Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab – A First Guest Review at Dubai’s Most Exclusive New Luxury Hotel

There’s a new name rewriting the rules of luxury in Dubai — and once you step inside, you’ll understand why the world is watching. Tucked between the glittering Gulf and Dubai’s skyline of icons and located on a private peninsula just next to the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This more than luxurious resort is the latest addition to the Jumeirah collection — and perhaps the most ambitious yet.

I had the rare privilege of staying as one of the very first guests after its official soft opening, and from the moment I landed, it became clear: this isn’t just a hotel — it’s a true statement.

After touching down at Dubai International Airport, I was escorted to the exclusive Jumeirah arrivals lounge — calm, cool, and worlds away from the chaos of baggage belts and taxi queues. A chilled towel, a perfectly timed espresso, and a quiet moment to reset before the city even begins.

Outside, a custom-designed Bentley Flying Spur awaited me, driven by a Jumeirah chauffeur. Think chilled water, a scented towel, and even luxury hand cream provided in the car — all those small but thoughtful details that start your stay on the right note. No stress, no noise, just silence, comfort, and anticipation. All ready to glide me toward what would become one of the most unforgettable hotel stays of my life.

HAVE A LOOK INSIDE

Step through the grand arched entrance of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and you’re met not just by architecture — but by emotion. Designed by architect Shaun Killa, whose name is forever linked with the Burj Al Arab, the hotel’s shape is inspired by a superyacht: sleek, powerful, and effortlessly elegant. The design is more than aesthetics — it’s an experience. Floor-to-ceiling glass frames the ocean at nearly every turn, while gently curved hallways echo the movement of waves.

Throughout the property, Arabian heritage meets maritime modernity. Think mashrabiya wooden screens casting shadows like sails, nautical blues in ceramic art pieces, and calm, open-plan spaces.

The rooms themselves are a masterclass in thoughtful luxury. Step into a space where everything — and I mean everything — has been considered. The marbled bathroom is a true showpiece: expansive, with steel-framed glass doors, dual vanities, and a rainfall shower that feels like a private spa moment. The space glows with natural light by day and with atmospheric lighting by night, all of which is easily controlled from a touch-sensitive panel by your bedside. That same panel lights up with a gesture when you pass it in the dark — a subtle, yet brilliant feature.

Rossano Ferretti amenities add to the sense of pampering, with high-end shampoo, conditioner, and a heavenly body cream. The walk-in closet is something most homes would envy, offering ample, well-thought storage. And then there’s the balcony — a generous, private slice of the Dubai skyline with uninterrupted views of the sea, so spectacular you’ll want to start and end your day right there, every single day.

Fresh flowers add a final personal touch — it’s like walking into your own curated sanctuary, not just a hotel room.

Pools at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab aren’t just for lounging — they’re destinations in themselves. Of the three luxurious pools available, each caters to a distinct kind of guest experience.

The main pool offers family-friendly vibes with ample loungers, shade, and attentive poolside staff ready to serve you an iced coffee or a cooling towel the moment the sun heats up. The adults-only Kinugawa Pool, with its serene ambiance and chic design, is perfect for a more peaceful, grown-up vibe — ideal for couples or solo travelers craving some quiet luxury.

But the real gem, and my personal favorite, is the Iliana Pool Club. Reserved exclusively for suite guests, it’s a space I’d return for alone. It feels like a private oasis where elegance and privacy meet. Think plush daybeds, designer cabanas with swim-up access, and an infinity pool that melts into the horizon — with the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab perfectly framed at the edge. This spot alone is enough reason to book a suite.

It’s not just about the aesthetics either — service here is next-level. Freshly squeezed juices, ice-cold water, and seasonal fruit are delivered without asking, and staff check in just often enough. Instagram-worthy? Absolutely. But more importantly, it’s a place where you can fully unwind, disconnect, and just be.

Dining at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a journey in itself — and one of the main reasons you may never want to leave the hotel. With 15 restaurants and bars to choose from, it’s a playground for culinary explorers and serious foodies looking for the best fine dining in Dubai.

My personal favorite? Madame Li. This refined Asian fusion restaurant serves dim sum like works of art — delicate, colorful, and packed with flavor. The one filled with morel mushrooms was a standout if you ask me. Prefer something bolder? The Bombay Club answers the call with flair. Helmed by Michelin-acclaimed chef Manav Tuli, this modern Indian eatery serves vibrant flavors in a setting that’s as richly detailed as its dishes.

The hotel’s most unique concept is The Fore — a transformative dining venue that morphs throughout the day. Even before lunch, cleverly concealed panels shift to unveil four distinct restaurant spaces: Japanese Umi Kei, Mediterranean Mirabelle, Madame Li, and The Bombay Club. Come morning, it transforms into one of the best breakfast destinations in Dubai, with feuilleté stations, truffle eggs, lobster Benedict, and a wellness room offering fresh fruit, granola, and herbal iced teas.

Craving beachside elegance? Iliana is your spot. Inspired by Mykonos, it’s perched right on the water’s edge serving sun-kissed Greek dishes by the sea. Just order the grilled octopus and thank me later.
Rialto brings the warmth of Italian cuisine done right — handmade pastas, grilled seafood, and a tiramisu that could hold its own in Rome.

And no stay is complete without a visit to the hotel’s Pierre Hermé Paris boutique. Whether it’s a delicate macaron, a glossy chocolate tart, or an unexpected pastry that blends rosewater and lychee, this patisserie is a dream made edible.

If you’re wondering who Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is for — the answer is, simply: everyone who appreciates elevated living and travels well. This is one of the best new hotels in Dubai for 2025, crafted with intention for couples, honeymooners, design-conscious travelers, and modern families alike.

Families will love the subtle integration of child-friendly amenities — like the Family Club for kids aged 3 to 10 — without it ever feeling like a typical family resort. It’s child-friendly, not child-centric. Kids can explore the expansive grounds freely while parents enjoy uninterrupted serenity, from spa rituals to adults-only poolside lounging.

Couples and solo travelers will find their rhythm in the refined calm of the Talise Spa, the Kinugawa Pool, and the many romantic dining venues across the resort. It’s where privacy, beauty, and soul meet — making it one of the most versatile luxury resorts in Dubai.

So whether you’re searching for where to stay in Dubai for a honeymoon, a luxury family holiday, or a high-end retreat with unforgettable service — Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the answer.