The ace up the UAE’s hospitality sleeve since opening in 1981, JA Resorts & Hotels has long stolen the hearts of those in search of a laid-back luxury experience amidst the pleasures of home comforts, earning itself a reputation for intuitive yet understated excellence.
Its story first began in the early Eighties, with the opening of Jebel Ali Beach Hotel – an iconic stalwart on Dubai’s ever-changing landscape. Now, 41 years on, the JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio has grown to encompass 10 unique properties, stretching from the cityscapes and beaches of Dubai to the foothills of Al Hajar mountains in Hatta near Oman, and to idyllic barefoot luxury sanctuaries in the Indian Ocean.
Nestled in one million square metres of landscaped gardens and private beachfront, JA The Resort plays its trump card with the location. Whilst the resort is just a 15-minute drive from Dubai Marina, it feels worlds away from the city – a verdant enclave all its own. Here, you can bed down at one of three 5-star hotels, each with their own unique vibe: the original JA Beach Hotel which is just steps away from 800 metres of pristine sandy beach; the all-suite beachfront JA Palm Tree Court, complete with beautiful terrace balconies; or the contemporary JA Lake View Hotel, which embodies the lifestyle hub of The Resort, with private plunge pool and Jacuzzi rooms overlooking a 9-hole championship golf course and lake.
The beauty of The Resort, is that it’s all yours – meaning that wherever you choose to lay your head you still have access to the amenities and experiences at the other two properties. In a nutshell, your sprawling JA playground comprises over 40 different leisure and recreation experiences, from six swimming pools, a private beach, an equestrian centre and shooting club to 25 restaurants and bars, a championship golf course, private marina, kids club and spa. For a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, make sure you swim with the horses at sunset, something no other hotel in the UAE offers.
For a more urban experience, JA Ocean View Hotel is plumped pretty in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence, one of Dubai’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, flanked by beach on one side and buzzing walkways of shops, restaurants and entertainment on the other. Each of its 346 rooms and suites boasts some of the city’s most amazing ocean views courtesy of sea-facing terraces, the perfect spot to watch the sun set over Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.
If you’re looking to stay a little longer, JA Oasis Beach Tower shares the same slice of prime real estate along Jumeirah Beach Residence, with the most spacious apartments to boot. Perfect for those wanting a little extra space, each of its 172 contemporary serviced self-catering apartments offer flexibility and freedom, with one- to four-bedroom apartments sleeping up to 10 guests. With the public beach, cinema, Ain Dubai and The Walk outdoor retail space on your doorstep, there’s ample to keep everyone entertained.
Naturally there’s a time when trips are more about business than pleasure, but at The Manor Hotel by JA, these aren’t mutually exclusive. Perfect for corporate guests who want to be close to the JAFZA business district, Expo city and the hub of Dubai South, this sleek hotel offers all the essentials, whether you’re in Dubai for a visit or calling it home. Ideal for longer-stay guests, its one-bedroom suites feature a spacious living room and kitchenette, slimline workstation as well as a lounge with a dedicated entrance.
When business is done for the day, there’s a rooftop pool to help you unwind, as well as a gym, spa, gents’ salon and The Garden restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor terrace.
Swap the city for the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains for Dubai’s only mountain resort, JA Hatta Fort Hotel. Just a 90-minute drive from the centre of Dubai, it’s a long-standing favourite for those seeking nature, adventure and escapism in the same breath. The views will provide plenty of distraction, but when your inquisitiveness is piqued, the resort provides myriad ways to spend your day; think mountain biking and hiking to waterfalls and rock pools, kayaking through Hatta dam, zip-lining, pedalos, archery, yoga and making friends with the resort’s resident wildlife. Its 53 rooms are all designed in the style of a lodge, each featuring a terrace or balcony with jaw-dropping views over the stony peaks of the Al Hajar mountains. As nature-filled escapism goes, you won’t find anywhere as unique, exclusive or as close to the city as JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
If, after your stay in the UAE, you’re still yearning for the JA Resorts & Hotels experience, simply cast your net a little wider and visit one of its three properties in the Indian Ocean for the ultimate short-haul, sun-kissed ending to your trip. Here, you can fall in love with the magic and mystique of the Maldives at JA Manafaru, or soak up the sublime beauty of the Seychelles at JA Enchanted Waterfront or JA Enchanted Island Resort before heading home.