Dubai has its fair share of beach clubs and public beaches, but the most glamorous – and convenient – way to enjoy the emirate’s golden sands is by checking into one of its many beautiful beach hotels. Beach hotels offer sunloungers, five-star facilities, watersports and more, with lifeguards on duty putting families at ease. Here are the best hotels in Dubai that are steps away from the Arabian Gulf
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Best for: Dubai glamour married with Asian hospitality, plus the Mandarin Oriental Spa.
Location: Low-rise, beachy Jumeirah, near upmarket residential areas and shopping malls
Price tag: $$$$
Few hotels have such an impressive hotel lobby as the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira. Gold spirals hang from the soaring ceiling, the tiles glow and the aroma of oud lingers in the air. The hotel sits in northern Dubai’s Jumeirah district, adjacent to Downtown Dubai, and commands a beautiful stretch of beach. Often ranked as the priciest hotel in the city, after Burj Al Arab, Mandarin Oriental brings the brand’s signature Asian hospital to the UAE with its streamlined and modern rooms, five-star Mandarin Oriental Spa with relaxation rooms and innovative beauty and wellness treatments. Guests can lol on the private beach, outdoor pool, or in the rooftop pool of Tasca restaurant – operated by Portuguese star chef Jose Avillas – with dreamy views onto nothing but the open ocean. Other eateries include top steakhouse Netsu and beachfront The Bay, where poolside classics are served with a side of sea views. The hotel has also twice hosted the Ibiza-born pop-up, Sublimotion, cementing itself as not overtly luxurious, but also cool and experimental.
Doubles from AED1,800; mandarinoriental.com
One&Only Royal Mirage
Best for: Arabian glamour and a sprawling private beachfront
Location: Mina Seyahi near Dubai Marina, overlooking the Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$$
One&Only Royal Mirage is easy to spot amongst the high rises that line the coast overlooking Palm Jumeirah. For starters, its low-rise complexes and villas are almost completely hidden by lush towering palm trees and nestled in gardens hiding tennis courts, and secondly, its private beach is double the size of its competitors. The hotel opened in 1999 and is still among the most revered and loved today. The Dubai grande dame embraces Arabian in its décor, with arabesque arches, latticed details, gold touches, opulent fountains, and gardens – spread from the Palace to the Arabian Court. There are 221 rooms, including standard doubles, suites and private villas, all of which channel the Arabian luxury feeling. A towering multi-level spa is a favourite with locals for day experiences and features a relaxing Hamman and plenty of treatment rooms. Its dining hotspots are also: from Celebrities by Chef Mauro Colagreco and outdoor Arabian The Courtyards to Jetty Lounge, perhaps the city’s most romantic sundowner spots.
Doubles from AED1,350; oneandonlyresorts.com
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai
Best for: Modern European vibes and endless, unobstructed sea views
Location: The Pearl Jumeira, a man-made island northeast of Downtown Dubai
Price tag: $$$
Be it the smell of coconuts that surround the gleaming modern resort, the unobstructed views onto nothing but the ocean from its private beach or the palm-lined driveway, Nikki Beach Dubai resort has a way of transporting guests. The Dubai outpost of the famed hedonistic, Miami-born born brand is more elevated and refined than its competitors in cities like Marbella and Ibiza. Yes, the neighbouring beach club has submerged sunloungers, cabanas, bottle service and raucous pool parties, but the resort itself feels peaceful and exclusive. The 117 modern rooms are retro-futuristic, clad all in soothing whites, blues and grey, and offer built-in Nikki Beach playlists and bathrooms stocked with Main and Goetz. The real draw here are the private pool villas, available in up to three bedrooms and lining the beachfront. Café Nikki is a must-visit spot during the stay – an all-day waterside restaurant serving the freshest fish and a sophisticated Saturday brunch with unlimited wine, cocktails and food, and the Nikki Beach Spa, which welcomes you into its whitewashed oasis with health martinis and facilities like a bubbling mixed-gender vitality pool.
