Grill (one Star) and Man Wah (one Star) at
Known for his nurturing leadership style, Mr. Costa has an intuitive The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.
ability to create and execute memorable experiences for each
guest that walks through the doors of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. He In his current role, and working alongside Michael Ellis, Chief
has a strong commitment to quality, which is reflected in the Culinary Officer, and José Silva, Chief Executive Officer of
reputation of the hotels that he leads, known around the world for Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Costa has greatly elevated
delivering bespoke personal service at the highest level. Having the culinary offering at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, positioning
won multiple awards, including the Forbes Travel Guide for the dining and mixology at the heart of the hotel experience.
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and The World’s Best Hotel by Along with Michelin star talent, the property also boasts
the Hotel Institutional Investors Magazine and Conde Nast’s an incredible array of experienced and award-winning
Best Hotel in Japan for the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Mr. Costa professionals; from pastry chefs to advanced mixologists.
BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH
THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS HOTEL
Hotel Overview
Burj Al Arab is an architectural marvel that has put Dubai on the world map. The sail-shaped hotel was designed
to become the icon of Dubai; a hotel that reflected the emirate’s past and its future as well as its bold ambition to
become one of the most culturally diverse and dynamic cities in the world.
The all-suite hotel not only challenges the norms of hotel design but has also redefined the meaning of luxury
hospitality in both Dubai and around the world. Burj Al Arab has become one of the world’s most photographed
superstructures and the jewel in Dubai’s crown.
Collaborations
• Eiderdown: the finest, warmest and most rare • Beds by DUX: For the ultimate deep sleep, Burj
down comforter in the world, it is the Faberge Al Arab partnered with DUX for its luxurious beds,
egg of comforters. Eiderdown is harvested from which have been designed for optimal comfort and
abandoned nests that the mother Eider Duck support
(a large migratory sea duck breeding in Iceland) • Transportation by Rolls-Royce: Burj Al Arab offers
covers with down she plucks from her own breast to its own fleet of Rolls-Royces available for guests’
line her nest and keep her eggs warm. Eiderdown transfers to and from Dubai International Airport or
is exceptionally soft and has insulating properties around the emirate, as well as a fleet of BMWs also
superior to any other down. One nest provides
about 15 - 20 grams of Eiderdown and just 2,000
kilos are harvested each year, hence the limited
world supply of this exquisite and unique down
• Signature Pillows by Mühldorfer: German duvet
and pillow manufacturer, Mühldorfer, has created
a signature bedding and pillow menu for the
iconic hotel. From ultra-lightweight down quilts to
revitalizing premium down pillows, the menu has
been created with the locale and clientele in mind
EDITORIAL INSPIRATION
CULINARY EXCELLENCE AT Burj Al Arab Terrace, and a boxing ring production facility in Finland before it
BURJ AL ARAB was placed on the helipad for Anthony was shipped to Dubai in eight parts. The
Joshua in late 2017 also. facility was completed in 11 months.
Burj Al Arab has recently announced
In another gravity defying stunt, Red Bull The Terrace is home to Scape
two new chefs to the group’s current
BMX athlete, Kriss Kyle jumped from Restaurant & Lounge, open for lunch,
collection of ten celebrity restaurants;
a helicopter with his bike, landing on a dinner and Shisha, two stunning pools,
Francky Semblat and Kim Joinie-
ramp set up on the helipad in late 2018. dedicated butler-serviced cabanas, and
Maurin, celebrating a combined total
a beach area with luxury sunbeds. The
of 6 Michelin stars at their most recent
SERVICE BEYOND 24 Cabanas and eight Royal Cabanas all
culinary appointments. The news follows
air-conditioned, come with a dedicated
the recent milestone recruitment of EXPECTATIONS
butler service, a dining, beverage and bar
Michael Ellis, former Managing Director As the world’s most luxurious hotel, the menu, spa menu, fully stocked mini-
of the Michelin Guide, as Chief Culinary diverse teams at Burj Al Arab go over bars, fresh fruit, espresso machines, 55
Officer. Francky Semblat and Kim Joinie- and beyond guest expectations, no inch Bang & Olufsen TVs and a rotating
Maurin are both protégés of the famed matter how small or big the request may amenity cycle with 4 – 6 varieties per day.
