Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah

It is hard to imagine how Dar al Masyaf could be any more luxurious. The hotel is part of Madinat Jumeirah, a resort that offers so much it feels more like a beachside community than a hotel complex (in fact, "madinat" means cities in Arabic). There are two other high-end hotels here -- Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam -- plus a separate cluster of seven even more exclusive villas, all sharing a staggering array of on-site amenities. Dar al Masyaf is located in the southernmost end of the property, close to the beach and the tennis courts. Designed to resemble traditional summer homes, the two-story buildings housing the 283 rooms and suites overlook serene waterways and lush gardens. Decor is sophisticated and features a strong local flair throughout: beautiful wooden antiques, delicate traditional artifacts, and colorful rugs dot both common spaces and rooms. Even though Dar al Masyaf has its own lobby and pool, the rest of the amenities are spread out and shared, which means guests move around in abras (traditional small boats) or buggies. For many, far from being an inconvenience, this adds charm and sophistication to the stay.

Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah is located in central Dubai, directly south of Burj Al Arab, one of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks. There are several famous malls within a short drive of the hotel, including the Mall of the Emirates, which is located down the road (yet not within walking distance). There is along, sandy private beach on-site, as well as other beaches nearby, but guests will have to venture a little bit farther afield to find restaurants and bars outside of the hotel. Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), along with the financial and business areas in Dubai are a 15-to 20-minute drive away. Dubai International Airport can be reached in about half an hour by car. There are no Metro stations within walking distance.

Rooms at Dar al Masyaf are spacious, bright, and luxurious, with elegant Arabian decor and upscale amenities, such as swiveling flat-screen TVs, high-end coffeemakers, Amouage toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. Stylish contemporary pieces of furniture blend easily with local antiques and artifacts, including delicate patterned vases, carved wood doors, and latticework. Even standard rooms are large enough to fit a sitting area with at least two sofas, a coffee table and an ottoman, and a wooden work desk with a comfy chair. Suites have a separate living and dining area with a small sink. Butler service is also provided. All units feature large furnished balconies, some offering views of the sea, others overlooking the serene waterways and lush gardens. Bathrooms are spotless and luxurious, with traditional floor mosaic tiling, double sinks, deep soaking tubs (large standalone tubs in suites), and separate showers with rain showerheads.

Madinat Jumeirah resort offers everything guests may ever need, including 50 dining options -- Italian, Spanish, Chinese, seafood, and Thai, among others. Many guests opt for the half-board package, which includes breakfast and dinner at most of the available restaurants. All-inclusive packages are not available. Also on-site are a theater showing live performances and musicals; several indoor and outdoor pools; and even a private beach with over a mile of fine sand. The hotel offers a seeming endless list of on-site activities, such as squash, tennis, rock climbing, water sports, a swimming academy, a turtle sanctuary, a yoga studio, and several miles of jogging trails through lush gardens.

Talise Spa is a luxurious space with 26 treatment rooms, and a hydrotherapy and relaxation area. There are also massage cabanas on the beach. Families traveling with young kids will probably find the kids’ club (complete with a water feature and activities), and the free tickets to famous Wild Wadi Waterpark convenient. Souk Madinat is a large traditional market featuring over 75 shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots. The conference center offers tons of stylish meeting rooms and events spaces.