Address Beach Resort Near+Far verdict: 7/10
Why stay at Address Beach Resort
Beach resorts don’t immediately come to mind when thinking of Address hotels. The Emaar-owned hotel brand is best known for its bevvy of glossy, oud-scented, panoramic properties around Downtown Dubai – think Sky View, Downtown and Fountain Views – but in recent years, the brand has added five-star beach hotels to its portfolio. While they now operate beach resorts in Egypt and Fujairah, the first was Address Beach Resort in Dubai’s JBR neighbourhood, the opposite end of town from its comfort zone, bringing Downtown glamour to the southern ends of the city.
The building is seriously impressive – typical of Address hotels. The hotel is 77 stories high and looms over the JBR skyline, most famously home to the world’s tallest infinity pool, offering head-spinning (and slightly terrifying) views of almost the whole city. Address customers will love the same bright and airy lobby, enveloped in Address’ signature fragrance, alongside classic concepts like The Restaurant and The Spa at Address. Address Beach Resort’s facilities are fantastic, and the hotel brings a new level of shininess not seen in the JBR neighbourhood, with three swimming pools and terraced gardens. There’s not much beach for a ‘beach resort,‘ but the views over Bluewaters, JBR and bustling location make up for the lack of sand space.
The location: 8/10
Address Beach Resort is located at the southern end of JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences) in the south, with Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island as neighbours. The area is very ex-pat and tourist-friendly, filled with holidaymakers and, as a result, always vibrant and lively. The hotel occupies a small stretch of beach, and while most resorts stretch outwards, this stretches upwards – 77 floors to be precise – meaning the views from the rooftop infinity pool are nothing short of spectacular (all across the Palm Jumeirah and to Downtown on a clear day). Guests benefit from being a short beach walk away from hundreds of restaurants and bars, like dining hub The Beach (home to Le Mezcalaria and Eatly) and Bla Bla. It’s also a short drive, or manageable walk, to Marina Mall – a polished shopping centre with a great range of retail spaces and restaurants. This is a great hotel for those looking to visit Abu Dhabi as the UAE capital is just a 50-minute drive from the resort.
Rooms and suites: 7/10
As with most Address hotels, rooms are simple, stripped back and modern, with luxurious design touches like plush carpets and marble bathrooms. Address Beach Resort’s channel its beachy location with thick sea blue carpets and oceanic-inspired artwork, and the nine categories of rooms offer the choice of balcony or no balcony, and Dubai Marina or ocean view (only ocean view balcony rooms make you feel like you’re in a beach resort). Our Deluxe Sea View room has a spacious balcony with striking panoramas of Ain Dubai, the beach, Palm Jumeirah and ocean – a true delight to enjoy a coffee or drink on. Marble bathrooms have rainfall showers and free-standing soaking tubs – a total treat to sink into.
Food and drink: 9/10
As expected of resorts, Address Beach Resort has a wide range of drinking and dining options, including its signature offering The Restaurant. A staple of all Address hotels, Beach Resort’s iteration serves the same high standard Middle Eastern and International affair in a bright and spacious brasserie-type setting. The Restaurant is also the home of breakfast, and Address guests will know, the hotel group nails the first meal of the day – everything from smoked salmon and meats to eggs, fresh fruits, juices and Arabic and Asian delights are on offer.
There’s an elegant afternoon tea with a side of ocean views, served in the soaring lobby lounge, plus a laidback Beach Grill serving casual fare and the perfect lunch or sundowner spot. The menu is delightfully simple and full of crowdpleasers like burgers and seafood pasta, and there’s shisha on offer. For dinner, opt for Li Brasil (Middle Eastern-meets-Latin American) or Zeta Seventy Seven – Pan-Asian 77 floors up in a cool rooftop lounge setting. Alternatively, there’s high-octane Dream, a dinner and a show experience, the slick Mott 32 – the famous Cantonese restaurant with eight restaurants across the world and Mediterranean Garden of Dreams. One of the most unique dining offerings in the neighbourhood, there’s also Osh Del Mar championing modern Uzbekistan cuisine.
Spa and facilities : 7/10
While Address Beach Resort’s actual beach may be small, it is golden, clean and well-equipped with plenty of loungers. The facilities are great – guests can access four swimming pools (including a children’s splash pad) and landscaped terraced garden to sit back and admire the view. Late-night strolls along the garden and beach are a real treat. The Spa at Address is located on the 75th floor (treatment rooms have incredible skyline views) and offer the usual massages, facials, wellness and beauty treatments. Unwinding post-treatment in the relaxation lounge with fragrant herbal teas and healthy snacks is a sublime experience. The spa also has a steam room, sauna and couple’s suite for joint treatments.
The vibe: 7/10
Elegant and local in the lobby, which is popular for afternoon tea and coffee meetings, and more laid-back holiday vibes at the rooftop pool – where most guests have a drink in hand. There’s always a buzz, thanks to families and groups.
The verdict
Address Beach Resort is an architectural marvel – and the group manages to bring the brand’s signature modern Arabian glamour to a very un-Arabian location, and it works. Rooms tick most boxes for a fantastic stay – modern, spacious, bright, balconies, sea views, plush robes and amenities – and there’s ample choice of pools and sun lounging spots to while away the day. This is a resort, but in the heart of one of Dubai’s most buzzing areas, meaning guests will never get bored thanks to the vast array of dining, leisure, entertainment and retail opportunities just a short stroll away.
Jumeirah Beach Residences; doubles from AED1,040 a night; book now
