Al Qasr, Dubai - Cranley Report

The Cranley Report®: Al Qasr

Al Qasr, Dubai

Hotel Address

Madinat Jumeirah Resort
Jumeirah Beach
PO Box 75157
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

Al Qasr Hotel

Photo 1 of 31. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Resort Hotel
Awards Won	2005 World Travel Awards: - Middle East’s Leading Resort - World’s Leading Conference Resort - Dubai’s Leading Resort - Middle East’s Leading Conference Hotel 2005 Spa Finder Worldwide Reader Awards: - Best Spa in the Middle East

Hotel Opened

2004

Cranley Summary

Al Qasr is part of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort along with the Mina A Salam hotel and the Dar Al Masyaf summer houses. The three properties share the award winning Talise Spa, gym and health club, Sinbad’s Children’s club, private beach facilities and magnificent views of Burj Al Arab and the Arabian Gulf. In the middle of the resort complex is a Souk with over 75 boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. The resort has the largest swimming pool in the Gulf at over 2,200 square metres. There is a canal system meandering through the entire resort and guests can get about by using the traditional water ferries or Abras, take a stroll along the pathways or use one of the many buggies available.

Al Qasr or ‘The Palace’ is the centrepiece of the resort and is architecturally designed to reflect a traditional Arabian royal summer residence. All rooms at the Al Qasr have private balconies with either a garden and waterway view or an ocean view and are furnished with antiques and natural woods in a true Arabian style. Room are spacious and start with the Deluxe room at 55 square metres which have well appointed bathrooms and dressing areas. The hotel has six restaurants and a bar covering a variety of cuisines as well as the Armoury and Al Fayrooz lounges; guests also have easy access to many others in the Souk. The Per Chic Seafood restaurant is located at the end of a 100 metre pier giving diners a spectacular view of the Burj Al Arab and Madinat complex.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

Al Qasr is located along Jumeirah beach in Dubai next to the world famous Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The hotel is part of the overall Madinat Resort but has its own entrance and benefits from being away from some of the major construction projects currently underway in Dubai like the Dubai Marina and Palm development. Nearby attractions include the Mall of the Emirates, the new ski dome and several internationally recognised golf courses. The Wild Wadi Water Park is a couple of minutes away by complimentary transport. Guests can have all charges from other Jumeirah properties charged to their Al Qasr account.

Airports
Distance	25 km
Airport Transfers	Complimentary for guests staying in Premium Leisure

Cities and Sights
Distance	20 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi

Hotel Layout

Click here to view

Layout Description

Al Qasr is part of the substantial Madinat Jumeirah Resort which includes the Mina A Salam and Dar Al Masyaf summer houses. The three properties share the leisure complex, spa and beach and the Souk that runs through the middle of the complex. The Al Qasr is approached by a winding drive lined with palm trees and gold horse statues to arrive at the marble entrance and undercover parking. On stepping inside the hotel on the third floor, the reception is on the right of a spacious hallway with a stairway at the back leading down to three restaurants. The rooms are approached via corridors leading off each side of the lobby. Arabian rooms are laid out over seven floors with views of the grounds and canals running through Madinat. Ocean rooms have front aspect views overlooking the swimming pool and ocean. At the back of the hotel is the main swimming pool, children’s pool and the beach beyond. The Madinat complex has over 3.7 kilometres of winding waterways which host 36 Abras (water taxi’s) ferrying guests around the resort. There is also a boardwalk linking the Madinat to the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 hours
Languages Spoken	English, German, French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Spanish
Payment Methods	All major credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	All major currencies
Taxis Arranged	Taxi pool
Tours Arranged	A variety of activities can be arranged with the tour desk including Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ajman, Dinner Cruises, Safari's to the Desert, Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains, a Night at the Races, Camel Riding, Sand Skiing, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving.

