IF you know about architects you will be well aware of the pioneering Zaha Hadid.
And if you appreciate Dubai architecture, the chances are the inimitable ME by Melia Dubai will be on your city skyline radar.
And if you appreciate Dubai architecture, the chances are the inimitable ME by Melia Dubai will be on your city skyline radar.
It was Hadid’s only fully-conceived hotel project and the influence of the late British Iraqi creative runs throughout to make this a must visit location with more than stylish design on offer.
THERE is no mistaking Zaha Hadid’s unique projects…
She had a rich gift for bringing futuristic designs into the present with progressive structures, including some UAE landmarks such as Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Bridge.
Besides delivering another iconic building to a city bristling with impressive address, however, this Melia-managed property brims with comfort and pampering beside its fluid lines and curious shapes.
She had a rich gift for bringing futuristic designs into the present with progressive structures, including some UAE landmarks such as Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Bridge.
Besides delivering another iconic building to a city bristling with impressive address, however, this Melia-managed property brims with comfort and pampering beside its fluid lines and curious shapes.
FUTURE PROOF: Space-age lines wow on entering the most futuristic hotel lobby in Dubai
The hotel forecourt is bustling with cars and people as we pull in, having distinguished the hotel entrance - opposite Bay Avenue retail strip and apartment towers - from the residences side of the property.
The reception desk hugs one wall of a huge open lobby dotted with eye-catching seating areas and a cafe. The first impressions are of a Star Trek set masquerading as an art gallery.
With our brisk check-in concluded, one of the team grabs our bag and leads us cheerfully to a fourth floor suite for a quick tour of suitably unconventional accommodation.
The reception desk hugs one wall of a huge open lobby dotted with eye-catching seating areas and a cafe. The first impressions are of a Star Trek set masquerading as an art gallery.
With our brisk check-in concluded, one of the team grabs our bag and leads us cheerfully to a fourth floor suite for a quick tour of suitably unconventional accommodation.
DESIGN WONDER: The exterior and interior of this unique Dubai hotel is testament to Zaha Hadid's genius
When you know ME by Melia Dubai’s origins, the exterior makes perfect sense.
It comprises two partially joined glass blocks with a seemingly melting hollow core, making it easy to spot amid the evolving Business Bay skyline beside Burj Khalifa District.
It isn’t the tallest structure, but its sleek presence - “inspired by the geometry of nature” - has it standing out within walking distance of Dubai Metro and Downtown Dubai, as well as the shops, supermarkets and casual dining opportunities at Bay Avenue. There you’ll also find a running track and park, with kids areas.
Head the other way and you can easily access Business Bay’s substantial waterfront footpaths for pleasant walking in cooler times.
Cabs are abundant, so you are also well-placed for exploring other parts of the city.
It comprises two partially joined glass blocks with a seemingly melting hollow core, making it easy to spot amid the evolving Business Bay skyline beside Burj Khalifa District.
It isn’t the tallest structure, but its sleek presence - “inspired by the geometry of nature” - has it standing out within walking distance of Dubai Metro and Downtown Dubai, as well as the shops, supermarkets and casual dining opportunities at Bay Avenue. There you’ll also find a running track and park, with kids areas.
Head the other way and you can easily access Business Bay’s substantial waterfront footpaths for pleasant walking in cooler times.
Cabs are abundant, so you are also well-placed for exploring other parts of the city.
SLEEP IN STYLE: Design sophistication permeates through every aspect of this Business Bay sanctuary
The ME by Melia Dubai’s hotel occupies part of the spectacular The Opus by Omniyat building and offers 93 rooms and suites across four floors.
That’s small by some Dubai hotel standard, but on entering the main doors from Al Amal Street you are in an epic space that reflects the spatial fluidity technique redefined by Hadid.
The lobby space also seemingly channels elements of maverick director Tim Burton.
Contained by a glass ceiling, each floor level fringes the atrium via a deep balcony from which to take in stunning design foibles.
At one end, these walkways extend pointedly to form a space that is part of two F&B outlets while visiting art displays form a significant element of ME by Melia Dubai.
The hotel has recently revived its annual Cultural Connection project, an annual celebration of creativity that transforms the property into a living canvas of artistic innovation.
That’s small by some Dubai hotel standard, but on entering the main doors from Al Amal Street you are in an epic space that reflects the spatial fluidity technique redefined by Hadid.
The lobby space also seemingly channels elements of maverick director Tim Burton.
Contained by a glass ceiling, each floor level fringes the atrium via a deep balcony from which to take in stunning design foibles.
At one end, these walkways extend pointedly to form a space that is part of two F&B outlets while visiting art displays form a significant element of ME by Melia Dubai.
The hotel has recently revived its annual Cultural Connection project, an annual celebration of creativity that transforms the property into a living canvas of artistic innovation.
