INDUSTRY NEWS

Dubai’s Top Five Most Luxurious Resorts

Dubai is home to some of the world’s most extravagant hotels, where opulence, innovation, and world-class hospitality come together to create unforgettable experiences. From ultra-luxurious resorts on Palm Jumeirah to sleek, sky-high urban retreats, these hotels redefine indulgence with lavish suites, Michelin-star dining, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape, or a glamorous city stay, here are Dubai’s five most luxurious hotels that set the standard for unparalleled luxury.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

When you think of luxury resorts in Dubai, you’ll probably think of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Perched on its own artificial island and first opened in 1999, the Burj Al Arab is widely considered one of the world’s only 7-star resorts, boasting an iconic sail-like structure combined with a modern and opulent interior for a truly luxurious experience – Even 25 years after it first opened.

The Rooms

Offering a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites overlooking the horizon or Palm Jumeirah, as well as a Presidential Suite, the luxury begins before you even step foot into your hotel room. Skip the reception and enjoy in-suite check-in the moment you arrive, with concierge service to take you to your room. Once you open the door, you’ll be greeted with some of the plushest finishings you’ll find anywhere in the world – Think genuine 24-karat gold accents, plush bedding and personalised amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows will offer you showstopping views of Dubai and the ocean – You won’t even have to get out of bed to enjoy it! Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can make a choice – check out one of the resorts incredible restaurants, or order room service through your very own dedicated butler!

The Amenities

While the luxe suites certainly make an impression the moment you step inside, it’s the resorts amenities that ensure it stands out in Dubai as one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Located right on its very own private island (created specifically for the resort), guests can enjoy a range of upmarket amenities while staying there – Think private Yoga Classes in the Talise Spa, Personal Training sessions, and access to the hotel’s private Helicopter Pad (if you choose to fly in or out of the resort). The resort itself also has a range of bathing areas to relax around, including the popular infinity pool that stretches out to the horizon to meet the ocean. Truly bliss!

The Dining

Not to be outdone by gold accents and horizon views, the resorts dining opportunities are just as incredible as the rest of the area. Home to 9 restaurants with varying cuisines, take your pick between French, Italian, Arabic, Mediterranean or International dining options, with a dizzying list of dishes and wine pairings to suit every taste bud. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is also home to the famous Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara, which boasts a unique underwater dining experience for guests to enjoy!

Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace

Ever wanted to stay in a genuine palace? Well, now you can with the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace. First commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bi Sultan Al Nahyan as a meeting place in 2001 and later acquired by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, this 5-star resort is a Bona Fide Palace, featuring 1.3km of private beach, nearly 400 rooms and suites and a handful of lavish pools, restaurants and even a private marina.

The Rooms

Originally built as a place to host the Arabic elite, the rooms in the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace are about as opulent as it gets. Blending modern architecture and Arabian opulence, every one of the hotel’s 394 suites is filled with marble, gold accents and plush furnishings, complete with your very own private balcony to look out over the resort’s landscaped gardens. Beyond the furnishings, the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace also boasts plenty of space for you to relax, recline and spread out in – Each suite features separate living and dining areas and comes complete with a private butler service, so you can live out all of your Royal dreams while staying here!

The Amenities

While the hotel boasts an extravagant interior that’s pretty hard to beat, it’s the grounds and amenities that truly make this resort one of Dubai’s most luxurious spaces. Perched on 1.3km of private beach and surrounded by 85 hectares of perfectly manicured gardens, there’s no end to the adventures hidden within the resort grounds – Hire Scuba equipment and go for a dive, book in for a Personal Training session with one of their trainers, or get an adrenaline rush by jumping on their own private AquaFun Park! For those who just want to catch some R&R, the resort also boasts a marble-adorned spa, where Massages, Body Scrubs and Holistic escapes are just a booking away.

The Dining

Not to be outdone by marble accents and private pools, the restaurants in the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace are as impressive as the resort itself. Home to a total of 12 restaurants – two of which boast highly-acclaimed Michelin stars –wander the grounds and choose from All-Day Dining, relaxed Lounge Dining, Fine Dining or perch yourself at the resorts Bar, with cooks dishing up mouth-watering meals until 1AM. Depending on your preference, there are a few cuisines to choose from – Indulge in Italian under the sun in the Michelin-starred Talea by Antonia Guida, or go to the more casual Sand & Koal for an Open Fire Cooking experience!

One&Only One Za’abeel

A pair of glittering towers nestled amongst the Dubai skyline, the One&Only One Za’abeel is one of Dubai’s newest luxury properties, opening on February 9th, 2024 with a grand, three-day celebration. Situated right near the Dubai World Trade Centre, this iconic resort is best recognised for its distinctive architecture, featuring a gravity-defying “Link” joining the two towers and making it the world’s longest cantilevered building!

The Rooms

Built with Dubai’s modern and extravagant lifestyle in mind, the interior of the building is as spectacular and unique as the interior – think marble accent pieces, reflective mirrors throughout your room to enhance the space and floor-to-ceiling windows giving you outstanding views over the entire Dubai skyline. The rooms and suites in the One&Only One Za’abeel are also some of the largest you’ll find in Dubai, so if you’re after plenty of space, this is the resort to visit.

