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Often known as one among as we speak’s most spectacular man-made wonders, the metropolis of Dubai is dwelling to large skyscrapers (together with the world’s tallest constructing, Burj Khalifa), luxurious purchasing, beautiful delicacies, and scenic adventures. After the invention of oil within the area in 1966, town skilled explosive development and building, attracting investments from all corners of the globe.
Once I first visited Dubai in early 2024, I used to be not disenchanted — it has an fascinating mix of custom and innovation in contrast to anyplace else I’ve skilled. In the course of the day, you may actually go scuba diving within the 1,200-plus-store Dubai Mall and within the night, take a strolling tour of historical Previous Dubai, and check out spices and teas or store at Gold Souk market. The town is a real fusion of centuries previous and fashionable occasions.
As one of many area’s most spectacular cities, it’s no shock that Dubai can also be dwelling to a few of the world’s most interesting inns. We’ve rounded up the perfect inns within the metropolis — lots of which have earned a spot on our unique World’s Greatest Awards and It Listing — to raise your U.A.E. journey to the following stage.
Why I’m the Skilled
Joe Niehaus is a commerce and journey author who spends vital time overseas, visiting varied properties throughout a variety of resort manufacturers. Whereas in Dubai, he skilled an enormous array of inns, eating places, websites, and excursions, oftentimes guided by locals, so he’s certain these properties are the perfect town has to supply.
Courtesy of Al Maha
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
Set in opposition to Dubai’s mesmerizing desert panorama, multi-year World’s Greatest Awards winner Al Maha affords an unique retreat about an hour outdoors of town. Each one of many 42 villas has handcrafted Arabian furnishings and opens as much as temperature-controlled personal swimming pools with sweeping views of the golden dunes.
Throughout your keep, you may bask in world-class eating (together with an iconic floating breakfast) at Al Diwaan or the Hajar Terrace Bar, enjoyable spa remedies at Timeless Spa, and quite a lot of outside actions together with camel treks and wildlife safaris. Al Maha is what you seemingly image once you assume “Dubai.”
Whether or not you’re in search of a peaceable retreat or an adventurous getaway, Al Maha delivers on all fronts. The resort’s distinctive consideration to element in indigenous design and tailor-made service, together with its dedication to sustainability and the preservation of the native ecosystem, provides an enriching layer to your keep.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Dubai Camel Racing Membership, Inflight Dubai Indoor Skydiving, SkyHub Paramotors
- Accessibility: Accessible on-site parking, valet parking for automobiles tailored for drivers in wheelchairs, lowered electrical shops, lowered sinks, and bathroom seats at wheelchair top with seize rails
- Loyalty Packages: Marriott Bonvoy
- Charges: From $1,296 per evening
Courtesy of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
Anantara The Palm, one other World’s Greatest Awards winner, stands out as having the U.A.E.’s first over-water villas, with Thai-inspired structure unfold throughout a pristine stretch of the Palm Jumierah. The resort’s lagoon swimming pools wind by the property like a community of peaceable waterways, connecting the usual rooms with direct entry whereas the seaside villas have their very own personal pool.
The eating scene impresses with its selection — Mekong serves genuine dishes from three Asian international locations whereas The Seashore Home affords Mediterranean flavors with front-row views of the Persian Gulf. Revo Café gives an informal spot for mild fare all through the day, together with different eating places and lounges open at totally different occasions.
If you’re not floating in one of many three temperature-controlled swimming swimming pools or lounging on the personal seaside, the Antantara Spa combines Thai hospitality with conventional hammam remedies. For these in search of journey, the resort’s water sports activities middle affords every part from kayaking to wakeboarding. Households particularly admire the devoted youngsters’ and teenagers’ golf equipment, plus quick access to Palm Jumeirah’s points of interest.
Make time to e book the signature Designer Eating expertise — whether or not it’s a romantic dinner on the seaside or a household feast in your personal villa, the culinary staff personalizes each element. Simply keep in mind to order your most well-liked eating places and spa remedies nicely upfront, significantly throughout excessive season.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Anantara Seashore, The Palm Fountain, Al Ittihad Park, Jumeirah Lake Towers Promenade
- Accessibility: The resort options elevators and wheelchair-accessible areas.
