It’s not every day that a new hotel redefines the idea of luxury itself. MICHELIN-selected The Lana, the latest crown jewel in the Dorchester Collection’s repertoire, brings a breath of French sophistication to Dubai’s extravagant skyline. The property towers with quiet elegance over the Business Bay Marina, where celebrity chef Jean Imbert’s culinary creations await to transport guests on a journey of the senses. Imbert, known for his refined yet accessible French flair, has crafted two distinct dining experiences here: the chic Riviera restaurant and the glamorous poolside lounge, High Society.
At MICHELIN-selected Riviera by Jean Imbert, the chef brings the soul of the South of France to Dubai, subtly reimagining Mediterranean classics with a nod to local flavours. “I’ve always been inspired by the simplicity and freshness of South of France cuisine,” Imbert explains. “Riviera felt like the ideal place, with its atmosphere, olive tree, and terrasse with a view on the marina. To make it ‘Dubai style,’ we’ve added a bit of local flavour—spices and touches.” Think bouillabaisse that plays with lightness and depth, or a tarte tropézienne that’s both nostalgic and modern.
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The Riviera experience is more than just a meal; it’s a sensory escape. “For me, the Côte d'Azur is not just about the food—it’s the whole experience,” he says. Imbert has meticulously crafted a space that feels like a piece of the French coastline, yet with the cosmopolitan pulse of Dubai, creating an atmosphere that’s elegant and transporting, while maintaining a laid-back vibe. “We have created an atmosphere that captures that laid-back elegance, with Mediterranean-inspired decor and a welcoming vibe,” he shares.
Imbert is no stranger to the challenge of preserving tradition while embracing innovation—a skill honed during his tenure at three MICHELIN key Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. “My time at Plaza Athénée taught me so much about creating luxury experiences that still feel authentic,” he notes. “At Riviera, I have crafted dishes that are refined but familiar.” From his fresh take on traditional recipes to his keen use of modern techniques, Imbert seeks to evoke the flavours and warmth of the Riviera coast with a blend of French, Italian, and Greek influences—a trifecta sure to excite Dubai’s diverse food scene. “Dubai is such a dynamic food scene—it’s exciting but also challenging to stand out.”
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For those looking for a more lively vibe, High Society, The Lana’s poolside lounge, serves as an ideal counterpoint to Riviera. Here, Imbert swaps classic refinement for playful decadence, with a light, shareable menu tailour-made for Dubai’s sweltering climate. “High Society is all about fun and indulgence,” he says. “It’s a chic, relaxed poolside lounge with vibrant dishes that are perfect for sharing.” With a fresh focus on seafood and refreshing bites, it offers an ideal reprieve after an afternoon by the pool, framed by an unbeatable view of the Burj Khalifa.
The lounge is as much about ambiance as it is about taste. “The name [High Society] is playful—it suggests luxury but also a sense of fun. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, and the food reflects that—light, shareable, and full of flavour,” he shares. This duality in dining is intentional: where Riviera is steeped in tradition, High Society gives Imbert a chance to showcase his playful side, yet both spaces share his commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and thoughtful, memorable dining.
Riviera and High Society are driving forces in making The Lana a serious culinary destination, holding their own alongside MICHELIN-selected JARA by Martín Berasategui —the hotel’s 18th-floor gem helmed by acclaimed chef Martín Berasategui.“I think Riviera and High Society add a lot of variety to The Lana,” Imbert says. “Together, they help make The Lana a destination for food lovers.” And in a place as complex as Dubai, which blends luxury with a fast-evolving food culture, Imbert finds himself inspired by the city’s rich tapestry of flavours and cultures. “Dubai’s diversity is what excites me the most. It’s a melting pot, and that inspires me to create something new and exciting here.”
Despite the flashiness of Dubai, Imbert is mindful of sustainability, which he integrates into his approach wherever possible. “Sustainability is important to me, and even in a place like Dubai where so much is imported, we’re mindful of where our ingredients come from,” he explains. He’s committed to sourcing locally when possible and making thoughtful choices that reflect an eco-conscious ethos, even in an environment where resources are often flown in from abroad.
For Imbert, the hope is that guests leave The Lana having experienced a slice of the South of France—whether through the refined dishes at Riviera or the lively indulgence of High Society. “I want guests to leave Riviera feeling like they’ve had a little escape to the South of France, and at High Society, I want them to feel like they’ve had a fun, indulgent time,” he says. At The Lana, the mission is clear: to offer a luxurious, unforgettable experience for the discerning culinary connoisseur, right in the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay Marina.
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