Jumeirah al Qasr, Dubai
Traditional Middle East culture, architecture and philosophy meet five-star luxury and elegance at this beachfront oasis with the waters of the Arabian Gulf on one side and Dubai’s iconic cityscape on the other. Can Faik reports…
One of Dubai’s most iconic hotels, Jumeirah Al Qasr known for its palatial grandeur in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai – has refurbished its full inventory of rooms and suites, maintaining its traditional Arabic style, but now with a contemporary flair.
All 294 rooms (complete with terraces and balconies), have been reimagined to offer a rich, modern experience. Navy, orange and blue tone patterns captivate the eye resulting in an elevated design that pays homage to the opulence of traditional Arabic interiors, which has been envisaged and then brought to life by the brilliant Kristina Zanic of Kristina Zanic Consultants, and Khuan Chew of KCA International.
Designed in the style of a Sheikh’s summer residence, a majestic arrival welcomes guests to Jumeirah Al Qasr. A journey through luxurious surroundings where guestrooms and suites decorated in traditional Arabian style include stunning views of the sea and the rest of the resort add an air of regality to its surroundings, making the Al Qasr a stand-out hotel for guests looking for that something extra.
Kristina Zanic Consultants accomplished the refurbishment of what is now on the radar as one of Dubai’s most iconic properties with work carried out on the hotel’s guestrooms, suites and corridors as well as the property’s executive lounge.
As well as the variety of rooms (spread across nine categories ranging in size from 55 sqm to 115 sqm), the Royal Suite (with three bedrooms) and Presidential Suites (with two bedrooms) have also been fully renovated with changes being made to the dining area of the Royal Suite, as well as arabesque ceiling joists and mosaics added to the flooring. This further complements the new feature wall in the Presidential Suite, adding a contemporary flair to the traditional Middle Eastern design the hotel is famed for.
The renovated rooms encourage a total cultural immersion of modern Arabia, yet with the traditional Moorish design and architecture the hotel offers guests a ‘One Thousand and One Night’ experience that separates itself from the ordinary and creates an ambience that celebrates Arabic culture and tradition perfectly. The design intent was to depict a timeless tale, majestically told, adding to the hotel’s reputation as the most regal of the Madinat Jumeirah’s four hotels, as it was to deliver a paradigm of Arabian palatial lux in its finest form.
The design is rich in detail and its exclusive finishes create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere elevated through bold colour accents and intricate arabesque patterns.
Traditional designs are used in a modern way and integrated with contemporary fabrics, carpets and ceiling details. Classic elements such as the twisted arches divide the room creating a dramatic arched envelope entrance. The room is also adorned with contemporary leather armchairs and statement accessories and art pieces.
For the carpets; new colours and patterns have been introduced to the Arabic palette, adding to the lavishness of the interiors and offering a constant flow of new interpretations of classic designs.
The equestrian artworks give a gentle nod to the fondness for horse riding rooted deep in Arabic culture and history, and are integrated as a common thread throughout the resort from the golden horse statues leading the way up to the Porte Cochere into the guestrooms, corridors and suites.
With the completion of the refurbishment, the new rooms continue to complement the world famous design elements of the 18 golden horses at the hotel’s entrance and the captivating lobby presided by a 5-ton crystal chandelier, resulting in a truly unique experience, dazzling guests at every turn.
Set amidst tranquil waterways and tropical landscapes of Madinat Jumeirah, the hotel’s Talise Spa lets you indulge in utter luxury with personalised treatments to cater to guests’ individual requirements.
The spa has 26 treatment rooms, including three couples’ suites, a relaxation area, infra-red sauna, steam rooms and plunge pools.
The Talise Spa in Madinat Jumeirah also features a communal swimming pool, and a private yoga studio.
Guests staying in the hotel also have the privilege of enjoying the 2km of pristine private beach and the largest acclimatized swimming pool in Dubai, surrounded by forty hectares of gardens.
In addition, the hotel is home to a number of outstanding restaurants; one being The Hide, which brings a modern twist to the Dubai culinary scene with a rustic yet modern décor dining room. The concept has been inspired by the coolest meateries in gastronomic capitals such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Kristina Zanic was overjoyed for the opportunity given on this project, allowing her to pursue her passion for refurbishments, following works on Burj Al Arab, Al Mahara Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina’ A Salam’s Shimmers and the Emirates Towers Rooms and Bar, and she says it was an honour for her to leave her design footprint on another Dubai landmark.
OPERATOR: Jumeirah Group
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Kristina Zanic Consultants and KCA International