One of my greatest gifts in life has been the privilege of travel. I say this frequently because I understand how lucky I am to visit many countries and cities around the world and experience some of the best hotels in far-flung as well as well-traversed reaches. Time and again, I have found people to be gracious and welcoming. And after each trip, I come away impressed by some aspect of what I have seen.

One place which I have not done justice to is Dubai. While I have transited through the airport — the world’s busiest based on international passenger traffic — many a time, I have not yet ventured deep into this fascinating emirate. I have seen the usual places, but I was very curious to learn more about what makes Dubai tick, a city that has transitioned from a sleepy port to a world-famous business crossroads in a single generation. This is something I am in awe of and I have often read about and admired from afar, but I have seen little of it. And so, during my recent visit, I made it a point to spend some time immersing myself in this world of stunning architecture, fancy hotels, shopping festivals, majestic skyscrapers, glittering skylines, and, of course, enormous shopping malls.

The Dubai city centre skyline at dawn Shutterstock

I’ll touch on some of those aspects in later columns, but in this one I would like to focus on what was a truly defining experience of luxury. The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai, served as my port of call in these rich lands during my stay, and I could not be more impressed. It’s also the hotel where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stayed while he toured the region recently. Perhaps I was treading unconsciously in his footsteps.

The Indian imprint on Dubai is unmistakable as Indians are the largest ethnic community in the United Arab Emirates, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the country’s population and integrating seamlessly into the region’s cultural ethos. It is thus hardly a surprise that the Taj group has poured its heart and soul into creating a signature property with Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, its third hotel in Dubai. Owned by A. Al Moosa, Arenco Group, a service-oriented conglomerate that includes a wide spectrum of business interests, this edifice on the east crescent of The Palm has 325 spacious rooms and suites, with most rooms offering views of the sea and an expansive private beach thanks to its horseshoe form.

The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa has 325 spacious rooms and suites, with most rooms offering views of the sea Taj Hotels

Here, the word ‘exotic’ becomes reality as a perfect fusion of Indian and Arabian luxury at their finest. Under the able guidance of Ranjit Phillipose, area director, the Middle East at the time, they have created an establishment that is the very lap of luxury and care. I had a great interaction with him during my stay and learned quite a bit about the resort. He has since moved onto another role with the Taj in Goa.

Fine dining at its very best is available via the seven restaurants on offer Taj Hotels

With the architectural direction of Arenco Taj Exotica and the interior design signature of the renowned Hirsch Bedner Associates, what I experienced at the Taj Exotica has created a separate niche in luxury in my list of experiences and stays. There are many things that stand out – the top among them being the décor. So many hues of blue and brown are so artistically woven into the hotel’s interiors to create a view that is soothing and breathtaking all at once, a scene that blends with the rainbow of aqua shades of the ocean ever present from the balconies of each room. Then there is an exquisite Diamond Flow Chandelier by Preciosa, that sets the tone in the lobby itself for the opulence within. Fine dining at its very best is available via the seven restaurants on offer, with Varq featuring on most lists as being the premier venue for Indian cuisine in an eclectic fusion of diverse regional flavours. The other favourites include The Roaring Rabbit, a pub; the Raia Rooftop Bar and Lounge for an unforgettable panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline; all-day dining at Palm Kitchen; and The Coast bistro on the beach. Among the hotel’s other attractions is the Jiva spa, which offers Ayurvedic therapies, yoga and meditation. There is also tennis, golf and a children’s lounge as well as a plethora of other amenities.

The hotel’s lobby Taj Hotels

The Taj group has outdone itself through this distinctive property. Set against the sparkling Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s shimmering skyline here shines an oasis where one can give worldly affairs a miss and immerse oneself in experiences that made my stay truly memorable. More to follow soon on the city and its attractions.