- Loyalty Packages: Anantara DISCOVERY
- Charges: From $484 per evening
Courtesy of Armani Resort Dubai
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
The Armani Resort Dubai, a 2021 World’s Greatest Awards winner, units the usual for stylish luxurious from its prime location within the Burj Khalifa. Each aspect of the style icon’s first resort bears Giorgio Armani’s signature fashion, from the custom-designed furnishings to the understated palette that defines every house.
Seven eating places showcase the resort’s culinary prowess — Armani/Ristorante presents refined Italian delicacies whereas Armani/Hashi delivers Japanese flavors with views of the Dubai Fountain. The Armani/Lounge, stretching throughout the entrance of the resort, affords front-row seats to the fountain reveals over afternoon tea or night cocktails.
The Armani/Spa spans over 12,000 sq. toes of tranquility, the place thermal services complement remedies designed to counter city stress. Rooms function curved partitions and chic touches like Armani facilities, iPad-controlled lighting, and floor-to-ceiling home windows overlooking both the Dubai Fountain or the Arabian Gulf.
Positioned on the planet’s tallest constructing, the resort gives direct entry to The Dubai Mall and downtown points of interest. For the last word expertise, e book an Armani Fountain Suite — the views of the world’s largest performing fountain are unmatched.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Mercato Seashore
- Accessibility: The resort affords handicapped-accessible rooms.
- Loyalty Packages: U by Emaar
- Charges: From $809 per evening
Courtesy of Atlantis The Palm
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
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Attributable to its recognition as a family-friendly vacation spot, it will probably get fairly crowded, significantly throughout peak seasons.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai instructions consideration on the prime of Palm Jumeirah with its distinctive rose-hued colour and awe-inspiring structure. The resort homes one of many world’s largest waterparks, Aquaventure, the place visitors take pleasure in complimentary entry to over 105 record-breaking slides and points of interest together with a brand new 48-meter tower.
The culinary lineup reads like a who’s who of movie star cooks — Nobu Matsuhisa’s namesake restaurant serves Japanese fusion, whereas Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Road Kitchen & Bar affords British classics with a twist. Ossiano, the underwater fine-dining restaurant, gives entrance row views of the Ambassador Lagoon’s 65,000 marine creatures throughout your meal.
A 2021 World’s Greatest Awards winner, the resort continues to innovate with experiences like The Misplaced Chambers Aquarium encounters and dolphin interactions at Dolphin Bay. Rooms and suites seize the ocean theme with marine-inspired decor, whereas the Signature Suites — together with the well-known Underwater Suites — supply unparalleled luxurious with floor-to-ceiling aquarium views.
The expansive AWAKEN Spa options conventional and cutting-edge remedies alike. For the last word Atlantis expertise, request a desk at Ossiano throughout sundown — the altering mild by the aquarium creates an unforgettable eating environment.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: The Palm Fountain, WHITE Seashore, Aquaventure Seashore, Al Ittihad Park, Jumeirah Lake Towers Promenade
- Accessibility: Accessible parking and rooms, Braille signage, sensor-friendly areas, and wheelchair-accessible areas
- Loyalty Packages: Atlantis Unlocked
- Charges: From $428 per evening
Courtesy of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands as Dubai’s most iconic silhouette. Set by itself personal island linked by a curved bridge, every duplex suite spans two flooring with floor-to-ceiling home windows showcasing views of the Arabian Gulf or Palm Jumeirah.
Culinary experiences vary from the spectacular – Al Muntaha serves fashionable European delicacies on the twenty seventh flooring – to the extraordinary, at Al Mahara, the place floor-to-ceiling aquarium partitions present a mesmerizing backdrop to your seafood dinner. The Terrace, which extends over the water, homes personal cabanas and two infinity swimming pools that appear to merge with the horizon.
