Looking for a UAE Eid staycation? There’s no better time to try a new hotel. The UAE is always building to the future, and that means a constant conveyor belt of sparkly new hotels swinging open their (usually very fancy) doors.
From World Islands debut destinations to mountain retreats, glittering city stops and places to send the kids crazy, here are just some of the absolutely awesome hotels to check out before checking in.
25hours Hotel One Central, Dubai
The 25hours Hotel One Central is in DIFC, overlooks the Museum of the Future and brings a new hipster charm to Dubai’s already impressive hotel scene. Quirky touches and well-thought out design make 25hours stand out already in an area of town best known for corporate simplicity and basic designs. Step into the lobby, for example, and you’ll see the attractive fountain feature. So far, so Dubai. Here, though, it is a “fountain of tales”, a 5,000 book library with seating and a rotating globe showcasing works by local artists. It’s an early sign that things are done differently here. The same can be said of the hammocks in selected rooms, roll-top baths, fleet of complimentary bikes for exploring the local area, analogue phones and kooky styling. Themed suites and rooms are imaginatively decorated and include a Glamping Room, Farmstay Suite, Bedouin Rooms and Artist Village Suites.
One Central, Dubai. 25hours-hotels.com (04 210 2525).
Address Beach Resort Fujairah
Okay, so this one opened a bit further back, in the summer, but it’s a beaut and it’s staying on this list. If you need to ditch the hustle and bustle of the city, an adventure out to Fujairah is always a good idea. And nestled between the Fujairah mountains and the waves of Indian Ocean rests is a real beach-side escape. It’s all the usual opulence of an Address resort, and guests can enjoy loads of watersports, while landlubbers can get stuck into hiking tours (running annually October to April) or visit the famed Dibba Bay Oyster Farm. Address Beach Resort Fujairah is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a top spa, along with plenty to do for the little ones in the kids’ club and outdoor play area. A complete package.
Fujairah, stayatbeachresortfuj@addresshotels.com (09 204 7777).
Address Sky View
Spread over two towers connected by a sky bridge and boasting an infinity pool in the clouds, Address Sky View is one chic hotel. The architectural gem will take your breath away before you even step inside. Enchanting views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain are just one of the draws of the location, which opened in January 2020, and boasts 169 rooms and suites all complete with light and bright modern décor. There is everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel with a spa, fitness centre and kids’ club, as well as exquisite dining options. International dishes can be ordered at The Restaurant at Address Sky View, while a hot drink and sweet treat can be enjoyed at Patisserie. Other options are The Café and the Pool Lounge. Address Sky View is also home to sky bar CÉ LA VI. The buzzing nightspot has a restaurant and lounge that overlooks the stunning cityscape, and with a menu curated by acclaimed chef Howard Co it isn’t just the beautiful views and great vibe that make it great.
Downtown Dubai, addresshotels.com (04 873 8888).
Anantara World Islands, Dubai
An island getaway, you say? Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has opened the very first resort on Dubai’s World Islands – and it looks stunning. Located just four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, the new destination is the first hotel in the South American continent of the World Islands development, and the island is completely dedicated to Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. Made up of 70 suites, beach and pool villas, the island resort is also home to a luxe spa, fully-equipped gym, and dedicated kids’ club, plus plenty of flora and fauna for those all-important island vibes. The resort can be accessed by boat in just 15-minutes. Mix in a Mediterranean-style al fresco restaurant and Arabic-Indian eatery – perfect for both romantic dinners and barbecues on the beach – plus a bar lounge boasting panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, and you’re left with a dream staycation spot. Sign us up.
World Islands, Dubai, anantara.com.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Any hotel with its own waterpark deserves your attention. And with that it’s easy to see why the Centara Deira in Old Dubai is such a hit with the kids. They take centre stage here with three kids’ clubs (high five to the parents), an outdoor playground and the Candy Spa – a kids-only wellness zone decked out in all the colours of the rainbow. But it’s also just a kick hook away from the new Souk Al Marfa seafront souk, meaning plenty of draw for Mum and Dad looking to brighten up their wardrobe or bag a bargain. But it always comes back to that dedicated water park, which boasts slides, cliff jumping platforms and a rope climbing course for the thrill seekers, and lagoon pools, lazy river and kids’ splash play area for those that prefer a more leisurely approach. Good luck reeling the gang away from that when it’s time to check out.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, Deira Islands, centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cdd (04 522 9999).
DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences
Positioning itself as a ‘home away from home’ experience, we can safely say this place looks far more appealing than where we lay our heads. Rooms come with all the mod-cons, which seem to just get better and better with every new hotel that swings open its doors, with a stretching pool primed for anyone looking to cool off outside. Good news for parents is that the hotel shares facilities with the new Warner Bros. Hotel (more on that in a bit), meaning kids can run themselves ragged at the popular Kids’ Club. While the tots are occupied, take full advantage of the spa and health club, restaurants and bars or explore the myriad offers Yas Island plates up on the daily. Like we said, a better home away from home…
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. hilton.com (02 692 7777).