Doubles from AED1,000; dubai.nikkibeach.com
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Best for: Traditional, beachfront location, Four Seasons Restaurant Village
Location: Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$$
Looking for a traditional luxury beachfront resort with old-school hospitality? Look no further than Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. This is the mother of all resorts: landscaped gardens, a private beach, outstanding facilities spanning indoor and outdoor pools, wellness areas and a dining village which happens to be one of the city’s hottest addresses (Nurst Et, Coya and Scailini are all here). The Canadian luxury brand has embraced the locale with its arched arabesque corridors and gold accents, but there are all the hallmarks of the traditional Canadian brand Four Seasons customers will appreciate: the iconic Four Seasons bed, the Four Seasons service, to name a few. The breakfast buffet is particularly marvellous, with everything from acai bowl stations to towering bakery displays, setting you up for a day on the beach, swimming lengths in the glass-domed indoor pool, using the expansive gym or zooming into Downtown Dubai – the Burj Khalifa and skyline viewable from the hotel. Make sure to book a spot at Nammos, the famous beach club straight from Mykonos.
Doubles from AED1,800; fourseasons.com
The Ritz-Carlton JBR
Best for: A peaceful and private stay with an extensive beach and acres of lush gardens
Location: Jumeirah Beach Residences
Price tag: $$$
There are few true Dubai grand dames, but The Ritz-Carlton JBR is one of them. The hotel boasts the largest private beach in Dubai and its low-rise cluster of rooms and suites linked by gardens and swimming pools has earned its position as a favourite with families and couples alike. A winding, palm-lined drive leads to a portico where an expansive lobby looks out onto the sea and beach. There are six pools in total and eight restaurants, plus manicured lawns home to 12 species of birds. Rooms look onto the sea or garden and all come with a terrace or patio, traditionally Ritz-Carlton with their fawn or patterned carpets and dark wood accents. Families will delight in facilities like tennis courts, a kids’ club, two family pools and two pools for children, along with a spa complex and hair salon with plenty of rooms, vitality pools, saunas and experience rooms. Eight restaurants make not leaving the property a real possibility: from Southeast Asian Blue Jade and trendy Tamoka restaurant and beach bar to Italian Splendido, one of Dubai’s most underrated and romantic restaurants with white-clothed tables under festoon lighting and protected by palm trees.
Doubles from AED1,005; ritzcarlton.com
Atlantis The Royal
Best for: the shiniest rooms and interiors, most manicured grounds and everything on a serious scale
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$$
Atlantis The Royal has lorded over the Palm Jumeirah skyline for years building anticipation and curiosity – and finally, in February it opened its doors for the first time. The hotel itself is a true architectural feat and the interiors are shiny and modern – glossy whites, gold and blues – and entry-level rooms are extremely generous with beautiful sea views soaking tubs and walk-in dressing rooms. This is not a hotel or a resort, but a destination in itself. There are 17 restaurants and eight by celebrity chefs – including the first Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the Middle East (now Michelin starred) and the world’s first Nobu Beach Club – retail shops from Valentino to Level Shoes and four wellness and beauty destinations. Guests have full access to sister property Atlantis The Palm and complimentary access to the world’s largest waterpark Aquaventure – linking chapter one with chapter two. Beach lovers can make full use of nearly two kilometres of private golden sands, linking the original Atlantis, The Palm with its shiny new sister.
Doubles from AED2,125 (minimum two-night stay); book now
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Best for: Being transported to a French baroque palace, just on the beach
Location: Palm Jumeira’s West Crescent
Price tag: $$$
You might blink twice when first pulling up to Raffles The Palm Dubai. It’s best to do so in the daylight for maximum impact. The pastel-pink palace with its turrets and swirling balconies reminiscent of piped frosting stick out against the modern, stripped-back skyline of Palm Jumeirah’s outer crescent. Raffles The Palm Dubai is unique in the emirate: a French or even Rajasthani palace with ultra-modern amenities. Raffles, known for its iconic property in Singapore, took over the operation of the Kempinski Emerald Palace in 2021 and have rebranded it into a hub for beach stays and glamorous occasions. The experience starts upon entering the lobby, with its grand chandelier with thousands of Swarovski crystals and spiral staircases in red and gold leading to the Blüthner Hall – the setting for afternoon tea – to the rooms, which channel the Palace of Versailles with gold headboards, chaise loungers, silk wallpaper and plush drapes. There’s a private beach with views back onto the Palm Jumeirah and a sprawling indoor wellness centre with Cinque Mondes Spa. Dining-wise, head to Matagi for Japanese cuisine, Le Jardin for gloriously indulgent buffets – alfresco on the terrace or in the grand dining room – and Piatti for a beach club, Riviera feel. Make sure to grab a drink at the sultry Sola Bar – the hotel’s cavernous jazz bar serving killer cocktails.
