MayaBay Jumeirah

Dinner with Turtles Outside the Window and the Burj Al Arab in View

MayaBay at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Lagoon is one of our favourite family date nights. The Japanese-Thai fusion food is outstanding, and the kids made a beeline for the dumplings, which they usually know as squishy toys. The turtles swim in the lagoon right beside the restaurant. It is dark in the evening, but a flashlight shows you where they are.

It is fancy but not stuffy. The staff were lovely with the kids, and there were more families with young children than we expected. The dress code is smart casual, a good excuse to dress up a little. It is open daily from 12pm to 3am, booking a table is recommended, and Privilee members get 20% off. The turtle sanctuary is free to visit by day, with a public feeding every Wednesday at 11am (read more). Opening times and discounts can change, so please check before you go.

Insider tip: walk back to the lobby along the walkways behind the beach for the most stunning view of the Burj Al Arab.