With more super-luxurious, exclusive, seven-star hotels than anywhere else in the world, narrowing down the best of the best hotels in Dubai would still leave you with a list as long as your statement sarong. And while you’ll be sure to see all the international heavyweights with at least one, if not two or three outposts in the relatively tiny city – from Four Seasons to One&Only and Mandarin Oriental – there are also a vast number of unique ‘indigenous’ Dubai properties, all promising (and delivering) those unforgettable holiday moments.

Whether you choose a waterfront location for a beach resort break, or an inner-city sanctuary for a more urban-style weekend away, Dubai can pull almost any experience out of its hat. Dubbed ‘Disney World for adults’, these luxury hotels in Dubai are where the magic is made.

Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim

As iconic for its windsail shape as it is for its unbeatable service and facilities, the Burj Al Arab has become something of a Dubai landmark. Located on its own island overlooking the sparkling waters of the Gulf, inside it’s decked out to the max in an opulent maritime theme, with duplex suites that span one, two or three bedrooms. The Terrace, the Burj’s highly exclusive restaurant, double pool, beach, and butler-serviced cabana space, spreads out into the Gulf, where multiple water sports options are sure to keep little (and grown) kids entertained all day. With eight international restaurants, squash and tennis courts, three further pools, an incredible spa, and free access to the Wild Wadi waterpark, guests will certainly not be left wanting here.

From £1,717 per night.

Atlantis, The Royal, The Palm Jumeirah

A behemoth of a hotel, the 43-storey Atlantis, The Royal sits on the curve of The Palm, next to its older sibling, Atlantis, The Palm. Known for its enormous infinity ‘sky pool’ (one of three outdoor pools) as well as its jaw-dropping private beach, it houses a whopping 17 restaurants and bars, with eight crafted by internationally acclaimed chefs. A fully-fledged resort in the heart of The Palm, interiors nod to the elements and feature one of the world’s largest jellyfish tanks. With room options multiple and varied, from suites to villas and mansions, there really is scope to pick a level you’re comfortable with, without ever compromising on luxury. The 5,000-square-metre wellness centre, Awaken Wellness, combines holistic therapies with modern treatments in a vast and splendid setting.

From £555 per night.

The Lana, Marasi Bay

A much-anticipated new opening from The Dorchester Collection, The Lana is already making a lot of noise in Marasi Bay Marina. An architectural statement designed by Foster + Partners, the hotel offers 225 rooms and suites as well as eight pioneering dining concepts, many masterminded by the world’s top chefs. The hotel’s sophisticated interiors have been designed and executed by famed Parisian duo, Gilles & Boissier, and incorporate a carefully curated selection of more than 50 artworks, commissioned from both local and global artists. The Lana will also be home to the first Dior Spa in the UAE, set to open in April 2024.

From £821 per night.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah

When the first-ever Nikki Beach launched in South Beach in the late Nineties, it soon became synonymous with a champagne-spraying crowd who spent their summers in the Balearics – and little has changed since. Now with 16 locations worldwide, this barefoot luxury beach resort is located on the waterfront of Pearl Jumeirah Island. With sweeping views of the city and direct access to the Arabian Gulf’s blue waters, it features 118 rooms and suites including a newly opened Celebration Suite – the largest in Dubai. Accessible to resort guests, residents and daytime visitors, the Ibiza-vibes beach club has recently added nine new VIP pool cabana notches to its bedpost. Add that to the four restaurants and lounges, range of spa experiences and Tone Gym, and you could find yourself popping in for the day and staying all week.

From £407 per night.

One Za’abeel Hotel Dubai, Za’abeel

You know you’re in the luxury capital of the world when you’ve got your pick of One&Only hotels. One Za’abeel describes itself as an urban vertical resort, bringing all the life, energy, and glamour of its world-famous beach resorts to a more city-focused holiday. Offering both stunning, spacious, and experience-specific suites and rooms (such as ‘creative’ or ‘wellness’ led), as well as the Villa One penthouse, guests can expect exciting epicurean journeys, exclusive arts and culture offerings, and top-of-the-range wellness programmes. It’s hard not to fall in love with the Bali-inspired Garden Pool on the fourth floor, featuring lush tropical greenery, a lagoon-style family swimming pool and a swim-up bar.

From £623 per night.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah Beach

For a totally different Dubai experience, One&Only Royal Mirage is a beachside oasis, resting on a kilometre of private coast overlooking The Palm, and nestled within 65 acres of landscaped gardens. Arranged into three environments (The Palace, Arabian Court, and Residence & Spa), each complements the others in a celebration of Arabic design, heritage, and hospitality. And, while Royal Mirage boasts a fantastic location, with four restaurants (including one by Mauro Colagreco), five bars and lounges, kids’ club, and hammam-style spa, chances you’ll feel the need to leave are very slim indeed.

From £530 per night.

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Umm Suqeim

Part of the four-hotel-strong Jumeriah complex, which also includes Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Jumeirah Al Qasr (all of which fall under the best hotels category too), the beautiful Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is made up of several traditional summer houses set among winding waterways and blooming gardens. With views of either the Burj Al Arab or the Gulf, guests can hop on board a traditional Abra boat or golf buggy to explore the rest of the Madinat, which is a purpose-built ‘mini city’ reminiscent of a man-made (or Disney World-style) Venice. With 30 restaurants and multiple attractions, which all overlook the enchanting waterways, you don’t ever need to leave the hub.

From £797 per night.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, The Palm Jumeirah

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a slightly different approach to its beachfront luxury offering. Blending its signature Asian inspiration, from the food to the décor, with Dubai’s impeccable Middle Eastern service, the premium over-water villas are the real pull here, as well as the lagoon-side suites (the lagoon being the swimming pool here). As with so many five-star hotel brands in Dubai, Anantara has multiple outposts, each offering something slightly different. Don’t miss Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel for a more urban vibe, and Anantara World Islands Resort for true luxurious escapism.

From £185 per night.

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

If you want your hotel revved up like a red Ferrari, then pose with the best of them at this dazzling property. Located in Dubai’s financial district, the Four Seasons DIFC is situated in a piazza among the international epicurean bigwigs, meaning the courtyard is almost a destination itself. Sip craft cocktails at Luna Sky Bar while admiring the skyline views, while gourmands and mixology fans alike can also delight in the highly-acclaimed Mina Brasserie by award-winning chef Michael Mina. With 78 guest rooms and 28 suites, the smart and contemporary interiors are characterised by impeccable craftsmanship, bespoke finishes, and attention to detail at every level. For a more low-key and restorative stay, choose Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

From £387 per night.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Mercato Beach

With a spotless, crystal-clear oceanfront setting, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is a stylish urban resort that overlooks both the glittering skyline and the enticing azure waters of Dubai. The hotel is designed to bring a new level of ‘relaxed luxury’ to the city, with its chic and sleek contemporary interiors and impeccably curated 250 rooms. There are multiple restaurants from which to choose, including the Beluga restaurant and lounge for the ultimate caviar experience, as well as the Mandarin Cake Shop, where cake and art collide. As expected, the service, spa and added touches are all second to none.  

From £430 a night.

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