Joël Robuchon’s school of excellence, be. With intuitive service to pre-empt The eight Royal Cabanas also include
and add a unique touch to the dining guest desires, there are around 1,300 a private shower area and veranda and
scene at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. members of staff working in the hotel, come with beach flip-flops and robes.
ranging from Michelin-starred chefs and
SURPRISING STUNTS mixologists to expert florists and private
BREAKING RECORDS
A number of sports stars have butlers. The butlers at the legendary
hotel are responsible for offering the As the tallest all-suite hotel in the world
performed stunts on the Burj Al Arab’s
most memorable experiences for guests, it’s little surprise that Burj Al Arab has
helipad, which hovers 212m above the
whilst the Guest Relations team look broken a number of world records
Arabian Gulf.
after the finer day to day details. since its opening in 1999, including the
For instance, Tiger Woods teed off from
Guinness World Record for the world’s
the helipad in 2004; Andre Agassi and
most expensive cocktail (2008) and the
Roger Federer faced-off in 2005 on a THE TERRACE
world’s largest tin of caviar (2016). The
makeshift tennis court and Chinese A WORLD FIRST former, aptly named 27.321, cost AED27,
world number one table tennis players The Terrace, Burj Al Arab’s 10,000sqm 321 with only 10 drinks made available.
Long Ma and ShiWen Liu participated in luxury leisure facility, is a perfect example The latter, named The Mashenomak,
the first-ever table tennis match on the of how one of the world’s most iconic was custom-made by AmStur and
helipad and in 2013. hotels continues to innovate and evolve contained 17kg of flavourful deep-grey
A professional kiteboarder, Nick alongside dynamic Dubai. Designed to Empress caviar – the world’s only fully
Jacobsen, also completed a world-first reflect the shape of Burj Al Arab, The certified organic caviar from native-
stunt, leaping off the helipad of Burj Al Terrace was masterminded by marine raised sturgeon.
Arab in March 2017. In 2017 Tiger Woods construction experts ADMARES and
ventured to Burj Al Arab again to hit a launched in 2016. The structure was
few balls off the side of the infinity pool built in a controlled cruise ship and yacht
located on one-of-a-kind leisure platform
DESIGN AND EXTERIOR
Architect Tom Wright of WS Atkins was the concept than 9,000 tonnes of steel were used in the construction
architect behind the Burj Al Arab. He was tasked with of the hotel, whose revolutionary design and striking
creating a ground-breaking superstructure that was to silhouette can be seen from across the city.
reflect the heritage and traditions of Dubai and Arabia.
Construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994 and involved
Architecturally designed to resemble a billowing Arabian 3,000 companies and contractors; 250 designers from
dhow sail, Burj Al Arab is the tallest all-suite hotel in the the UK, US and Dubai; and 3,500 workmen on site at
world. Supported by 250 foundation pilings driven 45m any given time. It took two years to reclaim the island in
into the seabed, the hotel is built on a man-made island the Arabian Gulf, and a further three years to build the
and covers a gross area of 1.2 million square feet. An magnificent landmark that is the focal point for Dubai’s
incredible 70,000 cubic metres of concrete and more vast coastline.
DESIGN DETAILS:
The Island: Burj Al Arab stands on a man-made island The Ellipse Fountain: The eye-catching external fire
280m offshore and is connected to the mainland by a and water feature at the entrance to the hotel combines
slender, gently curving bridge. 20,000 litres of water with bursts of fire for a striking
visual display.
The Helipad: Located 212m above sea level, and
designed by Irish Architect Rebecca Gernon, the helipad The Fire Display: Each of the four stand-alone pillars
provides an opportunity to arrive or depart from Burj Al located in front of the hotel propels fireballs into the air.
Arab by helicopter and admire the city from a different The spectacular optical illusion is created by releasing a
perspective on a private aerial tour. controlled amount of non-toxic propane gas.
The Sail: The dhow-shaped sail exterior is the first The Terrace: A 10,000sqm luxury entertainment facility,
time a Teflon-coated woven glass fibre screen has been The Terrace stretches 100m into the Arabian Gulf and is
used vertically in such form and extent. A considerable home to Scape Restaurant & Lounge as well as two pools.
technical challenge for the design team, the sail is
dazzling white by day and transformed to display a
spectrum of colour at night.
