Dubai's best beach resorts

Indulge in Dubai's best luxury beach resorts

The city certainly has no shortage of luxury beach resorts and while many can claim a rightful place in this category, these five near the top of every list.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: The Four Seasons name is legendary around the world, and its Dubai location only enhances its reputation. Set back from its own private beachfront, the resort offers two outdoor pools, an indoor lap pool, one of the best spas in the city and 12 lounges and restaurants, including Japanese favourite Mimi Kakushi and Mediterranean-inspired Nammos. All rooms feature balconies and marble-laid bathrooms, complemented by exemplary service.

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf: Part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex, Dar Al Masyaf is unique for offering 29 chic 'summer houses', each self-contained and luxuriously-appointed, boasting 24-hour private butler service. Choose from the Gulf summer houses that are close to the beach, or the Arabian ones that sit beside picturesque canals. Perfect for those looking for space, privacy and luxury.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira: With a stunning lobby, signature fragrance, and thoughtfully-decorated rooms, the Mandarin Oriental provides a blend of contemporary luxury and world-class facilities. Stroll on the private beach and work out in its Outrace-equipped fitness centre, before cooling down in the spa and dining at one of the hotel's incredible restaurants – try Michelin-starred Tasca, a Portuguese offering that's overseen by celebrity chef José Avillez.

Anantara World Islands: Anantara’s seventh UAE property has taken up residence on none other than Dubai’s World Islands, clinching the coveted title as the archipelago’s first resort. Accessible via a 15-minute boat ride from The Palm, the resort’s home island (named Clarence Island) serves as a private haven for guests, offering 70 lavish seaside villas and suites as well as pools, alfresco dining and beach access.

Raffles The Palm: Built to evoke the palaces of Europe, Raffles The Palm Dubai is sure to impress, from its dramatic lobby to its sprawling beachfront. With views across both Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, the resort  – or ‘palace’ as it is sometimes referred to –  offers a sparkling private beach, plus outdoor and indoor pools, a private 80-seat cinema and regal dining venues.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai: This stunning structure on Palm Jumeirah sprawls laterally through intersecting blocks across 500m of prime beachfront. It has 795 rooms, suites and signature penthouses, each offering incredible Dubai skyline and Arabian Sea views while 44 of them have private infinity pools. Atlantis The Royal is also home to more celebrity chef restaurants than anywhere in the world, including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Jaleo by José Andrés and Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis.

Book a rendezvous for two at these romantic resorts

For couples looking to get away from it all, Dubai’s beach resorts present the perfect getaway. Here are five of the best that are particularly suited to a holiday for two.

Bulgari Resort Dubai: Cool Italian luxury is the running theme, from the European-style yacht club to the chic dining options. Couples will particularly appreciate the sea-view villas, complete with private pools, right beside the exclusive beach. Be sure to book in for a romantic meal at one of the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurants, Il Ristorante - Niko Romito and Hōseki.

One&Only The Palm: This boutique resort on the western tip of Palm Jumeirah is an ideal escape for couples. With just 90 rooms – including suites and private villas – you can expect the service to be impeccable. Relax on the private beach, stroll through lush gardens set amid North African-style architecture, and indulge in an inspired spa treatment. Guests can dine in the resort or take a boat ride to sister hotel, One&Only Royal Mirage.

Jumeirah Al Naseem: Located within Madinat Jumeirah (with access to all its facilities), and almost at the foot of the Burj Al Arab, Al Naseem is built around striking pools and canals, with the private beachfront just moments away. Get around via golf buggy or aboard a traditional abra boat that travels along the canals, and enjoy some of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai, from Pierchic to Pai Thai. Or spend your time by the pool and relax – there's really no wrong way to holiday here.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm: A picturesque backdrop to a Dubai romance, Taj Exotica oozes glamour from its seaside spot on Palm Jumeriah's east crescent. Sink into your private jacuzzi, stretch out at the in-house School of Yoga, or watch the sunset from the longest pool on The Palm. The award-winning Jiva Spa is ideal for a relaxing massage, while signature fine dining restaurant Varq is perfect for a romantic dinner for two.