Doubles from AED1,000; raffles.com
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Best for: Elevated party vibes, beautiful design, guaranteed good times
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$
Best known for its hedonistic beach club, poolside and penthouse parties, FIVE Palm Jumeirah is also one of the most architecturally beautiful beach hotels in Dubai. The famous property is located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, benefitting from one of the best locations in the whole city and offering a private stretch of golden sands and beautiful ocean and city views. This is a hotel for people looking to have fun, but – thanks to its beautifully designed spaces and serene REFIVE Spa – can also fit a more low-key escape. Three elevated restaurants, two cafes – including a Detox Lounge – and six party lounges keep guests fed, watered and entertained, and the beach and hotel itself backs onto Palm West Beach – dotted with some of the city’s best beach clubs and all-day restaurants.
Doubles from AED630 low season, AED1,485 high season; palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com
The Westin Mina Seyahi
Best for: Relaxed luxury, exciting food and beverage, ample outdoor space
Location: Mina Seyahi, on the outskirts of Dubai Marina and overlooking the Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$
Those in the know will know The Westin Mina Seyahi is one of the best beach hotels in Dubai, if not one of the best hotels in Dubai in itself. Locals know it as the spot for the much-loved and booked-out Bubbalicious brunch, the stuff of Dubai legends, along with its poolside Bussola bar, pools and private stretch of beachfront overlooking the Palm Jumeirah. Inside is akin to a modern Arabian palace – there are touches of grandeur and opulence – but on the whole, its 294 rooms are cool and contemporary. Guests can choose from five swimming pools and ample outdoor space – along with having access to neighbouring Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and the brand new W Dubai – Mina Seyahi adults’ only hotel.
Doubles from AED853; marriott.com
Jumeirah Al Naseem
Best for: a hideaway-type holiday with access to one of the biggest beaches in Dubai
Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$$
Ask many residents what the best hotel in Dubai is, and they will likely say Jumeirah Al Naseem. This low-key luxury hotel is part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex – seven Jumeirah hotels (including the iconic Burj Al Arab) and a modern souk on the beachfront. Al Naseem is the Burj Al Arab’s sophisticated little sister – Arabian and palatial, but modern and high-tech. The outside courtyard is filled with supercars and the cooling fragrance of oud envelops you upon entry. Guests can use the beachfront outdoor pool with its views of the Burj Al Arab and sleek modern rooms – with beachy hues and gulf views. The hotel is home to one of Dubai’s most fancy dining spots too, Turtle Lagoon, where fine dining establishments like Il Borro, Flamingo Room, Beefbar and Mayabay frame a serene lagoon shaded by palm trees.
Doubles from AED1,235; jumeirah.com
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Best for: all-American luxury, sprawling resort amenities
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$
Waldorf Astoria offers its army of loyal guests two properties in Dubai – a slick city centre tower in DIFC and a palatial pile on Palm Jumeirah. The latter is one of the best beach hotels in Dubai – located on the outer crescent with views over the Arabian Gulf of the Burj Al Arab, and on a clear day the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. The ivory-hued hotel has an air of old-school American elegance, quintessential of the Waldorf Astoria brand, from the grey marble lobby complete with classic Waldorf Astoria clocktower to an iteration of New York’s Peacock Alley – the setting for afternoon teas to the tinkle of pianists. The beachfront is spectacular – offering views back across Palm Jumeirah – and there are three temperature-controlled pools, tennis courts, a watersports centre and a gym and wellness centre. Rooms all have balconies and look onto the sea or the resort’s sprawling grounds and have attractive finishings with e Legrand glowing light fittings and a soothing sea green and ivory colour palette.
Doubles from AED750; hilton.com
Atlantis The Palm Dubai
Best for: family beach activities and never having to leave the resort
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$
Name a more iconic Dubai resort than Atlantis The Palm Dubai. The hotel’s opening will go down in history – the legendary Kylie performance, the celebrity guests, and the fireworks over the now world-famous façade. To this day the splendour and excitement live on. In its waterpark, the world’s largest themed on the lost city of Atlantis, to its hundreds of rooms – fresh and oceanic with ocean views and attractions like the Lost Chamber Aquarium. The hotel itself commands the tip of the Palm Jumeirah and is a focal point for the entire manmade island and is a mini town in itself with dozens of restaurants, eateries, shops and activities. Its restaurants read like a Michelin star guide – Gordan Ramsey, Nobu, and Hakkasan all have outlets here, but there are casual spots like beach Wavehouse and all-new En Fuyego. Stay in the iconic Overwater suite, dine in two Michelin-star Ossiano, soak up the sun and ice-cold rosé at White Beach and generally soak up the playful Atlantis vibe.
