Located on the prestigious sands of Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is reminiscent of a grand Ottoman Palace. Delivering high on the ‘wow’ factor before even stepping inside, the resort is fronted by a 200-ft infinity pool and private beach set on the Arabian Sea in one of the exclusive postcodes in the United Arab Emirates. 

Upon entering you will discover public spaces befitting of a Sultan, with 45 designers and artisans brought from Turkey to complete the opulent resort. From the hand-painted frescoed dome that soars above the gold columned lobby to the intricate stained glass windows of the 88,000-sq-ft award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa (the Hamam and the thalassotherapy pool is a must), Jumeirah Zabeel Saray doesn’t shy away from luxury. 

The banquet-hall-inspired Imperium restaurant serving a global menu under crystal chandeliers is one of the resort’s most impressive dining settings, however, there are nine other (very varied) food and beverage offerings to choose from. These include Japanese izakaya at Tori Tori, ZaaBaa cigar and cocktail lounge and Arcadia, which offers an interactive dining experience centered around the resort’s urban hydroponic farm. 

Of the resort’s 38 ‘Royal Residences’, the Lagoon Royal Villa is among the most sought-after. A private entrance leads to nearly 5,000 sq ft of palatial living space serviced by a round-the-clock butler service. 

Families or groups of friends of up to eight have plenty of space with four ensuite bedrooms featuring floor-to-ceiling ‘Ottoman arch’ windows and doors that lead to private balconies. Bathrooms are lavishly adorned and feature Turkish marble soaking baths and Penhaligon amenities. 

The fully equipped gourmet kitchen is ideal for hosting dinner parties and the spacious living room features a large dining table and opens to a terrace with direct access to the lagoon pool.