We recently stayed at Jumeirah Al Naseem and wanted to experience another hotel within the Jumeirah group, so we chose Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. As the newest property in the collection, it already has an exceptional reputation, and after our stay, we completely understand why.
Before arriving, we contacted the team to let them know that we were celebrating our son’s birthday and to arrange reservations at several of the hotel’s restaurants. Everything was handled smoothly and thoughtfully from the beginning.
The arrival experience was spectacular. The entrance is grand, elegant, and truly impressive. The lobby is beautifully designed, blending Emirati heritage with a modern, ultra-luxurious style. It immediately gives you the feeling that this is a very special hotel.
We were kindly upgraded to an Ocean View Family Room, with what may be one of the best hotel-room views in the world: the Burj Al Arab. When we entered the room, we found balloons, a lovely note from the Guest Relations team, Pierre Hermé cakes, and chocolates for our son’s birthday. It was such a thoughtful and generous gesture.
The room itself was exceptionally spacious and perfectly equipped for a family. It had a king bed, a sofa bed, and an additional pull-out bed from the wall. The large terrace overlooked the resort and the Burj Al Arab. We also had a large bathroom with two showers and a bathtub, a separate powder room, a Dyson Hair dryer, and a walk-in closet. Everything felt refined, comfortable, and carefully designed.
The pool and beach facilities were outstanding. We had access to three pool experiences in total.
The main pool is divided into three areas: a children’s section with flower-like splash fountains, a shallow medium-sized pool, and a larger pool suitable for everyone.
We also enjoyed the adults-only pool at Kinugawa, a beautiful circular pool with a great atmosphere and music.
The indoor spa pool was honestly one of the most beautiful pools we have ever seen. It made us feel as though we were on a luxury yacht, with panoramic views of the sea and the Burj Al Arab, plus a warm jacuzzi.
The spa spans three floors and offers separate facilities for men and women, including saunas, steam rooms, relaxation rooms, showers, and changing rooms. Everything is high-tech, modern, and exceptionally maintained. It is one of the best hotel spa experiences we have had anywhere.
The beach was also stunning, possibly one of the largest and most beautiful private beaches in Dubai.
At every pool and beach area, guests receive a lovely leather pouch containing branded bottled water, as well as refreshing cold towels. Sunscreen in SPF 30 and SPF 50 was also available at each towel station. The only small addition we would have appreciated was after-sun gel, which we found very useful at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
A great addition would be a complimentary shuttle service to Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, as most resorts in Dubai offer this. It would make the experience even more convenient for guests who wish to explore the city without arranging separate transportation.
The kids’ club, Jumeirah Circle, may be smaller than those at Jumeirah Al Naseem or Jumeirah Beach Hotel, but it was surprisingly our child’s favorite. The staff were some of the friendliest we have encountered in any kids’ club. The Nintendo and PlayStation rooms were also a huge success.
However, the true highlight of this hotel, and I really mean it, is the breakfast at The Fore.
Forget Atlantis The Royal. This breakfast is on another level.
From the Japanese section and Indian station to the fruit selection, incredible tarts, Pierre Hermé pastries, feuilleté selection, kids’ area, and seafood station with oysters, shrimp, lobster, and multiple types of salmon, everything was exceptional. After staying in many hotels around the world, including most of Dubai’s leading luxury hotels, we can confidently say this was the best breakfast we have ever experienced. It is worth every penny.
During our stay, we only ate within the hotel, because there was simply no reason to leave. The restaurant collection is extraordinary.
Kira was very good. Its combination of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, two of the best cuisines in the world, was a brilliant idea and worked exceptionally well.
Iliana exceeded all expectations. Having visited Greece and Cyprus many times, we can honestly say that Iliana may be the best Greek restaurant we have ever tried. It feels authentic while elevating Greek cuisine into a luxurious and memorable experience.
Madame Li was another excellent choice for Asian cuisine, with the petit Wagyu handbags being a standout dish.
Cullinan was also exceptional and, in our opinion, one of the best steakhouses in Dubai.
The interior design of every restaurant deserves praise as well, as each venue is beautifully distinct and more impressive than the last.
A special thank you also to the housekeeping team. They kept our room immaculate and made a real effort every evening, including leaving a small sweet by the bed. These little touches make a huge difference.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has set a new standard for us. The service, design, food, facilities, beach, spa, and attention to detail were all exceptional. The only problem is that it may now be difficult to stay anywhere else, because our expectations have been raised to a level that few hotels in the world will be able to match.