Touchdown a spot on our World’s Greatest Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the resort maintains its repute with unparalleled service, together with devoted butlers and elective in-suite check-in. The Talise Spa, perched 150 meters above the Gulf, affords remedies with panoramic views, whereas the indoor infinity pool encompasses a kaleidoscope ceiling that shifts with the day’s mild.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Undertaking, Xpark Jr, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Al Barsha Pond Park
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas
- Loyalty Packages: Jumeirah One
- Charges: From $1,527 per evening
Courtesy of The Lana
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
The Lana makes an architectural assertion in Enterprise Bay with its placing puzzle-like construct — a design masterstroke from agency Foster + Companions that creates a play of sunshine and shadow all through the day. The 225 rooms function floor-to-ceiling home windows that body Dubai’s evolving skyline from each angle, whereas the bogs, wearing Greek marble, supply deep-soaking tubs with metropolis or desert views.
Eight eating venues showcase the resort’s culinary aptitude. Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui brings his revolutionary Basque delicacies to Signatures, whereas the Thirty eighth-floor rooftop presents Mediterranean flavors in a backyard setting. The constructing’s distinctive void homes the Desert Backyard, the place visitors can take pleasure in mild bites surrounded by desert flora.
An It Listing winner in 2024, the property brings Dorchester Assortment’s famend service to Dubai. The fourth-floor wellness house features a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the canal, whereas the rooftop pool gives a glossy escape with cabanas and skyline views.
E-book a sundown reservation on the rooftop restaurant to observe the sunshine play throughout Burj Khalifa, and don’t miss the spa’s signature therapy that includes native elements. The concierge may even organize yacht excursions of the Dubai Canal, which flows proper previous the resort’s door.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Bai Bar & Terrace, Marasi Promenade
- Accessibility: Lowered sinks, raised bathroom with seize rails, rest room emergency cords, and wheelchair-accessible areas
- Loyalty Packages: None
- Charges: From $636 per evening
Chrissie McClatchie, T+L Contributor
The Center East debut for the Dorchester Assortment is simply one other signal that on the subject of hospitality, Dubai is on the extent of London, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles. And The Lana nonetheless manages to face out in a crowded discipline. That’s partly due to its location in Marasi Bay Marina, an upscale new growth. The placing Foster & Companions constructing is avant-garde, whereas the interiors, from designers Gilles & Boissier, are extra delicate, with tender pinks and sandy beiges that nod to the encircling desert and chic touches akin to textured wallpaper and wealthy wooden paneling within the 225 rooms and suites. There’s additionally a Dior spa and a trio of notable eating places helmed by celebrated cooks — Martin Berasategui, Jean Imbert, and Angelo Musa. Locals are already clamoring to get into the rooftop bar, Excessive Society, the place I took within the skyline, martini in hand.
— Chrissie McClatchie, T+L Contributor
Courtesy of One&Solely Resorts
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
The One&Solely One Za’abeel resort redefines Dubai’s skyline with its daring structure, that includes two towers linked by “The Hyperlink” — a 230-meter horizontal metal bridge that holds a number of world data. This cantilevered marvel homes a number of eating places and lounges, every providing a distinct perspective of town by floor-to-ceiling home windows.
Rooms showcase modern luxurious with good options and complex design, many offering views of both Zabeel Park or Dubai Body. The culinary expertise spans the globe: acclaimed chef Mehmet Gürs brings fashionable Turkish delicacies to ARIANA, whereas Vietnamese movie star chef Luke Nguyen presents his imaginative and prescient at ATEM. For these in search of exclusivity, the invitation-only TAPASAKE Membership combines Japanese delicacies with poolside comfort.
Additionally a 2024 It Listing winner, the property raises the bar for city resorts with one of many UAE’s largest infinity swimming pools, creating an elevated oasis with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. The One&Solely Non-public Spa affords personalised remedies in personal suites, every with its personal leisure house.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Zabeel Park, Inexperienced Planet Dubai, The Dubai Fountain, Bay Avenue Park, La Mer Seashore
- Accessibility: The resort has accessible parking, vast elevators, and wheelchair-accessible services.
