A boho-cool beach hotel with an optional slice of hedonism
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai review: 8/10
Why stay at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
As the only resort on Dubai‘s Pearl Jumeira island, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai has a way of completely transporting its guests. The ultra-modern, white-washed structure is set on a long stretch of private palm-strewn beach and offers views over the uninterrupted Arabian Gulf that make you feel like you could be anywhere in the world. The resort couldn’t be any more different to the hedonistic beach clubs that made the brand a household name – though Nikki Beach Dubai club is right next door (but completely separate from the resort). There’s the same modern and polished vibe but a more laid-back, child-friendly atmosphere with private beach villas, including an epic party pad known as the Celebration Suite, and a kids’ club. The air of relevant remoteness also breeds an air of exclusivity and peace.
Location: 7/10
To the west of Downtown Dubai on the artificial Pearl Jumeira island – an island largely undeveloped and, therefore, quite peaceful and secluded. The resort is around a 20-minute drive from both the airport and the city, making it a great choice for those who want to relax and enjoy the Dubai sunshine primarily but have the option to pop into the city.
Rooms and suites: 9/10
Brilliant white with floor-to-ceiling windows, the resort’s 117 rooms and 15 private pool villas are modern beachfront oases – offering either ocean views or distant city skyline. Rooms are furnished in soothing earthy tones, while suites come with comfortable grey L-shaped sofas, dining room tables and shelves with stacks of stylish coffee table books – including Nikki Beach’s own Assouline edition. Mood lighting systems add a touch of futurism and create a seductive ambience – paired best with the TV’s collection of pre-loaded Nikki Beach playlists from its worldwide beach clubs. Bathrooms and modern and marble with freestanding tubs, rainfall showers and Malin+Goetz toiletries.
Restaurants and bars: 8/10
Nikki Beach Dubai’s bright and breezy theme continues into its food and beverage. An open-plan lobby eatery, Soul Lounge, spills out onto a beachfront terrace, serving coffees and cocktails, and food and drink are served around the pool and on the beach. Cafe Nikki is the focal point – a crowd-pleasing Mediterranean offering with fantastic fresh fish and inventive dishes – sustainably sourced where possible – and alfresco and buffet breakfasts (the latter very impressive with great healthy and vegan options). Cafe Nikki also offers a lively yet elegant Saturday brunch with buffet, a la carte and cocktail stations. Sprucing up the offering is Bungalo34 – a slick beachfront eatery from tashas group. Guests looking for the brand’s signature all-day party vibe can stroll down to the Nikki Beach Dubai Club – home to raucous weekend soirees.
Spa and facilities: 10/10
Nikki Beach Dubai nailed the brief when it came to creating its spa. As an all-encompassing resort on the city’s outskirts, and with an atmosphere that encourages not leaving – it’s only right that the offering is superlative. The hotel’s Nikki Spa comprises a thermal suite with a sauna, hammam, ice bath (in gendered changing rooms) and bubbling warm Vitality Pool (the latter open to both genders). Treatment rooms are huge and light-filled, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking onto little terraces and lots of greenery. Next door, the Tone Gym is spacious with modern strength and cardio equipment; and the kids’ club has an adorable Nikki Beach tepee to play in.
Service: 8/10
Attentive and charming from the moment you valet to check out. Staff rush to pull your suitcases from the car, ensuring a fuss and stress-free check-in process, and those in the dining and drinking outlets are chatting, smiley and not afraid to show their personality – particularly refreshing in Dubai.
Nikki Beach Dubai verdict
Nikki Beach often gets overlooked in terms of luxurious beachfront Dubai resorts, but it’s consistently one of the best and most loved in the city. The location transports you far away from Dubai – great for staycations – while the facilities are next to none. It’s truly possible to check in and never leave, though with the city and Jumeirah attractions not far away, it’s a breeze to do so.
Doubles from AED935; book now
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