If you’re unfamiliar with the luxurious Dubai resort, it’s time to get acquainted.
There are your regular hotel brands and then there are those that set the standards for a lifestyle of luxury. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai delivers the finest of services, whether accommodation, dining, or wellness, resulting in one of the most consistently perfect staycations this Editor-in-Chief has ever experienced.
Overlooking the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s glittering skyline, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, is pure magic. Set on a gorgeous beachfront with stunning interiors and unmatched levels of service, the resort brings a new wave of luxury to the shores of Dubai.
Conveying signature Mandarin touches, this lavish Dubai resort boasts a distinctive design and a strong sense of place, with Arabic and Oriental charm converging to create a unique hotel that is as contemporary as it is charismatic. Walk into the lobby and admire the majestic bronze metal trees with illuminated bows and leaves that appear to be made of jewels.
Instantly, you will recognise that the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, is not doing things by halves. Judging by the number of people trying to take the perfect shot of the crystal canopy for the ‘gram, it really is working. In fact, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai’s breathtaking interior is all thanks to designer Jeffrey Wilkes who envisaged everything from the linen textures to the patterns on the furniture, resulting in a hotel with the theme of the Silk Road. Modern layering, desert tones, and a warm yet luxurious colour palette put this hotel in a category that few hotels have managed to perfect with such grace; that is, flawless minimalism meets relaxed elegance.
The Suite Life
With 178 spacious rooms and 78 elegant suites making up the sprawling resort, you really are spoiled for choice. A Sea View Suite is our accommodation for two nights and we couldn’t be more in awe. The suite is the size of a luxury apartment, designed with a meticulous approach where space has been used practically and stylishly.
A private balcony offers sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, alluding to the sense of comfort and understated luxury that the Sea View Suite promotes. The living area features a plush sofa, while the comfortable sleeping area is furnished with a king-size bed. The en-suite bathroom is one that you would dream of having in your own home, elegantly finished with Persian Travertine. Elsewhere, the bathtub is one you can sink into, whilst the shower is literally the size of a mini-hammam. We could have easily spent an entire week cooped up here.
Suites’ guests enjoy access to the exclusive Club Lounge, which might be the best perk. This lounge reminds us of some of the world’s most luxurious airport lounges; views of the Burj Khalifa, incredible breakfasts (you don’t want to miss the eggs Benedict), afternoon tea, a cocktail hour, and some of the most attentive service we’ve encountered.
The Mandarin Allure
If food is your forte, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, has enough to keep your palate perfectly satiated. All eyes are currently on Tasca by José Avillez, recently awarded a MICHELIN star for the second year running. Named after the Portuguese word for tavern, Tasca serves authentic Portuguese flavours with a contemporary twist across a menu bursting with character and flavour. Boasting spectacular views over Dubai’s glittering skyline on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining on a terrace with an infinity pool overlooking the Gulf. Served tapas style, the portions at Tasca are ideal for sharing and we’d highly recommend the Tuna Tartare Cone (AED 115), Tempura Cod Cake (AED 80), Golden Fried Eggs (AED 105) and Portuguese Seafood Rice (AED 1,165).
We’d also suggest visiting Japanese Steakhouse, Netsu by Ross Shonhan, which showcases the traditional Japanese cooking technique of Warayaki. This straw-fire cooking has existed for hundreds of years, and a seat overlooking the central kitchen is highly recommended for a memorable meal of Roasted Lobster and Wagyu Truffle Sukiyaki.
To top that off, the hotel also houses international eatery, The Bay where gold-sprinkled cronuts are the trend du jour; the elegant Noor Lounge where afternoon tea seems to be a hit with Dubai’s elite; The Mandarin Cake Shop and the bespoke Beluga Restaurant and Lounge.
Refined Relaxation
When we thought we’d experienced it all, we ventured to the resort’s relaxed beachfront. The beach is one of the best stretches of sand in Dubai, while the pool area promotes a sense of secret tranquillity with plenty of loungers and cabanas nestled amidst slender palm trees – the vibe is nothing less than summertime fine.
The resort is also home to the FACT Award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Guided by the oriental heritage and influenced by the local cultural diversity of the UAE, the Spa offers various treatments and therapies. There’s everything from signature treatments to an indulgent VIP suite that offers sea views, an interconnecting Hammam-style treatment area and the option of connecting to a further space suitable for couples or wedding parties. A state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centre and a charming kids club are also popular choices.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, is a perfect showcase for luxurious living. This one-of-a-kind resort shows that when time and thought are put into perfecting a product, the result is beyond anything we could have imagined.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.
