When it comes to a luxury weekend getaway, the United Arab Emirates tops the charts with a vivid kaleidoscope of Arab traditions, western luxury and world class service. The majestic Arabian landscapes combined with the ever-rising skyline offers the best of the historic past and high-octane present so it was a breath of fresh air entering Jumeirah Al Naseem, escaping into an oasis of palm trees and tropical luxury.
There is an effortless glamour that exudes from Jumeirah Al Naseem. Set amongst a soft sandy beach and crystal-clear water, Jumeirah Al Naseem is also close to the global icon that is Burj Al Arab. It is the ultimate urban get away to sit back and indulge – Jumeirah style.
Location
Jumeirah Al Naseem is located within the Madinat Jumeirah complex, which is essentially a mini city formed by a cluster of four five-star hotels, all of which are part of the Jumeirah family. It is a destination within a destination, housing more than 50 restaurants and shops.
The resort is around 25 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport and 45 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi. There are free shuttles to various locations in Dubai including the Mall of Emirates, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Resort, Dubai Parks and Resort, and to the Outlet Village. The best way to get around Dubai is by the local taxi (which are the best value) which you can find on a brilliant app called Careem.
The Hotel
Jumeirah Al Naseem is contemporary, culturally connected and oozes an understated sense of whispered luxury. Luxurious shades of creams and gold, dramatic drapes and wooden fans cascade from the lobby ceiling. Plush armchairs and flower centre pieces divide the space revealing a picturesque view through the window of the iconic Burj Al Arab. While checking in I was in awe of a steel sculpture created by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, an Arabic poem by HH Sheikh Mohammed. This provided the right air of elegance and a warm welcome.
The property’s grounds are perched up with a vertical water display leading down to beautifully manicured gardens and a maze of swimming pools, with one pool reserved only for adults. The best attraction is simply the soft white sandy beach with views of Burj Al Arab and in the distance, The Palm. When looking for the perfect sun lounger by the pool, there are hidden gems dotted all over, some hidden in cosy corners or by the relaxing bed swings.
Madinat Jumeirah highlights
One of the most unique features I have ever seen in a resort, a custom designed 150-metre outdoor lagoon as part of Jumeirah’s conservation of endangered turtles. Currently this sanctuary has so far helped rehabilitate and return over 2,000 turtles back into the Arabian Gulf. Educational talks and tours are available to gain a deeper understanding into these majestic creatures – looking at their sprawling lagoon I too wish I would be re-incarnated as a sea turtle here.
Guests have access to the shared facilities within the sister properties in the Madinat Jumeirah and to reach each destination there is an entire unique waterway system that is 5km in length, which comes with its own fleet of traditional Abra boats, a free, fun and insightful way of getting a tour around the whole complex. Golf buggies are another main mode of transport connected by 2.4km of beach. The proximity to attractions such as Wild Wadi Water Park and the Souk has given the area the nicknamed Jumeriah City as all the hotels are next to each other with Jumeriah Marsa Al Arab planned to open in 2023.
Our Room – 548
We stayed in the Ocean Deluxe Room (51sqm) and the room was generously proportioned with an open plan feel. The décor mostly uses warm caramel tones inspired by contemporary designs influenced from the region’s natural landscapes. The bed is as long as it is wide and is exceptionally comfortable, using superb bedding and luxury linen.
The bathroom is separated by a sliding wooden door, fitted with spa worthy amenities such as comfy robes, large wardrobes, and a separate walk-in mosaic-tiled bathing area similar to an Arabic hammam. After years of trying a plethora of generic bathroom toiletries, I have finally found my favourite, the bespoke amenities by haute-Perfumerie brand Amouge, adding to the opulent feel of the bathroom.
Many rooms offer floor to ceiling sea-facings views and a private balcony. Our room, being on the 5th floor, had a direct view overlooking the sprawling pool area, beach and Burj Al Arab which lights up in a display of different colours at night. Being so close to the sea, the sound and breeze from the sea reaches our room – the hotel name “Al Naseem” meaning sea breeze in Arabic.
For anyone looking to upgrade their room, I suggest the 670 sqm Royal Penthouse Jumeirah Al Naseem, with a private elevator that takes you up to your five bedrooms, private gym and infinity pool overlooking Burj Al Arab.
Eating and Drinking
With 11 dining options in the hotel alone and over 50 options nearby, you are spoilt for choice.
Breakfast
The Palmery opens for breakfast at 6:30am – 11:30am. We definitely recommend going before 10am to grab your favourite table easily. Sitting outside in the open terrace each morning was a rejuvenating experience, taking in the ambient scenery and attentive service. The lavish breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of international and regional spreads including all the classic artisan breads, counters of cold cuts, fresh fruits, an egg station and much more. The buffet is great for families and there is an area dedicated for children where I even got jealous at how adorable their Mickey Mouse pancakes were. Don’t be shy to ask for something off menu. We ordered masala chai tea and were greeted with praise by the chef, thoroughly impressed that we were the first ones to ask!
