With resorts situated in the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean and Australia, myTime recently announced that a luxury offering in the Middle East has joined the exclusive hotel club. However this new addition isn't just any hotel - it's the five-star Jumeirah Zabeel Saray that received significant attention after it served as a key location in the Mission Impossible film, Ghost Protocol.
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray's Lobby
Ross Park is the Senior Sales Manager for the Dubai property, which is situated on a made-man 'palm' island known as The Palm Jumeirah.
"Various places in Dubai were filmed for the movie and it really helped to make Dubai even more famous. Scenes in the movie were to be filmed in an opulent and luxurious palace in India, but after seeing the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the production team decided to film all those scenes here. The main lobby is the most recognisable from the movie but also scenes were filmed in Lalezar, the hotel's Turkish restaurant and at the front of the hotel," said Ross.
The myTime concept was developed in 2011, when Flight Centre approached selected hotels that were willing to provide extra services at no additional cost to guests who booked their accommodation through Flight Centre. The first properties to jump on board were located in Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Aruba. The initiative has been very successful and the Dubai addition is testament of the response received from appreciative holiday-makers.
When considering Flight Centre's offer of inclusion into myTime, Ross believes that both his property and myTime form the perfect partnership.
"We are seeing strong growth already with Flight Centre/Infinity Holidays as a key partner. We are already a 'Preferred Hotel' and to further enhance our partnership, it seemed like a natural progression. Dubai is also booming but it's a very competitive market and customers are looking for more differentiated products. Using the most luxurious hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab for inspiration, Jumeirah Hotels already stand out from other hotels and the myTime partnership will further enhance that differentiation," said Ross.
The Facade of the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
The design of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray was inspired by the imperial palaces of the Ottoman era and offers 379 guest rooms, 26 suites and 38 royal residences that feature incredible ocean views. Within the complex are eight restaurants, four nightlife venues, a private beach, and outdoor infinity pool, two Jacuzzis and a dedicated children's pool.
Flight Centre customers who book their stay at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray will be treated as VIPs. They will also receive a voucher for a complimentary beverage from the Happy Hour menu in Voda Bar and a 15 per cent discount on an advance booking treatment at the Talise Ottoman Spa. It was hard for Ross to nominate his favourite treatment in the Spa, which spans 8000 square metres and includes 42 treatment rooms, three traditional hammans, a whole floor dedicated to couples, eight hydrotherapy rooms and two thalassotherapy pools, but when pressed he suggested the Sultan's Massage.
"It has to be a combination of the Traditional Turkish Hammam; it's a must try, it really is the best in Dubai. For Massage, our signature treatment is the 'Sultan's Massage', but why stop at 60-minutes - it's just not enough, the 90-minute treatment is bliss! It's the largest spa in Dubai (and that is saying something), in stunning surroundings, you could get lost in here for days," he said.
"Each myTime customer who stays for five consecutive nights or more in a Club Room or Suite will receive a complimentary Turkish Bath Treatment. This is shorter than the Traditional Hammam, but a great way to get a taster of what it's all about. Your skin will feel fantastic with the body cleansing and exfoliation in the Turkish Bath."
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray's Spa
In addition to the complimentary Wild Wadi Waterpark ticket that are given to all guests who stay at the property, myTime customers who stay for ten nights or more will receive an additional voucher for the Water Park, which boasts 30 rides and attractions that are themed around the tale of Juha, a well known fictional character in Arabian folklore.
"As an adrenaline junkie, I think the newest ride at the Water Park, Jumeirah Sceirah is terrific. You climb to 32-metres above the park with great views over the Burj Al Arab. You then get into a clear capsule that closes with you in it and suddenly the floor drops away; it takes only a few seconds but it's totally exhilarating. The splash park is perfect for the kids," said Ross.
"After cooling down at Wild Wadi there are many other attractions in Dubai to consider experiencing. If I had to pick one though, it has to be 'At the Top,' the viewpoint in the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa. I'd recommend that the Flight Centre consultant, book their customer's tickets in advance because its AED110 per person in advance but AED400 per person on arrival."
The Terrace of the Grand Imperial Suite
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray welcomes Flight Centre myTime guests from November 1, 2013.
