Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Dubai
Few cities in the world capture the imagination like Dubai. Rising from the golden sands of the Arabian Desert, this glittering metropolis has transformed into one of the most sought-after luxury destinations on Earth. A place where innovation meets indulgence, Dubai seamlessly blends futuristic architecture, world-class shopping, vibrant culture, and a deeply rooted Arabian soul.
Here, travelers can admire the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, shop for couture in Dubai Mall, wander through the fragrant Spice Souk, or ski indoors at Ski Dubai before watching the sunset over the dunes. But perhaps Dubai’s greatest allure lies in its collection of ultra-luxury hotels and resorts — architectural icons that set global benchmarks for design, service, and extravagance. From oceanfront palaces to desert sanctuaries, each hotel offers a unique expression of Dubai’s ambition and artistry. Here’s my handpicked list of the top 10 best luxury hotels in Dubai, featuring the city’s newest and most extraordinary properties.
Think I missed one? Share your favorite Dubai hotel in the comments section.
10. Raffles The Palm Dubai
Set on the peaceful West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Raffles The Palm Dubai is a masterpiece of European-inspired luxury infused with Arabian sophistication. The palatial resort impresses from the first step into its marble atrium, where soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and golden accents evoke the grandeur of a royal residence. Its 389 rooms and suites are among the most spacious in the city, furnished with handcrafted Italian décor, plush fabrics, and private balconies overlooking either the Arabian Gulf or Dubai’s glittering skyline. Culinary experiences range from the Japanese artistry of Matagi to Mediterranean fine dining at Piatti by the Beach and afternoon tea accompanied by live piano in Blüthner Hall. The world-class Cinq Mondes Spa, spanning 3,000 square meters, offers 23 treatment rooms, traditional hammams, and an indoor pool lined with mother-of-pearl mosaic, while the resort’s pristine private beach and poolside lounges invite guests to unwind in regal serenity. Every moment at Raffles The Palm feels like stepping into a world where timeless elegance, impeccable service, and modern luxury meet in perfect harmony.
- Hotel website: Raffles The Palm Dubai
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Raffles The Palm Dubai via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit; suite bookings will also receive complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers).
9. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Blending contemporary sophistication with beachfront tranquility, the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers a refined oasis where the desert meets the sea. The resort’s 237 rooms and suites are airy and light-filled, adorned with pastel hues, polished marble, and private balconies showcasing views of either the Arabian Gulf or Dubai’s dazzling skyline. Dining is a highlight, with the lively Suq restaurant serving global flavors, Sea Fu offering elegant seaside dining, and the rooftop Mercury Lounge providing some of the city’s most iconic sunset views. Guests can rejuvenate at the serene Pearl Spa and Wellness Centre, which features luxurious hammams, treatment rooms, and both indoor and outdoor pools surrounded by lush gardens. The resort also caters beautifully to families with its Kids For All Seasons Club, while couples can savor candlelit beach dinners or peaceful walks along the shore. Perfectly located between the coastline and Downtown Dubai, the Four Seasons Hotel captures the essence of modern luxury living in Dubai.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
8. Armani Hotel Dubai
Occupying eleven floors of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the Armani Hotel Dubai embodies Giorgio Armani’s vision of refined minimalist luxury and timeless sophistication. Designed entirely by the fashion legend himself, every design detail reflects an understated elegance that feels both contemporary and serene. The 160 rooms and suites exude a sense of calm through clean lines, soft lighting, and textures that blend Japanese tatami with Italian craftsmanship, while panoramic windows offer stunning views over Downtown Dubai and the dancing Dubai Fountain. Each guest is paired with a personal Lifestyle Manager, ensuring a seamless, highly personalized stay from check-in to departure. Dining is an experience of global flair and precision: savor fine Italian cuisine at Armani/Ristorante, Japanese artistry at Armani/Hashi, or contemporary Indian flavors at Armani/Amal, all complemented by signature cocktails at Armani/Lounge overlooking the city skyline. The Armani/SPA offers bespoke treatments and thermal experiences designed for holistic rejuvenation, while the elegant pool terrace provides a tranquil retreat amid the bustle of Downtown. For design lovers and style connoisseurs, this hotel epitomizes refined luxury in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
7. One&Only The Palm
Tucked away on the private peninsula of Palm Jumeirah’s western crescent, One&Only The Palm is a serene oasis of Moorish-Andalusian architecture and contemporary elegance. This intimate beachfront resort features just 90 rooms and suites along with a handful of exclusive villas, all surrounded by manicured gardens, reflecting pools, and white-sand beaches that frame the glittering Dubai skyline in the distance. Interiors are sleek yet warm, blending creamy tones, rich textures, and subtle Arabian accents that create a sense of understated glamour. At the heart of the resort lies the Guerlain Spa, a sanctuary of calm with open courtyards, private treatment villas, and soothing water features. Gastronomy here is an art form, led by acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno, whose three distinct venues — including the fine-dining STAY by Yannick Alléno — redefine French culinary finesse in Dubai. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s tranquil pool, watersports on the calm private beach, or a short boat transfer to sister property One&Only Royal Mirage for additional dining and leisure options. Offering discreet service, breathtaking views, and timeless sophistication, One&Only The Palm epitomizes the art of boutique luxury in the heart of Dubai.
