The very best luxury hotels in Dubai include designer palazzos, chic Bedouin camps, and extravagant everything
For ostentation personified, do yourself a favour and check into these trendy hotels.
For ostentation personified, do yourself a favour and check into these trendy hotels.
While New York and Hong Kong impress, very few cities in the world can rival the magnificence of Dubai, if at all. A playground for the wealthy, famous, adults, and kids, the city is renowned for its one-of-a-kind skyscrapers, endless shopping extravaganzas, entertainment hubs, and culinary affairs. Adding to the ever-growing list of attractions visitors can enjoy while staying in this desert oasis are the best luxury hotels in Dubai. These awe-inspiring residences are not just a place to lay your head at night. Instead, they are mammoth creations that provide an unmatched opportunity to immerse oneself into a life of comfort, opulence, and in some cases, overindulgence.
Our editors independently assess and select these properties. If you decide to book, we may earn an affiliate commission.
There is no dearth of impressive luxury hotels in Dubai, but Burj Al Arab maintains its legendary status even in its 22nd year of operations. Built over five years, under the watchful eyes of architect Tom Wright and engineer Rick Gregory of the Atkins group, the 202-suite hotel is now an unmissable part of Dubai’s skyline. Guests staying at the Burj Al Arab experience the very best in state-of-the-art living. The hotel’s rooms feature remote-controlled lights and curtains, multiple TVs, full-size jacuzzis and rain showers, Hermès amenities, and spectacular views of the city or the Arabian Sea.
Outside the rooms, the Burj Al Arab steps up its game big time. The in-house Talise Spa overlooks the gulf from its 18th-floor location while The Terrace is a first of its type beach with two pools and 1000 tons of imported sand. Finally, enticing gourmands are four top-class restaurants, from Al Muntaha serving French classics and the uber-chic Scape by the poolside to Al Mahara. In this visually stunning restaurant, guests savour the very best of seafood while sitting next to a gigantic aquarium.
Unsurprisingly, this also makes our list of the world’s hottest hotel architecture.
Find out more about Burj Al Arab or Book through Booking.com
One&Only The Palm provides guests with private beachfront luxury from its location on the fringes of the impressive construction that is The Palm Islands. Several designers, landscapers, and architects from CKA, DSA, WAI, Studio Lumen, and 40NORTH worked together to create this grand resort with 65 rooms, 24 suites, and two villas at a whopping cost of 165 million US Dollars.
Done up in Moorish-Andalusian style with a flowing amalgamation of Arab-inspired interiors and modern conveniences, the rooms at One&Only come with private terraces, pools, and beach access. The property’s wellness spa with an adults-only pool is as relaxing an escape as the hotel’s chic air-conditioned poolside cabanas. All the restaurants at One&Only operate under the tutelage of three-Michelin-star chef Yannick Aleno. A meal at his French restaurant Stay is a must when in Dubai.
Hot tip: O&O has also recently debuted in Europe with One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro.
Learn more about One&Only The Palm or Book through Booking.com
Space is no issue at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, one of Dubai’s most stunning beachfront resorts. Conceptualised by Jeffery Wilkes, the hotel follows a theme wherein a natural flow exists between the interiors and exteriors, presenting visitors with an expansive residence basking in grandeur. At the same time, design elements combine traditionalism with modernity while taking influence from the city’s iconic skyline and scenic waterfront location.
The 250 rooms at the resort add to the personality of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira. On the one hand, they offer stunning city or sea views, pulling guests outside. On the other, they indulge you with extravagant features like marble baths with walk-in showers, valet walk-in wardrobes, lounge areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and curated furniture such as mother-of-pearl inlaid chairs.
Food lovers at the Mandarin can savour a variety of exciting culinary offerings. Tasca by Jośe Avillez plates tasty Portuguese cuisine, while Netsu by Ross Shobhan is all about gastronomic theatre. However, for a genuinely over-the-top Dubai experience, visit Beluga Restaurant and Lounge to take on a spectacular caviar adventure.
Find out more about Mandarin Oriental Jumeira or Book through Booking.com
While Spatium di Lorenzo Carmellini looked over the design and construction of the Palazzo, it was Alan Rohwer who made sure that the hotel’s interiors were up to Versace standards. Built in the style of a 16th-century Italian palace, this 215-room luxury hotel in Dubai is a lavish retreat that greets every guest in trademark Versace style with its Medusa-inspired monogram.
Spend time walking around Palazzo Versace, and its striking Arabian-Italian grandeur transports you to a whole different world. The rooms carry forth the neoclassical design temperament of the hotel by using the finest of linen, elaborate wood paneling and flooring, walk-in wardrobes, vanity tables, and private balconies. The richness of the rooms continues outside with the hotel’s three swimming pools, an award-winning spa, and nine restaurants and bars, including the atmospheric shisha lounge, Gazebo.