INTERIORS AND
DECOR OVERVIEW
Famed Chinese interior designer Khuan Chew, of KCA International, is the woman behind Burj
Al Arab’s distinctive interiors. Drawing inspiration from the sights and culture of Arabia, Chew has
complemented the hotel’s impressive palatial proportions by blending a vibrant colour palette with
exquisite materials and original design features. Influenced by the classical elements (earth, air, fire
and water), Chew has intelligently incorporated the grandeur of Burj Al Arab with her individual
take on interior design.
INTERIOR DETAILS:
Materials: The finest and most exclusive materials Aquariums: There are three aquariums in Burj Al Arab
and products were sourced for the interiors of Burj Al – two situated on each side of the main hotel lobby and
Arab including 1,790sqm of 24-carat gold leaf, 28,000 the circular tank in Al Mahara restaurant.
light fixtures, 24,000sqm of Statuario marble from Italy,
as well as custom-made carpets and rugs from South Atrium: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has the world’s tallest
Africa and India, bespoke wooden doors from Dubai, hotel atrium, which ascends over 180m and is flanked
and glistening chandeliers from the UK and Europe. by imposing golden columns. An abundance of warm,
natural light beams down through the atrium, which
Cascade Waterfall: Situated between the escalators has a beautiful fountain at its base.
leading from the Lower Lobby to Sahn Eddar and
the Upper Lobby, the waterfall combines finely Lower Lobby: The Lower Lobby’s centrepiece is the
atomised water with fibre optics to produce a unique cascading waterfall and aquarium, while the Upper
kaleidoscopic effect. Water and mist flow elegantly Lobby offers stunning views of the atrium.
downward in a choreographed movement, jumping
through a colourful display of glass stone-filled steps.
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
THE TERRACE the stylish bar, they are swept up in a flurry of elegance,
The Terrace is a 10,000sqm luxury leisure experience splendour and glistening gold. Presenting creative cocktail
and the first man-made luxury beach facility of its kind. and mocktail mixology, and signature shisha flavours it’s
The private terrace fans 100m out into the Arabian the ideal evening destination. Taking inspiration from
Gulf, and consists of one 612sqm freshwater pool with the city of Dubai, the cocktail menu features ingredients
a swim-up bar and one 828sqm infinity saltwater pool, such as za’atar leaves and khalas dates to represent the
32 private Royal and Luxury cabanas, 126 sun loungers spirit and heritage of the city. Matthias Giroud, famed
as well as Scape Restaurant & Lounge. In the evening mixologist, has added his flair to the mocktail list with
a DJ spins his decks at the pool bar as the sun goes creations such as the Burj Garden, a blend of fresh mint,
down. lemon, honey and a cold jasmin green tea infusion, and
Ramadan-inspired favourite Fanus Sahlab Milkshake
SCAPE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE which mixes sahlab, blueberry, homemade hazelnut
This contemporary restaurant located on The cordial and pistachio powder. The drinks offering is
Terrace offers the perfect retreat from city life and is elevated by three state of the art machines: a Centrifuge
an ideal setting for a long, leisurely lunch or relaxed to add nuanced flavours to drinks, a Sous Vide to speed
evening with friends. With a focus on fresh and simple up infusions and a Rotary Evaporator for unlimited
ingredients, diners can expect Mediterranean fare and possibilities in evaporation, distillation, concentration of
flavours typically associated with the region and have flavors, and purification of liquids.
the option to sit indoors where they can soak up the
cool interiors and action from the open kitchen or AL MAHARA
outside overlooking the swimming pools and Arabian Meaning ‘The Oyster Shell’ in Arabic, Al Mahara doesn’t
Gulf. just tantalise your palate it’s a dining experience that will
stimulate all your senses.
