Five-star spa, just the tonic for summer weather!

Devotees of Dubai spas often recommend the Willow Stream on the ninth floor of The Fairmont hotel. It shares the entire floor along with the hotel's large gymnasium and twin swimming pools, one on either side of the building to catch or avoid the sun as you wish, and the Bacchus Italian restaurant.

This is a plush establishment with Romanesque decor, plunge pools, sauna and Jacuzzi and some of the best spa staff in Dubai. My masseur Henrie came from the Philippines and was head hunted from another Dubai five-star hotel, such is the nature of the competition these days.

Like a weight lifter he flexed his muscles for the next client and explained the format of the signature Willow Stream Sunset massage, a ninety minute mixture of Swedish deep tissue massage and nerve point pressure, plus a mud pack on your back and aromatherapy.

'This should relax you enough to sleep,' said Henrie. 'It is great for travellers or relieving stress after a hard day of business.'

Business heaven

For business is the most likely reason to be staying at the Fairmont in Dubai, which is right opposite the World Trade Centre complex with its own walkway across the Sheikh Zayed Road.

Indeed, the Fairmont vies with the Emirates Towers opposite and the nearby Shangri-La for the crown of the best business hotel in Dubai. From its business facilities that have taken over the whole first floor to its cigar lounge and restaurants, this 400-room hotel is built for business.

The Fairmont's architecture is distinctive, a traditional wind-tower or a gothic fortress depending on your viewpoint. And its extraordinary external lighting provides a chameleon like external appearance at night which restlessly changes colour at every second glance.

Stylish interior

Inside, and the harmonious modern Italian interior is easy on the eye, and provides a luxurious place to entertain business guests, as well as graciously supporting any corporate image. Indeed, there is a 224-seat auditorium on the 33rd floor for corporate presentations.

The choice of cuisine among the 10 restautants is huge, including the award-winning international Spectrum on One restaurant and The Exchange Grill with its adjacent Cigar Bar and Cin Cin wine bar. You will also find a cafe at the back of the hotel and a sushi bar tucked away in an alcove.

However, the best secret of The Fairmont is its rooms. They are very spacious and offer luxurious minimalist design with high quality contemporary bathrooms. There are 128 stylish suites and 266 guestrooms with panoramic views of the city and interactive television and entertainment systems. And, of course, you should not miss the excellent spa!