TO KNOW NIKKI BEACH'S NEWEST CONCEPT, INSPIRED BY THE FRENCH RIVIERA
HOW SIGNOR SASSI CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON TASTE, SERVICE AND QUALITY.
REMOTE, ECO-FRIENDLY, BAREFOOT LUXURY –SIRRU FEN FUSHI TICKS ALL THE BOXES.
HAS THE LOCATION, THE MICHELIN STAR AND THE VIEW – BUT DOES IT DELIVER ON FOOD?
WHY THIS UNASSUMING HOTEL BRAND SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR FOR 2026.
LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE JOYOUS TO BOOK BRUNCH ON 25 DECEMBER?
This issue celebrates the beauty of escape — the destinations, flavours and moments that define travel. We begin with Sirru Fen Fushi in the Maldives, our cover story and a vision of barefoot luxury that balances sustainability with serenity. Remote yet indulgent, it captures the essence of what true island living should feel like. Back in Dubai, we step into Maison Mer, Nikki Beach’s elegant new Riviera-inspired concept, bringing the effortless glamour of the French coast to the shores of Jumeirah. Continuing on a culinary note, Signor Sassi proves once again that tradition and refinement can go hand in hand, while Dinner by Heston invites us to experience Michelin-starred dining paired with one of the city’s most striking views. Elsewhere, we shine a light on Corinthia — a quietly confident hotel brand poised for an exciting new chapter — and round up Dubai’s most joyful Christmas brunches to mark the festive season in style. Finally, we pay a visit to Tezukuri, the city’s sleek new handroll bar where precision meets simplicity in every bite. Thank you for joining us through another year of discovery. Here’s to 2026 — and to even greater adventures ahead.
ISSUE 024 | DECEMBER 2025
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ELISE KERR elise@the-rume.com
MANAGING PARTNER
PAULO EDUARDO COSTA paulo@the-rume.com
LEAD DESIGNER
DOROTHY CASTILLO
JUNIOR EDITOR
MORCO
Arrivez avec le soleil, prenez
et dînez le soir
Un clin d’œil à la chaleur de la maison
Maison Mer Dubai marks a new chapter for the globally recognised Nikki Beach brand, introducing the first iteration of a fresh dining concept inspired by the sunlit coasts of the South of France. Located beside Nikki Beach Dubai yet intentionally distinct, the restaurant has been crafted as an independent beachfront destination with its own architectural language, culinary identity and sense of place. It is a space designed to evoke the Riviera lifestyle – relaxed, stylish and quietly indulgent – while maintaining the polished ease that the Nikki Beach group is known for. The setting is expansive and atmospheric, blending indoor comfort with alfresco ease. A
sweeping bar anchors the room, while a striking emerald grand piano and a raised DJ booth add subtle energy to the space without overwhelming it. Decorative touches – from French-style parasols to a charming water fountain – create a visual narrative that draws on Provençal and coastal aesthetics. Outdoors, the terrace opens directly to sea views, giving the restaurant a Mediterranean sensibility that feels timeless rather than thematic. By day, the space lends itself to leisurely lunches that stretch into the afternoon. As evening falls, warm lighting and soft music shift the ambience into something more glamorous and dinner-focused, without losing its relaxed charm.
Maison Mer’s menu follows this story with a focus on Riviera classics interpreted with freshness and clarity. The carpaccio de thon à la puttanesca brings together fine slices of tuna with Niçoise olives, caper berries, confit tomatoes and Cantabrian anchovies, capturing the bright, briny flavours associated with the region. The salade Niçoise au thon confit, presented in a generous sharing format, brings together house-cured tuna, crisp vegetables, eggs, potatoes and artichoke for a vibrant expression of Mediterranean produce. These dishes are anchored in tradition but presented with the lightness and colour that define the French Riviera's discerning palette.
As the first property under the Maison Mer brand, the restaurant represents a new creative direction for Nikki Beach Hospitality Group.
