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Travel to Dubai

 
 

Best of both worlds

1 May 2019

Cosmopolitan blends seamlessly with traditional at this city-cum-beach retreat

Typically when choosing a hotel in Dubai, guests can opt for either pristine sea views or impressive city vistas. But the enviable location of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira means guests can enjoy the benefits of both. Positioned on the Jumeirah beachfront, the hotel is flanked on one side by the Arabian Gulf, the other a striking skyline of Downtown Dubai.

Designer Jeffrey Wilkes has successfully blended cosmopolitan charm with traditional Middle Eastern touches. A desert colour palate melds with Far-Eastern paintings and objets d’art, all of which add to the overall ‘Silk Road’ theme of the interiors.

Four neat pools are symmetrically positioned within perfectly manicured gardens that lead out onto the beach. Head for the 14-km running track separating the beach from the resort, for a chance to explore one of Dubai’s oldest beachfront neighbourhoods on foot.

Rooms are spacious and feature modern guest-centric technology, designed with both business and leisure travellers in mind. Floor to ceiling windows gaze out onto generously -sized balconies that are welcome additions for both the city and beach views.

A rooftop pool reserved for hotel guests is a less obvious perk. Lined by a handful of day beds, it’s accessible through sixth-floor restaurant Tasca – which serves casual-cool Portuguese cuisine by chef Jose Avillez.

Aside from Tasca, Netsu – a sophisticated Japanese steakhouse – is a stand-out dining choice. Nobu-trained chef Ross Shonhan helms the kitchen, dividing his menu between inventive Japanese dishes and premium cuts of meat, seared over a traditional straw fire grill. As well as an upscale offering for an evening meal, the upstairs lounge bar is a sultry spot for an aperitivo, or post dinner drink to finish an evening in style.

Luxury, tradition and style are synonymous with the Mandarin Oriental brand, and their latest Dubai opening ticks all the boxes with ease.

In the neighbourhood

For those looking for an alternative shopping experience to Dubai’s lavish malls, a five-minute drive will take you to La Mer. The beachfront destination is home to an array of independent and chain restaurants, shops and cafes, as well as a water park and boutique cinema.

Words: Alice Holtham

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