Think of the booming hospitality landscape in Dubai, and it is impossible not to think of the Jumeirah brand. After all, the luxury hotel group is owned by the Dubai government itself, and its properties—from the famous sail-like Burj Al Arab to the all-singing-and-dancing Jumeirah Beach Hotel—remain among the city’s most in-demand ‘big hitters’.
Next week, the city is gearing up to welcome a new Jumeirah addition to its roster, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, which promises a new era of ‘quiet luxury’ for Dubai, with its own marina and nautical design references. Meanwhile, the group as a whole has announced its ‘2030 Mission’ which looks to elevate the brand beyond the Middle East by doubling its portfolio from 26 hotels to 50 across the world in the next five years.
Despite this expansion, Dubai will undoubtedly remain at the heart of the brand’s identity and the recent renovation of one of its most charming properties is a testament to that notion. Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is the most intimate hotel out of the stable and one not to be overlooked. Unlike the imposing architecture of Burj Al Arab or the clean lines of architect Shaun Killa’s Marsa Al Arab, meant to replicate the graceful movement of a yacht moving through water, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf has instead been designed to replicate a collection of low-rise, characterful Arabian Houses.
Recently revamped, a stay here puts you in touch with a more authentic side to the city albeit with a good dose of luxury (they come with butler service and thoughtful extra perks throughout your stay). It starts the minute you arrive and an evocative villa check-in via a traditional mini abra boat. Your introduction to the resort takes you along opal-coloured waterways to stop outside a traditional, carved wooden door.
Each golden-sand-hued house is made of nine to 11 private and spacious rooms with a terrace or balcony (which are more like mini apartments). Each has been designed around a traditional majlis (living room area), which you enter through as you arrive, and a pretty courtyard, with potted palm trees, rattan furniture and tiled floors bringing a stylish, cosy feel to each. The individual houses can also be booked exclusively for larger gatherings, making for a practical way for different generations of family or groups of friends to holiday together.
The recent redesign of the interiors was conceived by Sahar Al Yasser, the award-winning Dubai-based founder of La Bottega Interiors. Shades of dove grey, pearl and faded pink give a princessy, polished feel; while carved wooden fret work, Arabesque touches and decorative archways give a nod to Arabic traditions. Soft velvet seating, thick carpets, handcrafted lights and mosaic flooring bring a sense of finesse, as do the bespoke House of Amouge bathroom amenities, which use oud and rosewater as part of its formulas.
Thoughtful touches are displayed throughout your stay—from a mini 111 Skin eye serum left by your bedside each night to a selection of patisserie to welcome you when you arrive. The courtyard and majlis—an Arabic term meaning ‘sitting room’—serve as a hub of connection with fellow guests or just simply as an additional private space, where local delicacies, like handpicked tea and freshly baked cakes, are offered daily, in addition to complimentary evening cocktails.
“The unveiling of the Arabian Houses marks a significant milestone for Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” said Peter Roth, regional vice president at Madinat Jumeirah and general manager of Jumeirah Al Qasr. “This is a moment to honour our rich history while looking forward to the future of this resort. Madinat Jumeirah inspired a new approach to hospitality in Dubai two decades ago, and with that legacy comes the responsibility to continuously innovate. As demand for authentic travel experiences grows, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf remains steadfast in its commitment to offering traditional Arabian hospitality matched with moments of enriched connection and conversation, bespoke to every guest.”
Staying in the Arabian houses gives guests the feeling they are staying in a private home, yet guests can also access Jumeirah’s wider resorts offering (at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Madinat complex, which includes Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf), such as beach activities, dining across its 30+ restaurants, including at Souq Madinat, and the latest wellness therapies at the Talise Spa.
Standout experiences include authentic Lebanese dining at Al Nafoorah and The Balloons at the Palace pop-up, both found at found at Jumeirah Al Qasr. The latter is one of the destination’s most memorable ways to dine. You take your seats in one of four striped hot air balloons ‘anchored’ on the fifth floor of Jumeirah Al Qasr, to enjoy either an afternoon tea or evening meal. The latter is a tasting menu where every course takes you to a different part of the world, tapping into the offering by award-winning chefs across Jumeirah. As the sun dips and the skyline lights up, you embark on a culinary voyage around the world, beginning with a taste of France with chef Kim’s delicate Bar au Citron, a Seabass Carpaccio; to Italy with chef Beatrice’s Ravioli del Plin, featuring delicate pasta parcels in a cognac-infused jus; to Thailand with chef Amara’s Lon Goong, succulent tiger prawns in a creamy coconut and tamarind sauce and a touch down to the Levant with chef Elias’ Seabass Harrah, infused with the aromatic flavours of zatar. A sweet finale brings you back to Dubai with chef Dimitri’s signature Madeleine.
Days can be spent tapping into the many water sports and adventure activities found across the vast Jumeirah offering, but those wanting more of a ‘slow travel’ feel, which goes hand-in-hand with staying in the Arabian Houses, should head to the Talise Spa, one of Dubai’s most standout wellness facilities. Newly launched wellness programmes, such as ‘Sleep’, ‘Detox’, ‘Focus’ and ‘De-Stress’, tap into various specialisms to give a multi-dimensional support to mind, body and soul health. You pick the pillar that is best suited to your needs. Unique to the spa is the 360° Women’s Support which has been designed to rejuvenate and tackle common issues that are often ignored in female health. Breathwork coaching, art therapy, daily sunrise walks and food coaching elevate the offering from bogstandard, simple treatments you could find elsewhere. Much of the programme has been designed to promote inner reflectiveness and so time is spent at leisure enjoying a tea ritual or a session on the tech-driven Satori Wellness Lounger (the chair reclines back and combines natural vibrations with sound therapies to help with stress, insomnia and anxiety). The Tide spa treatment by Voya is at the heart of the programme, and is particularly indulgent. The massage and head therapy harnesses the power of seaweed to nourish and revive. Also worth adding on is a traditional hammam treatment or the new Bach Flower Remedy session, in which you concoct your own wildflower essences with an expert to use at home.
At the end of the day, as you pad back to your house at Dar Al Masyaf, crossing Venetian-like bridges over silent canals, you’ll spot peacocks roaming freely amid the tropical gardens and hear the water lapping beside you. As the traditional lantern lights come on, a butler swings upon the iron-studded door of your house, ready to serve you Arabian coffee or a gin cocktail. Sometimes the finest things in life are found in the thoughtful details.