A Preview of the New Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Sweeping into the palm-lined drive after a remarkably brief ride from Dubai International Airport, the first thing guests will notice are eight ancient olive trees, evoking a Mediterranean vibe and perhaps hinting at the pleasures of the palate to come. Entering the palatial lobby with its dazzling view of the sea here in one of the world's most exciting cities, the moment all but says aloud, you have arrived.
Welcome to the new Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach - a green oasis perfectly located just minutes from all the pleasures and key business hubs of this open, modern city by the Arabian Gulf. Everything is right here - warm and elegant service, an astonishing array of dining temptations, a truly luxe pool and beach experience, beautiful spaces to do business or celebrate special occasions, an indulgent spa that is a destination unto itself, and the quiet retreat of light, airy guest rooms and suites.
For those already familiar with Dubai's over-the-top, often ornate formality, prepare to be surprised says Regional Vice President and General Manager Simon Casson: "Our Resort is an intimately scaled, luxurious enclave of comfort and style. Throughout, guests can expect highly personalized service that is consistent with Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world."
At five stories, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is comparatively low rise amid the city's soaring towers, in keeping with the surrounding coastal community. The prestigious Jumeirah neighbourhood - sometimes compared to Beverly Hills with its mansions and celebrity hotspots - is mostly residential, with cafés, shops and galleries within strolling distance. Flanked by Dubai's longest stretch of natural beachfront, it's also just ten minutes from the commercial district on Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai International Finance Centre, and well as Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building - and the tourist attractions of Downtown Dubai.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is scheduled to open on November 1, 2014, and is now confirming arrivals from December 1. Guests who book before September 30 can take advantage of special rates with the Introductory Offer or the Introductory Bed and Breakfast Rate for stays between December 1 and February 28, 2015.
Envisioned as a welcoming enclave by world-renowned architects WATG, the Resort's fresh, sophisticated contemporary style is by San Francisco-based interior designers BAMO. Arabic accents highlight Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, with colours and textures influenced by the seaside lifestyle of this 14 acre (5.6 hectare) Resort. For example, the 10-metre (33-foot) lobby is capped by an octagonal dome finished with gold leaf, casting a warm glow on the space's creamy marble and enhancing the natural light coming through large windows that look across the gardens to the sea. No expense has been spared here - even the handrails in the elevators are made of Murano glass.
Balconies off each of the 237 guests rooms and suites - some so large as to accommodate both a daybed and a dining table - offer panoramic sea views or the city's glittering skyline, punctuated by the Burj Khalia. Inside, extra high three metre (9.8 foot) ceilings are accentuated by full height leather headboards in an almost loft-like environment. The bed itself is the new fully customizable Four Seasons Bed. Lavish details include marble flooring in the foyer, bath and dressing room, which includes a wood-paneled walk-in closet. Comfortable seating includes an L-shaped sofa plus a bench at the foot of the bed, and business travellers will appreciate the executive size desk. The baths include ceilings leafed in silver to reflect a flattering hue from the Murano glass light fixture, while a mosaic tile wall is the backdrop for a free-standing tub.
Thoughtful design elements include recessed entries to pairs of rooms behind a second door to the hallway - the perfect option for families and friends travelling together who wish to connect their rooms and enjoy expanded private space.
Three sumptuous suites on the Resort's uppermost fifth floor include the two 510 square metre (5,900 square foot) Presidential Suites, each boasting its own media room, private gym and panoramic sea views from the enormous terrace; and the Royal Suite, with a luxurious 600 square metres (6,458 square feet) including a spa, gym, butler's room and, at the heart of the space, a grand living room with its own piano, perfect for entertaining.
And, while both of these incredible suites are surely destined to take their place among Dubai's most coveted accommodations, there is still one more surprise to come: "We will soon unveil a very special freestanding villa hidden in the gardens of the Resort that will rival the very best accommodations in the Middle East, if not the world," hints Casson.
Situated on a pristine 270 metre (886 foot) natural beachfront, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is the ideal choice for a getaway with friends, a family holiday, or a business trip that can include both work and play. An on-property watersports centre sets up leisurely hours spent on the calm waters in kayaks, dinghies and catamarans, or atop a paddleboard. In the evening, an inviting firepit is surrounded by seating, right on the beach.
Within the Resort's gardens are two outdoor, free-form swimming pools, in addition to the indoor pool in the Spa and fitness complex. Set amid lush gardens, both the family-friendly Active Pool and the Quiet Pool shimmer with white and gold mosaic tile beneath towering palms.
With Four Seasons signature service pampering guests on the hour, it's an easy choice to spend the entire day by the pool - especially if one has reserved one of the Day Villas. These "super cabanas" each include a private sun terrace plus mini bar and flatscreen tv in an air-conditioned interior. As an added luxury, each Day Villa offers private indoor and outdoor showers and a bathroom.
In a city known for its spas, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is set to become a destination unto itself.
"Our Spa has been designed as a Four Seasons showpiece on a global scale," says Spa Director Hayley Bluett. "A full menu of traditional healing rituals and cutting-edge therapies will be highlighted by a deluxe aqua-thermal experience that includes rain tunnel, scrub bar, chill zone, steam and whirlpool. Each of our treatment rooms opens to a discreet outdoor space and has its own foot ritual bath. The Royal Spa Suite includes wet and dry suites within, along with a secluded outdoor terrace, relaxation lounge and bathtub for two. We'll also offer rasul mud treatments for couples in this very private, exclusive space."