Learn more about Palazzo Versace Dubai or Book through Booking.com
Why limit yourself to only a dune safari when you can plunge into local Bedouin culture by staying in an eco-friendly desert camp that promises a comfortable, authentic experience? Magic Camps Dubai consists of well-maintained luxury tents with double beds and private bathrooms, an idyllic opportunity to relish an experiential stay in Dubai.
Besides the bedrooms, the setup of the camp includes a lounge area known locally as a majlis. It is here that guests eat and mingle, learning more about life in the desert. Come evening, the setting transforms into a romantic getaway with strategically placed flickering lanterns creating a spellbinding scene. Dinner at Magic Camps is an unmissable gastronomic journey. On the menu are recipes, passed down for generations, made with local ingredients, a rarity that only a few get to enjoy.
Find out more about Magic Camps Dubai
A beachside retreat on the eastern crescent of The Palm, Anantara has 293 rooms and boasts a 400-metre private seafront. Unique in its design, the resort has noticeable Asian-styled exteriors and sleek interiors executed in muted color tones. Among the best luxury hotels in Dubai, Anantara excels in granting its guests a variety of accommodation possibilities. Besides beachside and lagoon-view villas, one can also stay in Dubai’s only overwater bungalows that come with glass flooring.
Gourmands staying at Anantara are equally spoiled with choice as the hotel’s seven restaurants and bars serve a range of cuisines and bespoke cocktails. Not to miss is dinner at Bushman’s Restaurant and Bar, where chefs prepare the freshest of seafood in charcoal ovens. A true-blue family hotel, must-do activities at Anantara include water sports, a dip in one of its three lagoon pools, a trip to the hammam and spa, and a ride on the city’s only Thai long tail boat.
Find out more about Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort or Book through Booking.com
Multiple leaders across various architectural verticals collaborated to ensure the success of the massive Jumeirah Al Naseem project. At the helm was the South African firm Northpoint, working with Woods Bagot for interiors and Mirage Leisure and Development, handling the construction. The result is one of the most luxurious resorts in Dubai, with a whopping 4000 plus rooms and suites alongside the shimmering blue Arabian Gulf.
Contemporary with a touch of Middle Eastern design, the rooms at Jumeirah Al Naseem exude a stylish vibe steeped in modern-day comforts. Guests can opt between views that overlook gardens, the pool, or the sea, the latter adding a whole new dimension to the overall aura of the abode. Room features include tea and coffee makers, minibar, widescreen TVs, free WiFi, and large en-suites.
Jumeirah Al Naseem is an out-and-out family destination. The hotel’s facilities range from a turtle lagoon, multiple swimming pools, and a fitness centre to a wellness resort, private beach, kids’ club, and more. Dining choices at the resort complement its grandness. There are close to 40 restaurants, loungers, and bars, with the beachfront Rockfish, the savvy Blind Tiger and the fusion haunt Kayto being some of our favourites.
Find out more about Jumeirah Al Naseem or Book through Booking.com
Taking up a prime location on Daria Island, Bvlgari Resort and Residences is in a class of its own. Constructed in the definitive Italian style by architecture firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, this luxury hotel in Dubai and its surrounding properties covers an area of 1.4 million square feet. It is an enormous resort, consisting of a hotel with 101 rooms and 20 pool villas, 173 sea-facing apartments, a yacht club, a beach club, and 15 private mansions.
While the guestrooms at the Bvlgari are remarkable, the suites truly make the hotel stand out. Expect wraparound balconies, marble bathrooms, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, a bookshelf, separate dining spaces, and the very best in furnishings. The hotel’s seven dining options make sure you get the very best of gastronomic delights. However, try and eat at Hōseki; the nine-seater Japanese restaurant has chef Masahiro Sugiyama sending diners to foodie heaven with his omakase menu every night.
Learn more about The Bulgari Resort and Residences Dubai or Book through Booking.com
Recently opened, at the end of 2021, Raffles The Palm Dubai has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the best luxury hotels in Dubai. Carefully designed by Italian creative Francesco Molon, the vast property offers 389 rooms, 56 suites, and eight private villas, all set on one of The Palm’s best beaches.
Expect 21st Century luxury here, with personalised Raffles service, including 24-hour butlers. With six onsite bars and restaurants, foodies will want for nothing. Our pick? An al fresco dining experience at Le Jardin that overlooks the perfectly landscaped gardens. Don’t miss booking in at Cinq Mondes Spa, renowned for its rejuvenating treatments to up your relaxation game.
Find out more about Raffles The Palm Dubai or Book through Booking.com
Experience a desert escape just 45 minutes from downtown Dubai. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa is a five star oasis nestled among palm groves and sand dunes and offering sweeping vistas of Hajar Mountain massif.
But, don’t be fooled, as this iconic location still shows guests a true luxury experience, from epic swimming pools to luxe spa treatments, and extraordinary culinary adventures, you’ll want for nothing here. Take part in a nature walk, join a desert safari, or practice archery during your stay. Guests are invited to take part in a bedouin-like experience.
