Discover Dar Al Masyaf's Malakiya Villas: The Haute Couture Staycation Right Here In Dubai

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

2 days ago

Fit for royalty, the Malakiya Villas invite guests into an exclusive realm that feels impossible to leave…
There is an overwhelming feeling when wandering around Jumeirah Madinat Resort that you have stepped into an UHNW traveller's very own fantasy land. Situated on 2km of private, pristine shores, Madinat Jumeirah is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town and comprises no fewer than four ultra-luxe hotels, myriad world-class restaurants, and even its very own souk – Souk Madinat. Specialising in resorts-with-a-resort, its hotel offerings include the bold and modern Jumeirah Al Naseem, the palatial Jumeirah Al Qasr, the waterside retreat Jumeirah Mina Al Salam and eternally elegant Dar Al Masyaf – each a miniature universe with its own distinct identity, where the common denominator is haute hospitality.
Perfectly contained and expertly manicured, guests can spend days meandering Dar Al Masyaf alone – whether exploring its lush pathways, hopping onto abras to navigate its Venetian-esque waterways, listening to the early morning call of its resident peacocks or watching the sun set on its white sands, which happen to boast the best view of the Burj al Arab in all of Dubai. It is, without doubt, Dubai's inimitable magic kingdom, and home to seven royal Malakiya Villas – the jewels in the crown that speak to the uppermost echelon of seasoned travellers and luxury-living connoisseurs.
These ultra-plush villas have been recently refurbished, with one concept front of mind throughout the year-long redesign: haute couture. Crafted with the same level of poetic detail as couturiers conceive their collections, stitch by stitch and sequin by sequin, so have the Malakiya Villas been meticulously considered; the creative vision of Dubai-based designer Sahar Alyaseer. The chicest haute couture is never showy, and the same rings true with Sahar's aesthetic – each villa is understatedly grand, without shouting its opulence from the rooftops.
Generous windows allow the city's signature sunshine to spill into the downstairs reception rooms, where the colour palette riffs on nuance to the nth degree – tones of twine, nacre, seashell and taupe blend effortlessly to create warm spaces that feel equal parts homely and heavenly. The Malakiya mantra? Seclusion, discretion, and tailor-made service. The Villas' designs do, however, also speak to their provenance – Sahar conceived each space to reference the resort's Arabesque design, but the design codes remain simultaneously relaxed and refined, immediately making each guest feel embraced by the Malakiya way of living.
Helping you settle in? A team of dedicated butlers to curate and personalise your stay from scratch. Yearning for a platter of delicious local delicacies for an afternoon snack? A tray of dates, walnuts, shelled pistachios, and candied apricots will appear in a jiffy. Missing traditionally British menus? A complete afternoon tea service can materialise upon your dining table in the time it takes you to wander from the beach and shake off your sandals at the door. A private yoga session in your garden space? No problem. Perhaps you have a special moment to celebrate… simply request for the living room to be filled with a sea of bobbing balloons, each tethered to a polaroid picture of a special memory. If Cinderella were to stay anywhere, she would be most impressed by the slight of hand of the butler team – almost imperceptibly, they can make miniature dreams come true.
Featuring either two or three bedrooms, ranging from range from 275sqm up to 640sqm, each outpost also comes complete with a private plunge pool, private terrace, cabana, and its own kitchen. While the three bedroom villas are more than spacious for a full family escape, the Royal Malakiya Villa – spanning 1,014sqm – is fit for a royal court, set upon three levels and boasting its own rooftop terrace. The villas' marble-clad bathrooms feature Jacuzzi baths worthy of a queen, while further living spaces including elegant dining rooms and studies that allow for plenty of quiet, blissed-out contemplation.
If you are bringing the whole family, then there are many pursuits to entertain young and old beyond your intimate villa space. Pierchic, French Riviera, Al Nafoorah, Shimmers, Pai Thai, and renowned Rockfish are just a few of Jumeirah Madinat's most beloved restaurants, while children can attend its imaginative kids clubs, and exercise addicts can steal away to the J Club Fitness Centre. Dar Al Masyaf's award-winning Talisa Spa and exclusive adult-only infinity pool that reaches out across the ocean are two of its most tranquil sanctuaries, and the resort also offers direct private access to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, for a spot of local shopping.
Complimentary airport pick up and drop off will make your visit all the easier, but if you can't quite face ever leaving? You don't have to. The Malakiya Villas are also available for long-term rental – perfect for extended business trips, or those with incurable wanderlust, who simply need a wondrous place to pause.