Review: Bali boho meets Dubai luxe at renovated Al Bahar Villas, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The restaurants and wellness facilities have also undergone a makeover in recent years

A pool space, complete with luxury cabanas, is available exclusively for guests of Al Bahar Villas. Photo: Jumeriah Beach Hotel

A trio of sister hotels stand tall along the coast of Umm Suqeim in Dubai.

While the Burj Al Arab might be the most recognisable (it recently took home two keys at the first global Michelin hotel awards) and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has shiny-new appeal, it's Jumeirah Beach Hotel that is the eldest of the three.

Having opened in 1997, it's considered a legacy hotel on the relatively young UAE hospitality scene. But from restaurant overhauls to room renovation – doors closed for five months in 2018 for a substantial refresh – it's in no danger of getting left behind.

More recently, this involved last year's makeover of Al Bahar Villas, the hotel's more deluxe, exclusive accommodation offering.

The welcome

The striking atrium above Jumeirah Beach Hotel's lobby is marine inspired. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Before I can make my way to the front desk to check in, I'm greeted in the lobby by the dedicated villa team, who welcome me with a bright bouquet. They know my arrival time and are on standby to greet me personally, setting the tone for a special weekend.

Walking through the hotel's grand lobby, I come through the other side, where I'm invited to board a buggy, ready to be escorted to the Al Bahar Villas. We curve through the main grounds, spotting Wild Wadi Waterpark to one side and golden sands on the other.

Soon enough, the buggy turns off the path to the more exclusive area, and it feels like entering an entirely new space. Greenery surrounds the small stream running through the grounds, where a private pool and dining pavilion await.

The villa

Al Bahar villas have a distinct aesthetic from the main hotel, with many of their furnishings imported from Indonesia. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Before even pulling up to our home for the weekend, I know my guest and I are in for a treat. We pass a private pool with chic cabanas and a dedicated dining area under a striking canopy only for villa guests. There's a sense of calm, partly enabled by the sight and sounds of a gentle stream running through the private space, complete with flamingo statues and a stony bed.

Entering our one-bedroom abode, we first walk into our private terrace, complete with plush cushions strewn over sun loungers and a private pool with Burj Al Arab views. There is also an al fresco dining table for two just around the corner.

Stepping inside, it feels like love at first sight. Not only do the interiors reflect a Bali-inspired aesthetic, but most of the furnishings here are shipped from Indonesia, our villa butler tells us as we marvel at the soft white seating, dark wood tables, stone-washed walls and monochrome decor touches.

Each villa comes with an private pool and Burj Al Arab views. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The standout feature is the open-ceiling bedroom, which manages to feel both spacious yet homely. It leads onto a large bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower, a stand-alone bath and stained-glass window detailing.

Overall, it feels like a world away from Dubai, with some of the best of what the city has to offer at your doorstep, too.

The food

Chatting to the marketing manager, he tells us how many of the venues have been going through renovation throughout the year; from Latitude becoming Kitchen Connect, to minor tweaks at pub-favourite Dhow and Anchor.

My first dining experience during my stay remains true to the exclusivity of the villa life as we're served afternoon tea in the room. Think sandwiches and sweet treats, each with a vegan alternative for me to tuck into.

Food can be served in the restaurant or beach side by the loungers and cabanas. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Throughout the rest of the weekend, we also sip on drinks at The Sunset Lounge, and enjoy dining at several of the 11 available outlets.

Culinary highlights include the Parmigiana di melanzane, Dh85 (eggplant slices, buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, Parmesan and basil) at Fika, which my friend describes as "best I've ever tasted" and the vegan-friendly hummus with date chutney (Dh60) and eggplant freekeh (Dh120) at Nuska Beach.

Spa and wellness

Having visited a handful of Talise spas, it's safe to say they are a great pick for a full day of relaxation, with beautiful facilities and treatments.

A massage bed can be set up inside or outside your villa. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

But during my stay, I opt to try something different: an in-villa massage. Before the session begins, I'm presented with four essential oils, to see which I'm drawn too, and I aim for an energising blend after a hectic work week.

Throughout the 60 minutes, the spa therapist unknotted my back, leaving me destressed and ready to better enjoy the calming weekend.

We enjoyed a soothing sound meditation in the villa on Sunday morning. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

While it's a lovely experience to be able to relax in my private space directly after, I must admit I do miss taking advantage of the sauna and steam.

The following morning, we're treated to an in-villa sound healing session, which is a peaceful way to start a Sunday morning after a busy week.

Elsewhere, the resort is home to J Club, a substantial gym and wellness space, complete with a gym, meditation space, Pilates and yoga classes, tennis courts and a 25-metre outdoor pool with swimming lanes.

Family-friendly factor

There is a dedicated children's pool and club within the hotel. Photo: Jumeirah Beach Hotel

From the breakfast set-up to the dedicated pool and children's club, many aspects are set up with little ones in mind.

Then, of course, there is the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which is free for guests to visit. While great for cooling children down during Dubai's midday heat, adults will enjoy it, too. We snap up the chance to do a few loops of the lazy river.

Over at the villas, families are certainly welcome. We sit opposite one family with teenagers, and another with a young baby at the private pool. Although the atmosphere is much more eased than at the busy main pool, where the collective excitement of vacationing children is overflowing.

The neighbourhood

The hotel is surrounded by ... more hotels. As mentioned, it's one of three from the hospitality group set along Dubai's Kite Beach, meaning guests can make the most of some of the facilities across, such as the many restaurants.

Outside of the trio along the beachfront, shopping centre The Mall is on the other side. Souk Madinat, a mall that resembles a traditional Arabian souq, complete with an interactive theatre space, a waterway offering abra boat rides and plenty or restaurants, bars and coffee shops, is a five-minute drive away.

The bottom line

Villa rates start from Dh6,000 in high season, and Dh4,000 throughout the summer months. Check-in is from 3pm; check-out is at noon.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the property and reflects the standards during this time. Services may change in future