JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY An architectural and engineering marvel in itself, the Palm Islands, a man-made archipelago off the coast of Dubai, are a sight to behold. Extending into the Persian Gulf, perfectly geometric and pristine, Palm Jumeirah Island sets the stage for one of the most beautiful resorts, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Imbued with an air of elegance and sophistication, it overlooks a private stretch of beach and speaks of luxury and decadent tranquility. Inspired by the famous palaces of the Ottoman era, one cannot help but feel like a royal ready for some spoiling. The soaring lobby supported by massive gold-leaf-covered pillars and multi-colored crystal chandeliers set the tone for the rest of the grandiose and luxurious resort. Turkish artworks and stunning murals conjure up images of this grand and magnificent era with sublime marbles, exquisitely decorated woods and accents of mosaics and hand painted frescoes.
TRAVEL
For those not daunted by extreme heights, an elevator ride to the top of the Burj should be your next stop. The Al Muntaha Skyview Restaurant boasts awe-inspiring views, situated over 600 feet above the sea. It is an elegant fine dining restaurant serving imaginative Modern European cuisine complete with magnificent panoramic views over Dubai and beyond. For after dinner cocktails the Skyview Bar is the perfect . way to end the evening with views over the Gulf, including the artificial Palm Jumeirah Island and The World archipelago.
The best and most luxurious way to reach Dubai is on Emirates Airlines. To truly live like a sultan, the first class features a private suite and a shower spa at your disposal to arrive refreshed and rejuvenated. The long flight will literally fly by with over 1,800 channels of inflight entertainment, dining on demand with 5 star delicacies, and an on board cocktail lounge for a mid flight diversion.
The 441 rooms, suites, and private villas are equally as striking and embellished with plush brocades and silks, beautiful furniture, and deluxe amenities, including stately bathrooms with oversized rectangular marble tubs. Still, if you require more space, why not indulge yourself and upgrade to one of the Royal Residences, which come with their own private lagoon pools with direct access to the beach. Food connoisseurs will surely feel at home with an array of ten dining venues to choose from. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s signature restaurant Amala embraces authentic Northern Indian delights while Imperium serves international cuisine with a French twist. Alternatively, feast on traditional Arabic and Lebanese dishes at Al Nafoorah, and be sure to partake in the nightly Arabic entertainment. For cocktail lovers, head over to Voda Bar and the C Club, both sophisticated venues for drinks. With such excellent evening diversions like supperclub, MusicHall Theatre-night club, and dance and cultural entertainment, guests can continue to unwind and enjoy their stay without the need to leave resort grounds. Not to be missed, at the heart of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray lies the award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa, one of the largest spas in the Middle East, boasting 42 individual spa rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool and three authentic Turkish Hammams.
Relax and get pampered with a selection of signature treatments, such as an Arabian Rose or Gold Mask Hammam. Afterwards, bask in the sauna, laze in the floating baths, or refresh yourself in the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the perfectly golden beach. To truly experience dizzying heights visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world reaching 2,722 feet, and was featured prominently in the movie Mission Impossible- Ghost Protocol where Tom Cruise actually dangled outside 123 stories off the ground or 1,700 feet above ground. The design is derived from patterns in Islamic culture including the spiral minaret and is a mixture of residential, hotel, and office space. At the Top can give you a similar view without the danger on the Observation Deck that gets off at floor 124, with a narrated elevator journey chronicling the history of Dubai that travels at 10 meters per second. Admire the 360 degree views of the city, desert, and ocean that can be seen through floor to ceiling windows or along the outside terrace along the perimeter as you ponder what can be accomplished with endless amounts of wealth. For more information: jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/ burj-al-arab/ jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/ jumeirah-zabeel-saray/ Resident August 2014 • 61