- Loyalty Packages: None
- Charges: From $659 per evening
Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Print Editor
In Dubai, change is intentional — and the opening of One&Solely One Za’abeel, the One&Solely Resorts model’s first resort within the coronary heart of a serious metropolis, isn’t any exception. Within the prosperous Za’abeel district, the resort is linked to an adjoining tower by the world’s longest cantilever, the 750-foot-long Hyperlink, an idea by Japanese structure agency Nikken Sekkei that hovers greater than 300 toes above the bottom. Inside, the resort vibe is delivered to life by famous Aman designer Jean-Michel Gathy, with a soothing colour palette and wealthy textures that pay homage to the nation’s desert landscapes.
— Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Print Editor
Courtesy of Atlantis The Royal Dubai
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
Atlantis The Royal Dubai has a stacked-cube structure rising 43 tales above Palm Jumeirah. The distinctive silhouette, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, homes 795 rooms and suites that includes personal infinity swimming pools, making it one of many world’s largest collections of pool-enhanced lodging in a single resort.
This It Listing 2023 winner’s eating scene is excellent. Heston Blumenthal’s debut Center Jap restaurant Dinner options historically-inspired British dishes, whereas Nobu by the Seashore reimagines Japanese-Peruvian delicacies in a coastal setting. At Cloud 22, the Twenty second-floor infinity pool gives a floating vantage level above the palm-shaped island, full with personal cabanas and a swim-up bar.
The resort elevates luxurious with options just like the AWAKEN Health middle’s anti-gravity studio and the Atlantis Royal Spa’s six-room Hammam Sensorium. The Royal Mansion, spanning the highest flooring, affords the last word in opulence with its personal infinity pool and devoted staff of butlers.
For the complete expertise, request a Skyscape Assortment room, the views of each the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic landmarks are unmatched.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Misplaced Chambers Aquarium, The Palm Fountain, Aquaventure Seashore, WHITE Seashore, Al Ittihad Park
- Accessibility: Accessible parking house, valet parking for wheelchair-equipped automobiles, and wheelchair-accessible areas.
- Loyalty Packages: Atlantis Unlocked
- Charges: From $830 per evening
John Arlidge, T+L Contributor
Most main cities have one resort icon: the Ritz (Paris), Claridge’s (London), Raffles (Singapore), the Peninsula (Hong Kong). However Dubai, arguably, now has three. Atlantis The Royal joins the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which floats within the Arabian Gulf, and the pink palace of Atlantis The Palm, atop the Palm Jumeirah. The price was rumored to be round $1.5 billion, making Atlantis The Royal one of the costly inns ever constructed. It had a launch social gathering to match: Beyonce carried out in entrance of 1000’s of visitors at January’s opening bash. The huge constructions match collectively like jenga, every with suites unfolding onto huge terraces with personal infinity swimming pools. Spend the times taking within the cityscape and ocean views, earlier than eating at eating places run by José Andrés, Heston Blumenthal, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gastón Acurio, and Ariana Bundy, who opened her first restaurant, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, within the resort.
— John Arlidge, T+L Contributor
Courtesy of Accor
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
Identical to a number of of the opposite alternatives on our checklist, this five-star resort is located within the coronary heart of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, providing panoramic views of each the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s placing skyline. Every room and suite encompasses a personal balcony good for watching the sundown paint the waters in golden hues, whereas marble bogs and complex furnishings create an environment of understated luxurious.
One factor I personally love about Fairmont and one thing that stands out instantly when you’ve ever stayed at their properties, is that there are so many restaurant choices. The Dubai resort’s eating assortment spans the globe — Little Miss India serves genuine regional delicacies in an eclectic setting, whereas Frevo brings Brazilian churrascaria flavors beachside. Move Kitchen affords worldwide fare all through the day and Seagrill Restaurant + Bar presents contemporary seafood with Mediterranean influences on a sea-view terrace.