Among the warm plates, the parmigiana de courgette stands out for its comforting layers of zucchini, rustic “casalinga” tomato sauce and a deeply savoury blend of smoked scamorza and parmesan. It is the kind of dish that feels instantly familiar yet distinctly Maison Mer in its execution – lighter, sunnier and crafted to suit Dubai’s coastal setting. The paccheri pomodoro, coated in a ripe cherry tomato coulis and finished with a Provençal basil–ricotta cream, offers a sense
of simplicity menu interaction, assembled of movement dining
Desserts direction, creations with echoes elegant,
simplicity and purity. The menu also introduces moments of interaction, such as the miso salad assembled tableside, adding a sense movement and conviviality to the dining room.
Desserts follow a classic French direction, with pâtisserie-style creations that balance sweetness subtlety. The presentation echoes the restaurant’s aesthetic: elegant, warm-toned and
unmistakably Riviera. The drinks programme complements the food with a Mediterranean lean, and the service style ties everything together – relaxed, confident and attentive, encouraging guests to share dishes, linger between courses and settle into the long, unhurried rhythm of the space.
As the first property under the Maison Mer brand, the restaurant represents a new creative direction for Nikki Beach Hospitality Group. Founder Lucia Penrod has hinted at future locations within this concept, signalling confidence in the idea and its relevance to contemporary luxury dining. The brand’s longstanding resort DNA is still present, but here it is expressed through a subtler, more culinaryfocused lens.
Maison Mer Dubai arrives as a polished and atmospheric addition to the city’s coastal dining scene. With its blend of refined simplicity, Mediterranean warmth and Riviera spirit, it lays the foundation for a concept that feels both fresh and familiar – a natural extension of the Nikki Beach universe, yet distinctive enough to stand confidently on its own.
maisonmerrestaurants.com
A London legend serving Italian indulgence in Dubai
There is something immediately comforting about stepping into Signor Sassi. It is not only the promise of a good meal. It is the atmosphere, that sense of old-world Italian hospitality that feels familiar even on first encounter. Tucked beside the St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah, the restaurant exudes a quiet confidence that needs no introduction. Everything, from the soft amber lighting to the elegant, white-jacketed service, hints at a legacy built on pride and precision. It is the kind of dining room that seems untouched by trends, steady, poised and warmly nostalgic.
The ambience strikes a rare balance, sophisticated without stiffness. The space feels alive yet calm, filled with the soft rhythm of conversation and the hum of plates gliding across linen. There is a cinematic quality to it, from the gentle crackle of Italian spoken at nearby tables to the glint of polished cutlery and the poise of the service team. It evokes the charm of old-money Milanese dining, where hospitality
is instinct rather than performance. Within minutes you feel looked after. Not observed. Not indulged. Simply cared for. To begin, the burrata with datterino tomatoes was an early revelation. Silky, cool and impossibly creamy, it arrived glistening under a drizzle of good olive oil, its sweetness offset by ripe tomatoes. It is a dish that relies entirely on quality, and here the produce did all the talking. The aubergine parmigiana was deeply comforting, with soft layers of eggplant, melted mozzarella and parmesan in careful proportion.
The bluefin tuna tartare with caviar arrived in a deep crimson hue, the texture soft and clean. The caviar added a clear, salty edge that balanced the dish well. It’s a straightforward plate, relying on good ingredients rather than embellishment, and everything on it served a clear purpose. The main courses showed the kitchen’s ability to balance comfort with clarity. The beef cheek ragù was the standout
dish. Slow-cooked until tender, the meat folded into ribbons of handmade pasta, every strand coated in a sauce that felt rich and layered. It was hearty and nostalgic, the sort of plate that has you wishing for a second portion before you finish the first. The homemade ricotta ravioli with mushrooms brought warmth back into the meal, a rustic, comforting plate with gentle earthy aromas. The sauce sat well against the soft pasta, rich but not overly heavy. Dessert at Signor Sassi feels celebratory, as if the restaurant understands how to close an evening on the right note. The traditional panettone
of nostalgia, the sort of dessert that recalls Italian holidays in an instant. Each bite felt light and indulgent at once, with the mascarpone adding a velvety richness that grounded the sweetness. The pistachio gelato followed with delicate nuttiness, deepened by black cherry sauce and a scatter of pistachio crumb. By the end of the evening, it was clear that Signor Sassi is not chasing reinvention. It is perfecting the art of consistency. The service remains attentive yet unintrusive. The ambience stays rooted in tradition. The food follows honest simplicity. For anyone who seeks authenticity with elegance, and a touch of emotion with every course, Signor Sassi remains what great dining should be. It is a place that makes you feel something.