Guest Relations	Arabian Adventures Excursions Office Car Hire Desk
Concierge Services	Standard Services
Medical Facilities	Paramedic on duty 24 hours and a doctor on duty between 08.00 and 20.00
Parking	Complimentary valet parking

Cranley Comment

The external entrance is quite substantial, with a high undercover driveway and on either side a large pool with nine palm trees on an individual star shaped island, which are lit at night for an impressive look. The lobby area is well appointed with high ceilings, marble flooring and traditional Arabic furniture. For guests staying in standard rooms, the check-in is off to the side of the main entrance lobby in a Moroccan style room with an intimate feel. Guests staying in suites are checked in and out of their own suite. Guest services are located in another Moroccan themed hall, just off the main entrance lobby, where there are desks and plenty of sofa’s and chairs.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Armoury Lounge:
A private club-like cigar lounge where guests can enjoy tranquil isolation while enjoying afternoon tea should they wish, designated as an adults-only lounge. The lounge is decorated in the theme of an old Arab Armoury with antique hunting rifles, swords and shields on display on the walls.

Al Fayrooz Lounge:
This is the hotel lobby lounge; its high elevation gives it panoramic views over the hotel grounds, ocean and Burj Al Arab. The lounge is decorated in the same Arabian style that permeates the hotel. The lounge seats 60 inside in a sofa environment and 104 on the terrace. The lounge has high ceilings and wood fans with Arabic background music adding to the ambience.

Other Shops and Boutiques:
Pearl Boutique
Gift shop & Newsagent
Carita Hair and Beauty Salon
(separate mens and ladies rooms)

Cranley Comment

There are a small number of boutiques within the hotel itself but the hotel has direct access to the Madinat Souk where there are many more shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. The Mall of the Emirates is a 5 km drive away with its comprehensive shopping facilities ranging from a hypermarket to designer boutiques.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	7
Total Rooms	292
Elevators	4 (excluding private suite elevators)
Rooms per Elevator	73

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	Designated rooms available
Room Service	24 hours full menu
Laundry Service	Same day return if dropped off before 09.00

Club or Executive Facilities

Club Executive and Premium Leisure facilities include: Complimentary limousine service to and from Dubai Airport, complimentary breakfast between 07.00 and 11.00, afternoon tea between 15.00 and 16.30, a private lounge area, late check-out to 15.00 and free pressing service for one suit or dress.

Club Executive: Aimed specifically at the business traveller and provides in addition to the above, complimentary pre-dinner canapés and cocktails between 18.00 and 20.00, access to meeting rooms, complimentary secretarial service and high speed wi-fi in the lounge.

Premium Leisure: Aimed specifically at families with children and provides in addition to the above, a children’s play area with computer room, playstation games and ‘happy hour’ between 18.00 and 20.00 for complimentary cocktails and canapés.

Cranley Comment

Rooms at Al Qasr can have either a garden and waterway (Abra) view or an ocean view. All rooms are well appointed with antique furnishings and natural woods, private balconies and plasma TVs, decorated to portray an Arabic theme in keeping with the overall theme of the resort. Room types start with the Deluxe 55 square metre rooms which have well appointed bathrooms and dressing areas up to the Royal Suite at 550 square metres with all the luxuries one would expect of a Royal Suite.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	260	113 Sea View 147 Abra View	Private balconies Air-conditioning Private dressing area Large bathroom with walk-in rain shower Authentic arabian furnishings Lounge seating High speed internet Mini bar Safe LCD satellite televisions Hairdryer DVD Player on request	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 1 Child under 12	55

Cranley Comment

Deluxe rooms are decorated in an Arabic style in keeping with the theme of the hotel and are furnished and decorated to a high specification with antique Arabic furniture and natural woods. There is a separate dressing area and rooms benefit from either a sea view or abra view from floor to ceiling windows which open onto a private balcony. Bathrooms are well appointed and larger than average, well stocked with towels and benefit from a Jacuzzi bath and walk-in rain shower. Of the 260 Deluxe rooms, 41 are Club Executive and 61 are Premium Leisure rooms enjoying all the Club /Premium facilities listed above.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Junior Suite	17	3 Sea View 14 Abra View	As per the Deluxe room plus: Separate lounge with dining area Complimentary breakfast Check-in and out in the room Late check-out to 15.00 Two plasma televisions DVD Player	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 1 Child under 12	80

