Amid the shimmering skyline of Downtown Dubai, where iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa pierce the sky, a new beacon of understated luxury has risen – The Lana, Dorchester Collection. This much-anticipated debut of the renowned hotel group in the Middle East marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s evolution as a premier travel destination. The Lana represents the epitome of “anti-bling,” embracing a refined elegance that stands in contrast to the city’s penchant for grandeur. This new, intimate, 225-room hotel is a testament to Dubai’s ability to hold its own among the world’s most prestigious cities.
As I arrived at The Lana, the much-anticipated debut of the Dorchester Collection in the Middle East, I was immediately struck by the seamless blend of opulence and discretion that defines this new landmark. The private Rolls-Royce Phantom parked at the entrance and the cheerful doormen in burgundy top hats and tails signaled luxury, yet the arrival experience was somehow understated. Nestled on Marasi Drive, a major thoroughfare in Business Bay, The Lana overlooks the serene Marasi Marina, where sleek speedboats and floating restaurants dock. The skyline of Downtown Dubai looms impressively across the water, with the Burj Khalifa towering above.
In a city known for its grandeur, The Lana’s interiors, designed by Gilles & Boissier, are a refreshing change. As I stepped into the lobby, I was greeted by an enormous floral arrangement crafted by Philip Hammond, the Dorchester Collection’s designer florist. The display, featuring eucalyptus, lilies, and roses, including the signature Dorchester rose, was a visual masterpiece. The flowers, in gentle shades of white and pink, complemented the muted tones of the lobby, where sofas and cushions in pale velvets sat against a statement wall of shimmering pink mosaics. The reception desk, tucked out of sight, gave the lobby the feel of a plush residence, setting the tone for the experience that awaited.
The Dorchester Collection’s legacy of luxury is legendary. Since opening its doors on Mayfair’s Park Lane in 1931, The Dorchester has been a London landmark, attracting royals, A-listers, and socialites, and even featuring in the James Bond series. The Lana joins an illustrious portfolio that includes Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, and Hotel Eden in Rome. This new Dubai addition is the Dorchester Collection’s first new opening in over a decade, with a property in Tokyo also in the works.
Foster + Partners, the architectural firm behind The Lana, designed the 30-story hotel to maximize the stunning views. My suite, with its floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and a balcony running the length of the room, offered breathtaking vistas of the Marasi Marina, the glittering lights of Downtown Dubai’s skyscrapers, and the towering Burj Khalifa. Inside, the suite featured a bedroom, living and dining area, entertainment room, kitchenette, walk-in wardrobe, dressing area, and a bathroom where the pink mosaic wall effect from the lobby continued, complemented by a large marble-wrapped bathtub.
Attention to detail is evident throughout The Lana. The 100% goose-down duvets, Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, heated toilet seats, custom-made Wildsmith Skin toiletries, and even an in-room watch winder, all contribute to the sense of luxury. Lighting controls are clearly marked and intuitive, and the custom-made Frette bed linen and Vispring mattresses, preferred by Buckingham Palace, ensure a restful night’s sleep. Even the daily fruit selection includes rare delicacies like pearl white strawberries, Shine Muscat grapes, and yellow plums sourced from Australian orchards.
Culinary Delights
The Lana’s culinary offerings are as impressive as its accommodations. Jean Imbert, the young French rockstar chef who succeeded Alain Ducasse at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, brings his magic to Riviera, The Lana’s signature restaurant. Imbert’s menu is a soulful ode to the coastal cuisines of France and Italy, featuring dishes like Jean’s Avocado, a charcoal-encased avocado with a surprise confit egg and soy sauce marinade, and mains such as sea bass carpaccio with lemon gel, gnocchi in a classic red sauce, and red mullet with artichoke, spring onions, and fried capers.
Breakfast at Riviera is a luxurious affair, with options ranging from a continental breakfast to a Middle Eastern version with shakshuka, foul medames, falafel, labneh, halawa, olives, and grilled halloumi. The Lana Breakfast includes grilled veal bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, and sausages. The “Chef Jean’s Favourites” section features indulgent dishes like French toast with Brittany caramel sauce, soft boiled eggs with caviar, and a spinach and goat’s cheese omelette with the volume and airiness of a soufflé.