Hyatt Centric, Dubai
This one opened just in time for Christmas and is a suitable reflection of its La Mer home. Playful juxtaposition of colours, textures and curated curiosities (that’s fun to say) help define Hyatt Centric, and its hard to argue with its desire to be known as the area’s best ‘launchpad’ hotel. Pitched right next to La Mer’s gorge beach and rich culinary scene as well as the hugely fun Laguna Waterpark Dubai, this spot is within striking distance of Downtown Dubai but will no doubt suit those who prefer their staycations set a little outside of town. The neighbourhoods of Satwa, Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi, home to traditional souks and places are also within the vicinity, so have your wallet and bartering skills primed. The fitness centre is particularly impressive, kitted out with spic and span new equipment, and even one of those indoor track-type strips to properly count out your stepped lunges and mini-sprints. Who says you can’t stay fit while on your hols?
La Mer Beach. centricjumeirahdubai@hyatt.com (04 302 1234).
Hyde Hotel, Dubai
This summer opening in Dubai’s trendy Business Bay area boasts luxurious suites with views of the Dubai Water Canal, city skyline, and a little landmark called the Burj Khalifa (You may have heard of it). All have their own balconies to score those peak city views, and if hunger strikes there are three tasty restaurants to check out, including Mediterranean eatery Cleo and handcrafted burgers from Hudson Tavern. You can also expect to find a coffee shop called The Perq, as well as a lobby lounge, Hyde pool and lounge, five meeting rooms, a function hall, spa, male and female salons, a fitness centre and a swimming pool and retail areas. The development is part of ALL Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, which allows guests to earn and redeem points when staying at the hotel. Overnight bag at the ready.
Business Bay, hydedubai.com (04 871 1111).
Ink Hotel, Dubai
Amid all the big global hotel names in Dubai, we tend to get rather excited when a small, off-beat boutique hotel, not seen anywhere else, opens in the city. Even more so when it opens in an up and coming destination. Enter the Ink Hotel in Al Jaddaf Waterfront community, a quirky hotel with just 63 rooms, all with views of Dubai Canal. And it’s a tasty proposition. All-day dining restaurant Bistro by Ink focuses on modern, healthy dishes. The bonus? Bistro by Ink has collaborated with local café roastery, Grandmother, to provide speciality coffee, and also offers teabags from Pukka, known for its climate-conscious, ethical ethos. Ink Hotel also has a super cool rooftop swimming pool with views across the Creek. There’s also likely to be something to amuse you, no matter your interests. Fitness buffs will enjoy the pop-up gym or join an exclusive running club led by Nike ambassador Manal Rostom to pound the pathways of the surrounding canal. If you’re more of an art aficionado, INK Hotel is close to the Jameel Arts Centre and the Al Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. For a contemporary city break near the classic Dubai Creek, Ink Hotel ticks a lot of boxes.
Al Jaddaf Waterfront (058 570 1298).
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa
After a new hotel in the Northern Emirates? The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is now open and ready to welcome guests. Prepare for an incredible experience of desert, sea and mountains all in one picturesque spot in the UAE. The five-star resort has 35 rooms, including mix of suites and villas. From diverse dining options to activities that cater to kids of all ages, like the Our Planet Trekkers and Teens Club activities, there promises to be something for everyone at this sea-front property. It even has two peninsulas and a private beach that should delightful all ages.
Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab, ihg.com (07 202 6666).
ME Dubai
This is one hotel that stands out from the crowd due to its dazzling design. Located in the Opus, designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the inside is just as impressive as the outside. Swanky, sleek and sophisticated. ME Dubai by Melia is all of the above. Stepping inside you will find curved spaces flooded with light combined with chic interiors, making it one special hotel. All of the 93 rooms and suites feature a 65-inch 4K LED TV, MaxiBar with coffee and tea making facilities, a spacious bathroom with torrential rain shower and bathtub, plus a state-of-the-art BOSE sound system. Want to keep on top of your exercise regime while residing at the hotel? That will not be a problem with there being a 7,000sq ft space filled with all the latest fitness equipment ready and waiting for guests to use. Or, if you simply want to rest and relax the Wellness by ME Dubai spa facility has an array of treatments to leave you feeling like a new person. When staying at ME Dubai, exquisite food is not far away. The hotel’s restaurant Central brings Spanish flavours to the UAE and if you wish to be transported to South America check out Deseo – which has a popular Saturday brunch.
Downtown Dubai, mebymelia.com/hotels/me-dubai (04 525 2500).
Mysk Moon Retreat, Sharjah
Hands-on glamping and desert adventures don’t come more chic than this mountain-entrenched retreat in Sharjah. The experience encourages guests to be adventurous by the day and to relax at night. Daytime activities include trekking, paragliding, dune bashing and horseback riding. The hotel immerses guests into an Arabian experience with an Arabic coffee ceremony by sunset, stargazing, or a barbecue dinner as examples of activities to do at night. It’ll be evidently clear why it’s been dubbed the ‘Moon’ Retreat once you’ve checked in, with Sharjah’s harsh but rugged handsome natural setting providing an other-worldly scene for all your excursions.
