The List

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

20

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Dubai

The final chapter in Jumeirah’s oceanfront trilogy

What's the story? Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab isn't just another addition to Dubai's skyline – it completes it. Alongside the Burj Al Arab's sail and Jumeirah Beach Hotel's wave, this yacht-shaped newcomer is the final piece of Jumeirah's oceanfront trilogy. For years, residents watched the slender form rise from the shore, and when the doors finally opened, expectations were emphatically met. Today, there's almost always a queue of G Wagons snaking down the palm-lined drive, a sign of its instant pull as a lifestyle destination. The hotel is consistently buzzing – locals, residents and international travellers flowing through its restaurants, gardens and marina – with the valet line as much a part of the theatre of arrival as the grand lobby itself. This property feels less like a resort and more like stepping aboard an exclusive vessel anchored off Jumeirah's coast.

And the vibe? Despite its scale, Marsa Al Arab resists the conventions of the mega-hotel. Corridors curve like those on a yacht, public spaces are divided into intimate alcoves, and restaurants favour smaller, characterful layouts over cavernous dining halls. Rooms avoid the trap of being oversized and impersonal, instead channelling the feel of a sleek superyacht cabin where every corner is designed for comfort and discretion. The effect is both energised and personal – a place already adopted by Dubai locals, residents and international visitors as their new haunt.

Tell me about the rooms. Bedrooms have the slick feel of cabins – or rather, cabins reimagined with marble bathrooms, soft leather detailing and terraces that tilt towards the horizon. Every one of the 386 rooms and suites faces the sea, while penthouses and duplexes are made for families or long stays. A private pool club for suite guests and butler service up the sense of exclusivity, while the residences next door extend the concept into permanent living.

On the menu: The food and drink line-up is where Marsa Al Arab comes into its own. Beyond the main building, The Cullinan steakhouse, Kira (modern Japanese) and Litt Bar Club set a confident tone – buzzy, bold and made for Dubai nights. Inside, The Fore brings together Japanese, Chinese, French and Indian restaurant concepts, all converging at breakfast in a walk-around showcase, yet each space carries its own distinct design and atmosphere. Iliana the waterfront Greek restaurant and lounge is a highlight – its terrace frames an uninterrupted view of the Burj Al Arab. Rialto bar meanwhile is the sort of proper hotel bar you'd expect to find in London: dark, polished and serving a masterful martini.

What else? Beyond the hotel lies the new Marsa Marina public dining destination, lined with casual eateries for off-duty evenings. The hotel's Talise Spa stretches across three levels with therapies from hammams to cryotherapy, while four pools – including an adults-only infinity – give the impression of swimming straight into the Gulf. Add an 82-berth marina at the front door, and the yacht metaphor is complete.

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