Checking in: Dubai
The ultimate rest, recouperation and razzle-dazzle in Dubai, brought to you by British Airways Holidays
01/11/2024
There’s much to love about Dubai – all those towering skyscrapers, bustling souks, and palm-strewn beaches... If you fancy the UAE for a luxurious dose of the three Ss (sun, sand and sea), look no further than Dubai’s Jumeriah Beach – a fashionable stretch of coast with far-reaching views of the Arabian Gulf. Come sunset, you’ll be sipping a cold one overlooking the ever-growing skyline of Dubai Marina and artificial archipelago Palm Jumeriah, while also only being a short stroll from a buffet of boutiques and award-collecting restaurants.
You’re close to everything to that matters here. Downtown Dubai – home to both the world’s tallest skyscraper (Burj Khalifa) and largest mall (Dubai Mall) – is only a short taxi or Metro ride away. The narrow streets of Old Dubai, meanwhile, laden with gold, spice, and textile souks, are just 30 minutes down the scenic coast. It’s where you’ll find Dubai Creek, where you can ride a traditional abra boat through the saltwater estuary.
British Airways Holidays provides great value package holidays and hotels in Dubai, offering flexible payment options, 24-hour customer support and a generous baggage allowance. Plus, if you’re a part of the British Airways Executive Club, you’ll collect bonus Avios, too.
Now, how to choose?
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
The snapshot: A decadent complex of 198 one-, two- and three-bedroom gold-plated suites, each spanning two storeys, complete with Hermès toiletries, a nine-category pillow menu, and private butler.
The best bed: For the ultimate blowout, it’s up to the 667sqm palatial Presidential Suite – two bedrooms with jacuzzi-appointed bathrooms, its own library, living room, bar and dining room.
The top dish: With its panoramic views of the endless water, the Skyview bar on the 27th floor beckons with a signature martini, followed by Oscietra caviar and beef faҫon Rossini at Michelin-starred Al Muntaha.
If you only do one thing: Unwind with a Jumeirah Burj Al Arab signature massage at the dreamy two-floor Talise spa before taking a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the Gulf.
Jumeriah Beach Hotel
The snapshot: One for the families. This iconic wave-shape resort has a crowd-pleasing waterpark, six pools and spa, 11 restaurant and bars and a complimentary kids club.
The best bed: Whichever you get, they’ll be topped off with plush 400-thread-count bedding. Families will love the neutral-toned Garden Suite, with its kitchenette, living space and private terrace.
The top dish: There’s every cuisine you can wish for here, but children will adore the interactive live cooking stations at Kitchen Connection.
If you do one thing: Make the most of the unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark with its 30 rides including a 360m-long lazy river and the Middle East’s largest wave pool. Daredevils will love sliding down the 32m-high Jumeirah Sceirah slide at 50mph.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa
The snapshot: An epicurean escape starring two pools (with swim-up bars), a kiddies’ splash pool, a luxe Roman-style spa complete with columns and mosaics, plus 12 restaurants – all set within 19 acres of palm-strewn beachfront gardens.
The best bed: Shuteye comes easily in the Royal Club Tower suites, featuring a separate white and pale-pink living room. Plus, they have all the resort’s Executive Club benefits (complimentary breakfast, lunch and alcoholic drinks in the evening).
The top dish: It’ll be the Middle Eastern mezze at Al Khaima, particularly the small plates of baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and stuffed vine leaves. Live entertainment runs from Thursday to Sunday.
If you do one thing: Make it everything: there are four floodlit tennis courts, a playground, a nine-hole crazy golf course, a games room, beach volleyball and a range of water sports to try. Children aged four to 12 should make some formative memories at Le Royal Méridien’s kids’ clubs, while those up to 15 can do the same at the on-site Teen Club.
One&Only Royal Mirage
The snapshot: Arabian grandeur at its finest. All hand-painted domes and vaulted arches, this palatial hotel has four pools, a stretch of private beach and Oriental-style hammams in 65 acres of gardens dotted with date palms and bougainvillea.
The best bed: The Beach Garden Villa. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom sanctuary has a private pool and Arabesque majlis-style lounge. Breakfast is served every morning at the eight-seat dining table.
The top dish: Start with a traditional Moroccan pastilla, then move to slow-roasted lamb méchoui with tasty couscous at Tagine.
If you only do one thing: Water sports are the name of the game here, with water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing and more laid on. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service and entry to Aquaventure Waterpark at nearby Atlantis The Palm.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
The snapshot: A Mediterranean-styled retreat with six pools, nine restaurants and bars, suites with Arabesque, geometric touches, sea-views vistas and Asprey of London toiletries – plus, all the glamour and service you’d expect of any Ritz Carlton worth its salt.
The best bed: Club suites have access to complimentary food and beverages at The Club Lounge five times a day, as well as a dedicated check-in desk and concierge to meet your every need.
The top dish: It's all about the mixed grill and slow-cooked lamb shoulder, courtesy of beachfront Amaseena. Nestle into the Bedouin-style tents, listen to the atmospheric crash of waves, and enjoy Arabian music and belly dancing.
If you only do one thing: Make it a cocktail at La Baie, the hotel's stylish swim-up bar flanked by poolside cabanas. Follow it up with a diamond ritual massage (using diamond dust and rose oil) at the spa, and a trip to the eucalyptus-infused steam rooms.
