HOTEL STAY - ALPINE ESCAPE IN THE DESERT AT KEMPINSKI MALL OF EMIRATES (Émirats arabes unis)
The sophisticated ski chalet experience in the heart of Dubai has been refining its desert formula for nearly two decades, and learned just this month its place in the Virtuoso Travel network.Catégorie : Moyen Orient - Émirats arabes unis - Quoi de neuf ?
Article rédigé par Sonia Taourghi le 05-09-2025
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 Personalised welcome with chocolate portrait in the Duplex Aspen Ski Chalet suite - Kempinski Mall of Emirates, Dubai
This unexpected welcome gesture captured what I would discover about this property over the following days. As someone who's spent considerable time evaluating luxury hospitality across the Middle East, I approached the Kempinski Mall of Emirates with measured expectations. The concept of alpine aesthetics in Dubai's sweltering climate could easily veer into theme park territory, yet this established property has been refining its approach since 2006. When the opportunity arose to experience one of their coveted Duplex Aspen Ski Chalet suites, I was curious to discover whether this unusual marriage of mountain charm and Emirati hospitality could transcend novelty and deliver genuine luxury. The view, chocolate portrait and welcoming staff suggested they understood the importance of making an impact – though whether the rest of the experience would deliver on its promise remained to be seen.
Grounds and heritage: an alpine mirage
The Kempinski Mall of Emirates occupies a rather unique position in Dubai's hospitality landscape – literally attached to one of the city's most prestigious shopping destinations, yet managing to maintain an identity wholly separate from the commercial bustle beyond its doors. The hotel underwent a comprehensive $100 million renovation completed in 2016, creating a polished contemporary aesthetic.
Upon entering the lobby, the style is distinctly contemporary with that overall golden vibe that feels quintessentially Dubai. The space features soaring ceilings, polished marble floors, and distinctive perforated screens that create elegant patterns throughout the area. Warm golden and cream tones dominate the colour palette, complemented by comfortable seating areas and a piano, for that live performance leading guests from shopping days to glamour evenings.
The property's grounds, whilst compact by Dubai standards, maximise every square metre with thoughtful landscaping and intimate seating areas. The outdoor terraces offer respite from both the mall's intensity and the city's relentless pace. What struck me most about the Kempinski's positioning is how it manages to be both completely accessible – sharing an entrance with the Mall of Emirates – and entirely secluded once you've crossed the threshold. This balance between convenience and sanctuary reveals a property that knows its clientele: international travellers who appreciate luxury but also value practicality.
The hotel's connection to Ski Dubai, visible through floor-to-ceiling windows from several vantage points, initially seems like a tourist novelty but reveals itself as something more thoughtful. I found myself watching skiers navigate artificial slopes whilst sipping champagne in a heated lounge – a surreal, almost theatrical experience. It somehow captures Dubai's entire approach of defying natural limitations through determination and good engineering.
Accommodation excellence: the duplex effect
The Duplex Aspen Ski Chalet represents the property's finest offering, and rightfully so. This two-level suite achieves what many larger properties struggle with: creating a genuine sense of home whilst maintaining refined comfort. The 120-square-metre layout unfolds across two floors, with a spacious living area downstairs and the bedroom sanctuary above, connected by a spiral staircase that serves as both functional element and attractive centrepiece.
The design aesthetic maintains the alpine theme consistently – rich fabrics in deep emerald and burgundy, natural wood furnishings, and subtle tartan accents that somehow avoid crossing into caricature. The downstairs living space features a working fireplace, complete dining area, and a kitchen that's more than decorative, equipped with proper appliances and quality crockery. This attention to residential functionality lifts the suite beyond typical hotel accommodation into something resembling a private residence.
Upstairs, the bedroom continues the mountain lodge theme with a king-sized bed positioned to maximise views of the indoor ski slope – a vista that I confess never quite loses its novelty. The suite includes a dedicated butler service, accessible via WhatsApp, which proved remarkably useful for those small queries and requests that can make or break a stay. The en-suite bathroom features both a rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub, all finished in warm marble that maintains the cosy aesthetic whilst providing modern luxury. The dual vanities and generous storage space show an understanding of how guests actually live in a space, rather than simply occupying it. In a city where seeing and being seen is paramount, one thing was, however, notably missing: a full-length mirror to assess that head-to-toe look one carefully put together.
