Inside Jumeirah’s new superyacht-inspired hotel
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has opened its doors, complete with architecture by Shaun Killa that pays homage to the superyacht.
The hotel comprises 386 guestrooms and 82 serviced residences, as well as an 82-berth marina.
Interiors, courtesy of HBA, are inspired by the hues of golden hour, with marble clad surfaces, organic wood, soft-edged seating, handcrafted silk carpets, hand-blown crystal lights and textured fabrics. Expansive windows offer views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the Arabian Gulf and the lush surrounding landscape, which features four outdoor pools.
Commenting on his striking architectural vision, Shaun Killa says: We wanted to create the same sense of being in water through curvatures, almost like a ship going out to sea. With the software and technology we have today we are able to create that fluidity with design and create double curved lines. The residence building slopes in one direction and the other curves back on itself to create a dynamic movement. It was designed to give a sense of the building moving in a direction – although stationary, the eye creates this movement.”
He adds: “Both buildings were finished in White Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)’cladding so that we could get really smooth lines, as opposed to using aluminium where you get faceted lines. It is also the same material used across the yacht industry. The material was chosen to represent the simplicity and elegance of a superyacht as well as blend in their surroundings and not compete with Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.”
The hotel is home to 11 curated dining experiences and four destination bars. Among them is The Fore, a venue that evolves throughout the day, and features four restaurants and a central bar. Highlights of the resort’s restaurant collection include the Greek Mediterranean pool club and rooftop bar, Iliana, Japanese meets French cuisine at Kinugawa, and The Bombay Club, a celebration of Indian cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef Manav Tuli.
Spanning three floors, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s Talise spa is guided by three foundational pillars of performance, intention and empower, with facilities ranging from a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and private treatment suites to an indoor pool and fully equipped fitness studio.
