There's no shortage of hotels in Dubai's bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence, and the Rixos Premium Dubai JBR is a good one to consider.
Opened in 2017, it occupies a spot on the buzzing beachside boulevard that means it's perfectly placed for easy access to some of Dubai's most popular sights, such as Ain Dubai, AquaFun and Dubai Marina.
With eight restaurants to choose from and the highly popular Azure Beach on site, it's a good choice for a getaway in the heart of Dubai.
The National checked in to see what it has to offer.
The welcome
From Abu Dhabi the hotel is a little over an hour away, in Dubai's buzzy JBR. While parking can be difficult in this part of Dubai, it's not something we need to worry about and we hand our car keys to the valet and give our luggage to the doorman before heading into the lobby. Walking inside, it’s apparent the Rixos JBR is the place to be and it is very busy on this Saturday afternoon.
In the lobby, the crowds are predominantly young couples, a few families and tourists.
The neighbourhood
Much of Jumeirah Beach Residence is pedestrianised, which makes for a nice wander with lots of shops and restaurants to check out. There’s a large Roxy Cinema about a five-minute walk from the hotel as well as attractions such as Flying Cup (which lets guests dine 40m in the air), AquaFun (a large inflatable water park) and TEPFactor (an escape room adventure park).
There are also twinkling Dubai skyline views to be enjoyed from The Walk, as well as The Beach mall, small but handy if you've forgotten something.
The room
We’re given a premium one-bedroom suite on the 31st floor of the 35-storey hotel. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, we enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island. The windows also mean there's plenty of natural light and provide the perfect field of vision to watch the sunset over the observation wheel.
At night the views change, coming alive with colourful lights from the hotel itself and from Ain Dubai, right opposite our window.
The suite is spacious with a dining table, living room and separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, as well as a bathroom with a standalone tub and a shower. We were surprised that the room didn’t have any USB ports, meaning we had to charge our phones by connecting the cord to the phone in the room, which took time to charge.
The service
Joyce checks us into our room and she’s very patient and tells us everything we need to know about the hotel. She shares her recommendations on things to do in the area and also helpfully reminds us to stamp our parking ticket in reception.
Some other service touchpoints could be improved. For example, when we visit the Godiva Cafe near the lobby, it takes a while for any servers to notice us and we need to flag them down more than once. We have a similar experience at Turquoise when we go for evening brunch later that day, feeling as though the staff is either a little bit inattentive or overworked during busy periods.
The scene
Guests staying at the hotel get free access to the popular Azure Beach Club. It has a fabulous pool that’s surrounded by cabanas and a private beach with striking views of the emirate's skyline. It can be a little busy on weekends but it’s really worth spending some time there. The atmosphere is wonderful and we could easily spend the day lounging around the pool. Azure Beach is also open to non-guests for a daily fee.
The Naturelife Spa on the second floor is great for some pampering. During our stay, we enjoy a couple’s Moroccan bath in the spacious Turkish hammam that leaves us not only feeling relaxed but also squeaky clean. We follow this up with an hour-long message that really gets the job done in alleviating stress, leaving us feeling great.
For travellers keen to keep their fitness game going, there's an impressive RixGym with fantastic beach views. It's spacious and there's a good mix of free weights and Technogym equipment.
The food
It can be hard to choose where to eat at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR because there are so many choices. During our stay we have breakfast and and dinner at all-day dining restaurant Turquoise, and enjoyed afternoon tea at Godiva Cafe.
However, our favourite venue was Asil, a restaurant that fuses Turkish, Lebanese and Moroccan flavours. It is on the ground floor near the lobby. There’s live entertainment as well as a lounge, bar and stage area. In the cooler months, guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace that overlooks Jumeirah Beach.
We start with an Asil mezze platter (Dh145) that features five of the most popular mezze: grape leaves, hummus, mouhamara, taktouka and moutabel. Next, we’re served a gavurdagi salad (Dh65) which has diced tomatoes, green peppers, red onions, parsley, cheese and walnuts all drizzled with a delicious pomegranate molasses. It’s light and packs plenty of flavour.
For the main course we have the Asil grill platter (Dh395), which is made up of adana kebab, lamb shish, beef shashlik, shish taouk and lamp chops and comes with a large serving of bread. The atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant really make for an entertainment evening, and there's a clarinetist who plays music while we eat. Everyone at Asil gets in on a lively rendition of Bella Ciao.
Highs and lows
The location of the hotel is easily one of its best features. There’s a lot to do on site, from the private beach to the spa to dining at one of the many restaurants. Marina Mall is a 15-minute walk from the property and there are plenty of restaurants and shops near by too.
The hotel can have a bit of a party atmosphere, especially on the weekends, and we were surprised we could still hear the bass of the DJ thumping from Azure Beach far below during the weekly Saturday night pool party. Although it ends at 1am, this could perhaps be an issue for those with children staying on a lower floor.
The insider tip
Ask for a room that faces the water, the view over the Arabian Gulf is something you don't want to miss.
The verdict
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR is a stunning hotel with plenty to do and an enviable location in one of Dubai's most buzzy districts. For beachside vibes and city amenities, a staycation here will tick both boxes.
The bottom line
Rooms start from Dh1,988 including taxes for a deluxe king room. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out at noon; www.rixos.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel.
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Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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HIJRA
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Jetour T1 specs
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
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Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
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Fight card
1. Featherweight 66kg: Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg: Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg:Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
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10. Catchweight 90kg: Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
((Disclaimer))
The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.
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Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
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- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
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