signorsassidubai.com
Set in one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi pairs all-pool villas and jungled pathways with calm, glassy water and quietly attentive service. RUME editor, Elise Kerr, discovers a ‘secret water island’ designed for slow days between reef, bicycle and the privacy of your own deck.
The first time I saw Sirru Fen Fushi properly was not from the seaplane window, but from the jetty. After a long and slightly chaotic transfer, we stepped off the boat to a waiting buggy, cool towels and a glimpse of water so clear it looked almost edited. On one side, a sweep of white sand and palms. On the other, the long line of overwater villas stretching into a pale turquoise lagoon. Behind it all, dense greenery that felt more jungle than manicured resort.
Sirru Fen Fushi means “secret water island”, a name that makes sense as soon as you start to explore. Set in the far northern Shaviyani Atoll, it sits in one of the Maldives’ largest resort lagoons, with a 9km house reef curling around the island and a sense of remoteness that feels far away from Malé. This is an all-villa resort where every address comes with a private pool as standard, and where the design language leans into pale wood, handcarved details and a slightly bohemian, rustic chic aesthetic. It is not the most polished, ultraminimal Maldivian hotel on the market. Instead, it feels like a lush, slightly
wilder island with a strong sense of place, a serious commitment to its natural surroundings and genuinely warm service. Getting there: remoteness with a catch
If you are drawn to Sirru Fen Fushi, it is probably because of that sense of remoteness. The resort is almost an hour north of Malé by seaplane under ideal circumstances, and the views over the atolls are as cinematic as you would expect.
In practice, the journey was the only real downside of our stay. The resort works with a third-party seaplane company that runs on a shuttle system, which means flights leave when they are full, not on a fixed schedule. On arrival we waited close to four hours at the terminal before boarding, and our 55-minute flight stretched to around an hour and twenty as we stopped to drop off and collect guests at other islands in both directions. It felt efficient rather than luxurious, and you lose some of the “private island” magic when you are effectively on a bus route in the sky. The contrast on landing is striking. Our butler met us at the jetty with a buggy and we skipped the lobby entirely, checking in
from the sofa of our villa while our luggage quietly appeared in the dressing area. It was only then, standing barefoot on the deck and looking back at the island, that Sirru Fen Fushi began to feel like the escape we had come for. Villas: overwater living with room to breathe
All 120 villas at Sirru Fen Fushi have private pools, whether you choose to wake up on the beach, above the lagoon or tucked into the greenery in one of the safari-style tented jungle villas. We opted for an overwater villa, which quickly became the heart of our stay.
The deck alone feels like a small apartment. It wraps around on both sides of the villa, with an infinity-style pool facing the ocean, a comfortable sofa corner, two sunbeds, a dining table and a hammock net suspended above the water. Inside, the villa is surprisingly spacious, with high ceilings and abundant natural light. There are two full wardrobes, proper room to unpack and hide away suitcases, and a large bedroom that still manages to feel uncluttered. The bathroom is almost comically big, with a freestanding tub, a separate shower room
clad in warm metal tones and a double vanity. A mirror positioned opposite the window reflects the ocean back into the space, so you catch a glimpse of the lagoon even while brushing your teeth. Practicalities are well considered. Each villa has bicycles waiting outside, which turns what could have been a long walk down the overwater boardwalk into a gentle ride. Many of the island’s paths are shaded by trees forming almost
From our deck, we watched dolphins trace the horizon in front of us.
a tunnel overhead, so pedalling through feels cosy and jungly rather than exposed. It is a small detail, but one that makes the resort feel lived in rather than just looked at.
