Do you know that special feeling when entering a five-star hotel lobby? A feeling of excitement to be surrounded by marble stone and crystal luxury, the anticipation of dedicated-to-you service and, then, a clear certainty that you deserve it. This is how it feels like while entering the lobby of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai–the first Mandarin Oriental property in the Middle East.
Over the last few years, Dubai has become one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. A city that was originally built around the oil export industry quickly grew to be the business, lifestyle and entertainment capital of the Middle East. With a record of 16.73 million tourists in 2019, Dubai is not going to slow down anytime soon as it is about to welcome Expo 2020 – The World’s Greatest Show to date. The future is bright and, as it goes, the best international hotels opened their doors in the city with the most exciting recent opening, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, which we recently had the pleasure to stay at.
The view over Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai from the waterside
Destination
Landing in the heart of Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is an exceptional blend of a chic city hotel and a luxurious beach resort. The winning location at Jumeira beachfront offers pristine Arabian Gulf views on one side and dramatic urban Dubai skyline on another. A 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, this city resort brings a new level of luxury, with a 15-minute drive to Downtown Dubai, 10-minutes walk to La Mer’s beachside shopping and dining and just steps away from a private stretch of white sand beach.
The magnificent hotel lobby deserves attention on its own. A forest of 14 light “trees” created by Preciosa and DesignWilkes is an illuminating exploration of visual and sculptural artwork. Tall glass window panels tease irresistible views of palm trees, swimming pools and the light sparkles off the clear, blue sea.
Signature fan by Aljoud Lootah
If you are familiar with Mandarin Oriental hotels, you know that each of them has its own fan, a meaningful symbol of the Group’s oriental culture. Wonder around the lobby and near The Mandarin Cake Shop, you will find an elegant MO Dubai fan, designed by Aljoud Lootah, a work of art representing the heritage of the Emirati people.
Deluxe Sea View King room
Rooms
Designed by renowned international interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes, 178 spacious rooms and 78 elegant suites each presents as a retreat on its own. Generous space, a private balcony, and chic contemporary design create not only a sense of luxury but calm and relaxation. Intuitive drape and lighting control, Ultra HD Smart TV, hidden valet closet, wood floors, pillow menu and a large sofa–all put together for you to have a high-tech yet comfortable stay. A large bathroom space includes not only a spacious walk-in shower room but also a standing marble bathtub and even a dressing table stocked with divine Natura Bissé amenities.
We stayed in a Deluxe Sea View Room with a private balcony overlooking the swimming pools area and Arabian Gulf horizon. The calming color palette and oak elements of the room decor felt home-like in the most sophisticated way. A welcome section of chocolates and a box of Arabic-inspired delights was a lovely touch to our stay.
Tasca restaurant by celebrity Portuguese chef José Avillez
Dining
Dubai has a vibrant dining scene–you can find a local branch of nearly every acclaimed international name. With such a wide variety of restaurants in the city, Mandarin Oriental bursts on the scene with an exciting range of restaurants and bars.
Noor Lounge, located in the hotel lobby is clearly a favorite of the local Emirati. One can curiously observe the arrival of elegant gentlemen and fabulous ladies to enjoy an afternoon tea with Noor Lounge delights. Netsu by Ross Shonhan, a Japanese steakhouse, is a buzzing concept offering Warayaki-style grills, sushi, sashimi and other Japanese-style dishes.
The Bay, a beachside brasserie, will take you to the shores of the Mediterranean with its selection of exquisite seafood, Neapolitan pizzas, and fresh salads. There, you can indulge in the shades of blue of the Arabian Gulf in a relaxing seaside setting.
And Tasca is a much-anticipated new concept by celebrity Portuguese Chef José Avillez which already became a favorite destination for Portuguese flavors with a contemporary twist. This is the first restaurant outside of Portugal for the Michelin-starred chef and you can expect nothing but gastronomic excellence, especially during the Portuguese brunch on the weekend.
Luxury spa daybed
Wellness & Fitness
Gone are the days when to be a five-star recognized hotel, there has to be a spa room to enjoy. It is 2020 and to be a true lifestyle destination, hotels need to think far and beyond. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in that regard will exceed all your expectations. Superb beachfront location offers not only a wide range of exciting water activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and water skiing but also a picturesque 2.5km Jumeirah Beach running track and beach volleyball.
For those who prefer indoor fitness, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with the latest Technogym machine range and separate Movement Studio with Outrace equipment. You can also join a daily workout, guided by the inhouse fitness specialist.
To relax the mind, body, and soul look no further than The Spa where you can find a host of treatments and therapies as well as a quintessential hammam experience. Spa products include UAE brand Hammamii, Aromatherapy Associates, Ayurveda inspired Subtle Energies and Ling New York which you can also purchase in the spa boutique.
Hotel pool
Lifestyle & Family
There are endless ways to stay active and rested at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, whether you are traveling solo, with your partner or with family. Five outdoor pools include a separate kids’ pool. Kids can also play at the Little Nomads kids’ club and one can use the babysitting services if needed.
The white-sand beach welcomes all guests with comfortable beach beds, luxury beach cabanas, dedicated butlers, and, (attention!) a mini Smeg fridge, to keep your refreshments cool and close at hand.
And, of course, just a short taxi ride away you can enjoy exciting Dubai urban attractions. Whether you choose to stay at the property or enjoy the city, the hotel offers helloMO, a personal WhatsApp Messenger service to ensure you have a seamless experience with any requests, such as reservations, in-room dining, housekeeping and so on.
It’s hard to imagine a more pleasurable and luxurious hotel experience than Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Look no further for your next trip to Dubai and you will certainly enjoy some of the best times of your life!
Visit www.mandarinoriental.com and their Instagram page @mo_jumeira to learn more about the property and what it has to offer. Book your stay via [email protected]
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeira 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, +971 4777 2222, www.mandarinoriental.com
