<b>The welcome</b> The hotel, which officially opened in December, is busy during peak season when I arrive on a Saturday morning, but the valet and a hosted walk to the check-in counter is without fault. I enjoy a juice and cool towel while check-in is completed, then without much delay, I’m on my way to my room, which is a bit of a maze to find, but with a staff member leading the way, I’m there in no time. <b>The neighbourhood</b> The hotel rounds out the Madinat Jumeirah resort’s four-hotel offering on the shores of Jumeirah Beach – guests are allowed access to all four hotels. It’s next door to Wild Wadi water park and a short stroll from the Burj Al Arab. The Madinat’s souq is just an abra ride away. The property is a short drive from Mall of the Emirates and 21 kilometres from Dubai International Airport. <b>The room</b> My 60-square-metre resort superior room has an indoor terrace with views across the adults-only pool and the ocean in the distance. There’s a sitting area, king-size bed and sizeable open-plan bathroom featuring dual sinks, a beautiful gold-and-cream hammam-style shower and bath space, separate toilet, and his-and-hers wardrobes. The furnishings are subtle yet refined and carry an Arabic-heritage feel. My room is quite a walk from the lifts, though, which means it’s necessary to allow extra time to get around, and a temperamental lift downstairs isn’t ideal, either. <b>The service</b> The international staff are efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. All are eager to assist. I’m attended to promptly when dining and any special requests are tended to quickly and without fuss. There’s some confusion about bookings at some of the outlets, but these are resolved quickly. <b>The scene</b> The 430-room hotel has a beach-club vibe. Guests are a combination of families, couples and groups. Targeted towards the adventure traveller with a penchant for luxury, Jumeirah Al Naseem, which means “sea breeze” in Arabic, offers a more modern, architectural twist on luxury. <b>The food</b> With seven restaurants and bars to choose from, there’s plenty of variety. High tea (Dh200), in Al Mandhar Lounge in the lobby building, features excellent sandwiches and sweet treats, along with the tea. Lunch at the Kalsa Pool Bar is a more-casual affair. I would order the grilled lamb chops (Dh115) again. My dinner in seafood restaurant Rockfish is also good, even if the portion sizes are a little on the small side for the price. The Ras Al Hanout-scented salmon pateis (Dh70) starter is as good as my waiter suggests, but the grilled scallop and Norwegian salmon main (Dh150) is too small and lacks flavour. There are no real surprises on the breakfast buffet: eggs and waffles stations, fruits, cereals, a cold meats and cheeses selection, a congee and miso soup/noodle station and a variety of breads and pastries. <b>Loved</b> The purpose-built lagoon for rehabilitating critically endangered turtles. The Burj Al Arab views aren’t bad either. <b>Hated</b> Lukewarm cappuccinos at breakfast, despite requests for them to be served extra-hot. <b>The verdict</b> Great for leisure- and luxury-seekers, especially those who don’t intend on leaving the hotel. <b>The bottom line</b> Rooms at Jumeirah Al Naseem (www.jumeirah.com) cost from Dh1,320 per night, including taxes, Wi-Fi, breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner. <i>This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.</i> mhealy@thenational.ae
