Dubai’s appetite for luxury finds a home at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

With its pioneering dining concept, staggering coastal views and superyacht DNA, new Dubai resort Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is riding the wave

Sitting at my table in the light-filled breakfast room of Dubai’s newest ultra-luxury resort, I’m faced with a dilemma. Shall I attempt the just-shucked French oysters first or the crispy potato masala Indian dosha pancake? Will I move onto Japanese yakitori, scoff a plate of cheese or devour a pastry? Dubai rarely steps a foot wrong in the indulgence department, but dining destination The Fore at the new superyacht-inspired Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is casting off to sea with a novel architectural offering that revolutionises standard hotel dining.

The first concept of its kind in the emirate, the venue, which occupies the ‘bow’ of the resort, each day evolves from an open-plan breakfast hub serving Mediterranean, Indian, Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine into four high-end restaurants from midday, each with their own identity. “The chandelier comes down, the walls close and the space becomes four different restaurants and a bar,” says my hotel tour guide, sales and marketing executive Priscilla Garcia.

The restaurants – elevated Asian-fusion concept Madame Li, French brasserie Mirabelle, The Bombay Club by Michelin-starred chef Manav Tuli and moody Japanese izakaya Umi Kei – are part of an impressive folio of 11 dining experiences that are putting the wind in the sails at this striking, culinary focused hotel.

Little Perks

Butler service is offered round-the-clock via Whatsapp, guests get personalised slippers on arrival, and the Bali-esque Iliana Pool Club is reserved for suite guests only and is afforded pinch-me views of the Burj Al Arab.

A moveable feast

With its colourful decor, crane motifs and vibrant wallpaper, the interiors at Madame Li later that night effortlessly set the scene. Crispy Peking duck pancakes are served with kumquats, cucumber and chilli, and the fried dumplings are rich in umami, bursting with wagyu, foie gras and truffle. The next morning, I’m seated in the French section of The Fore for breakfast. It feels like an entirely different experience, with a fresh seafood counter beckoning just beyond my table, lavishly overflowing with shellfish.

It’s that same consistency to concept distinction that I notice when I arrive for my booking at Umi Kei. The dimly lit space has its own personality, with an omakase-style bar as well as table seating, alongside an extensive selection of polished Japanese dishes. The menu boasts everything from wagyu beef cutlet sandos, sushi and house-made ramen to small plates from the robata grill. The standout is the otoro tuna belly steak with ponzu dipping sauced; seared on the robata grill, then finely sliced to melt in your mouth.

Beyond the table

The dining experiences, which further include posh Italian Rialto and Greek-leaning spot Iliana, are cementing this resort’s status as one of the finest destination-dining hotels in the emirate. But it’s far from this resort’s only calling card. Its beachfront location – complete with astonishing views of the iconic landmark Burj Al Arab, also from the Dubai-grown Jumeirah brand – is impressive, and each of the 386 rooms have a large terrace from which to admire the coastline. It seems only fitting that room interiors have been designed to evoke the glamour of a classic Italian Riva boat, anchored with golden flourishes and sumptuous textures like marble and soft leather. 

As a guest staying in one of the suites, I get access to the exclusive lliana Pool Club each day and enjoy refreshing cocktails, grilled Carabinero prawns and taramasalata in the adjoining Iliana restaurant one afternoon.

The chandelier comes down, the walls close and the space becomes four different restaurants and a bar.

Back to the future

That’s not where the feel-good fun ends, however. The resort’s 3,500 square metre Talise Spa is spread over three levels, with relaxing treatments available alongside experiences grounded in science at the recovery-focused The Remedy Suite. Book in for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy or try out the region’s first ‘chromo space bed’, which uses colour and light to promote both physical and mental wellbeing. As I’m sprawled out naked here in the dark, I can’t help but feel like I’m next on the menu. Luckily, I’m not.

Hotel Notes

Rates at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab start from AU$602 for a Marina Deluxe Room.

jumeirah.com