JA The Resort is on the precipice of change, as upgrades and refurbishment projects across its one million square metre expanse promise to take the experience several notches higher.
The five-star all-inclusive beachfront destination features three unique hotels, 800 metres of sandy beach, some 25 food and beverage outlets, and more than 40 exhilarating experiences including tennis courts, a world-class nine-hole championship golf course, horse-riding, water sports and shooting range activities.
We speak to William Harley-Fleming, Cluster GM of JA The Resort, for details.
What are the new enhancements and additions we can look forward to in the resort this year?
We are extremely pleased to advise that we will be upgrading multiple areas of JA The Resort this year, which will further enhance our overall guest experience at this truly unique destination. We have just added four private plunge pools into our One-Bedroom Terrace Suites, and two outdoor Jacuzzis in our Luxury Two-Bedroom Suites at JA Lake View Hotel.
Following this, we are starting a full refurbishment of JA Palm Tree Court, our Mediterranean-style villa suites, which will include a full refresh of the interiors, a new swimming pool and a new Spanish-influenced restaurant, all to be completed by October 15 this year.
We will also be adding to the overall destination a Splash Park, which will be located next to our two-storey kids’ club, Pirates & Mermaids, with an additional splash pad for the younger children, incorporated within the playground element of this complex. We are expecting the projects works to be fully completed by November 2022.
Lastly, in order to complement our existing 25 food & beverage outlets across JA The Resort we will be launching four new concepts at different stages throughout the summer to include a modern Mexican, a Spanish-influenced restaurant, a burger and shake joint, and a new rustic beach bar.
We look forward to an exciting summer ahead with the addition of these amazing new facilities, which are all on schedule to be ready and operational in quarter four of this year.
What are some fun activities guests can enjoy in JA The Resort this summer?
Club Jumana, located close to the JA Marina offers activities for the entire family to enjoy such as badminton, table tennis, dart boards, foosball tables, billiards and a squash court. For the younger ones there is an interactive daily kids’ programme at the Pirates & Mermaids kids’ club, including kids’ yoga, zumba, creative arts and crafts, fun interactive games and kids’ cinemas. Alternatively, for those who don’t mind the heat we have a fully-fledged watersports centre that offers thrilling activities ranging from Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and windsurfing to sailing and wing foiling.
With Dubai World Central’s opening up, do you see an increase in traffic?
We work very closely with the national carriers of the UAE such as Emirates and flydubai. As we are the closest resort to DWC we have noticed an increased number of flydubai guests taking advantage of the resorts’ proximity to the airport during the upgrades. We are also in discussions with key partners on how we can work more closely with the national airlines as we approach the FIFA World Cup 2022.
How important is the MICE business/weddings etc. for the resort?
MICE is a key element of our business due to the diversity and size of the Resort, allowing unique and memorable tailored corporate events and weddings at various locations across the property. We have a range of indoor and outdoor venues available to suit the clients’ visions ranging from intimate gatherings to grand events for 2,500 persons.
Do travel agents/travel advisors and bookers play an important role today?
JA Resorts & Hotels is predominantly a leisure resort-based group so it is imperative that we take the approach of working with all tour operators, travel agencies, destination management companies, online travel agents, loyalty programmes and direct business.
Tell us about your resort membership packages.
We run a very lucrative and well received club membership programme for the pool and beach; the period ranges from one month to annual for single or family memberships and there’s the pool and beach or unlimited membership options. The benefits include access to several pools and the 800 private beach with discounts across all food & beverage outlets and up to 25 per cent off at Calm Spa, JA Shooting Club, JA The Resort Golf Course and Leadbetter Academy, and JA Equestrian Centre. More details can be found here.