studio villa in Lanai Island, Tilal Al Ghaf

Some places, honestly, you walk in and get a feeling you might just want to stay a while. That is definitely true of this unique studio villa out on Lanai Islands at Tilal Al Ghaf. The first time I saw it, there was this odd bit of silence right as you step over onto the island itself. It is a little bit removed in just the right way. You have one of the only private bridges in Dubai as your daily entrance and exit, so even the drive across feels like an invitation to slow down.

The atmosphere out here is pretty special. Instead of the usual buzz, you get the sound of water from the Crystal Lagoon, maybe a breeze rattling the leaves. There is something a little unexpected about how the place opens up once you step inside. Even though it is a studio, you get these big double height spaces so it does not feel boxed in. Sometimes I find myself just standing by the window because the light is so different here. You start noticing how much sky you can see and you cannot help but imagine what a perfect morning coffee spot that could be.

The villa itself has that real European style in the kitchen that makes you want to cook for yourself properly. Not just for show, you know. With all the design thought that has gone into these interiors and the finishing is by Kelly Hoppen so you get those warm textures and colours. It is a studio pretending to be so much more, with room to host a friend or two or just keep it all for yourself and never feel cramped. I kind of love how the inside leads straight out into your own private garden spaces, both in the front and at the back. Each place here lets you pick a landscaping style that suits your mood. You could go for The Nautical look, which is more open and kind of breezy, or choose The Serene which is softer and more private. Honestly, you might switch it up every few years just for fun.

You also get this feeling of being somewhere properly secure. Lanai Islands only has that single bridge in and out, and the community is watched carefully without being overbearing. The island only has a handful of properties so sometimes you barely notice neighbours. It is easy to imagine a quiet evening walk by the lagoon, not hearing much but your own footsteps or the odd bird overhead. In the mornings, Tilal Al Ghaf wakes up slowly. Sometimes you see joggers along the water or kids heading out with their bikes. The coffee shop is never far if you are in a hurry. And schools and shops, everything feels close enough but not all packed around you.

What really sets Lanai Islands apart is this idea that your home can look and feel exactly how you want it. SAOTA is the firm behind the architecture here and you notice their little flourishes all around, whether in the way the natural light hits the floors or the private spot for your car which actually looks more like a gallery space. Even the landscaping is totally yours to shape. It is almost impossible to find two houses here that look the same.

Sounds strange maybe but it is just really livable. Quiet when you want it, plenty to do when you want to go out. You get all the privacy but without feeling out of the city. Sometimes you almost forget you are in Dubai until you look up at the skyline over the lagoon.

The only real way to know if it feels right is to come out and walk around, maybe sit by the water for a little while. If you have any questions about the villa or want a proper look, just let me know. At LuxuryProperty.com, our job is to help you feel right at home, every step of the way.