New 7-star hotel in Dubai? Marsa Al Arab beyond conventional classifications

Burj Al Arab, shaped like a sail, is revered as the only 7-star hotel in the world, but The Marsa Al Arab, which opened recently, is a yacht-inspired hotel that “goes beyond conventional classifications,” said its managing director.
Marsa Al Arab’s director, Dursun, stated, “The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab does not abide by conventional classifications. It exceeds the star rating goal. It is a luxury lifestyle destination. The hotel has unparalleled service, design, and ever-curated experiences. It boasts of hospitality, caring, wellness, culinary accolades, and so much more like no other.”
As per estimates made by Cavendish Maxwell, Dubai has been getting a slew of extravagant hotels. The report states that over 70% of new rooms expected in 2024 will be high-end and nearly 70% of the additional supply in 2025 will be upscale and luxurious.
The final piece of a nautical trilogy by Jumeirah Group was the opening of Marsa Al Arab Hotel next to Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which marked another addition to Dubai’s wide array of luxurious offerings.
“Jumeirah has a remarkable history in luxury hospitality starting from Jumeirah Beach Hotel in 1997 then the unforgettable representative of Dubai, Burj Al Arab in 1999. Completing this navy trilogy on the most luxurious coast of Dubai, Marsa Al Arab adds another jewel to our crown,” he said.
The hotel serves as “a cornerstone in our plan towards establishing sustainable lively communities around the world blending residential, hospitality and shopping ventures.”
The property has 386 rooms, including the Royal Suite, all with private balconies. He said the resort opened on March 14, and has received incredible enthusiasm since then.
The hotel’s concept was developed by the designer of the Museum of the Future and Dubai Opera, Shaun Killa, and used to create light, space, and the possibility of indoor-outdoor living.
The resort partnered with local artists Feryal Al Bastaki, Alreem Al Mansoori, and Nadine Kanso from UAE to showcase local art within the resort.
On the sustainability level, the property features self-shading terraces for reduced energy consumption, greywater recycling for irrigation, and energy efficient lighting. This resort occupies an exclusive private peninsula, featuring a dedicated marina, luxurious serviced residential apartments, and retail outlets.
F&B Options
Dine-in guests have the pleasure of discovering 11 thoughtfully selected dining venues and four destination bars.
As for Dursun, he said, “A standout concept is The Fore, a multi-restaurant venue that transforms throughout the day, which boasts four distinct quadrants — Umi Kei, Madame Li, Mirabelle and The Bombay Club led by a sophisticated central bar and Michelin star chef.”
This group also includes other highlights such as Rialto, an Italian restaurant which is an ode to the glamour of Italy’s Golden Age in the 1950’s, Iliana which is a Mykonos beachside style contemporary retreat, Kinugawa, the Japanese, Commodore Club, Orizonta, The Cullinan, Kira, as well as the Marsa Al Arab Marina Promenade which has six casual restaurants and bars with a lovely view.
The Talise Spa has three levels, including a female only floor, 13 treatment suites with private terraces, a 20-metre indoor pool, and a fitness studio.
In his own words, he said, “For me what I think truly sets us apart is the combination of wellness and state of the art technology. For example, our Remedy Suite contains four technologies based treatment options some of which are Cryotherapy, ChromoSpace light treatments, iDome Infra-Red Triple Detox Treatment and Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber.”
Dursun pointed out that travelers receive personalized services to enhance their experience while at the hotel. “We are passionate about Arabian hospitality and the butler service affords guests the chance to tailor their time in Dubai to suit their specific passions.”
“Dubai is a city that thrives on reinvention, and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is perfectly positioned to lead that charge in the hospitality scene. The journey has only just begun, and I am excited to see how we continue to shape and challenge extraordinary guest experiences that set new benchmarks in luxury for those seeking the finer things in life,” he remarked.
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