Bigger is Better in this
Middle Eastern Consumer’s Paradise
Splurge on a shopping spree at Dubai Mall, the biggest in the world, encompassing an aquarium, ice rink, and the Dubai Fountain, or bargain for gold in the Gold Souk. Gaze over the skyline from the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on earth, and explore Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago featuring a waterpark and dolphin habitat. Escape the heat at Ski Dubai indoor ski resort, or bask in the sunshine on Dubai’s beaches.
The main airport serving the region is DXB Dubai International.
► Wikipedia information on DXB Dubai International
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
Palm Jumeirah,
Size: 795 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2023
Designer/Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox
The views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf alone are worth a stay at Atlantis The Royal. The city’s newest icon is home to 795 sophisticated rooms and suites including some with their own private pool plus a Michelin-worthy lineup of dining venues spearheaded by celebrity chefs. Also available: bespoke spa treatments and a show-stopping 90-meter-high infinity-edge sky pool, ideal for lounging by day and socializing by night.
2024 #9
2023 #44
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
central Dubai
Size: 225 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Lively
Year Opened: 2024
Designer/Architect: Foster + Partners / Gilles et Boissier
The Dorchester Collection is known for tempering its opulence with a generous measure of traditional good taste, and that’s as true in Dubai as it is in London or Los Angeles. That’s not to say the Lana is anything less than eye-catching — this pair of interlocking towers is unmistakable. The interiors, designed by Gilles & Boissier, are unfailingly elegant, and it goes without saying that the comforts are first-class. Add a Dior spa and wellness center and a generous handful of fine restaurants, including Jara by Martín Berasategui and Riviera by Jean Imbert, and the Dorchester’s reputation in Dubai is secured.
2024 #23
I AM A DORCHESTER PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• One category room upgrade, at time of booking
• USD 100 Food & Beverage or Spa Credit
• Daily full breakfast for two persons
• Complimentary High Speed Internet Access during stay
• Personalized welcome amenity
• Dedicated Ambassador team support at each property
and more
central Dubai
Size: 229 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2024
Designer/Architect: Nikken Sekkei
One&Only One Za’abeel celebrated its Grand Opening over three spectacular days, as A-list celebrities and tastemakers travelled to Dubai to mark the launch of One&Only’s first urban resort.
Set to be the most captivating urban resort in Dubai, One&Only One Za’abeel is the beating heart of the world’s most dynamic city, celebrating beautifully designed rooms and suites with iconic skyline views, new Michelin-inspired restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, innovative wellness and spa offerings, as well as exciting entertainment and a magnetic social scene.
I AM A VIRTUOSO & ONE&ONLY PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Jumeirah Bay Island
Size: 101 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary / Elegant
Year Opened: 2017
Designer/Architect: Antonio Citterio / Patricia Viel
From the 20 Bulgari pool villas to the stunning La Spiaggia beach club, from the superlative spa to the private marina and yacht club to the two Little Gems Kids Clubs, the peerless resort defines the sparkling hospitality for which Bulgari Hotels & Resorts is known. Don’t miss a night at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Italy and showcasing dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf.
I AM A BVLGARI PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Private Island on Jumeirah Bay
Size: 202 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 1999
Designer/Architect: Khuan Chew / Tom Wright
The iconic image of the sail-inspired structure, which stands alone on its own purpose-built island just off Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, can be found in souvenir shops, on postcards, and in the camera roll of just about any traveler who visits the city. Together with the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, it is a symbol of Dubai’s unending ambition. This year Jumeirah’s flagship hotel is celebrating 25 years since opening its opulent doors. If quiet luxury is the current in-vogue hotel trend, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is the antithesis of that. Each of the 198 suites is a duplex, and guests are greeted with a sweeping staircase and gold accents. Full-size toiletries are from Hermès (and include eaux de parfum for him and her). There are eight on-site restaurants, including the gold-laden Gilt Sky Bar. The Talise Spa, meanwhile, with its indoor pool flanked by colorful mosaic pillars, remains a destination within itself—the jewel in this hotel’s crown.
I AM A JUMEIRAH PASSPORT TO LUXURY PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Complimentary one-way transfer
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Atlantis
It’s not often sharks and stingrays swim past you as you dine but, then again, there aren’t many restaurants with huge windows looking into an aquarium of 65,000 marine animals. From the moment you descend the marble spiral staircase into this unique restaurant at the Atlantis, you’ll find yourself transfixed and fully immersed. Chef Grégoire Berger’s childhood memories, travels and expertise in French technique inspire the fish and shellfish set menu; many of the dishes are finished off at the table with an added dash of theatricality.
2023 #87
GO TO ► OSSIANO WEBSITE
GO TO ► OSSIANO MICHELIN REVIEW
► UBIGI eSIM
For Asia / Africa / Oceania, Ubigi is my favorite selection for a travel eSIM.
► Saily – eSIM
Global data only eSIM provider, easy to use and install.
► VIRTUOSO: Dubai Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Dubai Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Dubai.
► VISIT DUBAI
The official visitor information for Dubai.
United Arab Emirates General Information
with Visa & Entry Requirements
or leave a comment below
page updated: January 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Dubai Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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