Cranley Comment

Junior suites also enjoy an Arabic design style with luxury furnishings and dark wood antiques but benefit from being much larger at 80 square metres due to the addition of a separate lounge/dining room. The lounge is fitted with an array of soft furnishings and a desk, and opens out onto the larger than average balcony from floor to ceiling windows.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite	12	8 Sea View 4 Abra View	As per the Junior Suite plus: 2 Plasma televisions Separate dinning table Separate WC	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 1 Child under 12	105

Cranley Comment

The full Suite is about 30% larger than the Junior Suite and additional facilities to the Junior Suite include a separate guest WC and a dinning table. The suite has regional artwork decorating the walls, traditional arches and intricate moldings to add real detail to the styling, which is consistent with the overall Arabic theme. Suites also have a terrace area and balcony.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Presidential Suite	2	Sea View	As per the Suite plus: 3 Plasma televisions 2 spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms Private lift Terrace and balcony	5 Adults	180

Cranley Comment

The Presidential suite is 180 square metres and has the benefit of a discreet individual lift lobby to ensure guest privacy. It is decorated in a rich array of regional antiques and artwork. The Presidential Suite has two large bedrooms both of which are en-suite with luxury bathrooms and a separate lounge area. There is a large balcony with views over the resort and the Arabian Gulf.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	1	Sea View	As per the Presidential Suite plus: 4 Plasma televisions Majilis (welcoming room) Large Private terrace Three bedrooms all en-suite	7 Adults	550

Cranley Comment

The Royal Suite has three large bedrooms, all en-suite and a private dressing area. There is a large lounge and dining area with a table to seat eight. The centrepiece is the Majilis - a traditional Arabian place of assembly which leads to a large private terrace enjoying views of the Gulf. It also benefits from two private lift lobbies ensuring complete privacy. Like the other rooms and suites the Royal Suite is decorated in a rich array of antiques and works of art from the region.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

Al Qasr has a number of dining options in the hotel covering a variety of cuisines. Per Chic Seafood restaurant is the most unusual and is located at the end of a 100 metre pier giving diners a spectacular view of the Burj Al Arab and Madinat complex. As well as the restaurants in the hotel, guests can dine at the numerous restaurants within the Souk and also at the restaurants of the Mina A Salam Hotel next door.

Al Hambra

Restaurant Type	Spanish
Restaurant Capacity	Total 120, 40 outside and 80 inside
Opening Times	Lunch 12.00 to 15.00 Dinner 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	High chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options	No

Cranley Comment

Al Hambra is a family orientated restaurant themed in a Spanish Hacienda style. It has exposed brickwork and vaulted ceilings which give it a feel of earlier times. The menu is based on Andalucia cuisine and includes recipes ranging from seafood Paella to classics like tagine and blistery. The restaurant has a flamenco guitarist playing six nights a week to give it an authentic atmosphere. Guests can also dine outside with views of the waterways, lit boats meandering past at night, and views of the Arabian coast.

Napa

Restaurant Type	Mediterranean
Restaurant Capacity	Total 120, 80 outside and 40 inside
Opening Times	Breakfast 09.00 to 11.00 Dinner 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	High chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options	Full breakfast buffet

Cranley Comment

Mediterranean style restaurant with an open kitchen and brick oven for cooking fresh bread. It is located next to the Arboretum restaurant and has outside dining, enjoying the same views of the waterway and Arabian ocean as the Arboretum and Al Hambra restaurants, with background music to add to the ambience. Signature dishes include Tuna Carpaccio, braised Lamb Shank and Roasted Loin.

Arboretum

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	Total 190, 120 outside and 70 inside
Opening Times	Breakfast 07.00 to 11.00 Lunch 12.30 to 15.00 Dinner 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	High chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options	Full breakfast buffet

Cranley Comment

Arboretum is styled in a light Arabic theme with dining both inside and outside next to the waterways, with views of the Arabian Gulf. The restaurant is approached by two staircases that lead down either side of the front of the restaurant with a fountain that cascades down the middle, creating an impressive entrance. The restaurant also has very high ceilings and the tables inside are interspersed with six replica palm trees to further re-enforce the Arabic theme. The signature dishes include roasted salmon fillet, arabian mixed grill and peppered fillet of beef.

