For the last 20 years, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf has provided an intimate, Arabesque-style escape for discerning travellers. And now, with the recent unveiling of its newly refurbished Arabian Houses, designed by local studio La Bottega Interiors, the houses have a new lease of life. 

Still prioritising traditional Arabian hospitality, the properties, which are sequestered along the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, are positioned for those looking for a mix of privacy and genuinely warm connection. Tying in with Jumeirah’s global rebrand, the redesign marks a new chapter for these high-end properties. Crafted to create a sense of serenity that feels both private and welcoming, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf opens the first page of its new chapter… 

The ethos behind the transformation was to maintain the soul of the property while uplifting it for the contemporary traveller. Peter Roth, Regional Vice President of Madinat Jumeirah, describes the vision as “enhancing the sense of sanctuary by creating an environment that feels like an exclusive stay experience. Guests find tranquillity, privacy, and the warmest of welcomes, all while being immersed in the beauty of authentic Arabian hospitality”.

Comprising 29 houses, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf takes its design inspiration from a traditional Arabian home. “These houses were designed to give guests the experience of a luxurious summer house,” Cristina Gallenca, Partner and Managing Director at La Bottega Interiors, tells Villa 88. “We wanted to modernise the interiors within the traditional Arabic architectural experience, so it didn’t age with time, while still creating a sense of place that is distinctly Jumeirah.”

Embarking on the design process, La Bottega first took cues from their surroundings. “When you look at the bones of the architecture, it’s inherently Arabic,” Cristina notes. “We respected this and wanted to ensure the interiors flowed naturally from the exterior. Guests begin their journey in Jumeirah Al Qasr, so the transition to Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf needed to feel seamless.”

At the heart of each Arabian House is the majlis. The traditional gathering space that doubles as a living room is the venue for daily apéritifs hosted by the hotel – a ritual designed to foster connections. 

“We’ve actually heard stories of families who first stayed here 20 years ago, meeting other guests in the majlis and forming lifelong friendships,” Cristina shares with a genuine smile. “This opportunity for socialising was very important to us when designing these spaces.”

Another key design element is the courtyard, which bathes in natural light during the day and turns into an atmospheric outdoor living space after dusk. “The courtyard is the very core of the space,” explains Sahar Al Yaseer, Founder of La Bottega Interiors. “We wanted to create a relaxed, residential feel, like a home away from home. With soft furnishings and a self-service station for snacks and drinks, it’s a space for guests to unwind and connect with each other.”

Naturally, the pair’s meticulous attention to detail and flair for design extends to the rooms and suites. Leaving the original dark wood doors and finishings as they were, gentle-hued furnishings were selected to create a quietly luxurious finish that would brighten the rooms. “Once you have a neutral colour palette, you’re able to satisfy a wide range of tastes,” shares Sahar. “We layered this with textures and injected pops of colour for vibrancy.” 

The bedrooms were also reimagined for both style and practicality. “Previously, the beds were positioned awkwardly, which disrupted the flow of the room,” Cristina elaborates. “We relocated them and added three arches as a feature to create depth. This not only improved the layout but also introduced a sense of intimacy and comfort.” With intricate coving, used to create division in the suites, an illusion of multiple rooms is achieved. Mirroring the flow of the majlis to the courtyard, the bed is the anchor of the space with its crisp white sheets and arched headboard. 

Bathrooms, too, received a thoughtful update. “We wanted them to feel timeless rather than overly contemporary,” Cristina explains. “By introducing a separate powder room with a shower, the suites cater to families looking for high levels of functionality without compromising on design prowess.”

Looking around the newly renovated hotel, it’s clear that the redesign was driven by a deep understanding of the guest experience, which is considered a principle central to La Bottega Interiors’ philosophy. 

“We mapped out the entire guest journey, starting from their arrival at Jumeirah Al Qasr,” Sahar says. “The flow – from the lush gardens or abra ride to the majlis, courtyard, and rooms – had to feel harmonious and intuitive.”

Sustainability was another key consideration in the refurbishment. Natural fabrics, upcycled glass, and timber were integrated into the design, aligning with Jumeirah’s commitment to environmental responsibility. 

“The materials we chose outdoors, like rattan, add a sense of tranquillity while being eco-conscious,” Sahar says. At night, with the soft lighting and sounds of the water, the atmosphere is truly magical.”

The redesign has reinvigorated Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, offering loyal guests something fresh while retaining the brand’s authenticity. “Many of our guests are return visitors, so there was pressure to satisfy their tastes while giving them a new look and feel,” Cristina notes. “We acted as custodians of the brand, ensuring we didn’t lose the essence of what makes Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf so special.”

Since joining in 2022, Regional Vice President Peter Roth has led the resort from strength to strength as a brand custodian. Commenting on the finished space, he says, “The layout and décor encourage relaxation and tranquillity, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a personal retreat than a typical hotel stay. It’s a design transformation that makes every stay more memorable, peaceful, and enriching.”

Indeed, for those seeking a luxurious escape steeped in character, the renovated Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf Arabian Houses offer something totally unique. Striking a balance between tradition and modernity, privacy and connection, the houses are redefining the very art of hospitality. 

Styling: Chloe Louise 
Hair and Makeup: Iryna Soltaninia 
Lighting Assistant: Yasir Ali  
Assistant: Marie Meyer 

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