Diyar21 Magazin – Magical Moments: Inside Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf ’s Newly Revived Malakiya Villas

“This is an oasis and a jewel,” enthuses Peter Roth as he introduces the seven newly refurbished and reconfigured uber-luxe Malakiya Villas at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, an enclave of Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Peter, a hotelier with over three decades of international hotel experience, moved to the UAE to take up the position of Regional Vice President of the 40-hectare Madinat Jumeirah estate in 2022. Hospitality is an integral part of local Emirati culture and identity, and Peter is well placed to comment on how the thoughtful redesign of the Malakiya Villas portfolio is reflective of this heritage, while also delivering a future-forward and sophisticated aesthetic to a new generation of highly discerning guests.

“Key elements of telling this story and of who you are should include architecture, landscaping and native plants, and also consider materials such as the textiles and uniform designs that are used – these elements are art,” expresses Peter. The right interior designers and architects are key in pulling all the threads together at the highest level, so that the story told creates a sense of place. That is an integral part of the guest experience, allowing them to feel at home seemingly effortlessly; this is what makes the Malakiya Villas experience truly unique.

Sahar Al Yaseer, founder of La Bottega by Intice design studio, is the creative mind behind delivering this reimagined vision of hospitality and storytelling. The designer, poet and mother of three has created a new benchmark within the Arabic architecture and landscape of Madinat by infusing a classic and timeless modernity into the interiors of the villas, as she draws on the principles of biophilic design.

The essence of calm and serenity evoked by the external lagoons and waterways, as well as the green and abundant nature of the landscape, is captured in the mood and feelings that exude within the interior spaces. “It is not a very literal expression of an Arabic interpretation; it’s taken to a higher level to create a timeless interior and a product that is designed to last forever,” Sahar explains. “For us, this Arabic interior architecture is not about having the established look and feel, but rather about paying attention to details and creating patterns, instead of going into a more literal expression.”

A conversation is created between the indoors and outdoors – not by any single statement element that creates a startling iconic look that could quickly become dated – but rather, through a harmonious balance between objects and natural materials that is immediately apparent upon entering the space. It’s breathable, light and open, and there is an immediate tranquillity found in the stone, wood and neutral linens and rugs that are inspired by connections with nature.

A signature sage green is gently referenced across several design elements of the scheme and incorporated into the bedding accents and bathroom accessories. Subtle leaf motifs are a part of various touchpoints within the design, including a bespoke statement chandelier over the dining table that evokes hundreds of small textured leaves suspended from branches to create a wavering light structure.

Mother-of-pearl can be found in the cabinetry of the living room and beauty sits in small details and curated objects everywhere, contributing to a design which makes guests immediately feel at home.

While this is a hospitality experience that delivers luxury, service and privacy at the highest levels, a homely feeling is achieved as well, enabling guests to relax and interact with the space as they enter. A large, curved sofa is the focal point of the living space and its organic shape creates a modern majlis.

From a hospitality-operations perspective, the guest accommodation is designed so that service can be discreet and also invisible if needed; there is a back of house with separate entrances, but guests can also access kitchen areas if required. An individual villa-dedicated butler service is on call 24 hours to attend to any guest requirements or needs, and the estate’s renowned chefs can cater for bespoke requests within the villas, as well as outside.

Malakiya guests come from all walks of life and typically, longer stays of eight to 15 days are not uncommon, with some guests staying a month or more in accommodation that is designed to double as a home away from home. It does cater for extended family and staff if required as well. “The clock ticks very slowly here, which is what you want,” shares Peter. “This is definitely a destination for guests who seek privacy to recharge and take a break.”

He continues, “The seven Malakiya Villas form the smallest hotel within a larger Madinat resort; there’s really no competition for what we do because we have a number of features here that are simply not available elsewhere. We add value to our guests that goes beyond good service.

We’ve created this pocket for people who can afford all this, yet they are not looking to be seen, and that’s a very particular demographic.” A supreme sense of privacy is achieved within and around these villas, yet they are also adjacent to fine-dining restaurants and world-class facilities that Madinat is so known for, while being centrally located within Dubai.

The Malakiya Villas are the next chapter for Jumeirah and Peter believes the elements of surprise and story embedded within the interiors and overall design provide opportunities for a series of “magical moments”, such as waking up for breakfast and sipping on a cappuccino on the terrace overlooking the waterways, or guest arrivals at the dedicated Malakiya Villas reception by an abra, traversing the waterways in Dubai’s most traditional mode of transport.

“You need to make sure that you don’t do anything cookie-cutter, because these places should fit like a glove for the person choosing to stay. A strong sense of place contributes towards all of that.”

For more information, visit jumeirah.com

Editorial Direction By Ayesha S. Shehmir. Words By Melanie Hunt. Photography By Sebastian Böttcher

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Interiors’ Spring 2023 issue