We told you back in March about the opening of Dubai’s brand spankin’ new hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. In short: it’s a superyacht-shaped sanctuary of indulgence, part of the same family of hotels that includes the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. It’s in good company, then. Think of them as like the Kardashians of the hotel world.
A couple of months after its grand opening, one of our Destination Executives (and go-to guy for all things Dubai) John had the chance for a proper mooch around the place told us all about it. Fancy staying at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab? This is what it’s like.
First impressions?
John says
“Very impressive, a unique arrival entrance with some amazing super cars in the valet parking! Jumeirah’s concept for the hotel is based on a super yacht, in keeping with the ocean theme of Burj Al Arab (a sail) and Jumeirah Beach Hotel (a wave).
Location is great, right by Jumeirah Beach Hotel & Burj Al Arab. It’s very easy to get to Dubai’s other attractions, the Palm, Dubai Marina and Downtown aren’t far away. The hotel has a very exclusive feel to it, accentuated by the super-yacht Marina and Residences!”
What are the rooms like?
John says
“Rooms are stylish and modern, with some amazing suites including the Promenade Terrace Suite that has great views of the Marina. The most impressive, however, has to be the expansive Royal Suite, which has its own gym, treatment room and walk-in dressing room and plunge pool!
There are great options for families, with numerous room and suite types designed with families in mind.”
What about the pools?
John says
“There’s 4 pools in total here. The Iliana Pool Club is for suite guests only, and has things like plush daybeds, swim up access, and designed cabanas spread around an infinity edge that frames the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Kinugawa is the hotel’s adults-only pool, paired with their Kinugawa Japanese restaurant. It’s a circular pool surrounded by loungers, cabanas, and even floating bean‑bags. Families can make full use of the main pool, which is a spacious infinity pool with shaded loungers, fountains, and flower-shaped floats.
There’s also the indoor heated infinity pool, part of the Talise Spa (which is three storeys, by the way).”
When I’m not by the pool, what can I do?
John says
“Yacht rental is available, spend time on the private beach, indulge in a spa treatment, or a thermal journey in the Talise Spa. Work out in the top of the range gym or head out to Downtown Dubai for some retail therapy in the malls!”
Right, food. What are my options?
John says
“Plenty! There’re 16 bars and dining venues offering an extensive range of world-wide cuisine.
Standouts for me were Rialto, Italian fine dining in a Venetian-style setting (think pasta, risotto, crudo and a really nice bar next door), Kinugawa, the Japanese restaurant I mentioned before which does Japanese food with a French twist, and The Bombay Club which is all about Indian cuisine, like tandoori lobster, guinea fowl samosas and biriyani.”
What was the service like?
John says
“Exemplary, refined yet understated.”
This is sounding good. Any surprises?
John says
“The Pierre Herme Paris Patisserie in the Lobby Lounge, selling some amazing looking French pastries and with an incredible selection of macrons that are flown in from Paris every two days!”