Khaymat Al Bahar (Tent of the Beach)

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	Total 220, 110 outside and 110 inside
Opening Times	Breakfast 06.30 to 11.00 Lunch 12.30 to 15.00 Dinner 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Day: Casual Evening: Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	High chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options	Full breakfast buffet

Cranley Comment

Khaymat Al Bahar is located next to the main pool and beach. It is designed as a series of separate marquees connected by glass passageways to give the impression of a Bedouin structure. The restaurant serves the beach and pool during the day and into the evening with a pleasant view of the pool, beach and Burj Al Arab. At night the pool is lit with over 2,000 small white lights. The restaurant has an open kitchen in one of the marquees and a full buffet selection. Signature dishes include grilled prawns and crabmeat tagliolni, braised Arabic lamb shank and duck breast with oven roasted grapes.

Per Chic

Restaurant Type	Seafood
Restaurant Capacity	110
Opening Times	Lunch 12.00 to 15.00 Dinner 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Children over 10 - children’s menu

Cranley Comment

This restaurant has the benefit of being located at the end of the 100 metre wood pier. The restaurant is in a dark wood summer house with tables inside and outside at the front and back of the house. The tables at the back have spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab whilst those at the front enjoy views of the Madinat resort. The walk to the restaurant along the pier is very pleasant on a warm evening with the Burj Al Arab lit up in the background. The restaurant serves Mediterranean seafood and other specialties include an Arabic cold seafood platter, poached Atlantic lobster and poached Sea Bass fillet.

Pool Kiosk

Restaurant Type	Light dining
Restaurant Capacity	Total 76 outside
Opening Times	Food 08.00 to 19.45 Lunch 11.30 to 16.45
Dress Codes	Casual/ Swimwear

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	High chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options	No

Cranley Comment

This poolside restaurant either serves guests at the restaurant or does sun lounger delivery. The dining area itself is designed as two bedouin tents that match the design of the Khaymat Al Bahar across the pool. The restaurant serves a variety of foods. Under one tent is the dining tables made of wood with ceramic surfaces and under the other is a circular bar.

Bars

Number of Bars

Koubba

Bar Type	Rooftop bar
Bar Capacity	Total 180, Inside 60, Outside 120
Opening Times	12.00 to 02.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Over 21's only after 18.00

Cranley Comment

The Koubba rooftop bar is located on the top floor and is designed to give guests the feeling of an Arabian tent. The bar's elevation gives it spectacular views over the pool, gardens, beach and the Arabian Gulf. The bar has seating inside and outside on sofas and lounge chairs.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Available in the Business Centre and Al Fayrooz lounge

In-Room Services

High speed internet
Fax, scanner and printer
Laptop in the suites

Business Centre

Facilities include three workstations, photocopying, faxes, scanning, secretarial support, ATM, 2 meeting rooms, outside terrace area with 12 seats overlooking the ocean.

Meetings & Events

Conference facilities serve all of the hotels in the Madinat resort and include:
Madinat Conference Hall: 9,000 square metres, incorporating Joharah Ballroom, Murjaan Ballroom, pre function area and meeting rooms.
Madinat Arena: Multi-purpose venue that includes a ground floor arena, pre-function and upstairs VIP areas catering for up to 4,500 guests.
Fort Island: An outdoor function venue catering for a maximum of 200 people on an island in the middle of a lake near the Souk.

Cranley Comment

The hotel has comprehensive business and banqueting facilities. The business centre is decorated and equipped to a high standard. It is staffed with a receptionist to provide assistance and has several PC's with internet connection as well as two working desks without PC's. The banqueting facilities serve the whole of the Madinat resort and comprise several options including the unique Fort Island.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities	See Restaurants
Playground	See Children's club

Children's Pool	See Pools
Games Room	See Children's club

Children's Club

Ages : Four and over
Under four: Only with guardian

Opening Hours: 08.00 to 19.00 or 21.30 (with the dinner option)

The Sinbads Children's club caters for children of four years and over without their guardians and for children under four years of age with their guardian present. The club is in a separate building next to the main pool. It has a reception area and then a main lounge where different activities are organised for every hour. It also has a TV for watching films. Off to one side is the computer room with computers and playstation games and off to the other side is the children’s pool.

