Even by the standards of high-end Dubai hotels, the five-pearl Jumeirah Zabeel Saray stands out as one of the most grandiose. While the soaring, ornately carved entrance hints at the opulence within, it's not until stepping inside the hotel that its level of extravagance is revealed. Inspired by the palatial golden age of the Ottoman empire, the lobby is a riot of shimmering gold and white, featuring a polished stone floor reflecting a marble fountain and huge spiraled columns supporting a lofty ceiling adorned with an elaborate hand-painted dome. The front desk area has intricate geometric patterning, traditional zellige tile floors, and sumptuous furnishings, all moodily lit with tasseled lamp shades and lavish chandeliers. Just off the lobby, the cavernous Avenue of Indulgence -- with over a dozen luxury boutiques -- speaks for itself. 

While some may find the property a little over the top, it is undeniably impressive and immaculate in its presentation, including the meticulously tended gardens that slope gently down to the private sandy beach. Obviously attracting the more well-heeled end of the market, the hotel is popular with couples seeking a luxurious retreat and families drawn by the kids' club and family-friendly facilities. However, reports do suggest security presence is less than discreet and can feel a little overbearing.

This hotel is located on Palm Jumeirah -- one of two palm-shaped artificial archipelagos in Dubai built out into the Arabian Gulf. One side of the hotel is beachfront with views towards the central elements of The Palm, while the other side of the hotel adjoins the access road that runs along the crescent. Being situated right on the tip of The Palm's West Crescent gives the place an exclusive and secluded feel, but at the same time making it a hassle to get to the Dubai mainland. This means getting anywhere can take a while -- especially considering Dubai's notoriously busy traffic -- so this property is best for those not planning on much sightseeing. 

The hotel has 405 rooms, suites, and residences that, while certainly lavishly decorated, are toned down a notch compared to the public areas. There is still plenty in the way of opulence, though, such as the velvet-topped furnishings, sumptuous fabrics, and wood latticework in Arabian styling. All rooms open to spacious furnished balconies or terraces with sea views, either toward the Palm or the gulf and cityscape. Amenities are all first-rate, including free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and large flat-screen TVs, plus Ottoman-style bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, large Turkish marble bathtubs, and luxury Penhaligon's products. Rooms also have electric kettles, minibars, and Nespresso machines. The 38 exclusive Royal Residences situated around a lagoon pool are seriously upscale and have personal 24-hour butler service.

It's the hotel's Talise Ottoman Spa -- one of the largest spas in the Middle East -- that really makes the resort special. Containing a whopping 42 treatment rooms, eight hydrotherapy rooms, steam and snow rooms, and three beautiful Turkish hammams, it's beyond impressive. Additionally, there's a large outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens, cushioned loungers, and umbrellas. Next to the pool is the beautiful private sandy beach lined with loungers, butler service, and a volleyball court. Child-friendly facilities include the Sinbad’s Kids Club, which has two pools (one with a waterslide), and an adjacent playground, trampoline, and rock wall. 

The fitness center is small for a resort of this size, but it's well-equipped with modern cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, yoga mats, and punching bags. Two tennis courts and a cinema showing family and adult-oriented movies each day are also available for guests. For business travelers, there are several fully equipped meeting and conference spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

Dining options are numerous and varied, offering everything from Northern Indian to high-end steakhouse to Lebanese cuisine, as well as Dubai’s first Anatolian restaurant. Breakfast is served in the grand Imperium restaurant, complete with rows of crystal chandeliers and neoclassical columns (though it is not included in standard rates). All 10 eateries include the option of alfresco dining on outside terraces. In addition to the eateries, guests can grab a cocktail at the sleek Voda Bar. The Music Hall theater provides evening entertainment on select nights.