Dar Al Masyaf, at Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort – Dubai, has recently earned international recognition as ‘Hotel of the Year’ by the editor of Gallivanter’s Guide, a prestigious UK-based travel publication.
Gallivanter’s Guide is a highly regarded publication based in the UK which aims at recognizing the top travel and leisure destinations for dedicated travellers. The Guide has a large base of loyal, worldwide subscribers, providing readers with honest reviews of hotels and resorts around the world. The publication scrutinises a hotel’s innovative style, attention to detail and overall guest experience in order to evaluate each hotel and resort effectively.
According to the magazine’s editor, Lynn Middlehurst, “It was no easy task to agree on our Hotel of the Year, but when we listed all the attributes of the Dar Al Masyaf Summer Houses at Madinat Jumeirah, we found no fault.”
These authentic two-storey traditional Arabic courtyard summer houses are sumptuous in décor and surroundings with impeccable service being provided by a 24 hour butler. In addition to experiencing this genuine comfort, the resort offers a superb selection of world class restaurants, extensive leisure and health facilities including Six Senses Spa and a traditional Souk showcasing an authentic shopping, dining and entertainment experience.
General manager of Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort – Dubai, Serge Zaalof is delighted with the number one ranking. “We are honoured to accept this award and the prominent recognition it represents. Dar Al Masyaf offers a wonderfully intimate, private hide-away amidst the luxurious and extensive facilities offered by Madinat Jumeirah - The Arabian Resort, Dubai.”
Madinat Jumeirah provides guests with an authentic and unique Arabian experience. Set on a private beach, Madinat Jumeirah is an authentic recreation of ancient Arabia capturing the natural beauty of the region and interconnected by nearly 4km of waterways and landscaped gardens.
The resort features two grand boutique hotels (Al Qasr and Mina A’ Salam), villa accommodation in 29 traditional summer houses, conference and banqueting facilities including two grand ballrooms, a 1,000-seat amphitheatre and the region’s only dedicated entertainment centre and multi-purpose venue, Madinat Arena. The resort also provides extensive leisure and health facilities including the region’s first Six Senses Spa and Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional retail and dining experience showcasing the best of Arabia.
Al Qasr, which translates as ‘The Palace’, is the centrepiece of the resort. Complete with a tree-lined avenue framed either side with beautifully sculpted Arabian horses, this grand boutique hotel features world-class restaurants with enchanting terraces, stylish bars and lounges. All 292 rooms and suites have private balconies and have been designed and decorated in traditional Arabic style that is unique to the UAE.
Offering a breathtaking Arabian ambiance, Al Qasr represents the ‘jewel in the crown’ for Madinat Jumeirah.
For guests seeking a more intimate hideaway, Dar Al Masyaf – a series of 29 traditional Arabian summer houses – are located throughout the resort.
These stand-alone villas have between 8 and 11 bedrooms which can either be used independently or an entire house can be booked exclusively by families and small groups. Offering a total of 283 luxurious rooms, the summer houses represent the premium accommodation experience within the resort and are designed to capture the essence of summer with white linens, light walls and astounding views.
The first completed phase of Madinat Jumeirah opened its doors in September 2003, with the debut of the 292-room grand boutique hotel, Mina A’ Salam, the Gateway to Madinat Jumeirah. With its unique shape and omnipresent wind-towers, this graceful, sand-coloured property, heralds a step back in time – yet modern facilities and luxurious interiors provide a destination of unrivalled qualities.
Since its opening, the hotel has witnessed an overwhelming response from both the regional and international market and has set the benchmark for quality, service and prestige for the rest of Madinat Jumeirah.
Located in the heart of the resort, Souk Madinat Jumeirah captures the spirit of ‘old Dubai’ by recreating the souk experience as it once was.
The history and heritage of the region is brought to life through a series of winding streets filled with music, aromas and atmosphere which combines to offer a sensory journey to Dubai’s past.
The souk is host to 75 boutique-style shops selling everything from spices, jewellery and clothes to souvenirs, handicrafts and carpets.
It also has an indoor theatre, outdoor amphitheatre and over 20 waterfront cafes and restaurants featuring food from all over the world including the UAE, Italy, Polynesia, Morocco, Persia, India and Lebanon.