On our final morning we ordered a floating breakfast to the villa, one of those slightly theatrical Maldivian rites of passage.
Eating pastries, eggs and tropical fruit perched on the edge of the pool while the tray bobbed gently in the water felt faintly impractical and
very charming in equal measure. It is more about the moment (and, let us be honest, the photo) than the meal, but it suits the playful side of the resort. Dining options aplenty Sirru Fen Fushi offers several dining venues: an all-day restaurant, a beachfront spot by the pool and a signature seafood restaurant, along with a Japanese option and casual bars. Over the course of our stay we managed to try them all. Breakfast is served in the
main all-day restaurant and is genuinely impressive in scale. There are separate sections for Asian, Indian and Maldivian dishes, a Western corner with eggs, pastries and baked beans, live cooking stations and a generous fruit area where staff chop and toss a fresh salad to order.
The seafood restaurant, Azure, is perhaps the most atmospheric space, especially in the evening. Rope lights and globe pendants give it a nautical glow and the open kitchen creates a gentle buzz as chefs plate up local catch.
Spa and wellness: a tropical pause
If the aesthetic of Sirru Fen Fushi feels a touch bohemian in the villas, the spa takes that idea and leans fully into it. Hidden among the trees, the spa compound feels more Bali than big-brand hotel, with wooden walkways, treatment pavilions and a softness to the landscaping that encourages you to lower your voice.
We booked a 60-minute massage and found the therapists to be excellent, with the sort of intuitive pressure and rhythm that makes the hour disappear. The treatment rooms open to the greenery, so you hear rustling leaves and distant birds rather than lobby noise. Elsewhere, there is a yoga deck looking out to the water and a sizeable fitness space, but the island itself does a lot of the wellness work. You can cycle shaded paths, walk along the beach at sunrise or simply sit on your deck and watch the water shift from pale blue to deep teal as the day goes on.
The resort sits on a 600-hectare lagoon with a long house reef that is directly accessible from the beach, and it is home to the Maldives’ first underwater art installation, the Coralarium, by sculptor and ocean conservationist Jason deCaires Taylor. On the surface it looks like a minimal bronze structure in the middle of the water; once you are in, it becomes a gallery where fish and coral are the main exhibit.
One of the most quietly special moments of our trip, however, happened without leaving the villa. Standing on the deck one afternoon, we spotted a pod of dolphins moving slowly across the horizon, their fins appearing and disappearing in the distance. Watching them glide through the water from the privacy of our own pool felt like the reason people travel all this way: a small, unscripted reminder that you are a guest in a very large, very blue world. Service and atmosphere While the natural setting is the undisputed star of Sirru Fen Fushi, the service comes a very close second. Each villa is assigned a butler who communicates via WhatsApp and, in our experience, this worked exceptionally well. Ours quickly learned our rough movements and often had a buggy waiting before we even thought to request one. Restaurant bookings, activity tweaks and small villa requests were all met with warm, prompt replies rather than the gentle
delays that can sometimes come with island life.
Across the restaurants and bars, staff are unfailingly friendly and good company. There were moments when product knowledge fell a little short, particularly when we asked questions about certain dishes or drinks, but the attitude was always “let us find out”, which counts for a lot.
In terms of atmosphere, the resort sits somewhere between honeymoononly retreat and sociable beach club. Most guests during our stay were couples, often celebrating something special, but it did not feel hushed or overly romantic, and there were a handful of small groups and families. Who is it for?
