Hotel Hotspot: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

A five-star hotel in Dubai’s heart that merges modern French art de Vivre and ancient Egyptian heritage.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk has quickly become a landmark on the Dubai skyline. A monolithic structure that rises skywards taking on the shape of an Egyptian Obelisk, steeped in a shiny black facade and capped with a gold pyramidion. The luxury property with its 498 opulent guestrooms and suites and 97 serviced apartments offers a range of exciting restaurants and some of the city’s most spectacular views, providing an enviable vantage point over both new and old Dubai. 

The arrival experience boasts an immediate wow factor as the gilded golden doors slide open to reveal intricately woven carpets instilled with Egyptian motifs. We enter into the lobby passing mounted statues of the Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife, Anubis. Immediately feeling as though we are entering the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

A sense of adventure awaits, but Indiana Jones this is not, as the lobby opens out into a modern space with heritage touches. The reception desks are sleek and uncluttered, and we’re greeted with smiles and friendly conversation as we quickly complete the check-in procedures. The lobby impresses with its hieroglyphic carved pillars, suspended glass light fittings and a large sculpture of a golden falcon, seemingly caught mid-flight. We need a moment to take it all in, but on first impressions, we are genuinely enamoured.

Suite Sensation:

With each Sofitel property drawing inspiration from local culture and tradition, we are suitably impressed with our One Bedroom Suite, dressed in neutral tones and complemented by Art Deco lines. Each of the hotels 68 suites brings a quintessentially French charm to life while offering exceptional comfort and spectacular skyline views. Awash with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the building’s design adds a sleekness to proceedings, and the panoramic views are simply stunning. Ask for a room with a Burj Khalifa view – you can thank us later!

The suite begins with a guest bathroom, followed by a small bar area complete with an espresso machine, before opening out into an expansive living area. We admire how modern the space is, with works of art and contrasting materials, including swirl-patterned floors representative of the Arabian Desert, adding to the contemporary look. The seamless flow of the space makes this suite such a pleasure, impeccably designed and tastefully decorated. The living area boasts a dining table and comfortable sofas that are perfectly positioned to face the 65″ flat screen television and Bose Bluetooth sound system, meaning entertaining or a movie night could be on the agenda.

Clocking in at a generous 136 square meters, the suite is the epitome of comfort and luxury. The sleeping area is separated from the rest of the suite, with the bedroom offering a king-size Sofitel MyBed amidst plush furnishings. Guests who opt for this room category will also enjoy a working area, wet room shower, double vanity, freestanding bathtub and Hermès amenities.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is a property with technology and convenience at its heart, from the ample plug sockets beside the bed to the automated lighting and curtain controls. Ease is crucial here and the modern comforts certainly heighten the experience. This particular One-Bedroom Suite represents a sanctuary of comfort in Dubai, and this feeling is further enhanced by the complimentary access to Club Millésime Lounge. Located on the 51st floor right at the property’s pinnacle, Club Millésime offers guests daily breakfast, Le Goûter (afternoon tea) and L’Apéro Chic (evening cocktails and canapes) at no extra charge. 

Wine & Dine:

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk has received a lot of fanfare for its selection of food and beverage outlets, including a British gastropub with a feline twist, The Nine and a vibrant poolside bar serving a Mediterranean Levantine inspired menu, Soleil Pool and Lounge.

Our experience begins with afternoon tea at Bijou Patisserie and a remarkable afternoon tea conceptualised by Romain Castet, the hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef. Presented in quaint pastel coloured jewellery boxes, guests will require a key to unlock the signature patisseries and savoury bites, including goat cheese and walnut croissant, grilled shrimp cocktail brioche, lemon yuzu meringue tart, and raspberry madeleines. Prepare to be enamoured as you embrace the tradition of the French afternoon tea known as Le Goûter. There’s even a special children’s version of the Bijou afternoon tea for those with little ones.

Sticking with the French theme, dinner at Brasserie Boulud from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud is not to be missed. The stylish dining room features an open show kitchen, striking light fixtures and attentive service, bringing the true meaning of ‘gastronomie Francaise’ to Dubai. Expect classic French fare inspired by the rhythm of the seasons and the finest ingredients showcased in dishes that include oysters, burrata, pulled duck terrine, escargots with garlic-parsley butter, duck leg confit and tartare de boeuf. One thing is for sure; Brasserie Boulud ensures a dining experience to be remembered.

Another celebrity chef has also taken up residence in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk! Schilo van Coevorden has brought his contemporary Asian restaurant Taiko from Amsterdam to the delight of Dubai diners. A sultry and seductive space featuring cherry blossom trees, a sushi counter, carved walls and a separate lounge, Taiko represents destination dining at its finest. The restaurant offers much of the same contemporary cuisine as its counterpart in The Netherlands but includes additional dishes inspired by the Middle East’s flavours and textures. The black garlic hummus, hiramasa kingfish sashimi with Persian saffron, Arabic lamb gyoza and shisha smoked sushi are all ‘must-order’ dishes that showcase the innovation of the Taiko culinary team.

Rest and Relaxation:

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk’s central location means that the hotel does not have a beach. Still, with its connection to WAFI Mall and a whole host of leisure and recreational activities on-site, there is very little reason for guests to leave the confines of unrestrained luxury.

Inspired by Mediterranean waters and the French Riviera, Soleil offers stylish sun loungers and private cabanas (some with jacuzzis) with views of the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa. The pool takes on an Egyptian ankh’s shape, a symbol of life, and includes a swim-up sunken pool bar and a children’s pool. 

Little ones will be thoroughly entertained at the AstroKids Club. A colourful space inspired by The Little Prince’s fairytale that offers exciting play-based activities and games for children aged between four and twelve years. 

The only Spa in Dubai to provide L’occitane products, Sofitel Spa with L’occitane is a sanctuary in the city’s heart and the ideal place for relaxation and self-care. The spa offers a wellbeing experience for both the body and mind, harmoniously combining ancient, rejuvenating traditions with the latest French cosmetology. A multi-sensory experience, from the moment you enter the spa, fragrances transport you to Provence and you will feel re-energized with a selection of all-natural health and beauty treatments that will dissipate the stress and strain of daily life, from body massages and face treatments to speciality packages.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is perfect for a weekend getaway with a focus on relaxation. The spa and leisure facilities are exemplary, offering a ‘spa in the sky’ experience. The excellent food and beverages options and expansive city views alone are enough to make you want to return time and again.

GO: Email dubaitheobelisk@sofitel.com or call (0)4 324 9999 for reservations and more information.