Just 15 minutes from DIFC, Jumeirah’s newest icon, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. We arrived on the Eid weekend, when Dubai was in full celebratory mode and the streets were buzzing. We expected crowds and queues. What we didn’t expect was for a newly opened hotel (launched in March 2025!) to deliver one of the most flawless luxury experiences we’ve had at full capacity.
Let’s be honest, service at luxury hotels tends to slip when they’re booked out. But not here. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has mastered the art of calm amidst the chaos, and it’s doing so while still fresh off its opening. Here’s our deep dive:
Check in: 10/10
Even during peak holiday season, check-in was seamless. The property had enough counters open to manage the volume effortlessly. Staff were warm, welcoming, and well-coordinated. No waiting around awkwardly with bags. No crowd-induced chaos. We were in and on our way within minutes. A rare feat on a packed weekend.
Room: 10/10
We stayed in the Marina Deluxe Suite, and yes, it’s every bit as good as it sounds. The suite comes with dedicated butler service via WhatsApp (convenient doesn’t even begin to describe it), a private terrace, and views of the super-yacht marina and the glittering Dubai skyline.
Waking up to panoramic sea views is a joy that never gets old. And little luxe touches made the stay feel even more fun: a Dyson hairdryer in the bathroom for one, and direct access to the exclusive Illeana Pool Club. This suite is designed for both comfort and statement living.
Dining: 10/10
With over 11 restaurants on property, we barely scratched the surface. But what we did try was impeccable. Bombay Club by Chef Manav Tuli, Madame Li, and Rialto offered three completely different, beautifully executed experiences. Each space was buzzing, but the service and food felt unrushed and thoughtful. Other options include: Iliana (Greek), Kinugawa (Japanese), Umi Kei (immersive Japanese izakaya), The Fore Bar, The Cullinan, Mirabelle, Orizonta, Pierre Hermé Paris, Kira, and the Commodore Club to name a few. You’ll need more than a weekend to explore the entire foodscape, and that’s exactly why you’ll want to return.
Breakfast buffet? Possibly the best we’ve ever experienced. We were seated immediately despite the rush, and service never faltered. Spread across multiple stations, the buffet included everything from classic European staples to a raw seafood counter (yes, for breakfast!), making it the most indulgent morning ritual we’ve come across in Dubai.
Experiences: 10/10
Staying in a suite at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab comes with serious perks. Starting with access to the private Iliana Pool Club. Even on Eid weekend, the space felt calm, elevated, and quietly exclusive. You could easily spend hours here. Lounging, swimming, or just doing nothing at all. The hotel’s wellness offering goes far beyond the usual spa. The Remedy Suite is more bio-innovation than massage menu. We tried the cryotherapy chamber, where the trainer encouraged movement. Yes, squats inside the freezing pod. It felt intense but oddly energising. The infrared dome was another highlight. It gave all the detox warmth of a sauna without the discomfort of breathing in hot air. It felt more restorative, more sustainable.
There’s plenty more we’ll be coming back for: the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and the Chromo Space Bed, which is the first of its kind in the region. Both are designed to boost recovery, glow and that rare post-wellness clarity. Just next door is the Mindfulness Lounge: a futuristic little cocoon with vibro-acoustic loungers, LED recovery masks for the face, neck and eyes, and mood-lifting wearables. It’s the kind of space that helps you recalibrate quietly, without trying too hard.
For something more traditional, the Thermal Sanctuary includes a sauna, steam room, private hammams and an ice fountain. All sleek, well-designed and the perfect way to reset after a workout or before a night out.
Speaking of workouts, the gym deserves a mention of its own. It’s flooded with natural light, stocked with the latest cardio and strength machines, and overlooks the Arabian Gulf. Easily one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever broken a sweat. And if lounging is more your speed, the adults-only indoor pool faces the Burj Al Arab and is ideal for floating in peace, post-breakfast naps, or catching up on your book in total quiet.
Check-out: 10/10
Checkout was done and dusted in less than 60 seconds. No last-minute confusion, no invoice mishaps, no drama. It was smooth, simple, and handled with the same attention to detail we experienced throughout our stay.
Final Thoughts:
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is not just a new property, it’s a benchmark in Dubai’s luxury hotel scene. That it can deliver such precision, polish, and peace during the city’s busiest holiday weekend is nothing short of exceptional. If you’re after a stay that redefines modern Arabian hospitality, with world-class dining, immersive wellness, flawless service, and views for days—this is where you book next.
Prices for the Marina suite start from AED 6,000 per night (approx)
Images: @currentmoodmag.prive