‘If I returned to Dubai tomorrow, I wouldn’t think twice about booking my stay here’

If you’re looking for a charismatic and spacious beach hotel that doesn’t compromise on luxury and comfort, then Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai is the place to be. You feel instantly relaxed as soon as you step into the open-plan lobby area that features a stunning display of fresh hydrangeas and palm trees in the background. The open-plan design and neutral colours are so calming and really come through in the art.

Imagine waking up to a view that takes your breath away. That’s how I felt during my stay in the Ocean Club room on the sixth floor. The room features floor-to-ceiling windows that show the most incredible view of the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel. When I first saw the view, my jaw hit the floor, and I found myself momentarily speechless. From my room, I could also see a hotel being built next to Jumeirah, which looked like a ship.

After some research, I discovered that it was the final piece in Jumeirah’s oceanic trilogy of hotels. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, built in 1997, was designed to resemble a wave in the sea. The Burj Al Arab, built a few years earlier, was designed to resemble a sail. The last piece, currently being built, will take the form of a ship and complete the Marsa Al Arab project.

Getting back on track, the room was spacious and relaxing, with subtle tones of beige and blue throughout, creating a soothing effect which was only heightened by the view of the sea with the Burj Al Arab front and centre. There was plenty of wardrobe space, certainly more than what I have in my own bedroom. As for the bathroom, it too was impressive and featured double sinks, a private toilet area, a huge bathtub, and a shower area.

Top Tip: I mentioned earlier that I stayed in an Ocean Club room, which has many benefits. Although it may be more expensive than other rooms, it’s worth it for the added perks if you want to make the most of the hotel. One of the best things about booking a Club room is the access to the Family Club and Sunset Club. The Family Club is an exclusive family-friendly lounge, while the Sunset Club is a scenic adults-only private lounge. Both of these lounges were a great place to relax, enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails or snacks, and indulge in afternoon tea, all complimentary for Club guests.

This hotel has six swimming pools, so there’s no shortage of places to take a dip. I enjoyed the main pool by the beach, which had a swim-up bar that I took full advantage of. The staff were exceptional across the board, and even while lounging by the pool, they would subtly come over with fruit, water, and a towel to help me cool down if I felt too hot. It was a lovely touch.

One of the hotel’s unique selling points is its private beach, which offers a stunning view of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. The water was warm, which was a welcome contrast to the freezing Irish Sea temperatures. It’s worth noting that the Jumeirah Hotel is popular with families, so if you’re looking for an adults-only hotel, this may not be the hotel for you.

However, as someone who typically prefers adults-only hotels, I would highly recommend the Jumeirah Hotel because of its overall atmosphere – There’s always something happening which I like.

There is no shortage of food options at the hotel. Even the breakfast practically had a room for every type of cuisine. The breakfast restaurant is the open-plan ‘Kitchen Connections’ on the ground floor, and it’s easy to see where the name comes from. It literally has breakfast station after breakfast station and any cuisine you could think of they had. It was spectacular. The juice station and avocado and eggs station were my go-to every morning.

Although there were 13 restaurants to choose from at the hotel, one that I liked and heard excellent reviews about was Bastion, a French brasserie that serves up panoramic views which really stood out at sunset. The food was excellent. I wanted to try something different and went for the French onion soup. The texture was quite thick and it felt like a meal in itself, but I think it’s just that I’m not used to French cuisine. For mains, I went back to my roots and tried the steak with mashed potato, and there was nothing left on the plate. It was cooked to perfection.

Hidden away on the first floor of Jumeirah Beach Hotel is Talise Spa. This luxurious spa features 10 treatment rooms, including a VIP double suite complete with a Hammam area. The spa’ design was inspired by the serene feeling of waves washing up on a white-sand beach, creating graceful lines and soothing spaces to help guests find their own personal haven. I had an amazing experience during my visit to the spa. The spa’s stunning, dimly lit room started with a foot ritual treatment that instantly relaxed me.

I wanted to completely switch off, so I opted for the full body massage that focuses on taking you on a ‘Journey of Senses’. The massage was incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. It combined long sweeping motions with warming and cooling sensations that left me feeling restored, without any fatigue. I highly recommend this treatment to anyone visiting the spa.

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a fantastic option for both adults and families. With so much happening on the property, you could easily spend your entire trip there. The atmosphere, staff, aesthetics, and views tick all the boxes for me. If I were heading back to Dubai tomorrow, I wouldn’t have to think twice about booking my stay there.

Prices start from €339 per night. For more information on the Exceptional Escapes package, click here.

Imagery via Jumeirah Beach Hotel.