Best Beach Hotels in United Arab Emirates

Offering something completely different, this resort is in fact set on an island, off the city’s coast. Here, wildlife including turtles, birds and gazelles roam in the Eden-like eco-setting. Guests arrive via a private launch and are accommodated across 20 deluxe tents each with its own private ocean-side pool. Earthy hues encourage the sense of returning to nature, without compromising on comfort. Healthy, organic cuisine is served indoors and out at Al Qurm, or in-room bespoke dining alternatives can be arranged. The Kingfisher Retreat also has a small spa and direct beach access.  access.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert’s sister property, is a secluded, beachside affair. It also offers pool villas, but 32 rather than over a hundred and is just 15 minutes away via a free shuttle. The Bedouin influence remains, but with a coastal vibe (whites and blues reign over the decor), that’s particularly evident in the four-pavilion, sea-view spa. As this is a smaller resort, there’s just one restaurant, Shore House, but the hotel offers their version of breakfast in bed – a Balinese-style floating breakfast in pool. And private candlelit dinners on the beach can be arranged.

Taking the form of an Arabian palace, the landmark Waldorf Astoria in RAK rises dramatically from the shoreline. The opulent multi-domed hotel brings classic Waldorf facilities and service to the Middle east. On entry, guests are greeted by a 1920s era lobby with a grand piano, vintage furnishings and an elaborate marble-effect fountain. The hotel sits beside an 18-hole golf course and has a lagoon-style pool bordering a section of private beach, tennis courts, an upscale spa, nine restaurants (one of which is reserved for adults), a kids’ club, a playground, regular live DJ sets and 346 rooms.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach features 237 guest rooms and suites, taking classical Arabian design as inspiration. Set along a pristine private stretch of coastline, the resort captures the essence of Dubai luxury with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Burj Khalifa skyline on the other.

Interiors are elegant, adorned with hand-crafted details, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows opening to private balconies. Guests can enjoy a diverse culinary scene across Mercury Rooftop, Sea Fu, Suq, and Shai Salon, along with an array of lively bars and lounges.

The resort’s tranquil The Pearl Spa & Wellness features 10 treatment rooms, a Moroccan hammam, and two expansive indoor and outdoor pools. With lush gardens, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and easy access to both the beach and city, this resort is an oasis of refined leisure and cosmopolitan flair.

Palm Jumeirah Island is the address for this plush and lavish 5-star Raffles The Palm. Designed to offer guests profound wellbeing and palatial pleasure. The ornate style of the spacious rooms and suites resonates throughout the rest of the hotel. Hotel guests can enjoy a choice of three upmarket restaurants, each excelling in its speciality cuisine; from contemporary Japanese, alfresco dining through to traditional Afternoon Tea – there is something top suite all tastes and occasions.  The outdoor or indoor pools are a great place to reenergise whilst the private beach area is perfect for those who love the sun. Guests can also make use of the extensive spa facilities, yoga studio and fully equipped gym. Raffles the Palm is perfect for those who enjoy style and variety.

One & Only The Palm Resort is a jewel in Dubai. Located on the Palm Island, it’s the reflection of stylish and prestigious design. You can enjoy astonishing panoramic views from your suite or take a walk on the lush private beach on the Palm Jumeirah. The One & Only has elegant and spacious rooms, suites as well as villas which are perfect if you’re travelling with your friends or family. The Beach Villas offer customised service and direct access to the amazing private beach. If you’re a fan of healthy dining, make sure you book your table at the over-water Marina Restaurant, Bar & Lounge. Guests can also enjoy dishes offered by the One & Only Royal Mirage in its 7 restaurants. You’ll have to take a water taxi to get there, though.

Unlike anything else in the area, The Oberoi Beach Resort features contemporary Italian architecture and sleek minimalist interiors that take their cue from Scandinavian style. Everything is neat and angular with muted neutral colours, offset by the occasional soft lime, deep royal blue, or dark wood finish. A huge narrow 85-metre infinity pool surrounded by immaculate teak loungers faces out to a private stretch of beach. There’s a separate kids pool, as well as a children’s club. The mangrove forest next door is great for bird watching, while the spa offers Ayurvedic and Turkish Hammam rituals in its multiple mini buildings, connected via walkways. Guests can dine in two restaurants, or order food in-suite via the private butler service.

Banyan Tree has launched its first property in Dubai, located on Bluewaters Dubai, a vibrant lifestyle destination offering residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment options, the resort boasts a modern design with a 500-meter private beach, uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, and the iconic Ain Dubai. The property features 178 rooms designed with a soft minimalism approach, multiple dining venues offering everything from French Mediterranean to Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and comprehensive leisure facilities including three pools, a first-class fitness centre, a luxury spa, and extensive meeting and event spaces. Additionally, the resort includes 96 fully furnished private apartments with high-end amenities and special rates for dining and spa services, reinforcing its appeal to both leisure and business travellers.

Exuding French elegance and inspired by Polynesia, this hotel is found on the East Crescent of The Palm. Choose between a bedroom, a suite, an apartment or a villa, some with balconies. All accommodations feature onyx, stone and dark wood furnishings, with a colour palette evocative of the South Pacific’s landscapes, the brand’s signature MyBeds, Illy coffee machines, pillow menus and French bath products. This Sofitel has six outdoor swimming pools, a private beach with netted swim areas and its own seaside Laguna Bar, as well as nine more venues in which you can wine and dine.

Stay beside one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks — the Palm Jumeirah — close to malls and the downtown area. All bedrooms have full height windows and balconies to maximise the views, and the outdoor pool is found beside the resort’s private beach; the latter offering a range of watersports. Guests can make use of a fitness centre and the Saray Spa, while younger travellers are well-catered for at the kids club. Also onsite are 10 restaurants providing everything from Korean to Italian, Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Book an Executive Level suite for access to the M Club Lounge.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is an award-winning beach resort that presents guests with a seamless experience of old-world charm and new age culture. Rooms and suites are spacious and sleek, with all the modern-day amenities a guest would expect from a Park Hyatt hotel. Depending on the room or suite type chosen, guests can enjoy unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf, landscaped gardens, and a private pool and terrace. For guests that enjoy action there are plenty of activities within the resort including; tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, water sports, a spa and wellness centre and kids club – to name a few and in the nearby area guests can enjoy a round or two at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club which is just a short walk away, explore the coastal habitats on a boat tour or take in the hustle and bustle of the cultural capital. The resort boasts a wonderful range of cuisine served in its three restaurants; from all-day casual dining to an elegant experience guests will not be disappointed. A great choice for an all-round luxury experience.

Sitting right on the glitzy promenade (The Walk) just seven miles from the airport, this 31-storey Sofitel overlooks the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai. And all of its 444 rooms have sea views; book a higher-end suite if you want the benefits of butler service, iPod docks and access to a private lounge too. Its facilities also include the A.O.C International Buffet, the Plantation Brasserie, an Infini Pool Lounge and the Café Concierge. Access to the Sofitel‘s stretch of Jumeirah Beach is from the pool area on the third floor and guests are provided with beach kits.