Imitation is the highest form of flattery but comparisons with the original are inevitable. This is especially true for establishments that reproduce monuments and concepts from the history of other countries. Think Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramid replicas — it screams tacky.
If you haven't visited Jumeirah Zabeel Saray — which markets itself as an Anatolian hotel — you're probably wondering if it has indiscriminately incorporated as many Turkish elements as possible or exercised tasteful restraint. You will be relieved to know that it has avoided the over-the-top mishmash of all things Turkish. The hotel is inspired by the Ottoman Empire, ancient Turkey, the Byzantine Empire and Persia.
Although a five-star luxury resort and located on Palm Jumeirah, they are big on subtlety and restraint, I observed as I rolled up to the entrance.
We felt pampered right away as we were ushered through the hotel's opulent interior — dominated by rich turquoises, reds, heavily jewelled furniture and brocade — to the check-in area. While guests seat themselves at one of the tables with refreshing cold towels, pastries and a beverage, staff check you in and hand you over to the chatty bellhop who told us about the timings for breakfast, pool facilities, restaurants available and spa treatments. Some people don't like making idle conversation but we were happy to passively take in the information.
Our room was impressive, yet subtly decorated in golds, reds and beiges. We ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the white-marble bathroom with the huge tub, iPod docking station alarm clock, large balcony with a view of the sea and abundance of towels.
However, the elaborate towel origami in the shape of swans and hearts with rose petals scattered on our twin beds sent my friend and me into a fit of giggles as it was not a romantic getaway.
Before dinner we went for a quick swim in the huge pool beside the sea and noticed that guests could explore around Palm Jumeirah in kayaks.
Our evening meal was at Lalezar, which is an authentic Turkish-themed restaurant staffed by Turks. The highlight of the meal was the chargrilled octopus on a bed of greens and grilled sea bass. Both dishes were simple and cooked to perfection. Rather odd was the chicken-breast dessert that we sampled — it was a custard-like creation made from milk, flour and the liquid from a poached chicken breast. The dessert itself was bland but we felt adventurous for trying it.
There are other bars and lounges that range from the usual Indian, Lebanese and Japanese venues to the unexpected — French colonial Vietnamese cuisine and the Ixir spa café's healthy food and juices.
The next morning I tried out a Turkish hammam at Talise spa, which is twice the size of the one in Madinat Jumeirah at 8,000 square metres. It was my first hammam experience and speaking to my friends about theirs, I realised mine was quite a discreet one as the therapist is mindful of your modesty. I still struggled with the fact that a semi-clothed person was totally in my personal space. If you don't have these hang-ups you will love the experience that will leave you feeling like a new person.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is not supposed to be a replacement for a Turkish getaway but it will give you a taste of the sights and cuisine that you may encounter there. The luxurious resort is perfect for a weekend getaway where you can forget about the humdrum of everyday life.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery but comparisons with the original are inevitable. This is especially true for establishments that reproduce monuments and concepts from the history of other countries. Think Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramid replicas — it screams tacky.
If you haven't visited Jumeirah Zabeel Saray — which markets itself as an Anatolian hotel — you're probably wondering if it has indiscriminately incorporated as many Turkish elements as possible or exercised tasteful restraint. You will be relieved to know that it has avoided the over-the-top mishmash of all things Turkish. The hotel is inspired by the Ottoman Empire, ancient Turkey, the Byzantine Empire and Persia.
Although a five-star luxury resort and located on Palm Jumeirah, they are big on subtlety and restraint, I observed as I rolled up to the entrance.
We felt pampered right away as we were ushered through the hotel's opulent interior — dominated by rich turquoises, reds, heavily jewelled furniture and brocade — to the check-in area. While guests seat themselves at one of the tables with refreshing cold towels, pastries and a beverage, staff check you in and hand you over to the chatty bellhop who told us about the timings for breakfast, pool facilities, restaurants available and spa treatments. Some people don't like making idle conversation but we were happy to passively take in the information.
Our room was impressive, yet subtly decorated in golds, reds and beiges. We ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the white-marble bathroom with the huge tub, iPod docking station alarm clock, large balcony with a view of the sea and abundance of towels.
However, the elaborate towel origami in the shape of swans and hearts with rose petals scattered on our twin beds sent my friend and me into a fit of giggles as it was not a romantic getaway.
Before dinner we went for a quick swim in the huge pool beside the sea and noticed that guests could explore around Palm Jumeirah in kayaks.
Our evening meal was at Lalezar, which is an authentic Turkish-themed restaurant staffed by Turks. The highlight of the meal was the chargrilled octopus on a bed of greens and grilled sea bass. Both dishes were simple and cooked to perfection. Rather odd was the chicken-breast dessert that we sampled — it was a custard-like creation made from milk, flour and the liquid from a poached chicken breast. The dessert itself was bland but we felt adventurous for trying it.
There are other bars and lounges that range from the usual Indian, Lebanese and Japanese venues to the unexpected — French colonial Vietnamese cuisine and the Ixir spa café's healthy food and juices.
The next morning I tried out a Turkish hammam at Talise spa, which is twice the size of the one in Madinat Jumeirah at 8,000 square metres. It was my first hammam experience and speaking to my friends about theirs, I realised mine was quite a discreet one as the therapist is mindful of your modesty. I still struggled with the fact that a semi-clothed person was totally in my personal space. If you don't have these hang-ups you will love the experience that will leave you feeling like a new person.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is not supposed to be a replacement for a Turkish getaway but it will give you a taste of the sights and cuisine that you may encounter there. The luxurious resort is perfect for a weekend getaway where you can forget about the humdrum of everyday life.
More Turkey!
Turkish baths and hammams
- Fairmont Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road, Call 04-332-5555.
- Jasmine Spa & Health Club, Grand Millennium Dubai, TECOM, Call 04 429 9999.
- Sisters Beauty Lounge, Dubai Mall, Call 04-339-8500.
- The One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, Call 04-399 9999.
- The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Call 02-656 0700.
- Tips and Toes, Khalifa City Abu Dhabi, Call 02-5572255.
Restaurants
- Istanbul Flowers, Shaikh Zayed Road or Healthcare City, Call 04-3434585 or 04-4495330.
- Harput, Al Barsha, Call 04-3474921.
- Kosebasi, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Call 04-439 3788.
- Ottomans, Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Call 04-3998888.
- Topkapi, Taj Palace Hotel, Deira, Call 04-211 3020.
- Pasha, Mall of the Emirates, Call 04-341 1303.
- Istanbul Sultan, Deira, Call 04-297 9725.
- Mado, Dubai International Financial Centre, Call 04-370 0377.
- Mekan Istanbul, City Seasons Suites, Deira, Call 04-294 9915.
