As we arrived at the Jumeirah Beach location, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai we were instantly greeted by the valet staff, as we’ve come to be accustomed to in any luxury hotel setting in Dubai. Although, instead of getting out the car here, they delightfully took our luggage and directed us to the basement car park, which we drove to ourselves.
Before we’d even managed to get out the car however, there was someone waiting to take our temperatures, and then direct us up to the lobby and reception area where our bags were neatly waiting our arrival. Safety measures taken seriously, here.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL BEACH BAG
The lobby itself is gloriously lit by the natural sunlight beaming in through the back wall – all glass, which on closer inspection looks out onto the pool and beach.
The space is scarcely filled with chic tables and chairs, all more than two meters in distance, and at the side, staff are waiting to greet you clad in their protective face masks and gloves.
INFINITY POOL
We were directed out to the beach area in a friendly manner, yet they still managed to stay at a safe distance. Once again, they checked our temperatures and showed us to our oversized sun beds by the glistening pool. We needn’t bring our own towels – even though we had some stashed in our bags – as they unwrapped new ones in front of us.
They then quickly brought us a miniature cool bag, which housed four little still water bottles and two individually wrapped towelettes, which proceeded to stay at a pleasantly cold temperature all day long.
POOL CABANA
Even though there were these extra measures in place, it wasn’t long at all before we were feeling utterly relaxed in the expertly chilled pool. Oversized floating bean bags were there for the taking – the perfect place to lay, read, and catch those rays while still keeping cool. To a degree, of course.
DOUBLE SUN BEDS
As lunchtime approached, we headed down to the beach, and sat in boat-inspired double sun bed, laying upon an array of pillows and looking out to the Arabian ocean. It was the most idyllic setting to eat a delectable and chilled mezze of fattoush, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and halloumi with a side of fries. We washed it down with the house-favourite, Sun Vibe mocktail.
POOL AREA
We walked back to the pool area, which we then noticed felt privately ours. As well as ensuring there was enough space between each of the sun beds, the design itself encourages a boutique and solitary feel.
Areas are split into separated pools, so that those with children are in specific spots and those without don’t hear a thing. Nor do you have to wait to place an order even though the resort itself is quite vast – at each side table there is a call button waiting for your every whim to be met.
BEACH AREA
It truly lived up to daycation standard, and we also felt we were on really on vacation, away from Dubai – no landmark, even the towering Burj, could be seen over the definitive stature of the building. Perfect, considering heading on holiday is not quite as easy as it used to be.
For more information, call: +971 4 777 2223 or visit mandarinoriental.com. Find the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Photos: Supplied