The club has a full range of activities for guests under seven years of age and for those between seven and twelve. Typical activities for the older age group include shell painting, beach football, fun on boogie boards, fun on kayaks, beach relays and sand castle competitions. For the younger age group activities include fun with puppets, shell painting, leaf painting, hair braiding, souvenir making, bracelet making and parachute games.

Babysitting service

Hotel staff provide a babysitting service with at least one hour's notice.

Cranley Comment

The Madinat resort has a full facility children’s club. The purpose built club includes a swimming pool that is also a mini water park with various apparatus for children to play. As well as the children’s club there are beach activities with football goals, pentaque, beach volleyball and water sports centre which hires equipment and provides lessons. Guests also enjoy free access to the Wild Wadi Water Park which is a few minutes walk away along the boardwalk or by the hotel shuttle bus.

Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Henna Studio

Open from 10.00 to 18.00 near the Dwol harbour at Mina A Salam.

Arabian Adventures

Excursions can be arranged through the Arabian Adventures desk.

Wild Wadi Water Park

The Wild Water Water Park is located a couple of minutes walk from the Al Qasr Hotel. It is one of the landmark tourist attractions in Dubai and employs the latest waterpark technology to ensure a fun filled day. The park is suitable for all ages. There are some height restrictions on some of the rides but there is also a toddler aged play area, a wave pool and a lazy river as well.

Evening Activities

Night Clubs

Night clubs are located in the Souk area located between the Mina A Salam and Al Qasr hotels and is open to hotel guest and the public alike. The Souk contains over 75 boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. The bars and restaurants are located on open Piazza’s next to the canal.

Beaches

Madinat Resort Beach

Location	Private Beach
Description	The beach is an extension of the resort grounds. At the start of the beach are palm trees which break the landscape from the swimming pool. There is also a boardwalk that links the hotel properties and is ideal for a stroll.
Private/Public	Private
Size/Frontage	Approximately 1 km frontage which it shares with the neighbouring Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab. The Beach is approximately 30 to 40 metres deep.

Facilities	Wood sun loungers and parasols and a number of Arabian tents for those wanting more shade. Showers, toilets, food and drinks are delivered to beachgoers. There is no specific beach bar but guests can go to the nearby Pool Kiosk. There are half size football goals, pentanque and volleyball for beach activity.
Safety	Across the Madinat Jumeirah stretch of the beach, six lifeguards provide for continuous coverage. Lifeguards are on duty from 09.00 to 18.00.

Cranley Comment

The beach caters for most needs and has enough space for full hotels. The beach is very clean and the quality of furnishings gives it a pleasant ambience. Guests can also enjoy the Shimmers Beach Bar for drinks and food, included in the restaurant section above.

Pools

Cranley Comments

There are three outdoor pools at the Madinat Jumeirah resort as well as an adult lap pool and children’s pool at the fitness centre. The outdoor pools are a short distance from each other and are used by guests of both hotels. The Al Qasr pool is the largest in the middle-east and is well landscaped whilst the Mina A Salam Pool has a sophisticated feel and enjoys an elevated position above the beach and Abra harbour. For children there is a specialist children’s activity pool with a sail canopy to protect children from the sun.

Al Qasr Pool

Opening Times	08.00 to 22.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths	Min 0.9m Max 1.5m
Size	Surface area of 2,200 square meters

Facilities	Iron sun loungers Wood parasols Showers Toilets Towels Changing facilities Pool Bar
Safety	Up to eight qualified lifeguards are on duty at any one time.

Cranley Comment

The pool is located in front of the Al Qasr Hotel and just a short Abra ride from the Mina A Salam. The Al Qasr pool claims to be the largest swimming pool in the Gulf at over 2,200 square metres. It is an irregular shape which adds to the visual appeal. The pool is set next to the beach and just over the Abra waterway from the main hotel building. The pool is quite impressive given its size and its landscaping with palm trees and flowerbeds. The two restaurants next to the pool blend in with the Arabic theme by being designed as bedouin tents. The pool is well managed with several lifeguards and is well supplied with high quality iron sun loungers.