Afternoon tea, curated by award-winning French pastry chef Angelo Musa, is an artful experience at The Lana. Musa, who is also opening his Bonbon Cafe on the hotel’s ground floor, offers a tea service with sandwiches, pastries, a surprise passion fruit baba cake, and scones with clotted Devon cream and a choice of blueberry and raspberry jam. Each course is paired with a specific tea, with an additional 40 brews on the menu, including two custom blends.
High Society, the rooftop poolside restaurant, offers 360-degree views of the city and a menu by Imbert featuring light dishes like salads and sandwiches, along with a caviar and oyster offering. Jara, helmed by chef Martin Berasategui, whose restaurants hold 12 Michelin stars, serves Basque classics from an open kitchen. The adjoining bar, with its amber-colored drop lighting and open-fire feature, offers a concise cocktail menu inspired by Land, Sea, and Fire, featuring unexpected concoctions like the Espasour, a mix of vodka, berries, lemon juice, asparagus, and edible gold spray.
Dubai’s first Dior spa is set to open at The Lana this spring. Occupying the 29th floor, the spa will feature toile de Jouy print and blonde wood decor, with five treatment rooms and a boutique selling products by the French maison. This luxurious sanctuary will offer a range of treatments designed to pamper and rejuvenate guests, maintaining the high standards associated with the Dior brand.
The Lana’s Business Bay location provides easy access to much of Dubai. The Dubai Mall is just across the water, and major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road are nearby. One of the hotel’s standout features is its marina-front location and the promenade along Dubai Canal. While the neighborhood is still developing, with some construction projects underway, The Lana’s prime position ensures guests can enjoy the best of what Dubai has to offer.
The service at The Lana is seamless and intuitive, with staff displaying a natural warmth and professionalism that makes guests feel instantly at home. Despite staying at the hotel on the day it opened, I was impressed by how smoothly everything ran, as if the team had been working together for years. While the hotel is geared more towards discerning adults, families can also enjoy a stay here. The rooftop swimming pool and the hotel’s proximity to attractions like Dubai Mall make it a suitable option for families seeking a luxurious getaway.
The Lana is committed to sustainability, with no single-use plastics onsite and a move away from unnecessary buffet breakfasts to limit food waste. In the rooms, amenities are stored in beautiful ceramic bottles by Wildsmith Skin, further emphasizing the hotel’s eco-friendly approach. With its understated elegance and meticulous attention to detail, is a standout addition to Dubai’s luxury hotel scene. Designed by Foster + Partners, the hotel’s sleek, sensual lines are set around the tranquil Marasi Bay, offering breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai’s skyline. The interiors, designed by Gilles & Boissier, are a masterclass in contemporary luxury, blending modern minimalism with traditional elegance.
The Lana offers a world of culinary delights, with eight distinctive dining concepts led by acclaimed chefs. At the rooftop pool, High Society presents refined grazing plates, light salads, and sandwiches, along with a caviar and oyster offering. Riviera, a love letter to the French and Italian Rivieras, serves all-day dining with dishes like avo toast topped with quail’s egg, indulgent French toast with caramel sauce, and citrus-spiked seabass carpaccio. Afternoon tea at The Gallery, located in the lobby, features gold-plated chinaware and a trio of tea pairings with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet pastries.
Entry-level room rates at The Lana start from AED 3,400, with Marina Duplex suites starting from AED 20,000. The hotel offers a grand yet warm experience, with second-to-none service and a new approach to luxury that makes each guest feel special. The Lana is a standout new stay, embodying the Dorchester Collection’s legacy of opulence tempered with traditional good taste.
The Lana represents a new era of luxury in Dubai, where understated elegance and meticulous attention to detail create an unforgettable experience. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in a world of sophistication, where every element has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a memorable stay. Whether you’re dining at one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants, relaxing at the Dior spa, or simply enjoying the stunning views from your suite, The Lana offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort that sets it apart in a city known for its grandeur.
As I sipped my honey-based cocktail at the tiny bar hidden in an alcove off the lobby, I couldn’t help but marvel at how The Lana managed to combine the best of both worlds – the glamour and excitement of Dubai with the timeless elegance and refinement of the Dorchester Collection. This is a hotel that doesn’t need to shout about its luxury; it speaks softly and elegantly, letting its impeccable service, stunning design, and attention to detail do all the talking. And in doing so, it has firmly established itself as one of Dubai’s most prestigious new addresses.
