The Lana is the Dorchester Collection’s first opening in a decade, offering sky-high stays and the first Dior spa in the UAE. Olivia Palamountain reports
The Lana, the latest addition to the Dubai skyline and the tenth hotel in the Dorchester Collection, opened in February 2024 in the Downtown neighbourhood, overlooking Marasi Bay Marina.
Located just a 15-minute walk from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, guests can arrive in style, either in the hotel’s custom Rolls-Royce cars or via the canal in a futuristic foiler boat.
Renowned architectural firm Foster and Partners is responsible for the Lana’s striking interconnected design, akin to two tessellating puzzle puzzle pieces soaring 30-storeys into the sky.
The hotel features a central podium – the Lana Promenade – for retail and restaurants, as well as an infinity rooftop pool with views over the city and desert beyond.
It is also home to the first Dior spa in the UAE, a light-flooded sanctuary on the 29th floor offering a future-forward wellness experience with cutting-edge technology and exclusive signature treatments – think Icoone Therapy, Hydrafacials, Dior Micro-Abrasion and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask.
It lists three signature treatments exclusive to the Lana, all of which “cater to each guest’s physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions”. 
These include: the “Escale at the Lana” (a “transcendent experience incorporating full-body stretching); “Dior Stone Therapy” (using semi-precious stones); and “D-Sculpt” (deploying wood, dry brushing and toning techniques for “skin lift”).
Japanese Iyashi Dôme technology will also be in situ, offering for sauna sessions using infrared radiation, and a futon for Japanese-inspired treatments. The Dior yoga mats are a nice touch too.
Inside, there are 225 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each featuring outdoor terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, and five signature suites with duplex layouts, double-height corner living rooms, and outdoor terraces on both levels.
The Marina Royal Suite, a magnificent presidential suite, features a balcony running along the length of the building, with sweeping views of Burj Khalifa, while the two-bedroom The Lana Royal Suite, envelops the north corner of the building.
Sophisticated interiors, created by the celebrated Parisian duo Gilles & Boissier, showcase Middle Eastern accents and a curated collection of more than 50 commissioned art pieces by local and global artists.
Rates for the Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, start from £747 per night, dependent on the room or suite category.
Christopher Cowdray, president of Dorchester Collection, says: “The Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design, superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a dining scene that will undoubtedly attract much local and international attention.”
In addition to its opulent accommodations, the Lana is setting its sights on becoming a culinary destination, with eight new drink and dining concepts, including four developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs Jean Imbert and Martín Berasategui, and pastry chef Angelo Musa.
The Lana is home to eight restaurant and mixology concepts, four developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs – Jean Imbert, Martín Berasategui, and pastry chef, Angelo Musa.
Jean Imbert, who also leads the culinary team at Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, has developed Riviera, a modern Mediterranean restaurant inspired by his heritage and travels, and High Society located on the rooftop with 180-degree views across Downtown Dubai.
Martín Berasategui, who has received an impressive 12 Michelin stars over the years, has created Jara, the first Basque restaurant in Dubai, as well as Txakolina, a speakeasy cigar lounge, while Bonbon Café by Angelo Musa (also of Hôtel Plaza Athénée) serves up viennoiseries, freshly baked bread, a range of chocolate bonbons and ice cream, as well as sandwiches and salads.
Further F&B venues include Veranda, a lush al fresco garden bar serving signature cocktails paired with Levantine light bites, the Gallery for afternoon tea and pastries, and intimate lobby bar, Bitter Honey.