Mina A Salam Pool

Opening Times	08.00 to 22.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths	Max depth 1.5 metres Min depth 0.9 metres
Size	Approx 14m by 10m

Facilities	Showers Toilets Towels Changing facilities Pool bar/restaurant Wood sun loungers Wood parasols Jacuzzi
Safety	Lifeguards on duty during opening hours

Cranley Comment

The pool is set next to the Abra harbour and the hotel’s private beach, just a couple of minutes on an Abra ride from the Al Qasr. It is elevated above ground level and commands good views of the beach and ocean. Pool guests are served with drinks from the pool bar and there is a large terrace next to that serving food and dinks, elevated above the pool level to further enhance the views. Near the entrance to the pool is a gazebo where guests can sit in the shade and enjoy views over the pool and Abra harbour. The surrounding area is well landscaped with an ornate wood guardrail running around the edge of the terrace area.

Children’s Pool

Opening Times	08.00 to 19.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 30c
Depths	Maximum depth of 60cms
Size	25 metres by 10 metres

Facilities	Showers Toilets Towels Changing facilities Drinks and snacks from inside the Sinbad’s Kids Club. Some chairs are available around the pool for parents to sit on.
Safety	Up to three qualified lifeguards are on duty at any one time.

Cranley Comment

Located in the Sinbad’s Children’s Club which is next to the main pool, the children’s pool is a mini water park with various fun showers and slides for smaller children to play. The pool has an array of apparatus and is set underneath a large canopy designed as a sail to provide shade over the pool.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	06:30 to 22:30
Description	Fitness Centre/Gym with the following apparatus at time of viewing: 9 treadmills 3 rowing machines 8 bikes 6 cross trainers 3 steppers 17 resistance machines 28 spinning bikes Free weights 5 televisions to which the gym provide wireless headphones A lap pool of 25 metres by 12 metres and a small children’s pool with temperature kept at 27c Fencing Aerobic studio that can accommodate class sizes of up to 30
Size	3,000 square metres

Cranley Comment

The Gym is a substantial purpose built complex with a full range of the latest gym equipment, squash courts, indoor pools, sauna’s, steam rooms, televisions with wireless headphones, a gym café and shop. The gym has five personal trainers that can assess and design a specific program for guests and runs a full studio programme including spinning /RPM classes. The gym also operates as a private club for local residents.

Water Sport

Opening Times	09.00 to Sunset
Description	Boat trips Water Skiing Wake boarding Knee boarding Triple tube Banana ride Sailing Windsurfing Boogie boards Kayaks Windsurfing and sailing lessons

Cranley Comment

The hotel has two water sports centres on the beach offering similar activities. The two centres ensure that guests from either hotel don’t have to walk far to reach a water sports facility. The centres themselves are well equipped and offer tuition.

Land Sport

Opening Times	Tennis 07.00 to 21.30 Squash 06.30 to 22.30
Description	Five hard court floodlit tennis courts Three Squash Courts

Cranley Comment

The hotel has tennis courts located at the front of the hotel that can be booked in advance. There is tuition available for all age groups. The squash courts are located within the health club where no tuition is available.

Golf

Emirates Golf Club

Description

This was the first grass course in the Gulf region when it opened in 1988. The club features two championship courses; the Majlis and the Wadi. The Majlis was the original course and was designed by Florida based designer Karl Litten. The Wadi opened in 1996 and was re-designed in 2007 by Nick Faldo. Despite a number of new courses, it still ranks as one of the best in Dubai. It has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic fifteen times for the last six years in succession.

Location	7 km
Holes	Majlis 18, Wadi 18
Length/Par	Majlis: 7,185 Yards par 72 sss 74 , Wadi: 7,263 Yards par 72 sss 74

Facilities

Teaching academy, two driving ranges (one of which is floodlit), pitching and chipping areas, fairway and greenside practice bunkers. Several bars and restaurants.

Montgomerie Dubai

Description

Covering more than 265 acres of landscaped turf, gardens and lakes, this spectacular golf course provides the player with undulating "links land" style fairways which challenge and intrigue all levels of player. Placement of the drive to the generous fairways remains the cornerstone of any good round. The flat landing area of each fairway can be challenging to find, but a rewarding adventure. With 14 lakes and 81 bunkers, The Montgomerie Dubai, the first and only example of the association between golfing great Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, adds a distinctive variety to the golfing landscape of the region.

