IS THIS THE UAE’S MOST GENEROUS ALL-INCLUSIVE STAYCATION?

JA The Resort

Jebel Ali Beach Hotel is a well-loved institution in Dubai. Now, JA The Resort, the new and improved version complete with a brand new hotel on the property, is welcoming guests back with a not-to-be-missed promotional offer.

 

WHAT’S THE DEAL?

And then there were three… What was once Jebel Ali Beach Resort, has now been transformed into JA The Resort, comprising a renovated version of the original JA Beach, along with JA Palm Tree Court, and the brand new JA Lakeview Hotel. Now collectively known as JA The Resort, this is the biggest hotel resort in Dubai.

Fans of the original, will find comfort in the fact that the exterior of the first two properties still look the same, while appreciating the fresh upgrade afforded to its interiors. Those in search of something new, however, will enjoy JA Lakeview Hotel which is barely two-months old.

What’s more, JA The Resort is offering decidedly good staycation rates across its three hotels. Encouraging UAE residents to take advantage of Dubai’s temperate climes, from now until April 30, 2020, the resort is laying on an ultra-all-inclusive staycation package that includes a wide selection of food and adult and kid’s beverages at 25 different outlets, for a minimum two-night stay.

Starting from AED895 per room, per night for a two-night stay, the offer is valid for two adults and one child under 12 years, making for a perfect family getaway – at a steal of a price.

 

LOCATION, LOCATION

Less than 20 minutes away from Dubai Marina, it’s an easily accessible destination and yet it feels miles and miles away from Dubai. From the minute we arrived and took in the scenery of the lush green grounds –complete with peacocks roaming around– the horses and stables, the golf course, the sparkling Arabian Sea, we felt like we had truly escaped the city.

 

IN WITH THE NEW

Having originally opened in 1981, JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel was one of the first luxury resorts in the Emirates. The all-glass JA Lake View Hotel is a far cry from its predecessor, with a curvaceous design that frames the golf course and its two freeform pools. It’s slick, it’s contemporary and the interior design is spot on. Offsetting the modern glass and marble are a mix of sleek neutrals and pops of vivid colour. Light and bright, the lobby leads straight down to two of its outlets with the bedrooms rising up above it give the feel that is built around a central courtyard. The up-to-the-minute, touch-of-a-button technology is smart and efficient. Even Alexa is modernised – she informed us she was the ‘new and improved version’ and my son managed to get her perform a full repertoire of songs. This was after a wonderful dinner at contemporary Indian restaurant Kinara by Chef Vikas Khanna of Michel acclaim.

 

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

At Kinara we tucked into crispy cashew money bags (similar to fatayer but shaped like sacks of gold) stuffed with spiced peas, green cardamom chicken, seabass with a yellow mustard caviar, and plenty of garlic naan. Breakfast on our first morning was enjoyed on the terrace of 81 – named after the year that JA Resorts & Hotels first opened its doors in Jebel Ali.

In keeping with its fresh design, everything is laid out in a stylish manner with colourful food stations running the gamut from traditional English, to French patisseries to Arabic and Asian offerings – both the dim sum and pancakes were a hit with us (though not necessarily together!)

At JA Beach you are overwhelmed with dining options Rest assured there are no bad choices as all are excellent. But the recently opened authentic neighbourhood eatery, Phoenicia, deserves a special mention for its innovative and utterly delicious cuisine presented in rustic fashion. Celebrating the history of Middle Eastern Cuisine, renowned Australian-Lebanese chef Greg Malouf has created the menus with standout dishes including hazelnut falafel, crispy baby squid, eight-hour slow-baked lamb shoulder and musakhan (chicken baked in souj bread with sumac and pine nuts).

 

OLD IS GOLD

On day two we checked into the refurbished JA Beach Hotel where the ocean-facing rooms with balconies are big, light and breezy with more than enough space for two separate double beds – and plenty of room in between. The bathroom, too, is generous with a double basin and separate shower and bath.

With a huge stretch of white sandy beach, too many pools to count and more than enough sunloungers to go around, along with activities like mini golf, motorised and non-motorised watersports, this really does make for a perfect staycation – we could happily have checked in for a week. There’s also horse riding on the doorstep and a shooting range a mere five minutes away.

Make sure you find time to squeeze in a massage at Calm Spa and ask for Kate. Both relaxing and uplifting, you’ll reap the benefits of a 60-minute full body massage for days afterwards. It will also guarantee that you are even more chilled for the evening ahead…if that’s even possible. As the sun sets, there’s live entertainment on the lawn in front of the beach…and we couldn’t think of anywhere else we’d rather be.

Book on www.jaresortshotels.com using promo code: UAESTAY

 


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