In a world where luxury often adheres to a common formula, premium offerings can start to blend together
Originally written by Ali Sajwani. Edited by Vibha Mehta.
In a world where luxury often follows a similar template, premium offerings can become indistinguishable. This is especially true in destinations like Dubai, where high-end products, services and experiences have become commonplace for large population segments.
I don’t think the problem is necessarily connected with quality. It’s more to do with a lack of substance. Take the hospitality sector as an example. Imagine a developer that creates a premium resort in one location, replete with world-class fixtures, fittings and amenities, and proceeds to build identical premises elsewhere. Has this hypothetical developer delivered luxury? Well, yes. Would it be accurate to describe its resorts as memorable? On an individual level, probably not.
As an avid traveller, I have been fortunate enough to visit some of the most luxurious destinations on the planet. And while I rarely have any complaints about the quality of accommodation in the premium segment, it can feel as though once you’ve seen one luxury resort, you’ve seen them all. Consequently, the locations stuck in my mind over the long term are few and far between.
So, what does it take to create a truly memorable luxury resort experience?
Standing out in a sea of luxury
Luxury hotels accounted for more than half (53.7%) of the UAE’s hospitality revenue last year. This staggering figure underscores the level of competition in high-end hotspots such as the Emirates.
Developing an extravagant building in a beautiful location may be necessary, but it’s insufficient for unforgettable luxury. From cutting-edge amenities to airtight security and high levels of privacy, luxury guests expect certain things to come as standard. Attention to detail, exclusivity, world-class dining and exceptional service are also factors that contribute to an enjoyable luxury resort stay. But again, these are just a starting point. The best luxury resorts are more than the sum of their parts.
As CEO and Co-founder of Amali Properties, I’ve made it my mission to create unforgettable ultra-luxury living spaces and experiences. Our atelier works tirelessly to deliver environments that satisfy our customers’ deepest desires, and I am committed to assembling a collective of award-winning dreamers, designers, and architects who share my passion for luxury resort living.
Making luxury a way of life
Designed for those who never want the holiday to end, luxury resort living is a concept that transforms a home into a perpetual uber-premium vacation destination, where every day offers the ultimate escape. This is the philosophy behind Amali Island, a one-of-a-kind coastal living experience just a short boat ride from mainland Dubai.
With sweeping vistas of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s unmistakable skyline, Amali Island will feature direct beach access for each home – perfect for those early morning swims and serene evening strolls. The destination’s 24 exquisite villas will deliver abundant space with majestic rooftop terraces, fire pits, jacuzzis and enticing water channels that beg residents to immerse themselves in the outdoors, just as they would in an ultra-luxury resort. From large private pools to garden pavilions and individual cabanas on each villa’s portion of the shoreline, our team is creating customisable, intimate and exclusive lounging, dining and socialising areas.
This is what resort living is all about—immersing yourself in the present and forgetting about your everyday stresses. When you live in a permanent vacation setting, your mindset adjusts accordingly, and every moment represents an opportunity to make a cherished memory.
Moving beyond bricks and mortar
With 27 new luxury resorts slated to open in the UAE before the end of the year, according to Mordor Intelligence, our nation’s premium hospitality segment will continue to thrive for the foreseeable future. But which of these locations will stand out, and which will blend into the scenery?
The resorts that have left an indelible mark on my consciousness share one common trait: they were all evocative. I remember the times I felt at home with my family, the locations that inspired a sense of wonder, and how these places made me think.
Decades from now, we may not be able to recall the precise features of a hotel room, the specific shape of a swimming pool or the exact style of cutlery used in a restaurant, but we will remember the places where we felt truly content and at peace with the world.
Feelings make luxury resort experiences truly unforgettable, and Amali Properties is working to evoke these Feelings.