SMART SPA: Fluidity flows throughout the building at all levels, including while you await some pampering
This year’s edition began with What's Brought To Life, an exhibition by artists Natalya Urmanova and Elvira Iurova, and continues with the visionary works of Brazilian artist Marcos Marín. Running until April 20.
The hotel will transform into an immersive gallery of optical and kinetic art, "pushing the boundaries of perception" and featuring more than 60 iconic pieces, including portraits of Arab royalty and global figures. The exhibition is said to merge art, architecture, and cultural storytelling in a "dynamic display of movement and form" - a highlight is the unveiling of a sculptural tribute to Saha Hadid on March 31, honouring her groundbreaking impact on architecture.
Once you have done treating your eyes, the hotel’s Wellness spa is tucked away one floor up with a distinctive waiting and post-treatment area occupying a spot beneath a dramatic sloping glass and steel ceiling.
The extensive pampering menu includes deep tissue, royal Thai and mother-to-be massages.
We indulge an effective couples signature massage for a wonderfully relaxed session in serene surroundings before heading to the pool downstairs.
Flanked by plentiful loungers and cabanas, the setting is well placed for calm sunbathing, if occasionally soundtracked by nearby construction work, which soon drifts into the background.
The hotel will transform into an immersive gallery of optical and kinetic art, "pushing the boundaries of perception" and featuring more than 60 iconic pieces, including portraits of Arab royalty and global figures. The exhibition is said to merge art, architecture, and cultural storytelling in a "dynamic display of movement and form" - a highlight is the unveiling of a sculptural tribute to Saha Hadid on March 31, honouring her groundbreaking impact on architecture.
Once you have done treating your eyes, the hotel’s Wellness spa is tucked away one floor up with a distinctive waiting and post-treatment area occupying a spot beneath a dramatic sloping glass and steel ceiling.
The extensive pampering menu includes deep tissue, royal Thai and mother-to-be massages.
We indulge an effective couples signature massage for a wonderfully relaxed session in serene surroundings before heading to the pool downstairs.
Flanked by plentiful loungers and cabanas, the setting is well placed for calm sunbathing, if occasionally soundtracked by nearby construction work, which soon drifts into the background.
SOPHISTICATED SUNNING: ME by Meliá Dubai's pool deck delivers a sense of calm in fashionable surroundings
An adjacent airy and well-stocked gym looks onto this area so you can combine your work-out routine with putting your feet and everything else up.
And when you are done with all that, there is your accommodation to look forward to.
Hadid’s inspirational ideas were again given license to flourish, including striking wavy, illuminated entrance doors.
Beyond this lies a slick black-paneled corridor with contrasting light oak flooring, pairing contemporary with a whiff of tradition.
The slick entrance passage hides plentiful hanging and storage space, including luggage recess while the suite’s closet with mirror-adorned dressing table is better placed for the bedroom.
Shiny dark doors also yield a stocked fridge and a ‘maxi bar’ complete with cocktail shakers. That, a long lounge with an eight-seater table and a generous sofa suggest a place to entertain friends.
And when you are done with all that, there is your accommodation to look forward to.
Hadid’s inspirational ideas were again given license to flourish, including striking wavy, illuminated entrance doors.
Beyond this lies a slick black-paneled corridor with contrasting light oak flooring, pairing contemporary with a whiff of tradition.
The slick entrance passage hides plentiful hanging and storage space, including luggage recess while the suite’s closet with mirror-adorned dressing table is better placed for the bedroom.
Shiny dark doors also yield a stocked fridge and a ‘maxi bar’ complete with cocktail shakers. That, a long lounge with an eight-seater table and a generous sofa suggest a place to entertain friends.
CHIC SLUMBER: Upscale meets snazzy in a room that exudes futuristic design traits for a memorable stay
Beyond a sheer curtain, beneath more sloping glass and metal roofing there is further space with a high table and stalls, plus two low-back seats to observe night skies.
Dark walls are etched with flowing gold grooves, a wavy theme that extends to a lighting feature above a signature Hadid-styled king-size bed. A second large TV and automatic curtains serve the space while mercifully simple touchpads control lights and curtains throughout.
White and grey marble lines the en suite bathroom where twin teardrop sinks and distinctive mirrors face a jacuzzi bath. The glassed-off shower’s huge rain effect system includes leave-behind trendy C.O. Bigelow shampoo, soap and conditioning dispensers. Like the bathroom, an adjoining washroom toilet and bidet feature Hadid’s bespoke Porcelanosa sanitary ware.
Once spruced up, you’ll find several varied and familiar F&B names to hand for dinner and drinks.
Dark walls are etched with flowing gold grooves, a wavy theme that extends to a lighting feature above a signature Hadid-styled king-size bed. A second large TV and automatic curtains serve the space while mercifully simple touchpads control lights and curtains throughout.