One of the signature holes is the par 5 fourth, dubbed the Snake hole for its saddleback fairway which doglegs towards the green, with 2 bunkers behind forming the eyes of the snake. Further on, the par 5 ninth, with water down the left, is a tough finish to the opening half. The par 3 thirteenth, a hole designed in the shape of the UAE, boasts a 360 degree teeing area around an island fairway and green, allowing for a completely different golf hole to be played every time. However, it is the par 5 eighteenth that offers a more classic test. At 656 yards it is a monster and, with water protecting the front of the green, it defies even the best player to hit the green in two.

Website: www.themontgomerie.com
Phone: +971 4 390 5600

Location	8 km
Holes	18
Length/Par	7396 Yards, Par 72, sss 75

Facilities

Driving range
Teaching academy
9 hole par 3 Academy course
5 star hotel accommodation
3 restaurants
Cigar lounge
Angsana Spa,
Fitness centre
Outdoor swimming pool
Extensive function areas.

Spa

Name of Spa	Talise Spa
Opening Times	09:00 to 22:00

Facilities

Massages:
Holistic, Energiser, Swedish, Sports, Thai, Thai herbal, Balinese, Taksu, Tui Na, Pregnancy Consultation and Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Shiatsu, Foot reflexology, hot stone therapy & Indian head massage.

Alternative Energy Treatments:
Watsu, Reiki, Ear Candling, Crystal Therapy, Bach flower therapy, Colour Therapy, Colour Therapy inc meditation, Star light essences

Sodashi Facial Treatments:
Sensitive, Purity facial, Radiance facial, marine mineral facial, Aromatic hydration, thermal indulgence, Man Maintenance

Sodashi Body Treatments:
Jojoba body polish, Salt therapy, Marine Enzyme exfoliation, Refining body toner, Purifying Body boast, Detoxifying body wrap, Contouring body wrap.

Shiffa Signature Facial Treatments:
Signature facial, Mini facial, Planet earth gem facial

Shiffa Body Treatments:
Velvet nights (and with hair and body mask), Hamman ancienne (and with facial hammam and body mask). Rose heaven, Rose heaven steam and bath, Rose heaven Bliss balm massage, Andalusian bath, Planet Earth Core treatment, Sweetness body polish, Divine Bridal Package, Planet earth bath, Planet earth body and facial massage, Crystal body and face massage, Massage, Basil and mint salt scrub, Body mask, Hair oils, Bath.

Aromatherapy Treatments:
Lavender cooler, Real Aromatherapy Experience Layers of luxury Rose Body Indulgence, Sensuality Bath, Renew Rose anti age facial, Renew Rose total indulgence facial

Body Work:
Yoga Zone, Meditation, Weight Loss management package, Personal Training (Aqua work-out, Pre and Post Natal Exercise, Personal Assessment), Spa Physio Therapy, Remedial Therapy, Niramaya Classical Slimming Stretch, Angatha Yoga, Elementary Canal Cleansing, Jala Neti (Nasal Cleansing), Kunkal (Stomach Cleansing), Yoga and Meditation, Yoga / Group Classes

Beauty Treatments:
Spa Manicure, Spa Pedicure, Deluxe Spa Hand and foot treatment, Radiance Hand, Treatment, Sodashi Refreshing Mint foot treatment

Cranley Comment

The Talise Spa is built on landscaped islands with quiet courtyards and is surrounded by water, offering complete privacy and seclusion. Twenty six treatment rooms are available with balconies (of which ten are ladies-only) are arranged in island clusters with some accommodating double occupancy to allow guests to share the experience with friends or partners. Outdoor treatment tents offer a taste of Arabia whilst experiencing a range of internationally acclaimed treatments.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

The Lobby area has marble flooring with lift access close by.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has one room designated for special needs.

Restaurants & Catering

Adequate wheelchair access to all restaurants is available.

Recreation Facilities

A lot of movement around the hotel is by the water Abras. There are also flat path alternatives and the hotel runs numerous buggies to ferry guests around.

Cranley Comment

The hotel has one room designated for special needs and stairways have a lift or ramp alternative. Guests can be transported around the resort in one of a number of buggies.

Environment

Cranley Comment

No environmental policies in place

Al Qasr, Dubai, Report Details

8 December 2005

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