Jumeirah Al Qasr’s ‘Balloons At The Palace’ Returns With Tales Of The Arabian Skies

Marking a year since its launch, Jumeirah Al Qasr’s Balloons at the Palace unfurls once more – a culinary voyage steeped in the myth and mystique of the Spice Route’s golden age

Dubai has many unique qualities, but its ability to surprise and delight with concepts that defy the imagination – especially where hospitality is concerned – is most definitely a calling card. Part of this magic lies in the miniature universes that are created and crafted within the city. The most enchanting of all? Balloons at the Palace, the exquisite terrace that perches upon Jumeirah Al Qasr, the Jumeirah Group’s jewel in the crown – a five star hotel and resort themed as a traditional Arabian Palace.

Now in its second year, Balloons at the Palace welcomes guests into a new world of wonder, as its instantly iconic floating hot air balloons have been re-dressed for their second season. This year, four scintillating balloons will host guests for a unique culinary voyage, crafted to echo the journey of Arabian travellers following the legendary Spice Route, exploring the theme “Tales of the Arabian Skies.”

Each balloon is curated to feel like a floating majlis, an intimate space able to house small groups of 2-6 guests, dappled with celestial motifs that speak to the skies above. From the terrace’s unique positioning overlooking the ocean guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf, the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, and the city’s twinkling lights.

While watching the sun set from this vantage point is a heavenly and humbling moment, this season Balloons at the Palace welcomes guests to attend Breakfast in the Clouds, hosted from 09:00 to 11:00, every Friday and Saturday, while Afternoon Tea in the Sky is served daily from 13:00 to 15:00 and 15:30 to 17:30. Themed to “A Tale of Two Traditions,” this afternoon tea will be a firm favourite of the British expat community – expect delicate smoked salmon sandwiches and scones with regional twists à la vanilla mousse, pistachio and Kunafa. Guests can also attend The Spice Route Journey dinner seatings, from 18:30 to 20:30 and 21:00 to 23:00, offering six flavourful and fragrant courses including yellow fin tuna with harissa emulsion, succulent roasted prawns, and a choice of main course including beef tenderloin with date molasses jus or Mediterranean sea bass with saffron emulsion. Each course harks back to the lapping ocean and fragrant air that accompany the dining experience, seamlessly blending each balloon’s miniature universe into the vista that lies beyond the terrace’s grand balustrade.

As the terrace only boasts four of these billowing balloons, availability is limited and booking is essential. Whether you choose to salute the sun, rest under its rays on a glorious afternoon, or wish to be enveloped by the inky depths of Dubai’s star-studded skies, there is a moment that will leave you speechless.

The experiences will be priced as follows, per person:

• Breakfast: Starting from AED 195 (Guests aged 8 and above; accommodates 2 to 6 guests per balloon)
• Afternoon Tea: Starting from AED 295, with bubbly packages available (Guests aged 8 and above; accommodates 2 to 6 guests per balloon)
• Dinner, (Seatings at 18:30 and 21:00): Starting from AED 395, with grape pairing packages available (Guests aged 16 and above; accommodates 2 to 4 guests per balloon)

For reservations, visit www.jumeirah.com

Imagery supplied