Luxury tourism in Dubai has reached new heights, offering an overwhelming selection of exquisite resorts in this captivating city. With its warm, dry climate and nearly zero chance of rain year-round, Dubai is the ideal destination for a sun-soaked family retreat.
Despite summer temperatures often soaring above 43°C, Dubai captivates visitors with its vibrant array of attractions. The city’s enchanting beaches and exclusive beach clubs entice both tourists and locals, offering the perfect environment for sunbathing and swimming. The summer months also herald Dubai Summer Surprises, brimming with exciting shopping and family-friendly entertainment. No visit to Dubai is complete without soaring views from the Burj Khalifa and thrilling experiences like the Sky Edge Walk and Skydive over Palm Jumeirah. Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s vibrant artistic hub, features galleries, an independent cinema, and artisanal cafes. Meanwhile, the city’s burgeoning food scene offers diverse culinary experiences for all tastes.
VIEWS THAT ASTOUND DAILY
Every time I visit Dubai (I have stopped counting now), I have enjoyed exploring a new area and staying in a different hotel. However, my experience at the Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach has redefined my expectations; I have truly found my home away from home in this stunning city. The location is exceptional, occupying one of the last prime spots on Jumeirah Beach. With views of the Persian Gulf on one side and the iconic cityscape on the other—just a 15-minute drive from downtown—Dubai is yours to explore, no matter the reason for your visit. I checked into the expansive one-bedroom Skyline Suite, a generous 1,463 sq.-ft space that felt like a mini oasis. The breath-taking views of downtown Dubai, including the iconic Burj Khalifa, captivated me from both the living room and bedroom, thanks to the two private outdoor terraces. The suite itself was a haven of tranquillity, adorned in calming shades of blue and silver. I loved the spacious walk-in closet and the lavish marble bathroom, complete with a freestanding tub and luxurious Diptyque amenities. The king-sized bed was cocooning and incredibly comfortable—I found myself not wanting to leave its embrace in the mornings. As I sipped a cup of oolong in the elegantly grand Shai Salon, accompanied by the serene melodies of the hotel’s resident harpist, I caught snippets of conversation between European and local businessmen, exchanging credentials in English and Arabic over cappuccinos and qahwa. At the next table, a group of young women delighted in taking selfies, capturing the moment. Later, at the resort’s private beach, I spotted two renowned athletes enjoying quality time with their families. The Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach has truly discovered that elusive formula for universal appeal. The decor embodies a refined version of Dubai’s opulence, drawing inspiration from modern Moorish Spain. Set within a five-story Andalusian-style structure, the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens. Neutral tones of terracotta and sandy beige, accented with gold leaf, create airy spaces enhanced by stunning natural stone and striking floral arrangements.
EVERY DAY IS A BEACH DAY
While other hotels in Dubai are remarkable in their own right, the Four Seasons offers the complete package; set along a picturesque oceanfront cove by the Arabian Sea, instantly feels like a private tropical island retreat. We particularly enjoyed the family pool, which features a shallow wading area and shaded toddler splash zone, blending practicality with beauty. Unlike other resorts where family pool areas can feel chaotic, this layout exuded a serene and relaxed vibe. Throughout the day, delightful treats magically appeared by our cabana—frozen popsicles, refreshing Evian mist spritzes, and chilled fruit. For a touch of adult tranquillity, a quiet outdoor pool awaits, while the stunning Pearl Spa featuring ten luxurious treatment rooms and an extensive menu boasts an indoor lap pool and an expansive gym filled with workout equipment. I have yet to discover another spa in the world that offers lavish treatments featuring crushed pearls, camel milk, and desert sand. Signature body treatments include the ‘Arabian Oud Balance Salt Glow,’ which combines a soothing hot oil massage with rejuvenating salt exfoliation. Additionally, cupping and healing sessions draw on Far Eastern traditions. In the women’s changing area, I found myself torn between the refreshing ice fountain and the luxurious rain shower, complemented by a soothing steam and sauna space. Outdoors, two inviting pools are surrounded by loungers, cabanas, and private ‘day villas’ featuring air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, a mini-bar, and flat-screen TV. For the pinnacle of relaxation, reserving a poolside cabana allows you to simply press the spa service button and summon a therapist to your side. The resort’s thoughtful design, oriented toward the private beach and multiple pools, creates a unique ambiance. Despite its size, it never feels overwhelming; the guest wings thoughtfully cradle the sea’s beauty, inviting me to gaze at the palm trees and the shimmering turquoise Gulf. For a truly memorable summer holiday, this is the perfect destination. You can immerse yourself in Dubai’s rich culture and explore its captivating sights or choose to unwind at one of the world’s most elegant seaside resorts. I will always cherish the warmth of the Arabian sun, our endless hours splashing in the Arabian Gulf, and the luxurious accommodations we enjoyed at the Four Seasons Dubai, complemented by impeccable and friendly service.
GOURMET HAVEN
However, stepping away from the serene poolside oasis to the rooftop Mercury Lounge reveals a stunning view of the city’s breath-taking skyline just a stone’s throw away. Let me take you back to that unforgettable afternoon tea—truly a must-try experience. Crafted by the renowned French pastry chef Nicolas Lambert, the ‘Héritage’ afternoon tea menu offers a culinary journey from East to West, showcasing flavours from tea and coffee-rich regions. I savoured intricate delights like the shrimp and peanut sambal sandwich from Indonesia, and the exquisite lavender tea paired with figue de sollièsindulgent and utterly delicious (I recommend going on an empty stomach!). The resort features four other unique dining options, including Hendricks Bar, a cosy Cuban cigar lounge with expertly crafted cocktails (don’t miss the signature Golden Mirror). Then there’s Folia, a vegan eatery, and Suq, where a vibrant breakfast buffet and weekend brunch attract the fashionable locals. Dinner at Sea Fu, the modern Asian beachside restaurant, was a highlight. The signature tasting menu allowed me to relish the best of their offerings. If you prefer a la carte, do try the signature volcano rolls, featuring fresh Scottish salmon, pickled radish, and teriyaki sauce, topped off with freshly grated wasabi for that perfect finish. Within the 14-acre resort, I discovered the chic ‘Restaurant Village’ across from the main entrance, home to hotspots like Salt Bae’s Nusr-Et steakhouse, the acclaimed Japanese cocktail bar Mimi Kakushi, and an outpost of the London favourite, Coya.
EXPLORE
Don’t miss Ski Dubai, one of the premier indoor slopes at The Mall of Emirates. With five ski runs— the longest over 1,300 feet and a vertical drop of 197 feet— it offers an exhilarating environment for all. Alongside a quarter-pipe freestyle snowboard zone and a chairlift, there are plenty of spaces for tobogganing and snowball fights. Spend a day at the Dubai mall, which features over a thousand stores, twenty-two cinema screens, and more than a hundred restaurants. After shopping, visit the ten-million-litre aquarium or walk through the 48-meter tunnel to see Sand Tiger Sharks. Situated within the sun-baked Bastakiya, the coffee museum resembles a traditional villa within the historic 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort. The vibrant Dubai Theme Parks also draw visitors, with highlights like Bollywood Parks offering rides, live shows, and a celebration of Indian culture across three million square feet. The last evening, we enjoyed relaxed fun at La Mer, Dubai’s eclectic beachfront by grabbing a mint tea and trying some Mezze. La Mer is the perfect shore side getaway for ultimate holiday feels.
Akanksha Dean is travel & food writer, events specialist, an independent chef & food writer; is the first Indian to have trained at Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy, rated as the world’s best restaurant in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in 2016 and 2018 and currently in the Best of The Best Category.