Travel News Blog

Dubai's Highest Sky Lounge Opens At Downtown Burj Dubai

Downtown Burj Dubai, the flagship property of The Address Hotels + Resorts and the newest hotel brand in the international luxury hospitality scene, has opened Neos, the highest lounge in Dubai city.
 
Located on the 63rd floor, Neos offers panoramic 360 degree views across the city. The name is derived from Greek 'neo' meaning new and 'eos' meaning dawn, bringing a fresh venue to Dubai's social scene.

The hotel's interior designers WA International have taken an inspirational trip into the past and created a space that has roots in Art Deco with a contemporary twist. Guests are immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows opening to Burj Dubai - the world's tallest tower and spectacular sights of Dubai.

Tasteful touches inside Neos include the black granite infused with reflective quartz, giving a twinkling starlight effect. Crystal chandeliers enhance the starburst effect while a fibre optic light curtain surrounds the high gloss black lacquer lift case, adding to the dramatic shimmering 'feel'.

The decor is enhanced by six meter high columns made out of mirror polished stainless steel cladding which are down-lit, creating a highly striking effect. Complementing the design features are furnishings which are understatedly elegant and in a monochromatic colour palette with blacks, silvers and greys, enlivened with rich wine for contrast and warmth.

The menu reflects the hotel's philosophy of 'Where Life Happens'. Dishes include French oysters and Boston lobster, while the world caviar selection is a highlight. Open daily from 6pm to 2am Neos offers delicacies such as Homemade Duck Proscuito with Foie Gras terrine and Wagyu beef croquette.

Via:PR Newswire

Dubai Plans Falcon City:The Seven Wonders Of The World

A new construction called Falcon City is yet another project on the agenda for Dubai. When seen from an aerial view it will have the shape of a Falcon and will have replicas of the seven wonders of the world that will include Taj Mahal, the Grand Pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Great Wall of China, all alongside reconstructions of Venice. The buildings themselves will be commercial and residential occupancies.   

QE2 To Leave Cunard Fleet And Be Sold To Dubai World To Begin A New Life At The Palm

Queen Elizabeth 2 Cruise Line  will be retiring from her world travels. It looks like it was bought by Dubai World and will be used as a "luxury floating hotel."

Cunard Line today announced the sale of QE2 to Dubai World, in a US$100 million deal which will turn the iconic liner into a first-class tourism destination at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World in November 2008, where she will cease her role as an ocean-going passenger vessel and be refurbished and adapted for her new home. From 2009, the vessel will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island.

The ship, which was launched by Her Majesty The Queen in September 1967, 40 years ago this year, is the longest-serving ship in Cunard's 168-year history, and was their longest-serving flagship. Since she came into service in 1969, she has undertaken 25 world cruises, has crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and has carried more than 2.5 million passengers.

QE2 has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai. Nakheel, developer of The Palm Jumeirah, is also a Dubai World company.

Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard, said:

"We are delighted that when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends there will continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history."

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said:

"QE2 is without a doubt one of the wonders of the maritime world, and is easily the most famous serving liner in the world today. I am delighted we will be able to create a home for her on the newest wonder of the world, The Palm Jumeirah."

"QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will become one of the must-see experiences of Dubai and of the Middle East. We are investing in creating a truly global tourism destination."

"Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of QE2.  She is coming to a home where she will be cherished."

Istithmar said its refurbishment programme will aim to recreate QE2's original interior décor and fittings. QE2 at The Palm Jumeirah will also include a museum celebrating the rich history of the ship.