J1 Beach is already home to a string of top restaurants and beach clubs, including Sirene by GAIA, Gigi Rigolatto and Baoli. But that enclave of Jumeirah 1 is set to get even better with the arrival of J1 Hotel, Dubai’s first Gran Melia property, in Q4 2027.

Set on its own private golden beachfront at top of Port de la Mer, Gran Melia promises to fuse the ultra-luxury hospitality the brand is known for with a collection of stunning dining and wellness experiences, sure to delight both residents and guests.

Among the most exciting parts of J1 Hotel will be its all-star culinary line-up. We’re arguably most excited by Zuma Beach House, which will bring the beloved DIFC izakaya to a beachfront lifestyle destination. Set on its own private beach, it will feature a pool, lounge and bar, as well as a signature restaurant serving Zuma’s renowned Japanese menu.

The hotel’s rooftop will see London’s legendary Park Chinois take up residence, serving refined Chinese cuisine in a setting that evokes the glamour of 1930s Shanghai in one of Dubai’s most dazzling new dinner settings.

At Novikov Restaurant & Beach Club, a Mediterranean-led menu will be served on a semi-private beach complete with its own bar and luxurious cabanas and Novikov’s return to Dubai. The restaurant was previously housed at the Sheraton on Sheikh Zayed Road until 2018, and is now located in The Galleria, Abu Dhabi.

Newly announced, J1 Hotel will house the Dubai import of Jul’s, a restaurant born in Ibiza that celebrates Greek culinary traditions alongside contemporary interpretations of classic flavours. The hotel will also welcome Tala, a new Pan-Middle-Eastern restaurant overlooking the marina, where Riviera elegance meets an Arabic majlis. The unique concept will feature a show kitchen, terrace and VIP lounge, with shisha available outdoors.

The resort will feature a collection of 366 contemporary rooms and suites, with 40 of those boasting private pools, perfect for a secluded dip.

On the wellness front, the traditional hotel spa will be reimagined by Journee Wellbeing, promising to bring together relaxation, recovery and integrative wellness into one rejuvenating rooftop wellness sanctuary. Unique experiences guests can look forward to include Aufguss sauna ceremonies from 432 Social Wellbeing and group Reformer Pilates by Jeju Pilates.

Elsewhere, four swimming pools will be arranged around landscaped gardens, a ballroom and dedicated meeting and event facilities, and a fitness centre will further add to the business and leisure appeal of the property.

J1 Hotel, a Gran Meliá Hotel will be Spanish brand Meliá Hotels’ third property in the UAE, joining Meliá Desert Palm and ME Dubai.

What: J1 Hotel, a Gran Meliá Hotel
Where: Port de la Mer, Jumeirah 1
When: Opens Q4, 2027

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