GOLD ON 27 The stunning floor to ceiling aquarium inside the
Bedecked in bold gold interiors and design features, Gold restaurant sets the scene for a meal where only the best
on 27 is a stunning space that brings the wow factor to will do. Sink into the soft seats and be mesmerised by the
Dubai’s hotel bar scene. From the moment guests enter world of colourful sea life swimming beside your table,
while our team of award-winning chefs prepare you the ingredients behind their thirst-quenching creations.
something very special. Located adjacent to Al Muntaha, Skyview Bar also serves
Attention to detail is something we particularly pride Sky Tea, an unforgettable and unique take on traditional
ourselves on at Al Mahara. The selection of fine wines afternoon tea. This restaurant is also led by Executive
perfectly complements the mouth-watering seafood, and Chef Francky Semblat.
you’ll enjoy only the freshest, most delicious ingredients in
each and every one of our dishes. The Al Mahara kitchen AL IWAN
is home to new Executive Chef Kim-Joinie Maurin. Exquisitely designed with rich fabrics, warm hues and
traditional objets d’art, Al Iwan, which means ‘Royal
AL MUNTAHA Dining Hall’ in Arabic, is located on the first floor of the
Located on the 27th floor, Al Muntaha, which means ‘The hotel. Serving sumptuous Arabic cuisine in a rich and
Highest’ or ‘The Ultimate’ in Arabic, serves imaginative regal setting, the buffet-style restaurant is open for lunch
modern French cuisine in a stunning setting. Two express and dinner.
panoramic elevators – travelling six metres per second
– transport guests to the restaurant, which looks out JUNSUI
over the Arabian Gulf and splendid Dubai coastline. The rich flavours of Far East Asia delight diners at Junsui, a
The restaurant’s Executive Chef Francky Semblat serves stylish restaurant and cocktail bar located on the ground
a menu of fine French cuisine bursting with seasonal mezzanine floor. Interactive and tastefully designed,
produce and the finest ingredients. Junsui’s culinary team comprises no less than 45
specialized Asian chefs who expertly prepare a variety of
SKYVIEW BAR & RESTAURANT palate-pleasing dishes from a series of open kitchens.
This legendary cocktail lounge blends a beautiful setting
with an eclectic and inventive drinks menu. So unique are
the cocktails that the energetic mixologists seldom share
BAB AL YAM guests the opportunity to explore Burj Al Arab’s signature
Contemporary, spacious and relaxing pretty much sums restaurants course by course. From lunch al fresco to
up Bab Al Yam, which recently underwent a complete dinner beside an aquarium, diners are taken on an
refurbishment to enhance its laid-back culinary appeal. immersive gastronomic expedition of 7-courses across
With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce the new four destinations within Burj Al Arab, where the flavours
menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine with Middle and culinary charm from around the world is served to
Eastern accents. To further enrich the dining experience, perfection.
an impressive brick kitchen gives guests an opportunity to
watch the culinary team in action, while the restaurant’s PRIVATE DINING
floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the A sophisticated private dining menu is served 24 hours
Arabian Gulf and swimming pools. a day for all guests staying in the hotel’s luxury suites.
Alternatively, guests are able to coordinate with the
SAHN EDDAR Executive Chef and Private Dining Manager to create a
The Afternoon Tea experience at this magnificent lobby personalized menu for a romantic dinner or a party to be
lounge is a popular culinary pursuit for visitors to Burj Al served in their private suite.
Arab. Located in the Upper Lobby, Sahn Eddar, meaning
‘Reception of the House’ in Arabic, offers an enjoyable ASSAWAN LIBRARY AND
menu that encompasses expertly crafted French SNOOKER ROOM BAR
and Indian breakfast menus as well as light bites and The library is tucked away on the mezzanine level on the
sweet delights. The setting is equally decadent, from 18th floor. This quiet retreat is the perfect place to browse
towering floral arrangements and classical piano music through a collection of books or enjoy a game of snooker.
to unobstructed views of Dubai’s far-reaching coastline.
For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can indulge ASSAWAN AMPHITHEATRE
in a Gold Cappuccino, a luscious coffee topped with Located on the balcony of the 18th floor between the two
24-carat gold leaf. wings of Talise spa, this secluded lounge is a perfect venue
to relax and unwind after a treatment with a herbal tea or
CULINARY FLIGHT light snack from the healthy menu.
