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I land in Dubai and, after a swift round of immigration, I reach the Jumeirah Lounge, designed exclusively for guests of Jumeirah properties. It’s the kind of place that instantly slows your pulse after a three-hour flight. I am offered a choice of everything from fresh juices to croissants. I settle for a glass of watermelon juice, and bite on some dates and madeleines, an odd pairing, perhaps, but just perfect to kickstart my first day in Dubai.
Driving through Dubai’s ever-bustling streets, it is hard to imagine a space that could completely detach you from the urban rhythm. That illusion shatters the moment I step out of my car at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The signature fountain, dancing rhythmically to the wind that passes through manicured greens, has my hair flying in slow-mo, making me feel like the main character.
Marsa, designed like a superyacht, completes Jumeirah's nautical trilogy alongside the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the iconic sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
I am welcomed with chilled oolong tea and a cold towel, both perfectly balanced in temperature and fragrance. My guest relations executive, who tells me that he will personally oversee my stay — greets me. Inside, my eyes are drawn to a stunning chandelier made entirely of handmade glass tubes. “This one is crafted by Czech crystal artists,” I am told by the team. As I walk in, the crew accompanying me to my room points out the ceramic wall done by an Amsterdam-based artist that they say captures the essence of Marsa with its wavy design; on the other side, I spot a textured backdrop that evokes Dubai’s sweeping dunes.
Inquisitive, I ask about the property fragrance too, which is downright addictive, and I am informed it is named after Marsa, Marsa Breeze, and comes with top notes of black pepper and clove.
My suite offers an unobstructed view of the Burj Al Arab, standing tall against glistening blue waters. Below, a quiet beach is dotted with loungers, and Jumeirah staff strolling by with chic leather packs — each carrying chilled water and cool towels for guests. I slide into my personalised bathroom slippers and freshen up.
Marsa feels like a world of its own. It is an indulgent bubble spread across acres. For most of my stay, I didn't feel the need to step outside the property. My days were slow and soothing. I'd take the buggy to the beach and spend hours watching the sun rise and sink, call for my drinks at the pool while flipping pages of my mushy read, or hop over to the souk for a quick stroll. But there was one thing I was certain of: no skipping meals.
It is Jumeirah, and I knew the culinary experiences here would be nothing short of exceptional.
This is a Greek-Mediterranean gem by the sea. The vibe is unhurried. Sun-drenched tables, breezy interiors, and art that transports to the Greek islands.
I start with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad, followed by their signature Orzo Gemista, a modern twist on traditional stuffed vegetables. The Fish Giouvetsada and Tuna Fasolakia are comforting, rich in flavour and nostalgia. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream melts like silk, though the classic baklava and Bougatsa are other tempting options.
After lunch, I sink into a deck chair by the pool, watching the sun slip toward the horizon with a drink in hand from the rooftop bar. As the light softens, I take it to my Instagram and post a picture of my view that does no justice to its beauty but I caption it, “true luxury lies in stillness”.
The sun is set and I trade my poolside dress for something dressier and hop on a buggy to the souk nearby. A quick stop for trinkets before heading to Mirabelle, Jumeirah’s ode to the French Riviera. The restaurant hums with old-world charm and soft music. I walk in and spot fresh seafood displayed at the bar, on the menu, from French classics to Mediterranean signatures, dishes celebrating the spirit of France.
Another evening is reserved for Madame Li, a sophisticated Pan-Asian space. I start with vegetable spring rolls, move on to curried rice, Singapore-style noodles, and a perfectly steamed Chilean sea bass. My drink of choice, the Golden Serenity, a mix of pineapple, turmeric cordial, and elderflower tonic. It is inventive, refreshing, and exactly what you’d expect from Jumeirah: flavour combinations hard to imagine.
Endive salad topped with caramelized walnuts, homemade foie gras with Mirabelle special plum chutney, and toasted brioche made for starters. Wagyu Rossini burger with pan-seared foie gras and more sides like potatoes gratin, glazed mixed vegetables, and grilled asparagus make it a hearty meal. Chocolate and hazelnut profiteroles turn into a delicious sweet ending.
The real indulgence lies at The Fore, the crown jewel of the property’s culinary offerings. The Fore is an architectural and gastronomic marvel. Four restaurants in one: Umi Kei (Japanese), Madame Li (Asian), Mirabelle (Mediterranean), and The Bombay Club by Manav Tuli (Indian). Aptly named, it sits at the “fore” of the superyacht-shaped hotel. My plate holds sushi from Umi Kei, curry rice from Madame Li, French toast from Mirabelle, and a dosa hot off the griddle from The Bombay Club by Manav Tuli. Here, breakfast feels like a journey across continents.
The experience at Talise begins with me filling out a short form and then having a detailed conversation with my therapist. This is followed by something unexpected: a bowl of stones. My therapist uses it to read my energy, and when her reading perfectly matches how I truly feel, I am left stunned and completely open to my session.
What follows is a deeply personalised therapy, set against a serene backdrop overlooking the sea. It moves me, both physically and emotionally. Post-treatment, I sip on warm green tea, flip through the pages of a book, and nibble on some nuts.
Between my two favourites, Rialto and The Bombay Club by Manav Tuli, I can never pick one for sure. Rialto transported me straight to Italy with the freshest breads, pastas that felt like a warm hug, and an ambience that oozed elegance. The Bombay Club by Manav Tuli, on the other hand, tugged at my heartstrings. It celebrated India in its truest form, no forced fusion, just authentic flavours that made me go waah with every bite.
It is the little details that stay with you; the visual touches are thoughtful. The staff uniforms across Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab are an extension of each restaurant’s personality. At Bombay Club by Manav Tuli, the team wears Indian-inspired ensembles, from brocade pants to tailored blazers, while at Rialto, it is all crisp whites and blacks paired with radiant smiles. Even beyond the restaurants, the attention to detail continues. As day turns to night, staff uniforms transition from bright orange to deep blue. That level of thought is what truly defines Jumeirah.
The palm motifs on the plates at Bombay Club are in-house designs, while the plates at Illiana carry Grecian patterns. Every detail is intentional.
My heart feels full, and my body, a few kilos heavier. It is time to leave Jumeirah. Before leaving, I find myself gazing once more at the curves of Marsa Al Arab. Designed like a superyacht, it gives the illusion of motion, even when you’re still. As the warmest smiles bid me farewell, I am not quite ready to go but a promise in my heart to return keeps me smiling.