Most people only see the outside of the Burj Al Arab. They take photos from the public beach. They see the famous “sail” shape.
But what is it really like inside?
As a Dubai travel expert, I can tell you: it’s not just a hotel. It’s a private world of extreme luxury. It’s a “seven-star” experience.
Today, we will show you the 10 most exclusive experiences at Burj Al Arab. This list goes far beyond just a nice room. We are talking about helicopter arrival on the roof and your very own 24/7 private butler.
If you want to feel like royalty, this is how you do it.
1. The Helicopter Arrival
Imagine this. You skip all the famous Dubai traffic. You fly over the city in a luxury helicopter.
You see the Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands from above. Then, your pilot lands softly on the hotel’s famous helipad. This green circle sits 210 meters in the air.
This is the ultimate celebrity entrance. Hotel staff are waiting for you with flowers and refreshments. You are taken straight to your suite. This is the same level of service you’d expect from high-end private jet services.
How to book: This is arranged through the hotel’s reservations team when you book your suite.
2. Your 24/7 Private Butler
This is the true secret of the Burj Al Arab. Every single suite, on every floor, comes with a team of private butlers.
As soon as you enter your suite, you meet your main butler. They are there for you, and only you, 24 hours a day.
What can they do?
- They will unpack your bags for you.
- They can draw you a perfect bath from a “bath menu.”
- They will book your dinner reservations.
- They can bring you free snacks and drinks at any time.
Think of them as your personal assistant for your entire stay.
3. Arrive in a White Rolls-Royce
Don’t want to fly? You can arrive by land. The hotel has one of the world’s largest fleets of white Rolls-Royce Phantoms.
A chauffeur will pick you up from the airport (DXB). You glide through the city in total silence and comfort. You feel like royalty before you even step inside the hotel.
This is the standard for ground transport here. It makes every luxury car rental in the city seem second-best.
4. Stay in the Royal Suite
All 202 “rooms” at the Burj Al Arab are two-floor suites. But the Royal Suite is the king of them all.
It takes up the entire 25th floor. It has a private elevator. It has a full-size cinema room and a library.
The master bedroom has a rotating canopy bed. The staircase is made of gold and marble. From your window, you get the best views in the city. You can look down on all the exclusive real estate viewings on the Palm Jumeirah. It’s pure fantasy.
5. The Private Cabana on “The Terrace”
The Terrace is a man-made luxury island. It stretches out from the back of the hotel over the sea.
It’s for hotel guests only. It has two huge, beautiful pools. One is freshwater, and one is saltwater.
For true privacy, you can rent a private, air-conditioned cabana. These are little villas by the pool. They have a minibar, coffee machine, and your own butler.
6. Dine “Underwater” at Al Mahara
This is one of the most famous restaurants in the world. The name means “The Oyster Shell.”
To get in, you take a “submarine” simulation elevator. When you arrive, the entire restaurant is built around a giant, floor-to-ceiling aquarium.
You watch sharks, rays, and thousands of fish swim by as you eat. It’s a magical, “under the sea” feeling. The seafood here is, as you can guess, amazing.
Dress code: Smart elegant. No shorts or trainers.
7. Have Drinks in the Sky at Al Muntaha
If Al Mahara is under the sea, Al Muntaha is in the sky. It is on the 27th floor, hanging off the side of the building.
You get stunning views over all of Dubai. It’s the best place to see the sunset. The restaurant is called “The Ultimate” for a reason.
Insider Tip: You can also book the “Inside Burj Al Arab” tour. This tour ends with a drink at the new UMA lounge, which also has amazing views.
8. Relax at the Talise Spa
The Talise Spa is high up in the hotel, near the sky-view restaurant. The views from the relaxation pool are incredible.
The spa itself is very private. It has separate areas for men and women. The treatments use the most expensive and luxurious products. It’s the perfect place to find peace and quiet, far above the busy city.
9. Use the Private Beach
Hotel guests get a special key. This key opens a gate to the Jumeirah private beach.
This beach is quiet, clean, and safe. It’s totally separate from the public crowds.
As soon as you sit down, staff will bring you cold towels, fresh fruit, and ice-cold water. This is how you enjoy the beach in total comfort.
10. Get “Anything” with Your Butler’s Help
The real luxury isn’t just the gold. It’s the service. Your butler’s job is to make anything happen.
Want to book a private yacht charter for the afternoon? Just ask.
Want a private, after-hours bespoke shopping tour at the Mall of the Emirates? They can arrange it.
This power of total access is the most exclusive experience of all.
All these experiences start with your reservation, which you can plan with our ultimate guide to suite prices and booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can non-guests visit the Burj Al Arab?
Yes, but you must have a reservation. You can book a table at a restaurant (like Al Muntaha or Al Mahara) or book the “Inside Burj Al Arab” official tour. You cannot just walk into the lobby. - 2. How much does the helicopter arrival at the Burj Al Arab cost?
Prices change, but it is a premium service. As of 2024-2025, the 15-minute transfer from Dubai airport costs several thousand dollars. It must be booked in advance with your suite. - 3. What is the dress code at the Burj Al Arab?
The dress code is “smart casual” or “smart elegant.” This means no beachwear, shorts, or flip-flops in the lobby and restaurants. Men should wear a collared shirt, trousers, and closed shoes.
