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december/january 2009
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This unique sail-shaped building stands proudly on a man-made island
some 280m offshore. At 321m high, Burj Al Arab is the world's tallest
hotel building, taller than the Eiffel Tower. At the entrance, fireballs 2.5m
in diameter are propelled 8m into the air from each of the four towers.
Bursts of fire are also incorporated into the Ellipse fountain at the hotel
entrance, combined with 20,000 litres of water and orchestrated into a
dramatic visual symphony.
With private reception desks on every floor, as well as in-suite check-in
and a brigade of exclusive butlers it's not just the building that makes this
hotel unique. There's a 17 option pillow menu, and a special bath menu
with the butler glad to explain the options; from the Mint Bath to the Ex-
treme Indulgence, including caviar and champagne. The hotel boasts one
of the world's largest fleets of Rolls Royces, all of which are available for
guest transfers, or simply have the helicopter deliver you to the landing
pad on the 28th floor. www.jumeirah.com/
Burj Al Arab, Dubai