Each of the 42 suites are perfectly designed to reflect an authentic stay and are decked out in local artifacts and regional antiques to pay homage to the magical surroundings.
Discover more about Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa orBook through Booking.com
If it’s a slice of desert life that you’re looking for, be sure to take a look at Bab Al Shams. Around a 40-minute drive from the heart of the city, the breathtaking architecture alone is enough to warrant a visit here.
Rooms here are inspired by Moorish influences and feature lavish touches and sweeping views of the natural vistas. A number of restaurants and bars are onsite serving everything from Middle Eastern favourites to Pan-Asian delights.
Wellness aficionados will enjoy partaking in desert yoga sessions or rejuvenating with treatments that draw on traditional healing modalities and rituals. And don’t forget to schedule a lazy day by the pool during your stay too.
Discover more about Bab Al Shams or Book through Booking.com
The best things in life sometimes arrive in small packages, and XVA Art Hotel is proof of that. The one-time residence of Dubai’s famous Seddiqi family is now an intimate boutique hotel in Dubai’s Al Fahidi neighborhood. Conceptualized by Mona Hauser and friends, each of the 15 stylish bedrooms in XVA Art Hotel has a unique identity that merges artistic elements with traditional ethos.
Adding to the charm of this luxury hotel in Dubai are three wind towers and two courtyards that create the perfect ambience for guests to interact with each other. Also on-site is XVA Café, a vegetarian eatery serving delicious and healthy comfort food. Art and culture are at the very core of the XVA Art Hotel, so no stay is complete without a stroll through its shop and art gallery featuring an array of contemporary pieces by local and international artists.
Find out more about XVA Art Hotel or Book through Booking.com
Banyan Tree Dubai occupies prime property on Bluewaters Island, offering visitors world-class accommodations through its 178 rooms, 96 furnished apartments, and an ultra-luxe four-bedroom villa with a private pool. BLINK Design’s interiors reflect the calmness of the surroundings, merging softer Asian-inspired tones with muted shades to create an idyllic getaway for rest and relaxation.
The rooms at the hotel feature sleek design aesthetics with wooden flooring, large window bays, and earthy colours, giving the spaces a welcoming charm. Among some of the boutique in-room amenities you can expect are pillow menus, aromatherapy, personal host service, and bathtubs in the en-suites that come with his and her basins.
Culinary opportunities at Banyan Tree Dubai have an Asian flair, as seen at Chef Alvin Leung’s Demon Duck and the Japanese omakase restaurant TakaHisa. Should you need to work up that appetite, the resort offers plenty, such as three outdoor swimming pools, a top-of-the-line fitness centre, beach and water sports, and a special section for children.
Learn more about Banyan Tree Dubai or Book through Booking.com
The 77-storey Address Beach Resort in JBR is waterfront indulgence at its pinnacle. Presenting guests with exceptional living and gastronomic arrangements, the hotel creates a serene atmosphere accentuated by the hues of colours representing both the dessert and the sea. The interiors by KCA flow effortlessly from one space to another, with designer elements, art, and furniture often acting as conversation starters.
Visitors at Address Beach Resort can opt for service apartments or residences. The former come with en-suites, fully equipped open kitchens, admirable views, and all the amenities one might expect from a hotel of this calibre. The residences, in addition, offer built-in wardrobes, lounge space, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Ten on-site restaurants at Address Beach Resort guarantee the satisfaction of every craving. For a truly magical evening, book a table at Dream, or go high up for a top-of-this-world dining experience at Zeta Seventy-Seven. And while you are up there, do not forget to take a refreshing dip in the “world’s highest infinity rooftop pool.”
Learn more about Address Beach Resort or Book through Booking.com
Elevating Dubai extravagance to new heights, One&Only One Za’abeel is the latest addition to the city’s ever-growing, awe-inspiring skyline. With its grand opening in February 2024, the hotel welcomed guests to a destination of exuberant elegance, promising an array of accommodations, mindful escapes, and plenty of exclusive culinary experiences at The Link.
Opulence oozes from every corner of the hotel, especially in its curated abodes. The rooms here are some of the largest in Dubai, whereas the suites enhance comfort through personalised service and quirky elements such as beanbags, floor-to-ceiling windows, lounging areas, and gorgeous panoramic views. At the same time, the “30-hour suites” at the hotel allow you to be lazy.
However, the crème de la crème is their über-chic, sky-high, two-bedroom Villa One featuring a cinema, private gym, kitchen, terrace, and outdoor swimming pool.
For the mind and the body, One&Only’s in-house spa offers some of the most luxurious treatments. However, it is the die-hard gourmands who are in for a treat. From StreetXO Dubai by Chef Davis Muñoz and La Dame De Pic under the tutelage of Chef Anne-Sophie Pic to Qabu by Paco Morales and Duangdy by Bo.Lan, expect to savour only the best cuisines ranging from modern French pairings to Andalusian and traditional Southeast Asian recipes.
Find out more about One&Only One Za’abeel or Book through Booking.com
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