Resting on the pristine shores of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray brings the grandeur of ancient Istanbul to life. Inspired by the majestic palaces of the Ottoman Empire, this resort dazzles with its exquisite, award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa - the largest in the Middle East.

Here are five captivating reasons why Talise Ottoman Spa is the ultimate wellness destination:

1. A gateway to grandeur

A blue ‘watching eye’ greets you as you approach the main entrance of the hotel and spa. This welcoming symbol of protection, surrounded by Iznik tiles crafted in Turkey, is commonly used inside and outside Ottoman houses. As you pass through intricately carved wooden doors, detailed with vintage metal fittings from Turkish souks, you enter a realm befitting Ottoman royalty.

Inside, the ambiance is set by dark wood and gleaming marble from Afyon and Kutahya, complemented by striking murals. Handmade ceramics and engraved mother-of-pearl furnishings add thoughtful touches. Domes, a celebrated feature of Ottoman architecture, are prominently showcased at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Inspired by Turkish paintings, a dedicated team of 22 students from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University created detailed hand-painted murals within the 28 domes throughout the resort, including Talise Ottoman Spa.

Adding to the grandeur, the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier hangs in the central hall. It features 750 lamps and weighs an impressive 4.5 tonnes, creating a stunning focal point.

The spa itself has two separate entrances, each featuring a solid wood door weighing around 600kg. These doors, crafted from Turkish oak and hand-painted with turquoise paint, are larger-than-life replicas of traditional Hammam doors, achieving an aged look and feel. Did you know it took a team of ten people two days to paint the wood, ensuring an authentic style?

2. Explore tranquil spaces

Talise Ottoman Spa, a destination in its own right, spans 8,200sqm with dedicated areas for women, men, and VIP guests. With 42 treatment rooms, three hammams, and two indoor Thalassotherapy pools, it offers a truly lavish experience. Guests can wander through softly lit corridors, moving from one serene space to another - from the calm of facial rooms and aromatherapy lounges to crystal chambers, steam rooms, and saunas.

The thoughtfully curated menu delivers authentic and transformative results. Offering indulgences enriched with rare and precious healing ingredients like Rose Damascena and Himalayan herbs, each experience, from traditional therapies and revitalising facials to soothing massages and wellness rituals, draws on the healing powers of nature and ancient philosophies.

Experience the therapeutic benefits of the spa's Thalassotherapy pools. Overhead, arched stained-glass windows and a star-studded ceiling create a dreamlike ambiance. Step into the mineral-rich water, and let the healing salt water soothe your body, improve circulation, alleviate joint pain, detoxify, and promote overall wellness.

For a delightful contrast to the warmth of the steam and sauna rooms, find chilled tranquillity in the spa’s snow rooms. This frosty environment, combined with gentle snowfall, offers a cooling respite that soothes muscles, tightens pores, and boosts circulation.

3. A journey through tradition

The grand Turkish Hammam, a marble and mosaic masterpiece, stands at the heart of the spa, showcasing centuries-old Ottoman traditions. Begin your journey in the Royal Majlis, then unwind on the heated marble 'goebektas' to ease muscle tension. Move to one of the many marble ‘kurnas,’ where a therapist will help rinse and prepare you for the Hammam ritual.

Let your mind drift as golden age traditions and the gentle warmth of the water envelop you. The Hammam, an essential part of Ottoman culture, creates a unique atmosphere for both bathing and socialising. The spa's design elements recreate this friendly, social scene. Guests experience the traditional Turkish bath ritual, moving from a warm room to a hot room, then splashing with cold water, receiving a massage, and finally relaxing in a cooling room.

The main area of the Hammam features a heated marble scrubbing bed that accommodates up to four guests, with an intricate heating system designed to recreate a 12th-century Hammam experience.

4. A bespoke experience

The spa offers a romantic hideaway for couples seeking moments of intimacy. The Romance 1001 Roses package invites you and your partner to enjoy skin-softening Hammam baths while relishing fresh strawberries, followed by a relaxing couples massage. For a regal touch, experience the Couples Royal Hammam with ‘kese’ mitt exfoliation, skin-cleansing, and a purifying rose or gold body mask.

Families are also welcome to nurture special bonding time in the spa’s calm and quiet setting. Delight in introducing your little ones to the gentle world of aromatic scents like lavender and rejuvenating crystals, sharing soothing massages and glowing facials. We recommend opting for the family revitalising retreat.

Each visit to the spa is a personal journey. Select treatments designed for your unique needs, and choose your favourite essential oil for a tailored aromatherapy experience. Dedicated fitness training and special programmes for brides-to-be and expecting mothers are thoughtfully designed to enrich your significant life moments.

5. Award-winning excellence

As a celebrated wellness destination, Talise Ottoman Spa has been honoured with prestigious accolades such as the Condé Nast Travel Awards and TripAdvisor’s Travel Awards, affirming its world-class reputation.

The spa takes pride in its team of expert therapists, skilled in both ancient and modern wellness practices. These dedicated professionals ensure every session is not only healing but deeply soothing, making each visit uniquely restorative.

At Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, step into the exquisite Talise Ottoman Spa, where the focus shifts to preserving a rich cultural heritage and sharing it with the world in a setting of ultimate relaxation and elegance.