OLT: Which is your favourite hotel in the world and why?

Roger Federer: It will have to be the Burj Al Arab in Dubai (from AED4,500; jumeirah.com). Because it is beyond anything with which you may define luxury, opulence and scale. I learnt this rather early—in 2005, I think—when I played tennis with Andre Agassi 692 feet in the air. The hotel had converted its helipad to a grass tennis court, and Agassi and I checked it for a ‘friendly hit’. That was an absolutely amazing experience. When you first get over how high you are and start playing, it’s an absolute joy and we had a great time. I had no issues with the height as long as I didn’t have to bungee jump off the side. The view was absolutely amazing there, and it was very different when I was asked to do this as I didn’t know what to expect. I had been in Dubai many times and had stayed at Burj Al Arab before, but this was an absolute treat. To play tennis with Andre on top of such an amazing hotel and overlooking the whole of Dubai was absolutely spectacular.

Burj_Al_Arab_-_Tennis_match_on_the_helipad

OLT: And what is the best bit about Burj Al Arab?

Roger Federer: The location of the hotel itself—on a manmade island in the Persian Gulf—is something you don’t expect or believe could be possible. Not only is the exterior super stylish, but even the interiors and décor are unabashedly glamorous. But that’s Burj Al Arab for you—always amazing. There is no hotel that epitomises Dubai like this one.

OLT: What’s the food like?

Roger Federer: Try the Foie Gras Terrine at Al Muntaha—it is one of the best French eateries in the world. Aside from that one, I also love Junsui, their Far-East Asian eatery. The seven-course Asian tea menu is a not-to-be-missed ritual. Their speciality seafood restaurant, Al Mahara, serves the freshest catch and I have had the best crab in the world there.