Best Luxury Hotels in United Arab Emirates
The tourism capital of the Gulf nations, the UAE offers year-round sunshine and glamorous resorts. Its two main cities: Abu Dhabi and Dubai are glitzy playgrounds, edged by a perfect coastline with azure blue seas. Dubai is home to the tallest tower on the planet, Burj Khalifa, a major draw for visitors and some of the world’s most opulent hotels. But it’s not only the more populated areas that attract visitors. Trips out to experience the country’s fascinating Bedouin desert culture offer an opportunity to view and engage with a culture completely disparate from the Western world. Here are our top places to stay in the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
The Four Seasons name is one that you know will always deliver luxury and opulence and this hotel is no exception. Location within a collection of 200 islands, the hotel calls to business travellers, but is also a destination for vacationers and shoppers. The Dahlia Spa offers an extensive selection of decadent treatments including a variety of massage options. There’s also a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city to be had. Each room is thoughtfully decorated and ready to welcome you right in for a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy some downtime.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Trade Centre
One&Only One Za’abeel
Dubai and luxury are two words that go together like caviar and diamonds and with One Za’Abeel – part of the One&Only group – opening its opulent doors earlier this month, you can now stay at the group’s first urban resort set within the heart of Dubai, in the exclusive Za’abeel neighbourhood. Flanked by the royal palaces, a mere ten minutes from Downtown and Dubai International Airport and within walking distance of the Dubai World Trade Centre, One Za’abeel is the perfect base for both culture and business alike. One&Only are industry leaders when it comes to beach and nature resorts and now, in a flourish of awe-inspiring architecture from revolutionary designer Nikken Sekkei, they are taking everything they do best and transporting it to the Dubai skyline.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
The Lana – Dorchester Collection
The Lana – Dorchester Collection a new addition to the Dorchester Collection, officially opened its doors marking a significant milestone in luxury hospitality within the UAE. Designed by Foster + Partners with interiors by Gilles & Boissier, this waterfront property on Marasi Bay Marina offers panoramic views of Burj Khalifa. It features 225 rooms and suites, eight dining venues including collaborations with world-renowned chefs, and over 50 specially commissioned art pieces. Highlights include the UAE’s first Dior Spa and a unique design that emphasises space, light, and cultural influences. The hotel is situated near downtown Dubai, providing easy access to key attractions and exceptional transportation options, such as custom Rolls-Royces and a foiler boat.
Sharjah Emirate, Ajman
The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah
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.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island
Banyan Tree Dubai
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.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Find tranquillity at the Abu Dhabi EDITION, a luxury hotel situated in the downtown district on the waterfront of the gorgeous Al Bateen Marina. Its sophisticated neutral palette brings sleekness and comfort to your stay, whatever your purpose, and provides a true ‘home away from home’ atmosphere with that extra luxurious touch.
Featuring 198 guest rooms and 57 exclusively serviced residences, you can find yourself traipsing atop the beautiful herringbone flooring, mirroring local basket weaving techniques or getting yourself ready to make beautiful memories in the off-white marble bathrooms. The Abu Dhabi EDITION provides luxury, sophistication, and class.
Priding themselves in their customer service and going above and beyond to cater to their clientele, you can find various amenities and facilities to mould around your needs. Whether you wish to enjoy world-class ingredients with British rock ‘n’ roll flair in the Oak Room, or wind down in the 6 treatment-room spa, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
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.
United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
If you really want to escape the rat race, come to the ancient dunes of the Al Wadi Desert. An uber-luxury take on Bedouin living, the accommodation includes tent-style buildings and mud-brick villas (all of which have their own infinity pools). The settlement is on Al Wadi Nature Reserve, so expect to spy plenty of gazelles and antelope. And there’s an abundance of unusual excursions organised by The Ritz-Carlton – both for kids and adults. Farmhouse restaurant served produce from its own smokehouse and garden, plus there’s Kaheela for small plates and the Samar or Lobby Lounges for drinks and lighter bites. The spa has a hydrotherapy circuit, a rainforest experience and 10 regal pavilions.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
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.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
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.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach
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.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
The Ritz Carlton Dubai is located along the famous JBR Walk and 5-minutes away from the Dubai Marina. The Ritz Carlton offers 294 amazingly luxurious rooms and suites with sea views and private balconies. It offers first-class spa facilities to all of its guests and six outdoor swimming pools for relaxation and good times. You can enjoy themed meals in the hotel’s 9 restaurants, ranging from Asian to Mediterranean dining but also healthy cuisine provided by the Palm Grill on the beach.