Generally known as certainly one of right now’s most spectacular man-made wonders, the metropolis of Dubai is dwelling to huge 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 progress and building, attracting investments from all corners of the globe.
Once I first visited Dubai in early 2024, I used to be not dissatisfied — it has an attention-grabbing mix of custom and innovation in contrast to anyplace else I’ve skilled. Through the day, you possibly can 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 take a look at spices and teas or store at Gold Souk market. The town is a real fusion of centuries previous and trendy instances.
As one of many area’s most spectacular cities, it’s no shock that Dubai can also be dwelling to a number of the world’s best inns. We’ve rounded up the most effective inns within the metropolis — a lot of which have earned a spot on our unique World’s Greatest Awards and It Record — to raise your U.A.E. journey to the subsequent stage.
Why I’m the Professional
Joe Niehaus is a commerce and journey author who spends important time overseas, visiting varied properties throughout a variety of lodge 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 most effective town has to supply.
Additionally obtainable 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 non-public swimming pools with sweeping views of the golden dunes.
Throughout your keep, you possibly can take pleasure in world-class eating (together with an iconic floating breakfast) at Al Diwaan or the Hajar Terrace Bar, stress-free spa therapies at Timeless Spa, and quite a lot of out of doors actions together with camel treks and wildlife safaris. Al Maha is what you possible image whenever you suppose “Dubai.”
Whether or not you’re in search of a peaceable retreat or an adventurous getaway, Al Maha delivers on all fronts. The lodge’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 peak with seize rails
- Loyalty Packages: Marriott Bonvoy
- Charges: From $1,296 per evening
Additionally obtainable 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 non-public pool.
The eating scene impresses with its selection — Mekong serves genuine dishes from three Asian nations whereas The Seaside Home affords Mediterranean flavors with front-row views of the Persian Gulf. Revo Café offers an informal spot for mild fare all through the day, together with different eating places and lounges open at totally different instances.
Whenever you’re not floating in one of many three temperature-controlled swimming swimming pools or lounging on the non-public seaside, the Antantara Spa combines Thai hospitality with conventional hammam therapies. For these in search of journey, the resort’s water sports activities heart affords every thing from kayaking to wakeboarding. Households particularly recognize the devoted children’ and youths’ golf equipment, plus quick access to Palm Jumeirah’s sights.
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 non-public villa, the culinary workforce personalizes each element. Simply keep in mind to order your most popular eating places and spa therapies nicely upfront, significantly throughout excessive season.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Anantara Seaside, 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
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
The Armani Resort Dubai, a 2021 World’s Greatest Awards winner, units the usual for classy luxurious from its prime location within the Burj Khalifa. Each aspect of the style icon’s first lodge bears Giorgio Armani’s signature type, from the custom-designed furnishings to the understated palette that defines every house.
Seven eating places showcase the lodge’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 lodge, affords front-row seats to the fountain reveals over afternoon tea or night cocktails.
The Armani/Spa spans over 12,000 sq. ft of tranquility, the place thermal amenities complement therapies 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.
Situated on this planet’s tallest constructing, the lodge offers direct entry to The Dubai Mall and downtown sights. 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 Seaside
- Accessibility: The lodge affords handicapped-accessible rooms.
- Loyalty Packages: U by Emaar
- Charges: From $809 per evening
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
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Attributable to its recognition as a family-friendly vacation spot, it may possibly get fairly crowded, significantly throughout peak seasons.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai instructions consideration on the high of Palm Jumeirah with its distinctive rose-hued shade and awe-inspiring structure. The resort homes one of many world’s largest waterparks, Aquaventure, the place company get pleasure from complimentary entry to over 105 record-breaking slides and sights together with a brand new 48-meter tower.
The culinary lineup reads like a who’s who of celeb cooks — Nobu Matsuhisa’s namesake restaurant serves Japanese fusion, whereas Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Avenue Kitchen & Bar affords British classics with a twist. Ossiano, the underwater fine-dining restaurant, offers 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 therapies alike. For the last word Atlantis expertise, request a desk at Ossiano throughout sundown — the altering mild by the aquarium creates an unforgettable eating ambiance.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: The Palm Fountain, WHITE Seaside, Aquaventure Seaside, 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
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands as Dubai’s most iconic silhouette. Set by itself non-public 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 trendy European delicacies on the twenty seventh ground – 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 non-public 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 lodge maintains its fame with unparalleled service, together with devoted butlers and non-compulsory in-suite check-in. The Talise Spa, perched 150 meters above the Gulf, affords therapies with panoramic views, whereas the indoor infinity pool includes a kaleidoscope ceiling that shifts with the day’s mild.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Challenge, Xpark Jr, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, Al Barsha Pond Park
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas
- Loyalty Packages: Jumeirah One
- Charges: From $1,527 per evening
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
The Lana makes an architectural assertion in Enterprise Bay with its hanging 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 loos, wearing Greek marble, supply deep-soaking tubs with metropolis or desert views.
Eight eating venues showcase the lodge’s culinary aptitude. Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui brings his progressive 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 company can get pleasure from mild bites surrounded by desert flora.
