Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

"How did it strike you on arrival?One of three properties at the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Dar Al Masyaf is comprised of rooms and suites meant to resemble traditional Arab summer houses interconnected by canals. Rooms are recently refurbished and the property’s private beach and close proximity to Wild Wadi Waterpark make it a top pick for families. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Repeat guests, almost all with kids in tow. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The Gulf Summer House Arabian Deluxe is a spacious 650 sqft room that feels like a small apartment and is closer to the beach than other offerings. The room, decorated with neutral tones and ochre accents, is accessed via a lush, secluded garden courtyard. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Beds are befitting of an Arabian-inspired palace. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?A bag of chips from the minibar will run you $7, but small touches like nightly chocolates, a beach bag, and daily fresh fruit make up for such small misgivings. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Marble-accented bathrooms are spacious and receive rave reviews from travelers. Toiletries are furnished by Amouage and restocked frequently. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wifi is free and surprisingly fast. Room service: Worth it?Children under four eat free any time of day, so room service is a huge perk if you have small kids with you, but it can be slow. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Butlers are around to cater your every need. Lijans always has a smile on his face. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.There are 50 restaurants on the property. All rooms include complimentary entry to the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Bottom line: worth it, and why?There’s a reason why Dar Al Masyaf welcomes repeat guests year after year: the property’s unique and charming layout, coupled with the sheer number of dining options and activities, is a huge draw compared to other Dubai hotels." - Laura Ratliff

"That there is still a spot on Dubai’s 99-acre Madinat Jumeirah estate that feels undiscovered comes as a genuine surprise, given that the resort, an Arabesque fantasy of four hotels on 1.25 miles of private beachfront overlooking the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. But checking in to one of the newly refurbished Malakiya Villas at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is like stepping into your own private kingdom. There are seven discrete two- and three-bedroom residences, including the 7,000 square foot Royal Malakiya Villa. Each has its own private plunge pool and terrace, and guests arrive via whisper-quiet abra rides through man-made tropical lagoons. Interiors are a swirl of soft grays and creams, leather, silk, and bouclé, offset by grand Impressionist-style artworks. In the master bedroom, the bed is so high and well-appointed that once you’ve clambered in, princess-style, you’ll be reluctant to kick back the linens to escape for breakfast. A cadre of butlers can be reached via WhatsApp 24/7 and will materialize with perfectly mixed cocktails or servings of jewel-like treats for afternoon tea. A royal affair indeed. From $521. —Clare Dight" - CNT Editors

"Part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex, featuring canals, tropical gardens, and Arabian architecture. Includes 283 rooms and suites, access to Wild Wadi waterpark, and daily complimentary cocktails." - Nicola Chilton

"That there is still a spot on Dubai’s 99-acre Madinat Jumeirah estate that feels undiscovered comes as a genuine surprise, given that the resort, an Arabesque fantasy of four hotels on 1.25 miles of private beachfront overlooking the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. But checking in to one of the newly refurbished Malakiya Villas at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is like stepping into your own private kingdom. There are seven discrete two- and three-bedroom residences, including the 7,000 square foot Royal Malakiya Villa. Each has its own private plunge pool and terrace, and guests arrive via whisper-quiet abra rides through man-made tropical lagoons. Interiors are a swirl of soft grays and creams, leather, silk, and bouclé, offset by grand Impressionist-style artworks. In the master bedroom, the bed is so high and well-appointed that once you’ve clambered in, princess-style, you’ll be reluctant to kick back the linens to escape for breakfast. A cadre of butlers can be reached via WhatsApp 24/7 and will materialize with perfectly mixed cocktails or servings of jewel-like treats for afternoon tea. A royal affair indeed. From $521. —Clare Dight" - Melinda Healy, Laura Ratliff

"Dar al Masyaf is a tranquil boutique hotel at the end of a white-sand beach, away from the package-tour and convention crowds. It's located within the sprawling Madinat Jumeirah complex of seaside resorts and a shopping souk modeled after a traditional Arabian walled city. It's all set next to the Persian Gulf coastline within a Venetian-style network of man-made canals. Rooms, served by butlers, are accessible by footpath and electric dhow and occupy 29 two-story courtyard houses with the same traditional wind tower architecture and calm vibe of the resort’s shared Talise Spa. Closer to the resort water park are the seven freestanding Malakiya villas, with huge marble bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens for family life. Getting in and out of the resort grounds, whose more than 50 bars and restaurants are a Dubai nightlife beacon, can mean negotiating a madhouse traffic jam of taxis and high-end sports cars. But thankfully, noise does not penetrate the rooms. The palm-backed beach is large enough for guests to find private space, and evening terrace views of wind tower lights reflecting in the canals can be enchanting."