Why I love Dubai & recommend it to my clients
It is a very safe & clean, very modern city with year-round sunshine, diverse cultures, luxury hotels, fantastic restaurants, sugar sand beaches plus activities found nowhere else. You name it, they have it! From indoor skiing, sky diving, the world’s deepest swimming pool to the world’s tallest building, stunning fountain shows, water parks & theme parks. NYE in Dubai is amazing with its firework shows! For a taste of old Dubai, visit the museums & souks or take a ride on an abra water taxi. The 4WD desert safaris are great fun. Dubai offers something for everyone & can be as laid-back or as busy as you wish. Whilst it is a city, it has over 70km of coastline & there are plenty of opportunities for rest & relaxation.
Dubai is often a transit point when flying to a wide range of worldwide destinations & therefore makes a great city stopover. It is one of the most popular Honeymoon destinations when combined with the Indian Ocean, Asia, Africa or Australia/New Zealand. However, Dubai is a fantastic holiday destination in its own right. If you visit as a city stopover for 2 or 3 nights, I can guarantee that you will want to return.
There are fabulous things to do year-round that won’t cost a Dirham. Plus, during low season (our Summertime) when the city really heats up, there are lots of discounts on restaurants, attractions & tours. Plan in advance & mix things up. I would recommend that you browse visitdubai.com & timeoutdubai.com & of course, give me a call to put together the best itinerary for you.
There is accommodation to suit all budgets & if you are looking for luxury you will certainly not be disappointed. I can advise the best option based on your requirements, whether you are looking for an apartment, a city hotel or a beach stay, an adults-only hotel or a family-friendly resort. Here are some of my personal favourites:
Atlantis the Palm is an iconic beach resort perfect for families, featuring Aquaventure - the world’s largest water park & the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Atlantis the Royal opened in February 2023 as a new icon of Dubai with its sky blaze fountain, elegant suites & elevated dining & nightlife. It brands itself as ‘the most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world.’ I can testify that the suites are stunning & the food is amazing! Between the 2 properties, Atlantis is the ultimate foodie destination with the worlds most renowned chefs & the regions most awarded Michelin stars.
A good option for groups of friends or for families is the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, where all rooms have a sea view & balcony as standard & most rooms can be interconnected. It has a great choice of restaurants & bars. For a busier location, there are many hotels & apartments close to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) & the Marina. Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach is within walking distance of the public beach at JBR, ‘The Walk’ with its restaurants & shops plus the Dubai metro. Accommodation includes 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments.
If you are looking for somewhere more low-key, Bvlgari Resort Dubai offers a discreet, luxurious stay where staff go above & beyond to ensure a seamless experience, including 24-hour personal butler service, private beach cabanas, a yacht club & marina. I was blown away by this property. Whilst it feels serene & secluded, it is less than 15 minutes to Downtown Dubai & the Burj Khalifa. Accommodation ranges from superior rooms to multi-bedroom private pool villas, all beautifully designed.
Caesars Palace on Blue waters Island offers something very different & is another of my personal recommendations for where to stay in Dubai for an adults-only stay or a Honeymoon. It is a luxury property, on a pristine private beach but with the sound of the waves & an uninterrupted view of the sea! There are plenty of boutique shops & restaurants in the area, plus Ain Dubai (the world’s highest observation wheel). There is also a pedestrian bridge linking blue waters Island to busy JBR (approx. 15 – 20-minute walk or cycle).
If you are looking for a vibrant, modern hotel with style & plenty of fun, I would highly recommend W Dubai the Palm. It has a lively pool scene, fabulous stretch of private beach, great choice of dining venues, plus their renowned ‘whatever whenever’ service with 24-hour concierge desk & 24-hour room service. Its sister property W Dubai Mina Seyahi is situated on Jumeirah Beach. A fantastic location close to all the action. It is an adults-only hotel, a first for the W hotel group, with a boutique feel & glamorous accommodations. This hotel offers amazing views of the city & the Arabian Gulf. Again, its legendary ‘whatever whenever’ service provides what you need when you need it.
One & Only Royal Mirage has been a favourite of mine since I first visited Dubai. This resort situated on Jumeirah Beach features 3 hotels – The Arabian Court, The Palace & the Residence & Spa, but still manages to feel like a peaceful haven with 65 acres of gardens, water fountains & pathways plus 1km of private beach. It feels very Arabic in character with palatial rooms, excellent facilities & an array of activities suitable for couples or families. Its sister property One & Only the Palm is a secluded sanctuary perfect for couples, a boutique style hideaway with just 90 rooms & suites plus 4 beachfront villas.
The Park Hyatt Dubai is a fabulous option for a shorter stay. It is located at Dubai Creek, close to old Dubai. It is approx. 15 – 20 mins to La Mer Beach & to Downtown Dubai. This property features a stunning pool with palm trees & a fabulous spa. It is adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
The Burj Al Arab is a lavish, over the top, opulent hotel. I have visited & dined here many times, however I also had the pleasure of experiencing their new ‘Inside Burj Al Arab’ tour this year, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first time in its history that it has opened to non-guests. If this hotel is not to your taste or budget, I would recommend the tour to get a glimpse of their Royal Suite which has hosted many Presidents, Royalty & music icons.
There are so many hotels in Dubai to choose from that it can be tricky to get it right. I would love to help you plan your next trip. Give me a call any time to discuss your options.
