Sponsored: With its stunning location, lavish accomodation, and eco-conscious ethos, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is a haven for those seeking a truly magical retreat

Nestled along a tranquil stretch of Saadiyat Island’s coastline, the resort offers a refreshing escape from the bustling cityscape. As guests step into the lobby, prepare to be welcomed by a grand installation crafted from over 100 hand-blown Bohemian crystal droplets that serve as a captivating centrepiece, drawing parallels to the opulent marine life found in the island’s waters.

The destination seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Arabic elements, creating a one-of-a-kind ambience that invites guests to unwind and embrace the island’s laid-back charm. Enjoy a seamless check-in experience, complemented by a sustainable touch of receiving a reusable metal water bottle to refill at different points across the resort.

Accommodation

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort boasts a collection of 293 elegantly appointed rooms, including eight villas with private pools, 64 suites, and six panoramic suites. Each accommodation option presents unparalleled vistas of the pristine beach and tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The experience of entering the Panoramic Ocean One Bedroom Suite is nothing short of luxurious. We were greeted by a spacious living room, adorned with Emirati art frames on the wall, featuring a four-seated dining table, ample storage space, and neutral tones creating a welcoming atmosphere, while the sofas provide comfortable seating for up to three adults or two adults and two children.

Moving into the bedroom, you’ll find a king-sized bed, perfect for a restful night’s sleep, alongside a work desk for business travellers and spacious cupboards to store belongings. For those seeking relaxation by the beach or pool, don’t forget to grab your beach bag from the suite.

The opulent bathroom features elegant finishes, including a luxurious tub, with separate divisions for the rain shower and toilet, all stocked with ample toiletries for your convenience. With its outdoor seating area and panoramic ocean views from the private balcony, this suite offers a serene retreat where guests can unwind amidst the soothing sea breeze, making it an ideal choice for couples or families.

Culinary highlights

The resort is home to a diverse range of dining options, from The Lounge providing panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf to White, offering contemporary cuisine with live cooking demonstrations, and Mare Mare serving authentic Italian dishes. Tean focuses on Levantine favourites, while Majlis Saadiyat invites guests to its mezzanine terrace for Arabic cuisine. Completing the culinary journey is Offside, known for its vibrant ambience and sports lounge atmosphere.

Our day kicked off with an enchanting brunch experience at White, an all-day dining restaurant within the resort. The thoughtfully crafted archways and screens in the dining area enhance privacy and aesthetics while creating a cosy seating layout, ensuring guests enjoy their meals comfortably with a touch of intimacy. As we ventured into White, we were greeted by a breezy atmosphere and a mosaic-tiled floor leading to a terrace with stunning views of the resort’s infinity pools and the picturesque shoreline of Saadiyat Island.

Look forward to a classic international buffet format including Arabic, Indian, and Asian stations with live cooking and grill stations that change weekly, ensuring a fresh culinary experience. Highlights include a seafood station boasting salmon, king crab, lobster, oysters, poached shrimps, and ceviche, along with a variety of meticulously prepared roasts at the carvery station. The salad and charcuterie options are equally impressive, catering to various dietary preferences, while a selection of creative vegetarian and vegan dishes adds to the diversity. In addition, live musical performances adds to the vibrant ambience, encouraging guests to sway in their seats as they savour the culinary delights.

The dessert kiosk offers a wide array of sweet treats, complementing the savoury offerings perfectly. We recommend the crème brûlée, Umm Ali, chocolate fondant and cotton candy ice cream. The little ones can also make their way to the fun Turkish ice cream station.

For dinner, our culinary journey led us to Mare Mare, an authentic Italian restaurant exuding the charm of coastal Italy. The menu unfolded with a tantalising array of dishes, each meticulously crafted to entice the senses. Standout starters included the Carpaccio di fassona, featuring succulent fassona beef adorned with parmesan shavings, rocket, and a zesty dijon mustard dressing. Accompanying this was the La burrata, a creamy delight of mixed cherry tomatoes, a burrata ball, and fresh basil pesto, alongside the vibrant Fritto misto, showcasing a medley of fried prawns, calamari, seabass, yellow zucchini, potato, carrot, and a dip of jalapeño mayonnaise.

For a satisfying main course, the creamy Risotto al tartufo captured the essence of indulgence with its blend of black truffle, parmesan cheese, and truffle butter, while the Tagliata di manzo presented a succulent Rib-eye grill complemented by rocket, cherry tomatoes, parmesan shavings, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Concluding our culinary adventure, we savoured the timeless Tiramisu, a symphony of flavours and textures with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone, crowned with a crispy biscotti. Each bite was a blissful indulgence, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Italian dessert tradition.

The following morning, we were greeted with a lavish breakfast spread at White restaurant, featuring an extensive buffet offering an array of culinary specialties. From Arabic to European and Indian cuisines, each dish was thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse palates. Fresh juices, tea, and coffee were readily available, complementing the array of offerings, including succulent chicken sausages, smoked salmon, grilled chicken, live eggs station, fluffy pancakes, and a variety of salads, smoothies, and pastries. Personal favourites included the flavourful Foul Medames, aromatic Shakshuka, and crispy hashbrowns, followed by vegetable dumplings and a selection of dips.

Facilities

Experience ultimate relaxation at the resort’s spa, where signature massages, facials, hammam, and rejuvenation techniques await, all performed by trained therapists using top-quality spa products for a truly transformative journey. Indulge in innovative offerings like the Spa Afternoon Tea and tailor-made spa packages, ensuring a personalised pampering experience.

During your stay, keep an eye out for humpback dolphins, as the capital has the world’s largest population, with over 700 dolphins in the area. Recognisable by their distinctive hump-shaped dorsal fins, these playful creatures frequent the shallow waters near the coast and can often be spotted while exploring the Saadiyat mangroves on an eco-tour. For those seeking unparalleled relaxation, the resort also has three infinity pools and a swim-up bar, allowing guests to enjoy a refreshing drink without ever leaving the water.

The Sound Healing session at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island resort’s private villa garden provided a tranquil haven, with nature’s soothing sounds setting a serene backdrop. Commencing with a cacao ceremony, we sipped on the ceremonial-grade cacao infused with a range of spices, experiencing cacao’s soothing effects and fostering a sense of unity.

Transitioning to ecstatic dance, guided by rhythmic beats, attendees liberated themselves, releasing tension and embracing self-expression. Enhanced by therapeutic sound healing elements, including crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, the session offered a holistic experience, leaving us feeling rejuvenated, marking a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal.

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The Panoramic Ocean One Bedroom Suite is available from AED2,170 per night. Visit website.