4 temperature-controlled swimming pools present year-round consolation, together with an adults-only pool and a devoted youngsters’s splash space. The Fairmont Spa combines conventional hammam rituals with fashionable remedies, whereas the personal seaside stretch affords water sports activities and beachfront leisure. Households will admire the Fairmont Falcons Children’ Membership and quick access to Palm Jumeirah’s points of interest.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Al Ittihad Park, The Palm Fountain, Children Planet, Burj Al Arab Tower, Al Barsha Pond Park
- Accessibility: Accessible rooms and facilities for wheelchairs, visible and audible alarms, and accessible electrical switches and shops.
- Loyalty Packages: ALL – Accor Dwell Limitless
- Charges: From $394 per evening
Courtesy of 4 Seasons Resorts
Additionally accessible to e book at Expedia.com
4 Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Seashore brings Mediterranean-style grandeur to a pristine stretch of personal seaside, the place sea-facing terraces and marble colonnades body views of each the Burj Khalifa and Arabian Gulf. The resort’s location, tucked away in prestigious Jumeirah, gives a peaceable retreat whereas remaining simply minutes from downtown points of interest.
Two swimming pools cater to totally different moods: the lively pool buzzes with household vitality whereas the quiet pool gives adults with a peaceable sanctuary. The Pearl Spa combines European and Asian wellness traditions throughout 10 therapy rooms, full with an indoor pool and hammam. For seaside lovers, the personal stretch of sand contains temperature-controlled pods and attentive service.
Reserve sundown drinks at Mercury Rooftop to observe Dubai’s skyline come alive, and e book Sea Fu’s outside terrace in the course of the cooler months; the sound of waves provides an additional aspect to the eating expertise. For the last word keep, request a Premier Sea-View Room the place the balcony positioning captures each the dawn over the ocean and the glittering downtown lights.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Safa Park, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Inexperienced Planet Dubai, Burj Al Arab Tower, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas and rooms, raised bathrooms with seize rails, lowered sinks, and extra
- Loyalty Packages: None
- Charges: From $953 per evening
Know Earlier than You Go
Be respectful of the native tradition and customs
Dubai is essentially the most populated metropolis within the United Arab Emirates, by which the official faith is Islam, as said within the nation’s structure. Whereas ingesting is not unlawful as is typically misunderstood, there’s not a sprawling bar scene. Pay attention to the rules and know that being drunk in public will virtually actually end in jail time and fines.
Moreover, PDA together with kissing and hugging in public areas is just not permitted and applicable clothes ought to be worn always. There are additionally strict limitations round pictures, so make sure to test the newest pointers earlier than snapping images.
Make notice of Ramadan restrictions
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting in Islam that usually falls in the course of the finish of winter and starting of spring. Whereas vacationers aren’t required to quick, you’ll discover that the afternoons are quieter within the metropolis and a few companies’ hours shall be affected. It’s particularly necessary to decorate modestly, keep away from taking part in loud music, and chorus from PDA throughout this time of the 12 months.
Dubai is sprawling, so construct journey time into your plans
One of many primary issues I used to be shocked about when visiting Dubai is solely how giant it’s. Relying on why you’re visiting, you’ll seemingly should journey 10 or extra minutes to get the place you’re making an attempt to go — whether or not it’s for a gathering or for leisure. Be certain to account for journey time and site visitors, as there’s usually lots of congestion and town is unfold out.
Get out of town
Whereas Dubai has so much to supply throughout the metropolis limits, a few of the most picturesque sights that come to thoughts once you consider the vacation spot usually occur nicely outdoors of downtown. Actions akin to desert safaris and scorching air balloon excursions are an hour-plus drive and may be booked by tour corporations’ web sites straight. They usually’re nicely value it!
How We Selected These Lodges
Joe Niehaus is a journey author with in depth worldwide expertise, together with a go to to Dubai up to now 12 months. The inns above have been curated primarily based on his private expertise visiting Dubai along with in depth analysis, suggestions from Journey + Leisure editors and contributors, and several other of the alternatives seem on our World’s Greatest Awards and It Listing. Lastly, all inns on this checklist adhere to our Resort Values.
