‘A Must–See Architectural Wonder’ – through the window of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the Ottoman inspired luxury resort, takes pride of place on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah – recently described as one of the world’s ‘must-see architectural wonders’ by leading travel website Expedia.

According to Expedia’s list of essential sights, Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel’s flagship project, is among the world’s top places that travellers should visit. The list was compiled in collaboration with architecture news website Arch Daily and the website described the manmade island as ‘both structural and artistic genius with its elaborate palm tree shape.’ Construction for what became the world’s largest man-made island started in 2001 and was completed in 2006. Since then, the tourism, leisure and retail elements of the island have developed to create a spectacular, world-renowned residential and tourism destination. It is home to thousands of residents and nine resorts, a number set to rise over the coming years.

Fernando Gibaja, General Manager of the resort, said: “We are proud to be located on one of the man-made wonders of the world and look forward to welcoming more visitors from all over the world to experience our architecture, location and wonderful facilities.”

Located on the West Crescent, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray comprises 405 rooms and 38 Royal Residences. Themed around the Ottoman Empire, guests staying at the hotel can explore the architectural delights including vast domes, Turkish artworks and lavish murals.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s interior was created by a team of 45 Turkish interior designers who successfully established a return to ‘The Golden Age.’ The hotel offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the lobby in particular makes for an impressive welcome with a striking chandelier suspended over an iconic water fountain. This grand chandelier is one of 165 fittings in the resort that illuminate the interiors of the hotel – each one is a reproduction of pieces that adorn the Dolmabahçe and Topkapi palaces in Istanbul.

The resort recently launched a new shuttle boat service providing water transport to and from Dubai Marina, enabling guests to experience alternative views of the island and the city. Another way to see The Palm is to take a trip on the 4.5 kilometre monorail which provides an excellent alternative vantage point. Expedia, in collaboration with architecture news site Arch Daily, runs a regular column that points out must-visit parts of the world. Alongside The Palm islands, the Willis Tower in Chicago, the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence as bucket-list destinations were also rated.