Park Hyatt Dubai: It's one of the few entries on this list that's not on Dubai’s coast, but it's a worthy addition. Visitors can make the most of Park Hyatt's adults-only 100m-long pool and 150m of sandy shore, presenting an inner city beach experience. The resort boasts world-class dining, including seafood restaurant Noepe and Mediterranean favourite Twiggy by La Cantine. Book in at Amara spa for an indulgent choice of couples' treatments.

 

Never miss a beat at Dubai's top party hotels

There’s a time to chill and there’s a time to party. These resorts are definitely focused on the lighter side of life, served with a side of relaxation.

FIVE Palm Jumeirah: A resort designed for good times and a favourite haunt of visiting celebrities and influencers, FIVE offers beachfront, pools and effortlessly chic service. Resident DJs create an Ibiza-style vibe by the pools, leading into high-energy beach parties – and up on the 16th-floor Penthouse lounge, guests can enjoy upbeat sounds and great food, set against the backdrop of Dubai Marina’s stunning skyline.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa: Right next door to Nikki Beach Club, the resort offers the perfect combination of beachside leisure and world-class festivities. Nikki Beach’s legendary Miami origins, combined with the white sands of Pearl Jumeira, make it one of the best places for a beach party. Soothe your soul at the spa’s thermal suite, feed your body at the tropical-themed restaurants, and then get ready to party the night away.

W Dubai – The Palm: The W is a party-lover's paradise. Set on Palm Jumeirah’s west crescent, the resort hosts a weekly brunch at Wet Deck that sees live DJs and inflatable flamingos take over the hotel pool for an afternoon soiree in the sunshine. SoBe lounge, meanwhile, is a popular post-brunch spot with a stunning rooftop that looks out onto 360-degree views of Dubai.

voco Monaco Dubai: Venture out off the coast of Jumeirah and you'll reach a 24-hour party hotel on The Heart of Europe World Islands development. The voco Monaco hotel is a hedonistic paradise with non-stop music around the pool and wallet-friendly brunch packages. These celebrations are known to be loud and lively, so be sure to pack your dancing shoes.

Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah: Look out onto the lively shores of Palm West Beach at this buzzy property. Home to Black Flamingo, a vibrant Caribbean restaurant that stays open until the early hours, as well as Greek pool club Ilios, Radisson Beach Resort is the ideal location for those wanting good times on their doorstep.

Treat the family to action-packed stays

Dubai is a great destination for a family holiday, and these beach resorts provide plenty of child-friendly facilities as well as chances for parents to relax.

Atlantis, The Palm: One of the most recognisable Dubai resorts, Atlantis, sits at the central tip of the Palm Jumeirah. It features one of the city's most popular attractions, Aquaventure Waterpark, to which hotel guests enjoy free access. Guests can even explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium, while kids enjoy arcade-style activities at Wavehouse. For adults, Atlantis’ world-class restaurants and spa are ready to spoil them.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel: In a prime location next to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel also boasts access to a waterpark, this time Wild Wadi. All rooms promise sea views, and children can enjoy not only the waterpark, but also the popular kids' club, and plenty of fun and games on the beach. A terrific spa and plenty of restaurants and lounges, located all the way from the beach to the 24th floor, are enough to make everyone’s trip.

JA Beach Hotel: Situated southwest from the centre of Dubai, this expansive beach hotel is part of JA The Resort – Dubai’s largest experience resort. Ideal for sporty families, it boasts a world-class golf course, equestrian centre and shooting range, and guests can also take advantage of a huge range of watersports such as windsurfing and sea-karting. There are also dedicated facilities for toddlers, young children and teens.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai: A branch of Thailand’s leading hotel chain, this lush seafront property on Dubai Islands is an exciting getaway for the whole family, with over 600 rooms and suites, a waterpark and lazy river, shoreside souk and marketplace, and seven dining venues, including traditional Argentinian grill Uno Mas and Suan Bua for authentic Asian delicacies.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina: Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, this beach resort and marina is the perfect destination for the whole family. The list of facilities includes the largest private beach in Jumeirah, five different pools (including Dubai’s longest winding pool), a kid’s club and access to Jungle Bay waterpark with fun slides and a 6m wave pool.