The signature Culinary Flight dining experience gives
WELLNESS AND LEISURE
TALISE SPA THE TERRACE
Perched 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf, Talise The Terrace is a 10,000sqm luxury leisure facility
Spa is set across two levels and offers 16 luxurious that incorporates a 612sqm freshwater pool, an
treatment and therapy rooms, and separate male 828sqm saltwater infinity pool, 126 beach sunbeds,
and female indoor infinity pools, Jacuzzi, saunas, 24 day beds and 32 luxury private cabanas. The two
steam rooms and plunge pools. Bathed in natural pools are complemented by a 1,120sqm beach area,
light, the serene setting and discreet environment at for which one million kilograms of white sand was
Talise Spa serves as a sanctuary for hotel guests and used to create a pristine beach experience. Aside
day guests. from The Terrace’s exclusive facilities, there is ample
canopy shading to enable guests to switch freely
TALISE FITNESS between sunbathing and sitting down for lunch at
Talise Fitness at Burj Al Arab is the ideal lifestyle Scape Restaurant & Bar.
choice for discerning travellers looking to mix
relaxation with wellness. Offering a 147sqm ladies- ADDITIONAL FACILITIES
only gym, a 313sqm mixed gym, state-of-the-art Guests of Burj Al Arab also have complimentary
training equipment, a squash court and a team access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™ and 2km of private
of knowledgeable personal trainers, Talise Fitness beach located on the north side of the hotel’s access
blends unsurpassed luxury with leading-edge bridge. Furthermore, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which
facilities for a personalized fitness experience. is just a short walk or complimentary buggy ride
from Burj Al Arab, offers water sports for the whole
SWIMMING POOLS family, including kayaking, fishing, diving and stand
Burj Al Arab is home to five swimming pools – an up paddle boarding. Guests at Burj Al Arab can also
open-air swimming pool located next to Bab Al Yam enjoy access at Summersalt Beach Club at Jumeirah
restaurant and Marina Garden, two swimming pools Al Naseem.
at the Terrace and two separate pools at Talise Spa.
VENUES FOR HIRE
The conference and banqueting facilities at Burj while the latter can accommodate 32 people for a
Al Arab are as inspiring as the hotel itself. Whether business meeting or product launch.
you’re an event planner looking for a breathtaking
venue to host a gala dinner or a luxury fashion house The Sunset Garden is another al fresco venue
in search of a memorable space to unveil your latest that provides a serene setting for casual yet classy
collection, the events team at Burj Al Arab is on hand soirées, as well as the Palm Lawn, a scenic spot for
to ensure each event runs as smoothly and efficiently grand affairs such as Vogue Arabia Ball of Arabia 2018
as possible. and The Telegraph Travel Awards (The ULTAs 2018)
Awards 2018.
The Al Falak Ballroom is a stunning two-tiered
ballroom modelled on an 18th-century Viennese Located on the balcony of the 18th floor between the
opera house. With room for 250 guests, the two wings of Talise spa is Assawan Amphitheatre.
sumptuous space is a popular spot for lavish Suitable for up to 100 guests, this open-air venue
weddings and gala dinners. is suspended in the heart of the hotel and offers
dramatic views down the 180m atrium.
Complementing the ballroom is a series of beautifully
appointed multi-purpose venues, including the Set on the Terrace, Scape Lounge offers a relaxed,
Tameen Majlis and the Suha Boardroom, both outdoor setting complete with views of both the Burj
located on the 27th floor. The former is a flexible space Al Arab and the Arabian Sea, and works perfectly for
ideal for informal receptions and intimate gatherings, celebrations such as Chinese New Year.
TOTS AND TEENS
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to Sinbad’s Kids Club during their stay. Located on the 18th floor,
the club is staffed at all times by professional carers and is open to children aged 1 to 12 years. Facilities include
a spacious playroom, board games, computer games and private dining, with a cozy bedroom available
for children who need to take a nap. An in-suite babysitting service is available upon request, as well as
complimentary access to Sinbad’s Kids Club at neighbouring Jumeirah Beach Hotel. To ensure children are
rested and ready to explore the hotel, Burj Al Arab has created a special collection of pillows for its younger
guests. The collection was created by Mühldorfer and includes a down pillow, hypoallergenic pillow and
premium children’s down quilt among other items.
RECENT
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2020 Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award 2019
Conde Nast Traveler “Gold List” 2020 Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, ranked #1
Best Hotel in the United Arab Emirates Best Hotel in the United Arab Emirates
Global Traveler’s 16th annual GT Tested Reader World’s Excellent Brands Awards 2018
Survey Awards 2019 Most Popular Brand For Tourists
Best Hotel in the Middle East
For further information, please contact:
Sophie Ryan
Sophie.Ryan@jumeirah.com
jumeirah.com