Sirru Fen Fushi is best suited to travellers who value space, nature and privacy, and who are happy for their dining to be pleasant rather than ground-breaking. It will appeal to couples and small groups who like the idea of a slightly wilder, greener Maldivian island with excellent villas and a substantial house reef,
rather than a resort built entirely around fine dining or a party scene. It is also a strong option for those who plan to spend meaningful time in and on the water, whether that is diving, snorkelling the Coralarium or simply watching dolphins from the deck. Families will find plenty of space and a kids’ club, but on our visit the energy was quietly adult, which may be a positive or a drawback depending on what you are looking for. Sirru Fen Fushi is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly: tree-lined paths you learn by instinct, staff who remember your rhythms and water that shifts through shades of blue as the day goes on. With its generous lagoon, spacious pool villas and quietly attentive service, it suits travellers who want a Maldivian escape that feels both relaxed and genuinely connected to its natural setting. For those content to move between reef, bicycle and villa, this “secret water island” offers a calm, barefoot style of luxury that lingers long after you leave.
sirrufenfushi.com
A slightly wilder, greener Maldivian island with excellent villas and a substantial house reef
Where storytelling, culinary theatre and refined service meet. tribute to historic British gastronomy, framed by skyline views
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal has long held a reputation for bringing history to the table, transforming centuriesold British recipes into contemporary fine dining experiences. Its Dubai outpost at Atlantis The Royal continues this narrative with polished ambition, offering a journey that blends culinary research, modern technique and imaginative presentation. The restaurant occupies one of the most striking locations within the resort, elevated above the main terrace with views that sweep across the fire-and-water spectacle below – a nightly display that enhances the sense of occasion. The dining room is warm and elegantly modern, with deep-hued woods, sculptural lighting and a contemporary calm that contrasts the animated energy of the resort.
The aesthetic is polished without feeling austere, balancing soft, refined textures with clean lines. Large windows frame the outdoor performance fountains, allowing the space to shift atmospherically from the golden tones of early evening to the darker, dramatic backdrop of nightfall.
Service is a defining strength at Dinner. The team is knowledgeable and precise yet consistently warm, striking a balance between professionalism and approachability. Courses are presented with clarity, each rooted in historical reference – a hallmark of the restaurant’s philosophy. The experience moves at a considered pace, allowing the dining room to feel both relaxed and elevated. The menu draws from Heston Blumenthal’s
extensive British with recipes back 14th reinterpret through lens, of cooking towards unusual and for which known. or one-off the structure anchored signature unexpected layered and are made through Classic the restaurant’s treatment its precisely meat intricate herbs
meet. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal offers a modern views and the architectural drama of Atlantis The Royal.
extensive research into British culinary heritage, dishes inspired by recipes dating as far as the 13th and centuries. Plates reinterpret these ideas through a modern delivering a style cooking that leans towards theatricality, unusual flavour pairings the playful contrasts which the chef is known. Even on special one-off menus, structure remains anchored to Heston’s signature approach: unexpected textures, layered temperatures historical nods that made contemporary through technique. Classic elements such as restaurant’s refined treatment of seafood, precisely handled meat courses and its intricate use of fruits, herbs and spices all echo
the wider philosophy. Many dishes arrive with artistic presentation, structured in geometric shapes or accented with delicate sauces and foams. Desserts continue this style, often pairing nostalgic British references with a modern aesthetic, reinforcing the restaurant’s blend of tradition and innovation. Dinner by Heston holds a distinctive place within Dubai’s fine dining landscape. Rather than leaning into conventional luxury or traditional European gastronomy, it offers an experience shaped by academic curiosity, culinary storytelling and visual theatre. This is a restaurant designed for diners who appreciate conceptual dining – where the narrative behind each dish is as central as the preparation itself.
Set within the architectural grandeur of Atlantis The Royal and supported by polished service, Dinner by Heston is positioned as a thought-provoking addition to the city’s upper-tier dining scene. It offers a refined, narrativedriven journey that pays homage to historical British cuisine while embracing the creativity and precision that define Heston Blumenthal’s global reputation.
@dinnerbyhbdubai
PALACE MALTA
Corinthia St George’s Bay is a seafront resort with multiple pools, direct sea access, and panoramic views.
ST GEORGE'S BAY, MALTA
Corinthia St George’s Bay is a seafront resort with multiple pools, direct sea access, and panoramic views.