For those seeking different accommodation experiences, the Kempinski offers various options. The standard Deluxe Rooms offer elegant comfort with a mountain lodge styling in compact layouts, while the property's Crown Suites provide single-level luxury with expanded living spaces. The Presidential Suite offers the ultimate in space and amenities. Each category maintains the signature alpine aesthetic whilst offering distinct advantages for different guest preferences and requirements.
Culinary journeys around the globe
Dining at Kempinski Mall of Emirates offers something for every taste; from casual elegance to sophisticated dining.
My dining exploration began with afternoon tea at The Aspen Café, a charming space that captures the cosiness of a café in a contemporary setting. The service here deserves recognition – particularly Livingston Francis, Regional Manager for The London Tea Exchange, whose genuine passion for his craft shines through every interaction. I particularly appreciated his patience as I deliberated between floral variations, ultimately settling on a jasmine blend.
The afternoon tea selection proved both familiar and inventive. The finger sandwiches included classic cucumber and smoked salmon alongside more adventurous combinations featuring local ingredients. The scones, served warm, and the pastry selection almost made me forget I wasn't in England.
Salero, the property's signature Spanish restaurant, is up to the part. The evening I dined there, the atmosphere managed intimacy without stuffiness, with soft lighting and contemporary music creating an environment suitable for both business dinners and romantic occasions. The menu shows a solid understanding of modern European cuisine, with dishes that respect classic techniques whilst incorporating contemporary presentations and unexpected flavour combinations.
Both the breakfast experience at the Executive Club and in the lobby maintained the property's standards: well-made pastries, a wide selection of à la carte dishes and fresh ingredients overall. I did enjoy the public buffet better, though the Club Executive came handy for in-person meetings or that quiet moment needed to catch up on business, while enjoying fresh drinks and snacks.
Relaxation and activities: beyond the slopes
Whilst the Kempinski Mall of Emirates may not sprawl across acres like resort properties, it compensates with thoughtful amenities and unique experiences that leverage its distinctive location.
The outdoor terraces serve as welcome retreats, providing opportunities for guests to enjoy fresh air and natural light whilst remaining within the hotel's contemporary environment. These spaces prove particularly valuable during Dubai's cooler months, when outdoor relaxation transitions from endurance test to genuine pleasure – something I experienced during my stay. During my visit, the main pool area was undergoing renovation, though guests maintain access through the connecting facilities. The fitness centre, compact yet well-appointed, features quality equipment, and the SENSASIA® Stories Spa offers treatments in a contemporary setting designed by Dubai-based studio Roar.
The property's most distinctive feature remains its direct connection to Ski Dubai. Not everyone immediately grasps the concept of ski slopes nestled within a commercial mall, but this apparent contradiction ultimately contributes to the unusual experience Dubai has perfected – turning the impossible into the possible. However, the transition from hotel to slopes could be better orchestrated; the current route feels somewhat circuitous, requiring navigation through mall corridors that break the alpine spell momentarily.
Watching fellow guests transition from hotel bathrobes to ski gear creates amusing juxtapositions. When it comes to the slopes, I did try the experience, though I didn't mingle with the many professional and hardened skiers using the slopes as their training grounds off season. For those who embrace the surreal idea of skiing indoors whilst the outdoor temperature exceeds 40°C, it becomes both recreation and a genuine conversation piece.
A successful paradox
The Kempinski Mall of Emirates succeeds by embracing its contradictions rather than attempting to resolve them. This is a property that places an Austrian ski chalet in the Arabian Desert and somehow makes it work. The success lies in the commitment and consistency of its delivery across every aspect of the guest experience.
The property succeeds because it doesn't take itself too seriously whilst maintaining service standards and attention to detail. The team is professional and warm - despite the hiccups - guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply well-served. In a city where luxury can sometimes feel performative, the Kempinski offers something more straightforward: a place where the fantasy is complete enough to suspend disbelief, yet practical enough to provide genuine comfort and hospitality.
 Chambre de la suite Duplex avec vue sur les pistes de ski artificielles - Kempinski Mall of Emirates, Dubaï |
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