White and grey marble lines the en suite bathroom where twin teardrop sinks and distinctive mirrors face a jacuzzi bath. The glassed-off shower’s huge rain effect system includes leave-behind trendy C.O. Bigelow shampoo, soap and conditioning dispensers. Like the bathroom, an adjoining washroom toilet and bidet feature Hadid’s bespoke Porcelanosa sanitary ware.
Once spruced up, you’ll find several varied and familiar F&B names to hand for dinner and drinks.
SPAIN GAIN: Central Restaurant is ME Dubai’s all-day dining venue and a purveyor of the hotel brand's European roots
These include ground floor iterations of Salmon Guru and UAE brand The Maine, while suave ‘60s-inspired Mediterranean outlet Basko and vibrant cafe Sfumatic complete street-level offerings.
Central Restaurant, ME by Melia Dubai’s second floor all-day dining venue, wears its Spanish heart on its menu.
With seating inside leading to the atrium balcony area, this is the destination for a memorable breakfast that includes homemade granola and baked goods, cold cuts, chia pudding, and basil hummus crudités.
A food waste aware menu offers eggs, including shakshuka and perfectly-cooked Serrano Benedict, alongside a revitalising fruit-laden açai bowl, and the Classic cooked breakfast featuring that rarity, a decent chicken (homemade) sausage.
Dinner in this outlet, meanwhile, embraces Melia’s Spanish roots, not least with its Friday and Saturday ‘Soul Night’ (7.30pm-10.30pm).
Singer Raena Lashae soundtracks a tapas menu that includes gambas confit garlic shrimps, ponchos beef skewers, irrepressible cheese croquettes, olives and charcuterie. Ask about packages that include a drinks and food combo.
Central Restaurant, ME by Melia Dubai’s second floor all-day dining venue, wears its Spanish heart on its menu.
With seating inside leading to the atrium balcony area, this is the destination for a memorable breakfast that includes homemade granola and baked goods, cold cuts, chia pudding, and basil hummus crudités.
A food waste aware menu offers eggs, including shakshuka and perfectly-cooked Serrano Benedict, alongside a revitalising fruit-laden açai bowl, and the Classic cooked breakfast featuring that rarity, a decent chicken (homemade) sausage.
Dinner in this outlet, meanwhile, embraces Melia’s Spanish roots, not least with its Friday and Saturday ‘Soul Night’ (7.30pm-10.30pm).
Singer Raena Lashae soundtracks a tapas menu that includes gambas confit garlic shrimps, ponchos beef skewers, irrepressible cheese croquettes, olives and charcuterie. Ask about packages that include a drinks and food combo.
Other F&B choices on offer are Le Relais de L'Entrocote, and Soiree, a cool wine bar and eatery with a sophisticated Manhattan-style interior that also makes use of its airy third floor balcony area to serve a mixed theme menu.
Then there’s neighbour ROKO, a stylish Japanese bar and restaurant with a decent cocktail happy hour, well-priced authentic dishes, and seating inside and out. Revolver and Maison Dali will also arrive this year.
There’s a relaxed but efficient vibe among all the staff we encounter, from check-in desk to spa reception. Central’s breakfast staff are notably keen to take our order amid the busy late rush.
It’s fair to say, ME by Melia Dubai is a hotel that stands out from the ever-increasing pack.
With inimitable architecture and quirky interiors guarantee you’ll remember it over many other hotels, so guests really should take time to wander the balconies, absorb the Insta-loving futuristic foibles of the place, and visit the art exhibitions.
Then there’s neighbour ROKO, a stylish Japanese bar and restaurant with a decent cocktail happy hour, well-priced authentic dishes, and seating inside and out. Revolver and Maison Dali will also arrive this year.
There’s a relaxed but efficient vibe among all the staff we encounter, from check-in desk to spa reception. Central’s breakfast staff are notably keen to take our order amid the busy late rush.
It’s fair to say, ME by Melia Dubai is a hotel that stands out from the ever-increasing pack.
With inimitable architecture and quirky interiors guarantee you’ll remember it over many other hotels, so guests really should take time to wander the balconies, absorb the Insta-loving futuristic foibles of the place, and visit the art exhibitions.
SLICK & SLEAK: Daring designs touch every aspect of a building that is a powerful epitaph of a legendary architect
The hotel is even more intriguing on the inside than its curious exterior might suggest - but it doesn’t rely on looks alone and delivers a pleasant, comfortable experience as relaxing or lively as you want it to be…a truly fitting epitaph to Ms Hadid’s architectural genius.
DETAILS:
FIND ME by Meliá Dubai at The Opus by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay, Dubai.
CHECK-in is from 3pm, check-out until noon.
FIND out more via https://www.melia.com/en/brands/luxury/me
DETAILS:
FIND ME by Meliá Dubai at The Opus by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay, Dubai.
CHECK-in is from 3pm, check-out until noon.
FIND out more via https://www.melia.com/en/brands/luxury/me
