What are the defining trends of the post-pandemic hospitality scene? I would say, extreme hygiene, health and wellness narratives, and tech-driven amenities – all aimed at the modern individual whose professional and personal lives often get intertwined in this day and age of WFA (Work from Anywhere). By those standards, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan ticks most boxes with its seamless integration of technology and wellness into every aspect of hotel operations.
STYLE AND CHARACTER
The overall vibe and feel of this latest addition to Dubai’s ever expanding hotelscape is young, zestful and energetic – quite like its core target audience, the millennials and zillennials who seek enriching, smart and sustainable experiences while travelling. With 304 guest rooms, modern meeting rooms and increased spotlight on fitness and health, the hotel offers a glimpse of what the future of hospitality will look like – wholesome, tech-savvy and practical.
LOCATION
Ensconced in a leafy, quiet and posh neighbourhood in Al Furjan, ECOS Dubai blends well into the environment dotted by sprawling villas and beautiful gardens. Al Furjan is a relatively new development in Dubai with its own unique character – while it may be a bit further from the touristy and over-exposed Dubai Marina or Downtown, the area is quite close to the revitalised Expo City and the booming Dubai Investment Park district.
DECOR & DESIGN
Clearly, the design brief read ‘young’, ‘bright’ and ‘fun’. I especially loved the artwork on the walls and the waffle-like background to the reception desk. Bright orange walls offset the blue and pale pink seating arrangements with the clean lines of the furniture adding to the minimalist and trendy feel. The rooms have no exaggerated details or over-the-top decor but the sketches on the walls give off an artsy, chilled out flavour.
SERVICE & FACILITIES
Sustainability, smart facilities and tech-driven comforts mark this sunlit U-shaped hotel that has interesting concepts like ‘Vendtopia’ –a well-equipped vending machine on every floor that caters to your cravings (no need to wait for room service). Similarly, the fragrant ‘Washopia’, the fully-equipped self-service laundrette and the ‘Forgotten Room’ that stocks basic items like toothbrushes, kettles, ironing boards, mini first aid kits, Holy Book, hangers and more, are designed to make long-term guests at home and independent instead of having to turn to housekeeping every now and then.
On the professional front, all your office needs are set in place – think meeting rooms with movable tables, LED screens, smart TVs, common work areas with cutting-edge workstations and coffee machines. I could easily see myself gather with colleagues for an offsite that combines work and pleasure.
PEAK TECHNOLOGY
I am a huge fan of the personal element in hospitality. However, the post-COVID realities of contactless, AI-enabled amenities has opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of technology. For instance, when you enter the hotel’s lobby, you are welcomed by an adorable robot that not just answers your queries about the hotel but also directs you to different areas within its precincts. Very neat and efficient!
I could access my room through an app without having to depend on keys (which invariably get lost); I ordered room service through it and in a few minutes, everything I needed was at the doorstep; I could order for a drink through a link while chilling at the sundeck and I could adjust the lights, temperature and everything I needed in the room with just a few clicks here and there. Simply put, I could manage my entire stay without actually having to engage with staff or even making a phone call to address my needs. Almost as if an invisible genie was present to hear my requests and make them a reality!
WELLNESS & FOOD
ECOS Dubai is a dry hotel – so don’t expect to indulge in cocktails and bubblies during your stay. Instead, what you get is a menu that pays special emphasis on light, delicious bites using the freshest of ingredients. The choice is immense at Palettes, the bright and airy restaurant that serves up delightful Italian, robust Indian and delicious Arabic delicacies. The chef has also thoughtfully incorporated information on the calories you pack in with every dish; thus you can make an informed choice without having to worry about piling on the kilos during your stay. Our recommendations: stuffed eggplant with ratatouille, the kung-pao stir fry shrimps and low carb chicken caesar.
For light snacks, head to Coffea, the ground-floor barista that offers freshly brewed beverages and light bites while the Melt Cart, the mobile pop-up is especially targeted at the little ones with its tasty ice-cream treats.
And when you want to work it all out check out the state of the art gym and the super-cool pool and sundeck. The pool is especially recommended for an evening or early morning dip, overlooking the vast expanse of Al Furjan.
OVERALL
ECOS Dubai isn’t the last world in ultra-luxe city-escape. However, at times, in our busy lifestyle with our interconnected life, work and play experiences, we need a space to break free and where you can switch on as easily as you can switch off. This business-leisure hotel offers just that right balance for a weekend or week-day getaway.
RECIPE
SALMON PISTACHIO
Ingredients
Salmon Fillet – 220 Gram
Fennel – 40 Gram
Powdered or coarsely chopped Pistachio – 20 Gram
Fresh orange – 1
Extra virgin olive oil – 35 ml
Micro herbs – Few pics
Veg Touille – 1
Fried baby tomato – For garnish
METHOD
* Mark the Salmon in the Grill on both sides, season it with lemon, pepper and cover with toasted Pistachio powder.
* In a pan, add extra virgin olive oil and sauté sliced fennel, mint, leeks, orange segments and orange Juice for 2 min at high temp.
* Cook the Salmon in the oven at 175*C / 4 Min.
* Plate with vegetables at the bottom, add the Salmon on top.
* Finish with a twist of orange sauce, and garnish with a fried cherry tomato.