Al Shuwaib – Umm Al Quwain Rd, Sharjah (06 801 2020).
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Raffles The Palm Dubai makes sure it rolls out the red carpet for every single guest – and it looks mega. The hotel is an ‘ultra-luxury’ property, and comes with 389 rooms, suites and villas, all with access to Raffles’ renowned butler service. The resort sits on the west crescent of Palm Jumeirah Dubai, taking the place of Emerald Palace next to W Dubai – The Palm. Perhaps most significantly for foodies, Raffles The Palm Dubai is also home to eight brand-new restaurants and bars. Regal dining can be found at Le Jardin, which is set on an outdoor terrace overlooking lush gardens, while Japanese-Italian fusion is on the menu at Matagi. Music-lovers will adore whiling away time at Raffles The Palm Dubai’s jazz lounge SOLA, with Raffles Patisserie also serving up high-end Italian and French baked bites. Raffles Club Lounge, accessible by guests staying in Club Rooms and Suites, will provide diners with 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline. Decisions, decisions…
Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, raffles.com (04 248 8888).
Taj Exotica The Palm
One of the newest hotels in the city, the Taj Exotica The Palm opened for business in March 2022 and it has not disappointed. Perhaps the most impressive part of the luxe hotel, that stands on the eastern crescent of the Palm, is that it has the longest pool on the island. The luxe destination has it all for swimmers as it’s also the proud owner of a 230-metre private beach. Ready to pack your beach bag? The spot is also set to be a major player on the Dubai dining scene with a variety of restaurants. Being a Taj hotel, Indian fine dining naturally makes an appearance at Varq. Scenic views can be had at the sophisticated Arabic rooftop bar and lounge Raia; Palm Kitchen serves a selection of international foods, while The Coast is a beachside bistro with a menu that’s heavy on seafood and fill your tummy at gastropub The Roaring Rabbit. Fancy some rest and relaxation? Taj’s award-winning spa brand Jiva has an array of natural treatments inspired by traditional Indian healing techniques, including Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. A good option for families, the Popsicle Kids Club is sure to be a hit with your little ones with its shallow pool and playground.
Palm Jumeirah; tajhotels.com (04 275 4444)
The Dubai EDITION
EDITION Hotels like to mix things up, and with destinations in Shanghai, Miami, New York, Barcelona and Abu Dhabi, it was only a matter of time until they found their way to Dubai. The ultra-luxe hotel gives off all the feels that it has been built while reading style mags and fashion tomes from all corners of the globe. Parked right opposite the Dubai Mall and boasting views of the Burj Khalifa, rooms here can add an elevated sense of style to any staycation. Throw into the mix top restaurants Duomo and Jolie, plating up Italian and French fair respectively, and an intriguing speakeasy-style bar and The Dubai EDITION has got all the makings of becoming a seriously popular haunt, just like its far-flung cousins.
Downtown Dubai, Dubai marriott.com (04 602 3333).
Warner Bros. Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are among the hosts at the hugely fun Warner Bros. hotel. The world’s first WB Hotel, from Hilton’s Curio Collection, opened in Abu Dhabi in November, and of course the opening ceremony celebrations featured some of our favourite WB names and faces. Found on the happening Yas Island in the capital, literally steps from the award-winning Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Theme Park, there is serious bang for your buck here. From the moment guests arrive, they will feel like they stepped into a living Warner Bros. world thanks to the iconic Friends fountain and sofa having pride of place outside the hotel to welcome guests – and take the obligatory photo…or ten. Looney Tunes abound, Batmobiles just begging to be jumped in, it’s all going on, and that’s before we mention the themed rooms, five restaurants and pukka pool. Book in for an extended stay, if you can.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, hilton.com (02 815 0000).
Zoya
Brand-new hotel Zoya is one for the health-conscious crowd. Located in Al Zorah in the UAE’s smallest emirate Ajman, and operated by Premedion, visiting the resort won’t be like your usual hotel stay as your getaway will begin with a doctor’s consultation to determine which retreat programme best suits you and your needs. Included in the visit will be a series of diagnostic tests as well as a wellness consultation and a nutrition plan with results leading to a bespoke plan being created for each individual. Whatever you seek, different retreat programmes including; a wellcation, immune support, a detox programme, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, weight management, liver support, rejuvenation, get fit and anti-aging, are sure to aid you with your goals. All of the hotel’s 61 rooms boast stunning views of the natural preserved mangrove lake and golf course within the grounds and the rooms are decorated with simplicity in mind. For those who want the best of the best, then the royal suite is for you and it comes with its very own in-room sauna and steam facilities, as well as a private Turkish hammam. Sounds dreamy.
Al Zorah. zoyawellbeing.com.
