Iftar at the mamemo majlis at The Four Seasons Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road is one of sumptuous surroundings with an atmosphere of calm.
The hotel has created its own Ramadan majlis tent, and a member of the team proudly told me that they built the lavish space in a mere five days. It’s quite a feat considering the detail and interiors of the two-storey construct. The bottom floor is a soothing mix of whites and pastel blues, with artwork on the walls depicting life in the emirates of a bygone era. The upper floor, a lounge for relaxing, we’ll come to later.
The iftar included a range of dishes including salads and mezze, as well as a tasty soup choice of lentil or chicken. The lentil soup I chose was the perfect way to begin a meal after a day of fasting. There were dates and dried fruit available on every table and a range of juices that could be ordered from the staff.
Other dishes on offer included traditional Arabic staples such as lamb ouzi and dawood basha (lamb meatballs). There was also delicious roasted fish and even (my favourite thing in the world, being Irish) mashed potatoes. Something for everyone.
The service was very good and the staff were pleasant and accommodating. There was a woman dressed in traditional clothing carrying a smoking urn of oud to keep the fragrance in the air. There was also Arabic coffee and an array of Arabic desserts and other sweets — children will love the chocolate fountain.
The special thing about this iftar is the lounge on the second floor of the purpose-built majlis. It is light, relaxing and a perfect place to sit with family and friends after a meal or for suhoor. In the evening there are live musicians playing in the background taking you to a faraway place. There are beautiful pieces of art on the walls and on the tables dotted around the room.
Shisha is available in this lounge but there is plenty of air conditioning to draw out the smoke for those who don’t like it.
All round, this is a bit of a pricey iftar at Dh260, but is beautifully presented with delicious food and delightful ambience, and it is the surroundings that make it a winner this Ramadan. Go here for relaxation with your loved ones, family and friends and make it a special night.
The details
Where: Four Seasons Resort Dubai
Price: Dh260 per person (suhoor has a minimum spend of Dh190).
Open daily from sunset-3am.
Call 04-2707777.