An It Record winner in 2024, the property brings Dorchester Assortment’s famend service to Dubai. The fourth-floor wellness house features a state-of-the-art health club overlooking the canal, whereas the rooftop pool offers 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 remedy that includes native substances. The concierge may even prepare yacht excursions of the Dubai Canal, which flows proper previous the lodge’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 rest room with seize rails, toilet 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 improvement. The hanging Foster & Companions constructing is avant-garde, whereas the interiors, from designers Gilles & Boissier, are extra refined, with tender pinks and sandy beiges that nod to the encircling desert and chic touches equivalent 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
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
The One&Solely One Za’abeel lodge 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 information. This cantilevered marvel homes a number of eating places and lounges, every providing a unique perspective of town by floor-to-ceiling home windows.
Rooms showcase modern luxurious with sensible options and complicated design, many offering views of both Zabeel Park or Dubai Body. The culinary expertise spans the globe: acclaimed chef Mehmet Gürs brings trendy Turkish delicacies to ARIANA, whereas Vietnamese celeb 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 Record 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 Personal Spa affords personalised therapies in non-public 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 Seaside
- Accessibility: The lodge has accessible parking, vast elevators, and wheelchair-accessible amenities.
- 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 lodge within the coronary heart of a significant metropolis, isn’t any exception. Within the prosperous Za’abeel district, the lodge 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 ft above the bottom. Inside, the resort vibe is delivered to life by famous Aman designer Jean-Michel Gathy, with a soothing shade palette and wealthy textures that pay homage to the nation’s desert landscapes.
— Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Print Editor
Additionally obtainable 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 non-public infinity swimming pools, making it one of many world’s largest collections of pool-enhanced lodging in a single resort.
This It Record 2023 winner’s eating scene is excellent. Heston Blumenthal’s debut Center Japanese restaurant Dinner options historically-inspired British dishes, whereas Nobu by the Seaside reimagines Japanese-Peruvian delicacies in a coastal setting. At Cloud 22, the Twenty second-floor infinity pool offers a floating vantage level above the palm-shaped island, full with non-public cabanas and a swim-up bar.
The resort elevates luxurious with options just like the AWAKEN Health heart’s anti-gravity studio and the Atlantis Royal Spa’s six-room Hammam Sensorium. The Royal Mansion, spanning the highest ground, affords the last word in opulence with its personal infinity pool and devoted workforce of butlers.
For the total 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 Seaside, WHITE Seaside, 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 lodge 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 associated fee was rumored to be round $1.5 billion, making Atlantis The Royal one of the crucial costly inns ever constructed. It had a launch celebration to match: Beyonce carried out in entrance of hundreds of company at January’s opening bash. The large buildings match collectively like jenga, every with suites unfolding onto huge terraces with non-public 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 lodge.
— John Arlidge, T+L Contributor
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
Similar to a couple of of the opposite picks on our record, this five-star lodge is located within the coronary heart of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, providing panoramic views of each the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s hanging skyline. Every room and suite includes a non-public balcony excellent for watching the sundown paint the waters in golden hues, whereas marble loos and complicated 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. Circulate Kitchen affords worldwide fare all through the day and Seagrill Restaurant + Bar presents recent 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 trendy therapies, whereas the non-public seaside stretch affords water sports activities and beachfront leisure. Households will recognize the Fairmont Falcons Youngsters’ Membership and quick access to Palm Jumeirah’s sights.
The Particulars:
- Close by Points of interest: Al Ittihad Park, The Palm Fountain, Youngsters 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 Reside Limitless
- Charges: From $394 per evening
Additionally obtainable to e-book at Expedia.com
4 Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Seaside 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, offers a peaceable retreat whereas remaining simply minutes from downtown sights.
Two swimming pools cater to totally different moods: the energetic pool buzzes with household power whereas the quiet pool offers adults with a peaceable sanctuary. The Pearl Spa combines European and Asian wellness traditions throughout 10 remedy rooms, full with an indoor pool and hammam. For seaside lovers, the non-public stretch of sand consists of 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 out of doors 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 probably the most populated metropolis within the United Arab Emirates, during which the official faith is Islam, as acknowledged 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 laws 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 will not be permitted and applicable clothes needs to be worn always. There are additionally strict limitations round images, so you should definitely examine the newest pointers earlier than snapping pictures.
Make word 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 can be affected. It’s particularly vital to decorate modestly, keep away from enjoying 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 foremost issues I used to be shocked about when visiting Dubai is just how giant it’s. Relying on why you’re visiting, you’ll possible need to journey 10 or extra minutes to get the place you’re attempting to go — whether or not it’s for a gathering or for leisure. Be sure to account for journey time and visitors, as there’s usually a number of congestion and town is unfold out.
Get out of town
Whereas Dubai has rather a lot to supply throughout the metropolis limits, a number of the most picturesque sights that come to thoughts whenever you consider the vacation spot usually occur nicely outdoors of downtown. Actions equivalent to desert safaris and scorching air balloon excursions are an hour-plus drive and might be booked by tour corporations’ web sites instantly. They usually’re nicely price it!
How We Selected These Resorts
Joe Niehaus is a journey author with intensive worldwide expertise, together with a go to to Dubai up to now 12 months. The inns above have been curated based mostly on his private expertise visiting Dubai along with intensive analysis, suggestions from Journey + Leisure editors and contributors, and a number of other of the picks seem on our World’s Greatest Awards and It Record. Lastly, all inns on this record adhere to our Resort Values.