Jumeirah Al Naseem opens its doors on 1 December 2016, bringing a contemporary architectural twist to its sister properties within Madinat Jumeirah Resort, and a guest experience focused on a journey of discovery through the modern culture of Dubai.
The final chapter of the multi-award winning Madinat Jumeirah – ‘the Arabian Resort of Dubai’ – also marks the completion of Jumeirah Group’s transformation of two kilometres of coastline into a major tourist destination. This process began in 1997 with the opening of Jumeirah Beach Hotel and continued with the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Madinat Jumeirah.
Richard Alexander, General Manager, Jumeirah Al Naseem, said: “The last year has been a fascinating journey of planning and preparation for the opening of Jumeirah Al Naseem. In being given the challenge of writing the final chapter in the story of Madinat Jumeirah, we didn’t just want to create a 430-room beachfront hotel – we wanted to bring a wave of vibrancy that matches the energy of Dubai.
“We have been given a wonderful opportunity to marry a spectacular beach front location with a contemporary architectural twist on our sister properties and Jumeirah’s legendary service, and to showcase the best that this dynamic, energetic and visionary city has to offer. Both in the interior and exterior design, and in the creation of the guest experience, we have been led by our concept of ‘Al Bait Baitak’, meaning ‘make yourself at home’.
“For our guests this will mean an inspiring yet relaxed atmosphere and an opportunity to understand why residents are so proud of their home city through a continually evolving series of permanent and temporary showcases that bring features of contemporary Dubai into the hotel. We are all incredibly excited about welcoming our first guests in December and ensuring that their time with us is unforgettable.”
What makes Jumeirah Al Naseem different?
Arabic for ‘sea breeze’, the name ‘Al Naseem’ reflects both the unrivalled beach location of the hotel and the unique design of the guest rooms and hotel features, which evokes a sense of calm and relaxation. The interior décor of the 430 rooms is inspired by sea breeze, sand dunes, Dubai’s pearl diving heritage and Bedouin traditions. The large open plan bathrooms have large sliding doors for privacy and spacious walk in showers inspired by Arabic hammams. The balconies and extended terraces offer spectacular views of the sea, the resort’s landscaped gardens and swimming pools, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Rooms with extended terraces enable guests to relax outside and in the summer months the doors can be closed to create an extended living space. The hotel is located so close to the water that the sounds of the sea reach guest rooms, open terraces and outdoor restaurants.
A number of standout features include:
• A secluded adult only pool surrounded by rooms with direct pool access
• Purpose built turtle lagoon for rehabilitating critically endangered turtles
• 43 suites comprising 12 Family Suites, 28 Ocean Suites, two Presidential Suites and one 500 square metre Royal Suite
• Seven restaurants and bars linked by the Arabian Explorer theme
• A further four restaurants have been given to third-party partners and surround the turtle lagoon, creating a mini-social hub within the hotel’s grounds: New York favourite Black Tap, which offers artisan burgers and shakes; Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai, the first outpost of Il Borro in Tuscany, which is an estate owned by the Ferragamo family; the Philippe Starck-designed Japanese Katsuyaand the popular Dubai-grown brand Flamingos by Tasha’s. The restaurants will open over the coming weeks.
Discover the Dubai of Today – Al Bait Baitak
Every aspect to Jumeirah Al Naseem tells a story – from the Arabic phrase, ‘Al Bait Baitak,’ regularly used by Emiratis as a welcome, (it translates to ‘make yourself at home’ or ‘this house is your house’) to the local artwork and incorporation of home-grown brands. Step inside, admire the light, airy lobby, its modern Arabian design and Emirati artworks on display. The hotel entrance features the stunning sculpture of a caravan of camels running on water made of polished stainless steel by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. His other artwork featured around the hotel also includes a polished stainless steel sculpture of a poem written in Arabic calligraphy by Dubai’s ruler H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which is displayed behind the reception desk.
Specially commissioned abayas created by Dubai brand Slouchy’z will be worn by the hotel’s Emirati female colleagues and guests will find chocolates created by home grown Dubai brand Mirzam and Omani cosmetics in their bathrooms by luxurious brand Amouage. Plans are in place to regularly delight both overnight and day guests with experiences that bring features of contemporary Dubai into the hotel, with a prevalent ‘discovery’ theme.
The Arabian Explorer – a culinary journey
As explained by Richard Alexander: “During the 7th century, Arabs travelled and settled across certain parts of the Mediterranean and left behind a strong legacy of architecture, art, fashion and cuisine. This inspired us to create the theme of the Arabian Explorer which provides guests and visitors an opportunity to take a culinary tour of the region’s past through seven of the hotel’s bars and restaurants.”
On 1 December Al Mandhar Lounge, Ambar, Rockfish and The Palmery buffet restaurant for resort dining will be open along with Sugarmash, the adult only island bar; Kalsa for poolside dining and the beach club Summersalt.
As soon as guests enter the hotel lobby they will discover Al Mandhar Lounge which translates to ‘amazing views,’ in a tribute to the venue’s spectacular vista of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. This outlet is themed around the land explorer who travelled from the Middle East to North Africa. Come and discover local Emiratis’ favorite drinks: Chai and Karak teas, and watch the world go by while feeling the Al Bait Baitak spirit. Sit back in this bright, light lounge and explore a fusion of French / Moroccan snacks including Bocadillos, Bisteeya and a selection of creative mint teas.
Anyone looking for a stunning place to unwind for sundowners will love the rooftop bar Ambar. The Arabic word ‘ambar,’ is used to describe a scent that is the base of traditional Arabian perfumes, warm, musky, rich, oriental and earthy. The huge sliding windows offer an open air design and uninterrupted views of the sea and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The menu comprises contemporary Arabic mezze, and a large selection of cocktails – one of the hotel’s best spots for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
From Ambar guests can take a stroll down to Rockfish. Vibrant and fun, the seafood restaurant enjoys a prime beach front location. Diners can take a seat indoors or enjoy a more relaxed setting outside with their toes in the sand. The eclectic interior design was masterminded by Bill Bensley – a world-famous architect and landscape designer who has dedicated his career to designing luxury hotels around the world. Try Mediterranean classics with a twist of Arabia, sample oysters, enjoy crudo, (the Italian version of sushi) and seafood specialties such as grouper, octopus, turbot, mackerel, squid and prawns.
Turtle power
The hotel is the first to feature a 150 metre outdoor lagoon for rehabilitating critically endangered sea turtles. The custom-designed turtle lagoon houses the turtles prior to their return to the wild. From early 2017, guests will be able to participate in turtle feeding sessions and learn about the native fish from the lagoon’s discovery trail. This is the result of continued work between Jumeirah and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project – which has been running since 2004 in collaboration with the Dubai Wildlife Protection Office.