- Hotel website: One&Only The Palm
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking One&Only The Palm and/or One&Only Royal Mirage via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
6. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Hidden deep within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, offers an enchanting escape where Bedouin heritage meets modern indulgence. This exclusive sanctuary features 42 private tented suites, each designed to echo the spirit of traditional Bedouin camps while offering five-star luxury — complete with antique furnishings, hand-carved Arabian artifacts, and private temperature-controlled pools overlooking the rolling dunes. Guests awaken to the sight of Arabian oryx and gazelles roaming freely across the reserve, immersing them in a rare and intimate desert experience. Dining at Al Diwaan Restaurant is an event in itself, where international cuisine is infused with Middle Eastern flavors and served on a terrace beneath the stars. The resort’s Timeless Spa blends local traditions with world-class wellness therapies, while desert adventures such as camel treks, falconry, archery, and nature walks are included in each stay, ensuring an authentic connection to the landscape. Combining serene isolation, impeccable service, and the allure of the Arabian wilderness, Al Maha captures the essence of desert luxury and remains one of Dubai’s most extraordinary and romantic retreats.
5. The Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Set on the exclusive Jumeira Bay Island, carved into the shape of a seahorse and linked to the mainland by a private bridge, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai redefines urban luxury with Italian elegance and Mediterranean charm. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the resort showcases a refined aesthetic of natural materials, contemporary design, and meticulous craftsmanship. Its 101 rooms and suites, along with 20 private villas featuring pools, gardens, and sea views, offer an intimate atmosphere that feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Guests can unwind at the resort’s Beach Club, home to Dubai’s most exclusive private beach, or rejuvenate at the Bvlgari Spa, which features a hammam, vitality pools, and curated wellness treatments. Dining is a highlight — from the Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, offering refined Italian cuisine, to the vibrant Il Café and La Spiaggia, the resort’s chic beachfront bar and restaurant. The property’s marina and yacht club, the first of its kind by Bvlgari, provides a glamorous hub for the city’s elite, complete with 50 boat berths and sweeping sea views. Seamlessly blending sophistication, The Bvlgari Resort Dubai stands as one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
- Hotel website: The Bvlgari Resort Dubai
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Bvlgari Resort Dubai via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
4. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Fronting one of Dubai’s most pristine stretches of beach, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Hotel blends sleek contemporary design with the luxury and sophistication for which the brand is celebrated. The resort’s stunning glass façade opens onto panoramic views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, creating a seamless connection between city and sea. Its 251 elegant rooms and suites are among the most spacious in Dubai, featuring contemporary interiors accented by subtle Asian touches, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive terraces that capture the essence of beachfront living. The hotel is a haven for gastronomy lovers, home to six world-class restaurants and lounges, including the Michelin-starred Tasca by José Avillez, the Japanese-Peruvian Netsu by Ross Shonhan, and the chic Noor Lounge. Guests can unwind at the award-winning Mandarin Spa, offering signature Oriental therapies, hammam rituals, and a serene adults-only pool area, or enjoy family-friendly relaxation at the beachside infinity pool. With its impeccable service, stylish ambiance, and understated glamour, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira redefines beachfront luxury in Dubai, offering a rare fusion of urban energy and oceanfront tranquility.
- Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Mandarin Oriental Jumeira via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
3. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Next to the legendary Burj Al Arab, the stunning Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab resembles a sleek superyacht anchored on Dubai’s glittering coastline. This new architectural icon captures the city’s nautical heritage while offering cutting-edge sophistication. The resort features 386 rooms and suites, all boasting expansive sea-facing terraces, elegant modern-Arabesque interiors, and bespoke amenities crafted for the most discerning travelers. The private Marsa Al Arab Marina adds to its exclusive allure, accommodating luxury yachts and offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Dining here is a highlight, with a curated selection of restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, chic beachfront lounges, and elevated fine-dining concepts that celebrate international flavors. The wellness experience is equally exceptional, with a state-of-the-art spa, holistic treatments, and personalized wellness programs. For guests seeking modern luxury with authentic Arabian warmth, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel delivers a next-generation luxury experience unlike any other in Dubai.
- Hotel website: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
- Travel tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
2. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Rising from its own island and shaped like a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah remains one of the world’s most iconic symbols of luxury and architectural brilliance. Often described as the world’s only “seven-star hotel,” this masterpiece epitomizes opulence and personalized service at the highest level. The property features only suite accommodations, each a two-story marvel of design with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, grand marble staircases, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lavish details such as Hermès amenities, private butler service, and gold-leaf accents. Guests are welcomed into a breathtaking atrium lobby, one of the tallest in the world, adorned with dancing fountains, vibrant mosaics, and towering golden columns. Culinary excellence is a hallmark here, with nine world-class restaurants and bars, including the stunning Al Muntaha, offering fine French cuisine suspended 200 meters above the sea, and Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara, set within a mesmerizing aquarium setting. The Talise Spa, perched near the top of the tower, provides panoramic views alongside exclusive treatments and infinity pools overlooking the horizon. Outside, the expansive Burj Al Arab Terrace floats over the water, featuring luxurious cabanas, two pools, and a stylish beach club. With its unmatched grandeur, flawless service, and legendary status, the Burj Al Arab continues to define the very essence of modern Arabian luxury.
1. Atlantis The Royal
Atlantis The Royal is Dubai’s newest icon of ultra-luxury, redefining grandeur and imagination in hospitality. This architectural marvel — designed by the world-renowned firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates — rises in a striking stacked-block formation, shimmering above the Arabian Gulf with 795 rooms, suites, and signature penthouses, many featuring private infinity pools overlooking the ocean or city skyline. Every detail, from curated artwork to bespoke furnishings, exudes sophistication and modern elegance. The resort’s culinary lineup is unmatched, hosting an extraordinary collection of 17 restaurants and bars, including celebrity-led venues such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Nobu by the Beach, and Jaleo by José Andrés. At the heart of the resort lies the awe-inspiring Skyblaze Fountain, a spectacle of fire and water that mesmerizes guests each evening. The Cloud 22 rooftop infinity pool offers breathtaking panoramic views from 22 stories high, while the exclusive Awaken Spa delivers cutting-edge wellness therapies in a serene, artfully designed space. Guests enjoy direct access to Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to over 65,000 marine animals. Seamlessly blending innovation, artistry, and indulgence, Atlantis The Royal stands as the ultimate expression of Dubai’s ambition — a destination where the extraordinary is the everyday.
- Hotel website: Atlantis The Royal
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Atlantis The Royal via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a complimentary bottle of wine, and a $100 USD resort credit).
Final Thoughts
From the futuristic brilliance of Atlantis The Royal to the timeless desert allure of Al Maha, Dubai continues to lead the world in luxury hospitality. Each of these extraordinary properties embodies the city’s bold spirit — where imagination, architecture, and service combine to create experiences beyond compare. Whether you crave urban sophistication, beachfront bliss, or desert solitude, Dubai’s top luxury hotels promise one thing above all: the art of living beautifully.
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