The Amenities

Located right in the middle of Dubai and a short walk from the Dubai World Trade Centre there’s plenty to do while visiting the resort, but if you’d prefer to stay indoors and soak up the atmosphere, One&Only One Za’abeel won’t disappoint. The resort features the world’s longest infinity pool within their adults-only Tapasake Adults-Only Pool Club, as well as a lush Garden sanctuary on Level 4 that’ll have you convinced you’ve stepped onto a tropical island. For those looking to enjoy a bit of R&R, One&Only One Za’abeel also offers the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, with hyper-personalised wellness protocols available to help you feel like your best self.

The Dining

While One&Only One Za’abeel’s suites and pools certainly make a statement, it’s the food that you don’t want to pass up when visiting this resort. Home to nine incredible restaurants, and four Michelin-starred chefs, you’re guaranteed an explosion of flavour no matter where you dine – Whether it’s Japanese fusion, Spanish, Middle Eastern or Indonesian. The One&Only Za’abeel is also the proud home of Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, a 10 Michelin-star chef and the world’s best female chef. You can sample her food in La Dame De Pic, offering modern French cuisine among the clouds in a gastronomic experience that’s well worth every cent.

Atlantis The Royal

Dubai is home to plenty of unique and gravity-defying architectural structures, and when it comes to gravity-defying, resorts the Atlantis The Royal is one of the top on the list. Located at the top of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and first opened in January 2023, this show-stopping resort features almost 800 rooms spread throughout its vast design, alongside a range of world-class restaurants, pools and spas perfect for relaxing.

The Rooms

Towering an incredible 43 storeys about the Palm Jumeirah with almost 800 rooms spread across the expansive property, the Atlantis The Royal is one of Dubai’s largest resorts – with beautiful, modern rooms and suites to match. Boasting uninterrupted views of the ocean and Dubai skyline from all angles, walk into you room and be greeted by gold, wood and marble accents, hand-sculpted pieces and plush furnishings, as well as walk-in wardrobes and even your own private pool! For those looking to enjoy a truly out-of-this-world experience, select suites also offer private terraces and take up whole portions of the resort, giving you your own private, luxury penthouse on the beach.

The Amenities

With a name like ‘Atlantis’, it should come as no surprise that some of the best amenities at this incredible resort are their water-based activities. Perched right on the beach in the Palm Jumeirah, the resort boasts private beachfront access for guests to swim, stroll or head out and get an adrenaline rush with varying water-based activities. If you’re not a fan of the Ocean and want somewhere a little more private to relax, Atlantis The Royal is also home to the exclusive Cloud 22, a partnership between Dolce&Gabbana x Ounass to bring guests a modern, luxurious and fashionable rooftop pool retreat. Featuring a range of Day and Floating Beds, pay entry into this exclusive space and relax into the epitome of high fashion in the clouds.

The Dining

While the resort is certainly renowned for its incredible architecture and pools, it doesn’t drop the ball when it comes to dining opportunities. Home to a huge 17 world-class restaurants within the property, including 8 celebrity restaurants and 1 Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice when deciding on what, where and when to eat while staying here. Choose from restaurants owned by famous chefs including Heston Blumenthal, Ariana Bundy or Gaston Acurio, and sit down to dine in spaces ranging from beach bars to sophisticated fine dining experiences.

The Lana – Dorchester Collection

The Dorchester Collection is renowned for its boutique, luxury resorts – and their newest resort right on Dubai’s Marina is no exception to this rule. Overlooking the Dubai Marina and only opening in February 2024, The Lana combines modern elegance with the dynamic spirit of Dubai for a truly unique, ultra-luxe space.

The Rooms

Offering 104 meticulously designed rooms and 121 spacious suites, The Lana is as modern and luxe inside as it looks outside. Each room boasts a modern colour palette with soft and elegant finishings overlooking the Dubai Marina, while the suites offer a subtle step up from your everyday luxury with marble finishings, private terraces and dedicated working areas for guests to use in between meetings.

The Amenities

More than just a place to rest your head after a long day of exploring Dubai, The Lana also offers a wealth of relaxation spaces. The 29th floor holds The Lana’s most sacred relaxation spaces – Visit the Dior Spa and pamper yourself with their range of bespoke treatments including massages and facials, or duck next door to get your sweat on and work on your fitness in their dedicated fitness centre. If massages and workouts aren’t on the agenda, you can also head up to the rooftop and recline by the rooftop infinity pool – offering outstanding views of the Dubai skyline, there are few better places to stay and watch the sun set!

The Dining

Once you’ve spent the morning sleeping in and the day relaxing in the Dior Spa (or splashing in the infinity pool), it’s time to head to one of The Lana’s restaurants to indulge your tastebuds. Home to 6 restaurants and 2 bars throughout the property, you’ll be spoiled for choice when looking to grab a bite to eat, with a combination of French, Mediterranean and even Basque dining to choose from. If you’ve spent the day by the pool and want to watch the sun set while dining, you can also visit ‘High Society’, run by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert and boasting a curated menu of eclectic light bites.