The best hotels and resorts in Dubai

Where to stay for an unforgettable stay in the city

Dubai is a city fit for dreams, capable of offering much more than you are able to wish for or even imagine. It is here that, record after record, the new bounds of the extraordinary are set. 

All this can only be associated with one of the most incredible offers in terms of haute hôtellerie. 

We accompany you on a journey to discover some of the very best hotels and resorts in the city, each with their own qualities, from those touching the soft beaches of the Gulf, on which you can experience Dubai all year round in the name of sun and relaxation, to those in Downtown Dubai, its most futuristic facet, made of glittering towers that touch the sky and shopping to die for.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Overlooking the ocean? Yes, but 360 degrees in the round, because this super-luxury hotel stands on an artificial island connected to the mainland by a 340-metre bridge. With its iconic sail shape - designed by Tom Wright to resemble a typical Arabian dhow, or sailboat - it has become a true symbol of the city. Higher than the Eiffel Tower, it is taller than 320 metres, and is composed, among other things, of 24,000 square metres of Statuary marble, approximately 1,790 square metres of 24-karat gold, and 10 million mosaic tiles, in shades of blue and gold, as well as the largest Swarovski crystal studded ceiling in the world. It is a hotel made up of suites only - of this type, it is the tallest hotel in the world - 199, to be precise, ranging from a minimum size of 170 to a maximum of 780 square metres. Inside, there is an awe-inspiring waterfall, three aquariums, one of which goes from floor to ceiling, an art gallery, recently inaugurated in collaboration with the Galleria Continua, and eight temples of taste, including the Al Mahara, with its Michelin starred chef and fish-based specialities, and Sal, with its stunning panoramic terrace, from which you can easily access the equally scenic Talise Spa. At a height of 212 metres is its heliport, a stage for numerous grand events, such as David Guetta’s spectacular live performance in February 2021, and sports feats such as the challenge between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on a tennis court set up for the occasion in 2005. Though the list of incredible features of this hotel is endless, above all, it is the hospitality experience that makes it unique, that is, the famous Marhaba Welcome, the quintessence of Arab hospitality.

To experience all the magic of this world first-hand, we recommend the Inside Burj Al Arab guided tour of the hotel, lasting 90 minutes, during which, in addition to exploring the famous atrium and the Royal Suite, the pinnacle of luxury, visitors will be able to relive the full history of the hotel in the “Experience Suite”.

Burj Al Arab

Four Season Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

An exclusive beach resort with Arabian accented Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, where your gaze gets lost in the Gulf, on one side, and in the vastness of urban skyline of the city, on the other, which is best appreciated from the Mercury Lounge, on the roof-top of the hotel. Guests can enjoy the luxurious service complete with a private butler in private cabanas. However, it is the total experience that leaves them with unforgettable memories, thanks to the tailor-made and extremely personalized philosophy typical of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. There are 237 rooms and suites, of which The Royal is the epitome of class and exclusivity, a large 600 square-metre loft suite, accessed by a private lift. At the heart of the hotel is stunning hall, with marble floors, Venetian chandeliers and a baby grand piano, which then opens up onto a large furnished terrace. For those who want to focus on their well-being, there is The Pearl Spa, with signature treatments featuring some of the most prestigious brands, and a 140 square-metre swimming pool, surmounted by a glass canopy, in addition to the two well-equipped 600 and 850 square-metre outdoor pools. Then, there are seven restaurants and lounge bars, to meet every need and taste, not to mention the Restaurant Village, which is located in front of the entrance to the resort, with various famous names among Dubai’s restaurants, including the Italian eatery Scalini.

Four Season Resort Dubai at JUMEIRAH BEACH

Bvlgari Resort Dubai

We return to a man-made island, this time Jumeira Bay, famous for its striking seahorse shape. An urban retreat covering 158,000 m2 - with a Beach Club and Bvlgari’s first ever Marina and Yacht Club - that provides guests with the priceless feeling of being in a private home, while only being a few kilometres from the busy city centre. The architecture, as designed for all Bvlgari hotels and resorts by the Italian firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and inspired by the scintillating nature of the ocean, reflects in all its elements the singular attention to detail that distinguishes the gems of the renowned Roman maison, pairing rare materials by colour, texture and feel, above all the typical combination of black granite and travertine. Bringing the charm of a refined Mediterranean-style village under the Middle Eastern sky, also courtesy of the impressive gardens that surround the property and the extraordinary well-lit pools. 101 rooms and suite, plus 20 private villas, split into five types that stand out due to the sheer number of rooms and the possibility of adjoining them. Among these, the crowning jewel is the 540 m2 Bvlgari Villa, with a lush personal garden that occupies just as much ground and the outdoor pool. A haven within a haven, The Bvlgari Spa offers a vast range of professional rituals, with eight treatment rooms and an ocean-view pool. The Made in Italy style continues in an extremely curated culinary offering, styled in this case as for all Bvlgari hotels by the three Michelin-star chef Niko Romito, whose restaurant is adjacent to the elegant Bar, a place to be for bespoke cocktail lovers, in addition to the Hōseki Restaurant for all those wishing to take a journey into the aromas and flavours of Japan.

