Peek inside AURA Skypool Dubai in an interview with General Manager Dean Jarvis. AURA is the world’s highest 360° infinity pool offering incredible views of the iconic Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah and the glistening horizon of the Arabian Gulf.
How did it all start?
My hospitality journey started as an apprentice chef in the world-renowned kitchens of Claridge’s Hotel in London. After a few years and a burning desire to explore front-of-house opportunities, my journey led me through the various F&B-connected departments in the hotel, including stewarding, procurement, bars and restaurants, in-room dining and events. After 12 eye-opening years of hosting celebrity weddings, shaking hands with many world leaders, and bowing my head to multiple Royal figures at the finest hotel in the world, I stepped on a plane and made my way to Dubai.
Transferring from a 200-year-old hotel to a Palm Jumeirah-based pre-opening hotel was quite a learning curve and fantastic exposure offering contrasting cultures and ways of working. I left Dubai after two years and headed to Hong Kong, where I had the pleasure of working at The Upperhouse Hotel, followed by Hotel ICON, which was operated by the Hong Kong University, allowing me to give lectures and share experiences with students as part of my role as F&B Director. I then relocated to a small luxury resort in the Maldives before relocating back to Dubai to join the team at Sunset Hospitality Group to create AURA Skypool.
What is AURA Skypool?
AURA SKYPOOL, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, offers breathtaking uninterrupted views of Dubai. The extraordinary destination is 210 meters above sea level and transports guests to an island in the sky. Dubai is home to many world firsts, and in many ways creating AURA Skypool was inspired by the city itself. A truly unique and memorable destination.
Tell us about what makes AURA Dubai so special.
Very few tourist attractions anywhere in the world encompass many unique experiences and give guests opportunities to create memorable moments. AURA is a truly one-of-a-kind destination: Sunrise to sunset swims, yoga classes, massage treatments, live entertainment, night swims, curated private events and some delicious Pan-Asian-inspired food and drinks are just a few options guests have. We have showcased some unique installations and entertainment acts along the way. AURA is a special place for our guests and a great place to work and grow for the many professionals that form our team.
What’s it like to be GM of AURA?
Firstly, and most importantly, I see my role as a pre-opening team member and GM of AURA Skypool as a privilege more than anything. One of the main reasons I am so passionate about my role is the many elements and responsibilities that I have aside from what you would expect and the F&B. From maintaining the 360-degree pool with over one million liters of water and over 500 plants and trees to ensuring that our creative minds continue to develop new experiences and revenue streams to grow further and establish AURA as a one-of-a-kind brand.
Over the past year of operations, I have had the pleasure to introduce many new initiatives. From bringing on board our resident Wellness Coach and massage therapists, launching sunrise and nighttime pool experiences, developing the AURA signature scent, creating many merchandise lines to continue the guest experience at home and orchestrating a fantastic entertainment line-up. This is topped off by leading events for renowned luxury brands and established companies.
We heard about AURA in the Metaverse – What is all this about?
With the continued significant demand for all that AURA has to offer, we are immensely excited to launch in the Metaverse as we feel this allows us to continue positioning as a unique and memorable destination and a digital one to users all around the globe. As a visitor to AURA in the Metaverse, you can join a yoga class, take a dip in the pool, take a selfie with the views, host and attend events and purchase limited NFT AURA merchandise collections.
How do you think the Metaverse will affect hospitality in general?
The core of hospitality is people, and I believe this will always be the case. Emotional connection and human engagement are something that is very hard to replicate in a digital world. In my opinion, the Metaverse, like many other technological advancements, should be a way to enhance our guests’ experiences, make processes more efficient and offer new ways to engage with our guests. It is about embracing new technology and finding ways to adapt business models to remain relevant.
What kind of parties can people host?
AURA is the most unique and memorable destination for any event. Wedding ceremonies overlooking Palm Jumeirah at sunset, 360-degree fashion shows for some of Bond Streets’ finest, to private events for world-renowned brands and companies. We have hosted Dubai’s highest outdoor movie screenings, turned our lounge into a roller-skating ring, witnessed mermaids swimming laps in the pool and become the viewing deck for guests to watch the most spectacular firework and drone shows in the world.
Who is the most famous person who has visited so far?
Being one of the most talked about venues in Dubai naturally makes us a must-visit for anyone. We are honoured to welcome many celebrities and important guests daily. Some of the most famous guests have been Cristiano Ronaldo, Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, and his son Sheikh Hamdan. However, the most important guests I welcomed were my Mum and Dad!
What is next for you and Aura Skypool Dubai?
We are all very excited about the year ahead and to continue to be a part of the growth of AURA Skypool. As mentioned, we have many new ways for guests to experience AURA, whether in the digital or real world: sunrises and night swims, curated wellness workshops, cinema screenings in the sky, ladies-only evenings and some very exciting partnerships and collaborations. Sunset Hospitality Group is about bringing people together to celebrate life, which is a part of everything we do.
To discover more, visit: auraskypool.com
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All imagery courtesy of AURA Skypool.