Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Explored

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Nestled on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah Dubai guests will find the opulent Ottoman-inspired hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The masterpiece of architecture boasts a range of room types, set to cater for each guests needs, be it a Junior Suite, Ottoman Two Bed Family Room or the breaking Grand Imperial Suite, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers style and comfort to all that visit.

After a swift check-in we are escorted to our room. For today’s visit at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray we will be residing in the Grand Imperial Suite. As we enter the room we are instantly taken back by the sheer scale and opulence of the Grand Imperial Suite. The suite offers a large bathroom, a bedroom with sliding doors that open onto the grand terrace, a large sitting room with an open plan design that leads to the dining room.

Amenities comprise of a personal spa that includes a private sauna, walk-in rainfall shower and a lavish oversized marble bath, complete with robes and slippers, dual his and her sinks, a walk-in closet and private kitchen, wi-fi, a 55-inch widescreen interactive HD LCD TV, iPhone docking station with Philips sound bar and private butler service.

Occupying a prime position on the highest level of the resort. The views from the suite are phenomenal, we have palm views and a panoramic view of the entire resort. The Grand Imperial suite is luxurious and enriched with elegance. To join an elite circle of royalty and luminaries who have enjoyed this grandeur, is rather exciting. Having worked up quite an appetite we make our way to Al Nafoorah for lunch. Described as offering a feast of authentic Lebanese cuisine in an ornate dining room filled with evocative Arabic music, we are eager to see what the team have prepared. The restaurants décor is alluring, thick wooden archways are emphasized by low hanging chandeliers, deep purples, and soft amber tones. To begin we are presented with a selection of cold and hot mezze; Moutabel, Hummus, Fattoush, Tabbouleh, Spinach Fatayer, Cheese Rokakat, Potato Harrah and Warm Bread. It is evident that chef has used the freshest ingredients, a great start to our dining experience. For mains we enjoy the Moussaka Eggplant, Eggplant, Mixed Capsicum, Chickpeas, Tomato Sauce, a vegetarian option and my dining colleague selects the Mixed Grill which consists of Lamb Kebab, Kofta Kebab, Shish Taouk, Lamb Chops. I thoroughly enjoy my main and now I know Al Nafoorah caters for vegetarians so well, I’ll be returning sooner than anticipated. The team at Al Nafoorah are extremely helpful and very welcoming, Arabic style hospitality at its best, a pleasure to experience.

After lunch we take a stroll around the hotel, the beach is picturesque and has a range of secluded cabanas for guests to enjoy, we make a note to return tomorrow morning as this afternoon we have booked ourselves into the award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa for some much needed rest and relaxation. At the heart of this palatial spa is an authentic and spectacular Turkish spa and hammam. Throughout the centuries, the hammam was not only a place for bathing; it was a cultural tradition revered as a focal point for relaxing, meeting friends, associates and celebrating special events.

As we enter the spa, we are warmly greeted by the team. After a short consultation we decide to both try one of the signature treatments, the Sultan’s Massage. This 60-minute treatment promises to help us unwind with a thoroughly indulgent massage fit for royalty. Starting with cleaning and purifying of the feet we then proceed to our treatment. This soothing and deeply healing treatment carefully stretches muscles and relieves pressure points. The lingering scent of aromatic elixirs cleanses our body and mind. Admittedly this was the first time since the start of the pandemic that we were able to enjoy a spa treatment. I must highlight that the spa (and the entire hotel, room included) is immaculately clean.

Throughout our treatment our therapists wear facemasks and constantly wash their hands which is great to witness and makes us feel much more comfortable. We leave the spa feeling invigorated and full of energy which was needed after a busy week in the office.

After a day filled full of activities and exploring the hotel, we opt to enjoy a coffee on the terrace. The weather is perfect, and the opulent Grand Imperial Suite’s terrace provides the most breathtaking backdrop.

After a great night sleep, we wake up feeling fully revived and ready to embrace the day. A quick breakfast and we make our way to the hotel’s private beach and indulge in one of the most relaxing afternoons we have had in a long time. Guests are able to relax by the pool, on the beach or within the hotel’s lush foliage. The beach offers ample space, and those wanting additional privacy can choose to enjoy one of the secluded cabanas. This evening our dining destination is Amala, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Indian restaurant. Named after the luxurious Maharaja Express in Indian, Amala Express takes diners on a journey of various states of Indian, unlocking each states herbs, spices, and recipes. We are presented with a few Papadums and Chutneys. Starters arrive and I have selected the Kanpuri Barkat ki Chaat, Baby Spinach Fritters, Lentil Dumplings, Chickpeas, Tamarind Sauce and Sweet Yogurt, the portion is large and easily shared by two. As recommended by the team my dining companion selects the Tandoori Boneless Chicken Thigh marinated in spices and yogurt. This dish is sensational the chicken melts away to reveal an array of flavours. For mains I opt for the Dal Makhani, and my dining companion opts for the Butter Chicken, two of the most popular dishes on the menu. The Butter Chicken is delightful, rich, creamy with a slight tang, it’s no wonder it’s a bestseller.

