Mandarin Oriental opens Dubai city resort, marks regional debut

Hong Kong-based operator Mandarin Oriental has opened its first property in the Middle East – a city resort opposite Dubai’s Mercato Mall.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira contains 178 rooms and 78 suites – and highlights are the 2,000sqm spa which contains nine treatment rooms, including a VIP suite, and artistically designed pool and lobby area. Walls are dotted with art and ornaments, blending Asian and Middle Eastern heritage.

The central location means it has one eye on corporate business too, reflected in the 650sqm glass-walled ballroom which merges into an attractive pre-function area, and its ‘Mindful Meetings’ concept.

F&B includes Netsu (Japanese steakhouse), The Bay (brasserie), Mandarin Cake Shop and poolside bar/restaurant Sun Vibe – and the fifth floor Club Lounge offers expansive city and Burj Khalifa views.

Rooms have been designed by Jeffrey Wilkes in bright blues and earthy tones, while outside, 14 bronze metal trees with 900 lights lead down to the beach.

Group CEO James Riley said it marked the luxury operator’s first new hotel in three years.

“Mandarin has grown up as a city hotel group but it’s increasingly important, as luxury becomes more leisure oriented, for us to become a little bit more relaxed,” he said.

“Each of our properties has a sense of place and this one does – being in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, and it’s beautifully appointed.”

He said the growth in the digital economy and Airbnb is “a positive” for hospitality as it’s growing the industry, but it means “the range of competitors is broadening”.

Riley said it was now picking up the pace with new hotels opening in Beijing and Lake Como.

The first guests are due to arrive on Monday. Opening rates are priced from Dhs2,200 for superior rooms, Dhs2,800 for deluxe rooms and rise as high as Dhs15,000 for a two-bedroom sea-view suite.