Reimagining an Icon

Set on Bluewaters, Dubai Holding’s vibrant waterfront destination, Delano Dubai made waves when it opened in late 2024. Developed by Ennismore in collaboration with Elastic Architects and a roster of international design partners, the multi-award-winning project reinterprets the spirit of the legendary Delano in Miami, transforming the former Caesars Palace into a new design landmark for the city.

For Ennismore’s global brand design team, the ambition extended beyond reproduction and instead focused on capturing the distinct ‘feel’ of Delano while reimagining its design signatures for a new cultural and architectural context. As Mark Eacott, Global Vice President of Design at Ennismore, explains, “The key challenge was informing the next chapter of the Delano story, in a way that felt both respectful to the legacy of the original in Miami, and in tune with the energy and style of Dubai.”

Relaxed Waterfront Living

The resort features 251 guest rooms, including 84 suites, alongside six dining destinations, including reimagined versions of the storied Rose Bar and Blue Door Restaurant. Two pools anchor the outdoor spaces, while 250 metres of private beach offer a rare stretch of Dubai shoreline with sweeping views of the horizon and the city skyline. At its pinnacle sits the Delano Penthouse, spanning more than 850 square metres across its own floor. The residence features five bedrooms, a private terrace and pool, as well as panoramic views across the Arabian Gulf.

A Sensory Design Journey

To shape the design narrative, the team revisited archival photographs of the Miami property, long associated with glamorous parties and performances. Signature elements such as the iconic Delano white palette, sunken pool seating and billowing lobby curtains have been reinterpreted as contemporary design cues.

In the guest rooms, these references appear as subtle gestures. Framed archival images nod to the brand’s heritage, while sculptural glass apples recall the playful motif made famous in Miami. Monogrammed throw blankets, curated accents of colour, and natural stone-inspired Dekton countertops contribute to a sense of soft modernity.

Cosentino Delano Dubai

The spatial experience unfolds as a choreographed journey. Guests arrive through a dramatic curtain installation where white sheers, subtly illuminated by concealed lighting, introduce a feeling of movement and discovery. Dimly lit corridors open into luminous interiors defined by a chic, tonal palette. Curved furniture, cocoon-like seating arrangements and richly grained natural materials bring warmth and tactility, while the whimsical topiary and manicured greenery outside evoke Miami’s iconic green hedge.

Crafted Materiality

Materiality plays a defining role throughout the project. Dekton, the carbon-neutral, ultra-compact surface by Cosentino, was selected for bespoke furniture elements, including bar countertops, side and coffee tables, and console surfaces.

Durable yet refined, the chosen surfaces  – travertine-inspired Dekton Marmorio designed by Daniel Germani and Paonazzo stone-inspired Dekton Awake by Nina Magon – complement the hotel’s sculptural forms and tactile palette of finely crafted finishes.

 In a city known for its ever-evolving luxury hotels, Delano Dubai stands apart as an icon thoughtfully reimagined for a new era on the emirate’s shores.

Photography: Natelee Cocks