Discovering Dubai’s Quirkiest Escape: W Dubai Mina Seyahi’s Fusion of Luxury and Culture
By Hayley Alexander
Mix luxury, artistic fusion and cultural flair, and you’ve got W Dubai Mina Seyahi – the trendiest and quirkiest hotel in the city! Creating an unrivalled oasis of luxury for the sophisticated explorer. As an avid design enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the fusion of contemporary aesthetics and Middle Eastern influences that define this avant-grand property.
Driving into the property, I was immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that oozed cutting-edge architecture and culture references on the interiors and exteriors.The design structure reflects the beauty of Saharan Viper being charmed – an animal native to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates. The windows and balconies on the sides represent the scales of viper and the top represents the supraocular horns.
The W sign is prominent, pieces of the Hakawati story book and poetry snips of AI Halaqa’s Magical Chaos feature heavily within the W signage, located at the entrance of the hotel and Ginger Moon’s Sun Deck. Rooted at the centre of the porte cochere, the tree that’s larger than life reaches skyward and blossoms at Ginger Moon’s Sun Deck. From one side you see the signature of W sign transcribed in Arabic, while the other offers 180 degree views of the waterfall.
From the moment of arrival, the minute the car door opened, the staff greeted us with genuine warmth, setting the tone for the friendly and personalised service that would persist throughout our stay.
The welcome desk is colourful and vibrant, there’s a theme - the theme of the dare to discover the nest of the Saharan Viper follows through, with a flooring embodying the skin of the viper that starts from the desk, walking you through to the corridor and the room elevators.
The creative use of the large prayer beads as you depart from the welcome desk to the lift combines a wonderful local tradition that began way back in time when the stone was used as a protection against evil eye. The calligraphy on them mentioned the titles of 101 story books, such as Ali Baba and the forty thieves, The Seven Voyages of Sinbad Sailor, Shahryar and Scheherazade etc. These are pearl shaped because Dubai started as a village famous for pearl fishing.
Our room was a masterpiece in itself – a harmonious blend of lavish comfort and innovative design. Each element, from the sumptuous linens to the carefully curated art pieces, seemed thoughtfully chosen to create a truly immersive and inspiring space. The striking views of the Arabian Gulf from our private balcony added to the sense of enchantment, making it an ideal spot to reflect after a day of exploring the city’s cultural scene or unwind after a lavish three-course dinner.
The dining options at W Dubai Mina Seyahi were an indulgent revelation, they tantalised our taste buds and left us craving for more. We had lunch at Ginger Moon and dined at ATTIKO in the evening, both restaurants did not disappoint - flavoursome dishes with incredible views. Let’s talk about these views; at Ginger Moon, the city’s beauty unfolds before your eyes - here the sea blends perfectly and glistens like no other. This is the perfect sundowners spot. Perched high above the city, ATTIKO restaurant beckons with a chic ambience. This restaurant is a culinary journey that combines cuisine with panoramic views.
ATTIKO, a high energy bar, inspired by Asian night clubs and cosmopolitan lounges. Perfect for sundowners to late-night gatherings, complete with Asian tasty bites and drinks. The design takes inspiration from an Asian garden, floor-to-ceiling windows with comfy yet sleek lounge seating that is reminiscent of a dark paradise, featuring earthy elements and vibrant atmosphere.
As a design aficionado, I couldn’t help but marvel at the hotel’s well-curated art collection and the variety of collaborations with local artists and designers. This commitment to supporting the creative community was evident in every corner of the hotel, elevating the overall experience to one that was both immersive and culturally rich.
The W Dubai Mina Seyahi left an indelible mark on us as a celebration of artistic luxury and friendly sophistication. It is not merely a place to stay; it’s a creative haven that beckons the style-savvy traveller seeking an authentic, inspiring and personalised escape. For those who appreciate the finer things in life and a touch of artistic panache the exquisite gem in Dubai is an absolute must-visit.