There are hotel groups that grow by scale, and others that grow by soul. Corinthia belongs firmly to the latter. What began more than 60 years ago as a small restaurant inside a Maltese villa has become one of the luxury world’s most intriguing emerging players: a family-founded brand undergoing a striking reinvention, expanding into global capitals, and quietly positioning itself as a name travellers will soon be hearing far more often. For decades, Corinthia’s reputation rested on its heritage. Its founding hotel – Corinthia Palace, opened in 1968 opposite Malta’s Presidential Palace – remains a symbol of Mediterranean warmth and elegance, a property fiercely linked to family values and steady, principled growth. But it is the brand’s transformation
over the last five years that has rewritten its trajectory. Corinthia is no longer simply a respected operator of grand city hotels; it is now a modern luxury collection with ambition, personality and a renewed sense of purpose.
At the heart of this story is the Pisani family. Alfred Pisani, who transformed his late father’s newly acquired villa into an 80-seat restaurant in 1962, still serves as Executive Chairman. His determination, entrepreneurial spirit and insistence on quality laid the groundwork for what would become a multinational group spanning hotels, real estate, design consultancy and development. Today, multiple members of the Pisani family hold leadership roles across the company, ensuring
continuity accelerates next In 2023, unveiled repositioning its global with the brand new two phrases its evolving “Grand “Properly first speaks sweet the architectural of grande intimacy boutique second philosophy: paired warmth Mediterranean This a refreshed – Malta-inspired a modernised local and a
continuity as Corinthia accelerates into its chapter.
2023, Corinthia unveiled a bold repositioning that signals global intent. Working Luxury Partners, brand introduced a identity anchored in phrases that capture evolving personality: “Grand Boutique” and “Properly Inventive.” The speaks to Corinthia’s sweet spot – hotels with architectural presence grande dames but the intimacy and energy of boutique hideaways. The second distils the service philosophy: classic comfort paired with creativity, warmth and a hint of Mediterranean playfulness. shift arrived alongside refreshed visual world Malta-inspired tones, modernised logotype, artist collaborations, a new photography
style that brings a more human, emotive lens to the brand. Internally, the transformation was matched with rigorous training programmes, a brand book and new digital standards designed to unify the guest experience across continents.
The appointment of Simon Casson, formerly Four Seasons’ President of EMEA, as CEO in early 2024 further signalled Corinthia’s aspirations. Casson describes the group as a “challenger brand” – one capable of competing with luxury’s most established names
Corinthia Brussels brings the former Grand Hotel Astoria back to life on Rue Royale after a full restoration.
while offering something distinctly its own. Corinthia’s reputation is closely tied to its mastery of heritage restoration. Few hotel groups of its size have developed such a consistent track record of reviving landmark buildings – from Budapest’s 1896 Grand Hotel Royal to London’s former Metropole Hotel, now one of the city’s most celebrated modern grand hotels. That craftsmanship continues today. Corinthia Brussels, reopened in late 2024 after a €150 million transformation, brings the Belle Époque Grand Hotel Astoria back to life with Michelin-starred dining, a dramatic stained-glass atrium recreated from archival photographs, and one of Europe’s more impressive new urban
spas. Corinthia Bucharest, opening in March 2025, transforms an 1873 palace into an all-suite jewel box, marking one of the most ambitious luxury openings in Eastern Europe. These projects demonstrate a defining strength: Corinthia’s ability to act as developer, investor, designer and operator through its integrated group of companies. This allows for an approach to restoration that is not only meticulous but deeply personal – a point of pride for the Pisanis, who view heritage as both responsibility and opportunity.
The last two years have marked the most significant expansion period in Corinthia’s history. The opening of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in New York in
At the heart of this story is the Pisani family. Alfred Pisani, who transformed his late father’s newly acquired villa into an 80-seat restaurant in 1962, still serves as Executive Chairman.
Corinthia Budapest occupies the former Grand Hotel Royal, a historic address on Erzsébet körút.
October 2024 introduced the brand to North America, reimagining an Upper East Side icon with residential-style interiors, an exclusive Casa Tua partnership and a curated local art programme. Looking ahead, Corinthia’s pipeline reveals a period of remarkable growth.
