Rising more than 1,000 feet over the gulf on an artificial island, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the most distinctive buildings in Dubai and the world. It resembles a dhow (an Arabian boat) with a billowing white sail cruising through the azure water toward the coastline.
The icon is a must-see if you are in Dubai. And one of the best ways to take it all in is by checking into Jumeirah Al Naseem. Read on to learn more about this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, a stunningly designed structure in its own right.
The Vista
Opened in 2016, Jumeirah Al Naseem is the newest property in the expansive, nearly 100-acre, four-hotel Madinat Jumeirah complex modeled after a traditional Arabian village. It’s also the one closest to the Burj.
Among the 435 rooms, many face the Tom Wright-designed architectural marvel. We stayed in a spacious corner Ocean Suite, which provides a breathtaking panorama from the sprawling L-shaped terrace. Whether lounging on the plush chaise, sinking into the comfortable armchairs or gathering around the dining table under the elegant pergolas, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah commands your attention, especially in the evenings, when the alfresco space is cooler and the landmark is dramatically illuminated.
For a different vantage point of the Burj, stroll along Madinat Jumeirah’s pristine private beach, stretching more than a mile long and just steps away from Jumeirah Al Naseem. Feeling the soft sand beneath your feet, you can snap photos that capture the essence of Dubai’s coastal allure and architectural ingenuity.
The Room
The accommodations offer more than just an incredible view. Al Naseem, which means “breeze” in Arabic, sets itself off from its neighboring sister properties, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, with a more beachy and contemporary aesthetic. It takes the sand and sea as inspiration for the color palette. Organic materials like wood and stone blend seamlessly with subtle Arabian touches, like the understated Moroccan lamps and black-and-white photos of fishermen adorning the headboard.
The blue-and-tan mosaic-tiled bathrooms provide a refuge at the luxury hotel. Our suite bathroom was outfitted with two separate sinks with stone basins, two wardrobes, a standalone shower with rain and handheld fixtures and an enticing tub in the middle of the oversized space. Plus, it came with convenient amenities like a Dyson hair dryer.
Be on the lookout for gifts from the attentive staff during your stay. In your room one day, you might open beautifully crafted wooden boxes filled with housemade chocolates or desserts that showcase the hotel’s culinary delights. As the day draws to a close, you might find mini bottles of ginger and manuka honey shots — a thoughtful gesture to boost your immune system before a flight.
The Amenities
One perk of staying in a suite or penthouse at the Dubai hotel is access to The Orchid Club Lounge. The sophisticated and tranquil space encourages lingering with plush gray armchairs and sofas. However, you’ll especially want to visit for the complimentary culinary offerings, including afternoon tea service and sundowners with canapés.
We enjoyed starting our quiet morning there with the breakfast buffet, sampling dishes like shakshuka, syrniki (Russian cheese pancakes), aloo bhaji (Indian spiced potatoes), pistachio-stuffed dates and za’atar croissants. The spread also included a tasty array of meats, cheeses and yogurts.
As the Dubai sun heats up, you can find relief with five pools scattered throughout the complex. While the infinity pool on the beach was a popular spot, Jumeirah Al Naseem’s adults-only mosaic pool near Sugarmash restaurant provided a more tranquil respite. It’s discreetly tucked away closer to the luxury hotel and nestled amid verdant gardens designed by famed architect Bill Bensley. In between dips, retreat to the beautiful, Southeast Asian-influenced semi-private areas, like a wooden pergola flanked by black spear-like columns, or an awning that covers two sculptural chairs that resemble Slinkies.
Don’t miss a visit to Talise Spa Madinat Jumeirah, which resides in Jumeirah Al Qasr but is open to all guests in the complex. The 26-spa-villa sanctuary can target your wellness goals, like improving sleep, detoxing and mental well-being. Or simply unwind with a Revitalising Massage (a deep-tissue treatment that employs acupressure and light stretching) and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings with trickling fountains and lush greenery.
Housed at Jumeirah Al Naseem, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project will be a surefire hit with the kids. But the sanctuary isn’t just an opportunity to snap photos of the fascinating creatures gliding through the water. Established in 2004 as the first nonprofit of its kind in the Middle East, the project has rescued and rehabilitated more than 2,100 hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles. With a dedicated hotline (800-TURTLE), the project encourages the public to report sick or injured turtles, which then recover in a private aquarium at the Burj. When they’ve regained their strength, the turtles are transferred to the sanctuary’s sea-fed outdoor lagoons before being released back into the gulf.
For more turtle fun, book the turtle tea at the luxury hotel’s Al Mandhar Lounge. The bites feature local ingredients and arrive on a shiny, angular chrome turtle sculpture. Made by Dubai-based French-Tunisian artist Idriss B, it uses recycled and eco-friendly material created on 3D printers. A portion of the proceeds from the tea is donated to the sanctuary.
If you want a more substantial meal, there are endless dining options among Madinat Jumeirah’s 50 restaurants and bars. At Al Naseem, you’ll want to dine at Rockfish, wedged between the beach and a pool. The restaurant focuses on seafood with an Italian slant. Start with the soft locally produced burrata with tomatoes and basil. Then move onto the scallop seamare, fresh hand-dived Norwegian scallops with generous truffle shavings and Jerusalem artichoke.
Also at Jumeirah Al Naseem, be sure to visit Summersalt Beach Club, an alfresco Latin American fusion restaurant. Enjoy light fare like a king crab roll or bluefin and tuna truffle nigiri. Or opt for something heavier, like the luscious wagyu beef, which arrives sizzling on a grill, or the Peruvian tacu tacu, pan-seared rice studded with seafood and mixed with macho sauce.
The beachside location makes it a hot spot during the day, whether you’re on the sand or under one of the restaurant’s crocheted umbrellas, but it’s also a great place to visit at night when the DJ-spun music still pulsates among the casual-chic crowd. Sip on a white sangria or pisco sour as you take in the front-row view of the Burj glowing against the night sky.
