Nick Cooksey tells you more about the extraordinary escape in Dubai.
Rolls-Royce has always been praised as one of the most exclusive cars in the world. Known for its excellent craftsmanship and unparalleled attention to detail, the brand has been redefiningautomobile engineering and artistry for more than a century.Bahrain Confidential was invited to experience the Rolls-Royce Luxury Mountain Drive 2017 in Dubai and it turned out to be so much more than just a drive.
The day started out byus checking in at the La Ville Hotel on Dubai’s City Walk, a globally recognised luxury and hospitality hotspot. We had an exceptionalgourmet dinner with our fellow guests, who included the Roll-Royce Motor Cars team, renowned social media personalities, and key influencers from around the region.Among them were brand ambassador AreejJalil, actress Daniella Rahme and luxury bag designer Sofia Al Asfoor.
The next morning, we were chauffeured to the Rolls-Royce Boutique which was only two minutes away from the hotel. Highly progressive and exceptionally luxurious, the boutique is a staging point for one-of-a-kind examples of Rolls-Royce Bespoke motor cars. The 7,300 square foot boutique is home to an Inspiration Studio, Bespoke Atelier, Interactive Spirit of Ecstasy, Pinnacle Café and Virtual Reality Configurators. It also embodies the brand’s commitment to effortlessly integrating itself into the lifestyle of its patrons.
Like the other Rolls-Royces, the Dawn was created to cover great distances at high speed while still coddling its occupants in the finest motoring experience.
THE LUXURY MOUNTAIN DRIVE
While admiring the finely curated selection of Rolls-Royce motor cars, we were briefed on the mountain drive route. After the crash course, the group headed towards the cars we would drive to The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The selection of cars included theDawn, Ghost, Wraith and Rolls-Royce current range – the Black Badge Series which is a new incarnation of the brand’s marque. This series denotes a special line of motorcars that come with higher performance and are outfitted more preciously, with a darker overall aesthetic.
The original plan was to drive along Jebel Jais, one of the finest mountain roads in the world. It has become a magnet for enthusiastic drivers, sightseers and extreme athletes. I’ve done it before with McLaren where I had the most fun. Jebel Jais is the GCC’s answer to the NürburgringNordschleifecircuit in Germany better known as “The Ring”. Unfortunately, there has been huge amounts of rain which has swept away the lower parts of the road so we took alternate routes. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop the pleasure and the drive was still as remarkable.
THE DAWN
Despite the warning of a slight drizzle, we drove the stunning Rolls-Royce Dawn – the only convertible in the lineup. The Dawn’s alluring presence is unmistakable, right from the very first counter. Striking and assertive, its charm and charisma draw you in. Four individual seats offer matchless comfort and an elegant aesthetic which our group including Daniella Rahme were able to enjoy. Like the other Rolls-Royces, the Dawn was created to cover great distances at high speed while still coddling its occupants in the finest motoring experience. Cruising through the middle of mountains in this beauty with the sun almost settingtruly redefines luxury. We took occasional stops to take photos of the cars and the gang.
Eventually, we had to return.We then relished in a private desert barbecue dinner under the stars hosted by Jamal Al Mawed and RRMC team at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Resort. All in all, it was a magnificent experience emanating a century’s worth of heritage and luxury.
