Forget high-rise hotels and all-inclusive beachfront resorts — the world's most popular hotel companies see a future in luxury tents.
05.04.2024 - 13:25 / forbes.com / Jumeirah Al-Naseem
Nestled in Dubai’s almost 100-acre Madinat Jumeirah, an area reminiscent of a small Arabian village, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf offers a serene haven amid its more imposing sister resorts, includingJumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Jumeirah Al Qasr.
As it marks its 20th anniversary, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf stands out for its intimate setting, which includes recently renovated summerhouses and villas.In each summerhouse — aptly named Dar Al Masyaf means “summer house” and was inspired by the traditional Arabian structures — eight to 10 guest rooms and a one-bedroom suite encircle a spacious, tranquil central courtyard. This vibrant Moroccan-style space captivates with colorful tiles, vivid bursts of terra cotta, the trickling sounds of a water feature and pops of greenery. The inviting, secluded courtyard coaxes you to unwind with sofas, daybeds and chairs.
The 29 two-story summerhouses all have a majlis, or sitting room, on their ground floor. In the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere in the Middle East, a majlis is a cultural cornerstone where community and conversation take center stage. Here, the guests of each summerhouse can gather at the nightly sunset happy hour to chat over complimentary wine, cocktails or soft drinks and snacks (bowls of potato chips and mixed nuts were on offer during our visit). Sit in the U-shaped banquettes lining the airy room or retreat to the expansive courtyard just outside.
The accommodations have been refreshed with a timeless palette of white and cream and touches of powder blue and navy while preserving distinctive architectural elements that evoke a sense of place: scalloped doorways, arabesque patterns and stately wood doors. Make time for a soak in the bathrooms’ enticing freestanding tubs.
Though the summerhouses focus inward on the courtyard and majlis, Dubai’s longest private beach (it measures more than a mile) is mere steps away, and many rooms have balconies with views of the gulf, gardens or the navigable waterways that cut through the property.
The most exclusive accommodations at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf are the Malakiya Villas. After a year-long revitalization, the collection of seven villas is available for those who need a getaway with discretion and privacy (it’s a favorite among celebrities). After a chauffeur picks you up at the airport (villa guests receive this perk along with an airport drop-off) and brings you to the property, you will board an electric abra, a traditional Emirati wooden boat, for a quick but scenic ride to your villa for a private check-in.
Designed by Dubai-based Sahar Alyaseer of La Bottega, the contemporary-styled villas have a light and soothing ambiance with neutral tones and accents of subdued shades of sage and
Forget high-rise hotels and all-inclusive beachfront resorts — the world's most popular hotel companies see a future in luxury tents.
At the risk of sounding like a culinary simpleton, I’ve always been a fan of buffets.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, April 19. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
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