Bvulgari Resort

Jumeirah Al Naseem

The name means ‘sea breeze’ and perfectly embodies the essence of this getaway on the beach: refreshing, contemporary, multicultural and luxuriously simple. Warm and welcoming, as well as energizing and stimulating, exactly like Dubai. Just outside the entrance, it’s impossible not to notice the large caravan of camels running on the water, made by the UAE artist Mattar Bin Lahej for the hotel inauguration, just like the other artworks dotted around the Resort, where modern touches blend with a desert dune-inspired concept and Bedouin traditions. There are 435 rooms, including 45 suites, all with sea views. The largest, almost 700 m2 in total, sprawls across the seventh floor with its 5 bedrooms, 3 spacious living and dining rooms, a fitness area and an infinity pool on its own private terrace. The well-known architect and landscape designer Bill Bensley manages the private seafront and lush gardens boasting more than 10,000 palm trees. He’s also the name behind the eclectic interior design at Rockfish, the famous restaurant on the resort’s beach, one of its 11 restaurants, 7 of which are managed by the Jumeirah Group and 4 by third parties, such as Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai from the Italian brand Salvatore Ferragamo.

Jumeirah Al Naseem

One&Only The Palm

Situated at the farthest end of the West Crescent of The Palm, One&Only The Palm can be accessed by boat or along a picturesque winding avenue, which immediately catapults you away from the hectic pace of a dynamic city like Dubai. Inspired by the architecture of the Moorish palaces of Andalusia, such as the striking Alhambra in Granada, the last to be built by the Muslim emirs in Spain, the resort is a cross between Middle Eastern influences and a contemporary neutral-tone palette. The charm is evident in the quadrangular design of the One&Only Spa, with the fountain in the courtyard. Everything has been reworked for the demands of the modern globetrotter. The feeling of privacy and comfort is heightened by the 450 metres of private beach and the choice only to provide 90 rooms and suites, plus four opulent villas on the beach. Overseeing the three restaurants is the three Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno, while prestigious partnerships also reign with exclusive treatments at the Guerlain Spa (the only one in the United Arab Emirates), the Bastien Gonzalez beauty salon and the Zouari Hair Salon.

One&Only The Palm

Armani Hotel Dubai

Let’s go to the vibrant downtown Dubai to visit another Made-in-Italy excellence, the Armani Hotel Dubai, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in October, just like its ‘twin’ in Milan, with a huge fashion show that toured the world. Everything here screams of the Giorgio Armani style, including the highly personal and personalized approach to hotel guests, who find a home away from home, thanks also to the Lifestyle Manager who assists them during their stay. 40,000 square meters of contemporary luxury, with 160 rooms and suite rooms decorated with custom-made fabrics and furniture ( this is where the expertise of a brand that deals with design in addition to high fashion comes into play), with view over the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf and the Dubai Fountain. The culinary experience ranges from the best of Italian cuisine, with the Armani/Ristorante, to Indian cuisine and Mediterranean food and more continental flavors.

Last but least, balance, a keyword of the Armani style, is at the core of the philosophy of the Hotel’s Spa, which offers custom-made treatments designed to meet any need. 

Armani Signature Suite

Four Season Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

Whether you’re at the Dubai International Financial Centre for business or leisure, this is the ideal boutique-style hotel for urban getaways which combine comfort and exclusivity. After all, there is always a good reason to indulge in pampering and Four Seasons-style hospitality is the best pampering you can ever get. 106 rooms, of which 28 suite rooms, bright and elegant, with incomparable views of the Dubai’s glittering skyline. Enjoy the  Mina Brasserie with gourmet dishes by Chef Michael Mina, a cup of coffee or tea at the Penrose Lounge, a cocktail at the Luna Sky Bar and relax at the intimate cigar bar Churchill Club. Without ever forgetting to recharge your batteries at the Pearl Spa & Wellness, which offers everything you need for wellness and fitness. And anyway,  in Dubai one thing is for sure: you will leave regenerated and relaxed.

Four Season Hotel International Financial Centre