Rising like a phoenix from the desert landscape of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the ultimate luxury destination. Often seen as no more than a transport hub for people en route to other far-flung destinations, Dubai offers a heady mix of conspicuous consumption and traditional Arab hospitality. Where else in the world could you take a day trip from your luxury hotel to go four-wheel-driving in the desert; or go hunting with falcons; or ride a horse through towering sand-dunes as if you were Lawrence of Arabia. In Dubai, where five star hotels are the benchmark standard, you can nevertheless find accommodation for any budget. Even so, when it comes to opulence, Dubai pulls out all the stops. This is the place to come if you wish to shop for gold and stock up on designer goods. You can dine outside at a restaurant atop some vast skyscraper, with nothing but the warm air of the Arabian night surrounding you. If you have ever yearned to visit the desert, we have compiled a list of Dubai hotels that will help make your wildest dreams come true.
Rating: 8.7
The stunning location of the Grand Plaza Mövenpick itself is a guarantee of the highest level of relaxation. Within easy reach are the world-famous Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina District, with the iconic building of Burj Al-Arab. Adjacent to the luxury hotel is the vast area of the truly elegant Emirates Golf Club, and for those looking for a little adrenaline, don’t miss Skydive Dubai, which is almost next door.
The 5-star hotel has 235 richly appointed rooms and suites, all of which have been designed to the highest standards of luxury. The minibar is stocked with the finest beverages, the spacious bathroom has a separate bathtub and rainfall shower, along with luxury toiletries. The enormous soundproof windows offer perfect views of the sea, Burj Al-Arab and Palm Jumeirah.
Grand Plaza Mövenpick offers several dining options. Bytes Restaurant offers outdoor and indoor dining area, or guests can dine by the pool while admiring the wonderful skyline of Dubai. In Slice and the Grand Lounge, you can choose from the freshest pastries, and the Twenty Three Bar offers panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arab Gulf, accompanied by a selection of the finest spirits and premium shishas.
The 4th floor of the hotel is entirely dedicated to the wellbeing of guests. This is where the modern and well-equipped fitness room and the soothing outdoor swimming pool is located. In addition, there is the Beauty Salon and The M Spa, a relaxation center created in an intimate environment, dedicated to pure luxury and offering complete rejuvenation.
Rating: 8.7
Towering on Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheraton Grand Hotel boasts a perfect location, a short walk from the iconic Dubai Frame and Jumeirah Mosque. Just a few minutes drive from the city’s main attractions, such as the downtown, The Dubai Mall, and the world-famous Burj Khalifa, it is a perfect base for those who want to explore the city effectively.
Stepping into the 5-star hotel, you will immediately notice the impeccable quality, the blend of snow-white marble surfaces and warm timber tones, sprinkled with trendy gold-colored accessories, seductive and inviting. This exclusive standard continues in the luxury hotel’s richly appointed rooms and suites, completed with subtle elegance and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a perfect view of modern Dubai’s buildings.
The hotel has several outstanding restaurants and bars. Feast offers healthy and modern dishes from around the world, while Miss Lily’s serves sophisticated menu from Jamaican cuisine. For lovers of Spanish food, Nido awaits you with much love. Not to be missed is Larimar by Dawn & Dusk Bar, which is one of the highest rooftop bars in Dubai, offers wide variety of the finest spirits and shisha flavours.
Located on the 52nd floor, the Soul Wellness & Spa offers luxurious facial and body treatments, while the Sheraton Fitness Center on the 53rd floor offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment for active guests, not least with a perfect view of Dubai’s bustling city center. On the 54th floor, in addition to the rooftop bar, there is also a rooftop pool to suit all needs.
Rating: 8.7
Built in the bustling city center of Dubai, this imposing building is already the epitome of pure luxury from the outside. Within easy reach of the city’s best restaurants, the deservedly world-famous Jumeirah Mosque and the quite unique attraction, the Dubai Frame, make this 5-star hotel a perfect base for those who want to explore the city.
The luxury hotel offers richly furnished rooms, equipped with everything you need for perfect relaxation. Separate living room and fully equipped kitchen, spacious modern bathroom with luxurious toiletries, separate walk-in shower and bathtub. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer magnificent views of Dubai.
In addition to room service, indoor and outdoor dining is available at The Spice Tree Restaurant, where you can taste truly unique, selected specialties of Indian urban fusion cuisine. Larté Café serves traditional dishes for Italian food lovers, and The Sun Glow rooftop bar offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city’s modern skyline.
Of course, the luxurious hotel has a fitness center and a large outdoor pool in an intimate setting, which provides a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation, combined with wonderful views of Dubai. There are several meeting rooms in the building, and an enormous hall of more than 400 square meters can be reserved for private events.
If you’re looking to enjoy the high life, Dubai is the perfect place to be. Beyond your luxury hotel, the city boasts ultramodern architecture, high-end shopping malls, and plenty of adrenaline filled activities. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the most exciting things to do and see in the City of Gold.
If Dubai is short on anything, it’s certainly not yachts. One of the most popular and stylish ways to explore Dubai is by the water, combining a private yacht cruise with an exhilarating jet ski ride. There are plenty of companies that offer this high-end experience, with different size yachts available. Plus, many will include a private steward or stewardess, too.
There are so many water sports to try in Dubai, but the most popular one is flyboarding. This unique activity will make you feel as though you are flying above the ocean. Flyboarding works by pressurized water propelling you up to 9 meters into the air. The motor will then keep you afloat as you take in the incredible views and catch your breath.
While the city is full of excitement and activity, I highly recommend spending a day at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The reserve is a 45-minute drive from the city centre, and you can book a premium private tour to explore this natural wonder. Your chauffeur, along with a professional conservation guide, will pick you up in a luxury range rover and take you on a 60-Minute nature safari. Here, you can enjoy a camel ride in the Arabian desert, taking you to the Royal desert retreat to enjoy a high-class dinner under the stars. You’ll also see one of the most mind blowing landscapes as you admire the sand dunes with Dubai’s skyscrapers behind them.
If you’ve ever watched the sun coming up over Uluru, you’ll know how the desert offers the best sunrises. Therefore, don’t miss out on the chance to see the day dawn over the dunes in the Arabian desert. Balloon Adventures Dubai offers one of the most luxurious hot air balloon rides where you can do this. Not only will they float you across the desert at 4000ft in a hot air balloon a the sun comes up, but they will prepare you a gourmet breakfast to feast on after. Plus, they will make the early start a little easier by picking you up from your luxury hotel in Dubai and dropping you back later.
Dubai is a playground for luxury car lovers, and the city lets you get behind the wheel of some of the most high-end vehicles in the world. On a supercar tour, you’ll spend the day driving around the Jebel Jais Mountain in a Ferrari or Lamborghini model of your choice. The 380km round trip includes various terrains, from the busy city streets to the vast desert tracks and mountainous roads.
Skyview Bar sits on the 27th floor of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and is a fantastic place to go for sunset or evening drinks. Along with the expansive views, they serve yummy cocktails and a delicious 4-course dinner set. If you can’t make it in the evening, check out the champagne afternoon tea experience. The menu features some of the most exclusive teas, such as Jasmine Pearls, Superior Oolong and Fancy Sencha. Along with unlimited tea and coffee, you’ll get a superb selection of pastries and dainty sandwiches, too.