ROYAL Residences at JumeiRah Zabeel saRay, dubai
Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding under the new direction of General Manager, Sven Wiedenhaupt, has recently re-launched the Royal Residences at Jumeirah Zabeel saray. SPACE Editor Can Faik visited the hotel and found something very different to what one might expect from a typical resort in Dubai…
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is a luxurious beachside resort located on the West Crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The interior of the resort is inspired by the ancient palaces of Turkey and features hand-painted finishes, Turkish artworks and stunning murals that conjure up images of the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire.
Imbued with an air of elegance and sophistication, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray sets the bar for luxury in Dubai. The resort boasts 405 rooms and suites, 38 Royal Residences, and the award- winning Talise Ottoman Spa, which just so happens to be one of the largest and most luxurious spas in the Middle East.
The recently re-launched Royal Residences are set amid lush tropical gardens and a magnificent lagoon pool, where every detail and design of these spacious residences captures the spirit of the Ottoman era, from the exquisite Turkish marble to imported ceramics from western Anatolia.
Built to the highest specifications and with impeccable attention to every detail, the Royal Residences allow guests the ultimate in luxury and relaxation as they bask in the stunning décor whilst gazing at the vast expanse of the Arabian Gulf from their own private sun terraces, which gives a feel of exclusivity and escape from the real world.
The 38 Royal Residences range from 461 square metres to 530 square metres in size, Beach and Sea villas feature two king bedrooms, two queen bedrooms and one twin bedroom plus helper’s quarter.
Inspired by the royal guest houses of the majestic Ottoman era, these breathtaking residences are an expression of modern opulence, where timeless Turkish motives blend seamlessly with contemporary interiors, featuring exquisite chandeliers, marble and wood parquet flooring and elegant furniture, beautifully highlighted by sumptuous fabrics and plush carpets in splendid shades of gold and ivory.
Guests who opt for stays at the luxurious Royal Residences can also avail a host of exclusive benefits, which are sure to enhance the quality of the time they spend within these sanctuaries.
Engin Urun, Operations Director of Arketipo Design, led a skilled team of 45 interior designers on the project with his inspiration coming from the reincarnation of the Ottoman’s spellbinding heritage, which spaned 800 years.
Staying true to the inspirations of the Topkapi Saray and Dolmabahce Saray, two Ottoman palaces in the heart of Istanbul, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray displays artisanal murals and authentic materials that recreate the splendour of 15th century marvels, conjuring up a panoramic vista of ancient Istanbul.
Throughout the entire resort, 30,000 square metres of Turkish and Italian marble, crafted by Turkish craftsmen, was designed specifically for the hotel.
PUBLIC AREAS
On entering the hotel’s lobby, I was taken aback by the stunning ceiling heights and vast space. The lobby is a relaxing and inviting area with a water feature housing a fountain that trickles soothingly, while The Sultan’s Lounge situated in the rear of the lobby is a magnificent space.
As you continue your journey through the hotel you encounter an exceptional collection of paintings, which were created by leading Turkish artist Ismail Acar. The paintings depict the tulip, a symbol of Turkey, and the garments worn by the sultans of the Ottoman period.
The detailed design elements of the hotel replicate those used by the Ottomans in the décor of ancient palaces. Stripped walls and the use of stars and the crescent indicate Ottoman worship of the sun, the moon and the sky with the use of turquoise as a symbol of protection and the use of tulips to represent affluence and wealth.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The resort’s eight restaurants and lounges are all different in their design and offerings, such as Imperium with its crystal chandeliers, gilded columns and superb sea views from the terrace through to the fine dining experience at the beautifully designed The Rib Room, with its exquisite interiors and intimate atmosphere.
ACCOMMODATION
The property offers a wide range of rooms, suites and residences, each designed to evoke a feel of the majestic Ottoman era. Deluxe Rooms are ideal for shorter stays, with a private balcony and views across the Arabian Gulf or Palm Jumeirah. For longer stays with additional benefits, the Imperial One Bedroom Suites are the ultimate indulgence with immense living space, which are located on the highest floor of the hotel: the Imperial Level.
THE SPA
Talise Ottoman Spa is one of the largest and most luxurious award- winning spas in the Middle East and covers 8,200 square metres with 42 individual treatment rooms spanning two floors. The spa is designed around a person-centric model to ensure that the selection of bespoke treatments and facilities for guests make it the ultimate destination for wellbeing. Lined with sublime marble and decorated with accents of mosaics and murals, the palatial Talise Ottoman Spa is a haven of relaxation and indulgence. Attention to detail here again is key, with beautiful touches including hand-painted Turkish oak doors that weigh approximately 600kg – which took ten craftsmen just over two days to calve from scratch!
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Conference and banqueting facilities at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray are provided through five meeting rooms ranging from 104 – 110 square metres in size, to comfortably accommodate up to 70 people, and are equipped with the latest in conference technology. The MusicHall also provides cabaret style seating for up to 370 seated guests and the hotel’s 30-seat private art deco cinema welcomes visitors with luxurious red sofas and floor-to-ceiling drapes, which add to the decadence and theatre of this magnificent space.
The Royal Residences at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is an exclusive offering in Dubai, and clearly stands out from the rest of its competition. No expense has been spared on the design and incredible high-end finish to these luxury properties where a myriad of five-star facilities are provided by Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. It’s a luxury traveller’s dream-come-true with exquisite design touches that make the experience that extra bit special.