Corinthia Rome, housed in the former Central Bank of Italy building, is set to make a major impact with dining by Carlo Cracco and interiors that blend neoclassical grandeur with Roman modernity. Corinthia Doha, rising on Gewan Island, brings together a 1,000-seat ballroom, branded villas, a beach club and a yacht club in one sweeping development. Corinthia
Maldives promises sculptural, mantainspired architecture and a world-class wellness focus, while Corinthia Riyadh will introduce a contemporary take on Najdi design within the ambitious Diriyah Gate masterplan. By the end of the decade, Corinthia expects to operate in global capitals including Rome, New York, Riyadh and Dubai, alongside flagship resorts in destinations of increasing strategic value. What distinguishes Corinthia within an increasingly competitive landscape is its blend of
Grand Hotel du Boulevard combines restored 19th-century details with modern suites in central Bucharest.
heritage, humanity and modernity. It is rare for an ultraluxury brand to still be led by its founding family after more than 60 years; rarer still for that family to remain so active in operations, development and culture. This continuity infuses Corinthia’s hotels with something harder to quantify but easy to recognise: warmth, pride and a sense of belonging. At the same time, the brand’s new era is defined by sophistication – architectural ambition, Michelin-level culinary partnerships, destination spas and a design language that balances classicism with contemporary creativity. Corinthia appeals to guests who want more than formality in their luxury experience; they want character, artistry and emotional connection. As Corinthia approaches its next decade, the brand is entering a period of meaningful global visibility. Its upcoming openings in Rome, Doha, Riyadh and the Maldives will introduce the “Grand Boutique” philosophy to new audiences, while designs for Corinthia
A restored landmark between Whitehall and the Thames, now home to Corinthia’s London flagship hotel.
The Surrey stands on the Upper East Side, moments from Central Park, with city views along Madison Avenue.
Bright, spacious rooms frame direct views of Lisbon’s hills and the historic Águas Livres Aqueduct.
Dubai – a double-tower architectural statement set to exceed 500 metres in height – signal that the brand is ready to play in the world-icon category. Yet through all the expansion, Corinthia’s essence remains grounded in the story of a Maltese family that built a hospitality group through perseverance, intuition and care. The spirit that began in a single villa restaurant still shapes the brand today – only now, the world is taking notice. corinthia.com between Thames, Corinthia’s hotel.
A contemporary members’ club with marina views, dining, and terraces overlooking The Pearl-Qatar.
Tasca’s Almoço de Natal brings a vibrant Portuguese-style brunch, with a sun-soaked service from 12.30pm to 4pm. Guests can enjoy an array of carefully marinated seafood, fruity Portuguese sangrias and Tasca signatures such as freshly baked pastéis de nata, all served in an atmosphere alive with music and celebration.
@tascadubai
Celebrate the season in style with Dubai’s from soulful beachfront gatherings and refined family-friendly celebrations filled with
Amazónico’s Jungle Bell
Brunch offers a festive celebration framed by shimmering fairy lights and golden décor. Guests can enjoy a generous feast of the restaurant’s signature Latin American dishes alongside special holiday additions, while resident DJs keep the mood lively with vibrant elec-tropical beats. The brunch runs from 12pm to 4.30pm, making it an ideal choice for those looking to mark the occasion with upbeat energy and a distinctive rainforest-inspired setting.
@amazonicodubai
The Fore opens its doors to all for a special brunch. The experience blends Umi Kei’s Japanese dishes, The Bombay Club’s bold North Indian flavours, Madame Li’s PanAsian creations and Mirabelle’s French Mediterranean plates, with every dish designed for sharing. The brunch runs from 1pm to 4pm.
@jumeirahmarsaalarab
Dubai’s most memorable Christmas Day brunches, refined festive menus to sky-high feasts and with music, flavour and holiday warmth.
