Review of Mina a'Salam, by Vanessa Kaoukji

Part of a developing resort in the ever-expanding district of Jumeirah, Mina a'Salam (meaning port of peace) is the newest of Dubai's luxury hotels, having opened in September 2003. When the resort was completed in September 2004, 3.5 km of waterways linked Mina a'Salam with a larger luxury hotel called Al Qasr, as well as to a business centre, a souk, a spa and individual villas.

The facilities

The idea that people are looking for tradition is catching on, and the luxury hotel looks like a building typical to this part of the world with wind towers to catch the breeze and 'mashrabiyya' screens to separate the balconies. The main public areas of the luxury hotel are beautiful and every restaurant, bar and even the lobby look out onto and have terraces overlooking the man made lagoon and out to sea. It's amazingly peaceful at this luxury hotel. The spa has 27 treatment rooms, and they will mix traditional crafts shops with the Gucci and Prada that people expect of Dubai.

The quality of service is excellent, the staff is friendly and very attentive. Nowhere can you see this better than on the beach where you are kept cool with refrigerated cold towels and Evian spray while fruit and water is brought to you - even slices of cucumber are provided to keep your tired eyes from swelling in the heat! And if you happened to wander down to the water for a swim, by the time you get back your towel has been straightened and swept of sand!

Mina a'Salam would suit a couple seeking privacy as well as a young family. As this is part of the Jumeriah International group guests can use the facilities of Burj al Arab or Jumeirah Beach Hotel which are a short walk or buggy ride away and, of course, Wild Wadi.

The rooms

The luxury hotel's 292 rooms are spacious, luxurious and all have balconies and sea views. They follow the Arabian theme and arches separate the bedroom from the dressing area and bathroom. Small details such as a wooden chest, or a hanging lamp remind you that you are in the Middle East. Fresh fruit is put in your room every morning and chocolates or nibbles are left every evening so that you are constantly surprised.