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, including Jumeirah 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 blue. The villas feel like luxurious homes, with two or three bedrooms, a private plunge pool, a sprawling terrace and a kitchen. You’ll also get thoughtful in-room comforts: At the end of the day, sip complimentary sundowners from the curved sofa in your villa.
Whether you stay in the villas or the summerhouses, you will receive stellar amenities. A butler is at the ready 24 hours a day via WhatsApp to help with everything from ensuring your Arabian coffee is fresh and to your liking to quickly booking your dining experiences at one of the more than 50 onsite restaurants or your spa appointment at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Talise Spa Madinat Jumeirah. The attentive butler might add numerous surprise treats, which provide delightful touches to your stay.
In addition, you get complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark (a hit with kids) and Madinat Jumeirah’s private pools, including the adults-only Celeste infinity pool, which sits on the sand with stunning ocean views.
Perched at the edge of the property, your stay at this hideaway boutique hotel provides a picturesque and tranquil contrast to the bustling energy of Dubai.