Sexy Fish Dubai’s family-friendly Fishmas Brunches bring a bright midday spirit to the festivities, with a lively service from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Guests can enjoy festive seasonal dishes alongside signature Fishmas desserts displayed in the Candy Room. Live DJs, dancers and distinctive entertainment ensure each brunch feels upbeat and immersive, blending music, flavour and a sense of festive warmth for a memorable daytime celebration.
sexyfishdubai.me
The Bohemian Brunch invites guests to celebrate Christmas Day with a soulful beachfront gathering from 12.30pm to 4pm. Come together over Casa Amor’s signature dishes and comforting favourites, enjoyed in a relaxed, boho-inspired setting. Live bossa nova sets an easy rhythm for the afternoon, creating a warm, laid-back ambience. @casaamordubai
Slow down, connect and share, with a generous Menu de Noël served in a relaxed, elegant setting. The sharing-style experience highlights refined French Mediterranean flavours, beginning with the iconic seafood tower before moving on to duck confit and finishing with the signature vanilla cheesecake with berry compote. Christmas Day lunch runs from 12pm to 3.30pm.
@lpmdubai
TATTU Dubai’s Christmas Day Brunch in the Sky brings a festive Asian feast to the Black Dragon Restaurant on Level 74, where guests can enjoy an exquisite selection of dim sum, sushi and generous sharing plates from 12pm to 4pm. Spectacular city views set the backdrop for live performances of Christmas favourites.
tatturestaurantdubai.me
A new Downtown Dubai opening from the chef behind Kinoya, Tezukuri offers an ingredient-led Japanese dining experience shaped by craftsmanship, precision and understated elegance.
Tezukuri is the newest project from Neha Mishra, the acclaimed chef–founder behind Kinoya, and marks her latest step in redefining Japanese dining in Dubai. Located in Downtown, the restaurant explores a quieter, more contemplative expression of Japanese cuisine, centred on craftsmanship, purity of flavour and premium ingredients sourced directly from Japan. The result is a space that feels intentionally understated, inviting diners to slow down and focus on the detail.
The design supports this philosophy. Warm wood, natural textures and soft lighting create an intimate atmosphere that mirrors the restaurant’s approach to food. A compact speakeasy-style listening bar is tucked within the venue,
offering a small martini menu and a more private setting for guests seeking a quieter moment. The overall aesthetic is minimal yet considered, emphasising quality over excess.
Service plays a significant role in shaping the dining experience at Tezukuri. The team is attentive and genuinely welcoming, taking time to walk guests through the concept, the sourcing of ingredients and the thought behind the dishes. This level of engagement helps establish a sense of connection to the restaurant’s vision and reinforces the care with which the menu is presented. The attention to rice preparation, in particular, is notable, with different vinegars used to create nuanced shifts in flavour profiles – a subtle detail that reflects the kitchen’s technical approach.
The menu moves with intention through cold starters, nigiri, hand rolls and a concise collection of cooked dishes. At its strongest, the food highlights the quality of the produce, allowing freshness and simplicity to guide each bite. The tuna nigiri captures this clarity well, balancing flavour and texture with restraint. These moments align closely with Tezukuri’s philosophy, offering a glimpse of what the restaurant aims to achieve.
As with any new opening, Tezukuri is still defining its culinary rhythm. Some dishes lean towards richer or more assertive profiles, and certain textures feel denser or softer than expected for this style of cuisine. These variations suggest a period of refinement ahead, as the team continues to calibrate balance and
consistency across the menu. The dessert selection follows a traditional Japanese path, featuring elements that may be unfamiliar to some diners, yet remain true to the roots of the cuisine.
The drinks programme is intentionally focused rather than expansive, featuring cocktails inspired by Japanese prefectures alongside a minimal wine list. This streamlined approach aligns with the overall direction of the restaurant, though guests seeking broader selection may find it more limited than in other venues across the city. Tezukuri enters Dubai’s competitive Japanese dining scene with a clear vision and a strong sense of identity. Its foundations – from its thoughtful design to its engaged service and commitment to quality ingredients – offer a promising base. As the kitchen continues to refine its approach and deepen its consistency, the restaurant has the potential to evolve into a notable addition to Downtown Dubai, appealing to diners who value craft, intention and a more understated interpretation of Japanese cuisine.
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