There's no denying Dubai is home to the best and the finest. Yet, when you think you've seen it all, the city surprises you again. Between the Burj Khalifa and islands shaped like palm trees, Dubai’s 5-star hotels are no exception, and choosing the right one becomes part of the adventure. Some travellers want to wake up to waves rolling onto private beaches, others prefer watching fountain shows from their balcony. Each hotel offers a different way to experience Dubai.
Bulgari Resort Dubai
On a seahorse-shaped island twenty minutes from downtown, Bulgari Resort Dubai draws inspiration from the Italian coast. The contemporary building features a distinctive coral-like sunshade, while the resort's Yacht Club & Marina – the first from Bulgari – adds to its coastal setting. In the Michelin-starred Il Ristorante, Chef Niko Romito brings Rome's culinary heritage to life. His blue lobster pasta captures memories of long Italian summers, and the tiramisu arrives light as air. By evening, the Yacht Club's oval bar fills with quiet conversation and sailing masts silhouetted from the city lights.
Location: Jumeirah Bay Island
One&Only The Palm
At the tip of Palm Jumeirah's western crescent, One&Only creates a secluded escape with beachfront villas complemented by private plunge pools and personalised butler service. Gardens of Andalusian arches and fountains open onto a private beach where waves break onto golden sand. Inside Michelin-starred STAY, Chef Yannick Alléno crafts modern French dishes with local ingredients – his signature seafood tower showcases Gulf prawns and Dibba Bay oysters. After sunset, guests follow torch-lit paths to The Lounge, where mixologists work to the gentle notes of traditional oud music.
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah
Along Dubai's shoreline, the Mandarin Oriental overlooks the clear blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, bringing a new level of subtle luxury to the city. The lobby draws eyes upwards to bronze trees, their branches hung with thousands of lights, casting mesmerising patterns across marble floors. The hotel's private beach and wellness amenities add to the tranquil atmosphere. At Netsu, Chef Ross Shonhan tends to Japanese wagyu grilled over white oak, infusing the air with smoky aromas. The sixth-floor spa looks out over the coastal views, with a hammam experience set beneath a sunlit domed ceiling.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach
Surrounded by gardens of palm trees and bougainvillea, the Four Seasons, brings its personalised service and attention to detail to Dubai, creating a space that feels both global and distinctly local. The hotel offers the best of both worlds – Dubai’s contrast between the Arabian Gulf's waters on one side and the iconic cityscape on the other. Sea Fu, the resort's beachfront restaurant, features Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes crafted by Chef Nicolas Boutin. Charcoal-grilled octopus with Japanese yuzu and fish crusted with Middle Eastern zaatar are served under the stars. The spa’s pearl-tiled hammams and private gardens complete the beauty of the experience.
Location: Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Al Naseem
Part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex, Al Naseem opens to gardens of desert wildflowers and date palms. The beach stretches toward Burj Al Arab, rising like a sail against blue skies. Rockfish, over the water, is led by Chef Marco Garfagnini, whose crudo changes daily based on the morning’s freshest catch. Inside, rooms reflect Dubai's pearl-diving past with black-and-white photography, while private balconies invite in cool breezes from the Gulf. There is unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for guests and the adults-only pool area provides shaded cabanas as dhows drift past toward the marina.
Location: Madinat Jumeirah Complex
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Amid the high-rises of JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is set within six acres of greenery. The location presents a delightful dilemma - the appeal of lounging on a pristine beach or indulging in high-end shopping and dining on an exclusive promenade. With such a superlative setting, this resort offers the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration, making every moment in the city an inspiring experience. In Splendido's kitchen, Chef Francesco's handmade pasta carries flavours from his family's Amalfi Coast recipes. Evenings end in The Library Bar, where residents enjoy single malts while watching the marina’s yachts.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Raffles The Palm
On Jumeirah's west crescent, Raffles channels European palatial style. Crystal chandeliers illuminate rooms decorated with silk and antique furnishings, evoking a sense of timeless luxury. At Piatti by the Beach, tables are perfectly placed at the water's edge, where Chef Batuhan serves fresh Amalfi lemon pasta and salt-baked sea bass. The 500-metre stretch of private beach extends toward the Dubai Marina skyline. The spa's treatment rooms, designed with golden marble mosaic tiles, offer a calming embrace for unwinding and rejuvenation.
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Address Downtown
Dubai's most famous view fills every window at Address Downtown – the Burj Khalifa, with a convenient bridge connecting the hotel to Dubai Mall. Balconies catch the evening fountain shows, while The Restaurant circles an open kitchen where chefs prepare international dishes throughout the day. The third-floor spa and pool deck create quiet spaces above the city, with cabanas facing the downtown views.
Location: Downtown Dubai
Dubai never stands still, and its accommodations keep pace with the city's ambition. The number of hotel rooms is set to exceed 135,000 in the coming years, as Dubai continues to draw visitors from around the globe. These established addresses reinforce Dubai's appeal as an extraordinary destination that keeps people coming back to the city of tomorrow.