Doubles from AED1,000; atlantis.com
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Best for: Transporting you to French Polynesia
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$
The Palm Jumeirah’s outer crescent has some impressive resorts, but few truly transport you away from Dubai like Sofitel The Palm. The giga-resort is themed on a French-Polynesian paradise and tiki touches like torches and wood are found throughout. Outside there are six swimming pools, some large, others small and hidden and others with waterslides, and there’s a long private stretch of golden beach. Guests can expect all the amenities and service expected of the luxury French hotel group plus some of its best culinary offerings – everything from an American-style steakhouse to a Hawaiian beach restaurant. Newly opened is a trendy beach club Laguna Beach creates a more elevated, youthful feel with DJs and innovative cocktails.
Doubles from AED765; sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com
Address Beach Resort
Best for: Sea views, one of the world’s highest infinity pools
Location: Jumeirah Beach Residences
Price tag: $$$
Government-owned Emaar Hospitality dominated Downtown Dubai with its high-rise hotels offering Burj Khalifa views, so when the brand opened its first beach resort in 2021 the emirate was intrigued. Being Emaar, a company predominantly known for its building developments, the structure is magnificent – lording over lively Jumeriah Beach Residences and Bluewaters Island and home to the one of the world’s tallest infinity pools (77 floors up). There are all the signature Address touches on the beach: the same iconic fragrance in the gleaming lobby, the same modern Arabian rooms and hospitality, just with a stunning beachfront location and endless sea views. Tiered garden terraces and sea-level swimming pools will reassure those with vertigo. Recently the hotel acquired some seriously impressive dining outlets: Sunset Hospitality’s Mott 32, and 77th floor Zeta Seventy Seven.
Doubles from AED1,065; addresshotels.com
One&Only The Palm
Best for: A peaceful romantic getaway
Location: Outer Crescent, Palm Jumeirah
Price tag: $$$$
One&Only The Palm is the more subdued, smaller sister to One&Only Royal Mirage’s grand reputation and grounds. Located on the outermost reaches of Palm Jumeirah’s western crescent, it feels worlds away from the city (a 20-minute drive from the mainland, or a free water taxi to Royal Mirage across the bay. The 90-key hotel is Andalusian in its façade and style reminiscent of Alhambra Palace and lures couples with its private spots and secretive feel. It may be smaller than its sister, but it’s not short on any facilities. Palm trees frame the private slick of golden beach and the pool, loungers and private cabanas – which are rentable and come with shower rooms, TVs, air con and private terraces. The Guerlain Spa – all pink and waterfalls – will melt away any stresses, not that there are many at the languid resort, a hotel home to a restaurant by triple-Michelin-star-winning chef Yannick Alléno. Rooms come with balconies or furnished garden patios, are stocked with Acqua di Parma amenities and top suites and villas even have private pools – cementing its status as one of the most romantic resorts in the emirate.
Doubles from AED2,340; oneandonlyresorts.com
Caesars Palace Dubai (soon to be Banyan Tree)
Best for: ultra modern rooms and unobstructed ocean views
Location: Bluewaters Island
Price tag: $$$
The name Caesars Palace is iconic, thanks to its glitzy and hedonistic Las Vegas outpost, but the Dubai iteration of the brand is somewhat different. This peaceful and modern beach resort sits on Bluewaters Island, at the southern end of Dubai Marina and JBR surrounded by ocean, leisure, dining and retail facilities. There’s a slight nod to the OTT theme of the OG Vegas counterpart – Roman sculptures and artwork – but it’s mostly minimalist and modern. Rooms and suites come in soothing neutral and ocean hues and have floor-to-ceiling windows, and restaurants include celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen and Alvin Leung’s Demon Duck. The 500 metres of beachfront is one of the city’s most impressive and loved by residents and tourists, who regularly book beach and pool days at the hotel’s five pools or the trendy Cove Beach Club, located on the hotel grounds. Guests can pretend they’re anywhere in the world with views of palm trees, white sand and ocean – particularly when relaxing from one of their spacious private terraces. From November, the resort will be taken over by Banyan Tree – with a new and improved wellness and spa space and other planned improvements.
Doubles from AED1,150; caesars.com