Lunch
Rockfish – Expect laid back luxury full of Mediterranean classics, using only the freshest seafood displayed proudly. We tried a signature Salt-Crusted Seabass beautifully prepared in front of us. The crusted salt that surrounded the sea bass is removed with precision followed by all bones and skin, leaving behind delicate white velvety meat. The salt curst maintains the moisture and does not add any fat or oil to the already delicious fish.
Dinner
Kayto showcases the hybrid blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines known as “Nikkei.” The innovative menu was created by Chef Cristian Goya focusing on his own heritage, which is complimented by the chic and modern settings. The gold and marble accents plus pretty pink-hued chairs radiates a vibrant atmosphere.
We started off with a Jumeirah classic – the famous crispy rice and spicy tuna tartare. It was a fantastic contrast of the crispy rice and soft, silky, spicy tuna – the perfect balance of flavour and texture. For our main course, we tried a Saikyo Miso Black Cod. It was flaky, buttery, and slightly sweet with a rich and strong umami flavour. 75g of Australian Wagyu beef was the culinary highlight of Dubai, as the meat was super tender and juicy from each bite of marbling fat and cooked by us at the table on a hot stone.
We tried a Dassai Sake 39 and had the option of selecting a traditional sake cup from Kayto’s collection that was presented to us at the table.. This supremely balanced sake leaves a clean and refreshing finish on the tongue. Sticking to the theme of sake, I tried the Nikkei Punch made from sake, pisco, passion fruit & pineapple.
La Plage – This is the new beachfront restaurant from Jumeirah Al Qasr. Set under a romantic pergola, the contemporary French design concept boasts views of the beach and enjoys the cool evening breeze.
The Pizzetta Truffe was a favourite, topped with truffles and arugula. Next came a generous Dover Sole with a simple, nutty, brown butter sauce and of course a big squeeze of zesty lemon. For drinks, there is a vast wine list. A Castello di Nipozzano Frescobaldi, Chianti Rufina Reserva 2017, which had a wonderful balance between floral and fruity aromas with notes of pepper.
What makes Jumeirah Al Naseem special
Throughout the whole of our stay, we felt like we were transported to a tropical destination in a land far far away, forgetting that we were even in Dubai. Staff went out of their way, adding personal touches to ensure we had a wonderful stay, leaving behind all your worries and stress of everyday life. The hotel is centrally located in Dubai, but the layout allows you to be in your own little holiday bubble immersing ourselves in the best of both worlds.
To discover more, visit: jumeirah.com
Things to do nearby
Gilt Bar at Burj Al Arab
The world-famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah just got a little bit more luxurious with Gilt, a new contemporary lounge bar on the 27th floor. The dazzling venue invites you to enjoy new world-class cocktails only unique to Gilt, with the vibrant ambience and alluring views overlooking Dubai’s iconic skyline.
The mastermind behind Gilt is mixologist Thibault Méguignon, renowned for his experience in bars across the world including Paris and London. His talent for innovative mixing techniques showcases signature blends, each inspired by a place he has visited or flavour profiles he loves. It keeps us on our feet to an ever-changing and dynamic menu. Our favourite was a clarified creation called Smoky Milk with mezcal, smoked duck fat, spices, roasted pineapple, lemon, coconut water and curd milk.
The staircase to the Royal Suite
Inside Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a place that has remained only in the imagination of many, up until now. For the first time in history, the Burj Al Arab is opening its doors to visitors to experience a glimpse of the exclusive world of the iconic hotel.
Starting the tour at the new welcome centre, the 90-minute guided tour happens in small groups and begins with a buggy ride across the bridge that connects to the private island on which the hotel stands. On arrival at the Burj Al Arab, we are greeted with a traditional welcome, a sprinkle of rosewater on our hands by our Emirati hosts. As you enter the cavernous atrium it is a feast for the eyes. A glass elevator speeds visitors up to the 25th floor (in real terms, the 50th as each suite is spread over two floors) for the main event, a tour of the opulent Royal Suite (which costs up to £22,000 per night), after which there’s time to explore the interactive Experience Suite, sipping Arabic coffee and learning about what it took to build the icon that forever changed Dubai’s landscape.
It is truly an unforgettable experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else, with views overlooking Dubai and hearing the untold stories of the world’s most famous hotel. Tickets cost around £50.
AURA Skypool
As the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, AURA Skypool boasts incredible views of Dubai’s stunning skyline, the Arabian Gulf horizon and Palm Jumeirah. Suspended 200 metres in the air, it offers the perfect combination of relaxation and views of the wonders of Dubai. Where ever you sit, you can enjoy the day swimming around the 360-degree pool which is heated to a comfortable 30C. The menu inspired by iconic Asian cities with a collection of Pan-Asian dishes. The drinks list is all encompassing and includes champagne, cocktails and the ultra exclusive Clase Azul tequila.
All imagery courtesy of the Jumeirah Group and the respective property.
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