Overall Jumeirah Zabeel Saray makes for a perfect staycation or getaway for those travelling from outside of the United Arab Emirates. The Grand Imperial Suite is one of the most opulent suites I have had the pleasure of residing in. However great hospitality is what really makes Jumeirah Zabeel Saray stand out. In a city full of remarkable hotels and awe inspiring architecture it’s the attention to detail, warm smile and impeccable service that makes a stay memorable, and the team at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray are some of the best I have encountered in the world of hospitality.

With their recently refurbished patio, it’s a slightly new version of La Petite Maison Restaurant and Bar in DIFC that greets me when I stop in for a recent lunch with friends. With pleasant temperatures returning to Dubai, discerning diners and other long-time guests searching for an upscale al fresco experience will be pleased to book tables on the refurbished terrace.

Inside, the staff greet me, and after going through the proper security protocols, I’m shown to my table (already set with fresh tomato, olive oil, and a chic branded sanitizer, natch). If dining during lunch, guests have their choice of choosing from the more value-driven set menus, including the La Petit Menu, AED 135, which includes one starter and one main course, or the Le Grand Menu, AED 180, which offers two starters, one main course, and one scoop of ice cream, or, of course, a la carte, as we choose to do. The meals above can also be expanded to include a carafe of selected beverage for an additional price.

While I usually prefer to take a seat at the stylish bar for a pre-meal drink, given the current social distancing rules, at the table, I place an order for my favorite beverage. There are, of course, options for those who prefer a zero-proof beverage as well. As my friends and I peruse the menu, we are presented with freshly baked bread. There are only a few places in Dubai that serve excellent Escargots de Bourgogne, and LPM is one of them. It’s a treat to indulge in, and I have almost mastered the skill to remove the garlicky snails from their shells without accidentally flicking butter across the table. We are also presented with Calamars Frits, Deep Fried Baby Squids, which are perfectly crispy and entirely moreish. For other starters, we receive a Dubai classic, Burrata Et Tomates, Burrata with Tomatoes and Basil. Finally, we are served an easy Green Lentil Salad, Salad de Lentilles Vertes, which offers a nice balance to the other starters.

Mains are another beautiful affair, including Filet de Daurade au Citron, Sea Bream Fillet in Papilloteau Citron, which is first presented as the whole fish, directly from the kitchen, cooked in parchment and served with Confit Lemon, Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, Sweet Pepper, and Olives. First, so we can admire for the ‘gram, but also to enjoy the deep aromas of lemon and olive oil. The fish is whisked away and professionally filleted for us (an entirely appreciated offer), and the serving is enough for the three of us. We are also given my first taste of Canard À L’Orange, Slow Cooked Duck Legs with Orange Glaze.

This will certainly not be the last time I order this dish, and the slight and subtle sweetness of the orange glaze contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of the perfectly cooked duck. We also receive several equally delicious sides, and it is worth noting that these little details are not overlooked.

There are few places in town I can think of where I absolutely recommend leaving room for dessert, and LPM is probably at the top of the list. We are served a trio of my favorites, Warm Chocolate Mousse, Cheesecake, and the Pain Perdu. As far as sweets go, I must admit I like them all equally, and I think our approach to enjoy a bit of everything is the correct one. Served up with a selection of coffee and mint tea, the meal ends with distinctive branded LPM chocolates, another small detail I appreciate.

By the end of lunch - this is a Thursday afternoon, after all - LPM is bustling (at a safe distance). It is the kind of place where I (unsurprisingly and unintentionally) see another friend lunching and stop by to say hello. Whenever I ask people about LPM, the main compliment which routinely comes up is the restaurant’s consistency. This is the same venue you can go to weeks, months, or years apart and have an equally elevated experience. It’s a place that you can enjoy for lunch with friends, a date night, an anniversary, or a special birthday.

Would I go back to La Petite Maison? Yes, for any time or occasion - I never really need an excuse!

Escargots de Bourgogne, AED 100 Calamars Frits, AED 46 Burrata Et Tomates, AED 98 Salad de Lentilles Vertes, AED 47 Filet de Daurade au Citron AED 280 Canard À L’Orange, AED 165 Warm Chocolate Mousse, AED 49 Cheesecake, AED 52 Pain Perdu, AED 45