When we think of holidays, we think of booking the next flight out to an exciting destination in Europe, Far East Asia or wherever our wanderlust takes us; however, for some of us, it’s not always as straightforward as we’d like it to be. The hassle of planning a trip and organising your itinerary can be overwhelming. Luckily, we live in a city that caters to our holiday needs with accommodations that don’t require a passport to get there or complex planning.
Dubai is home to a variety of extraordinary hotels that create an international experience that is just a stones’ throw away from your home. From beach resorts to city escapes to desert destinations, there are staycation experiences made for all kinds of itinerary.
In this article, we explore the MICHELIN Guide Hotel selection’s must-try Dubai stays both locals and tourist will love to spend their holiday in.
Beach Resorts
Bulgari Resort Dubai
Sitting pretty on the Jumeirah Bay peninsula only 15 minutes away from Dubai’s city centre is the ultra-luxurious Bulgari Resort Dubai. There, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to an exotic island thanks to its isolated landscape and private beach. With the Dubai skyline in the background and the view of infinite waters on the foreground, the Bulgari Resort Dubai spectacular room offerings range from spacious rooms and suites to private villas with a pool, serving ultimate privacy. There’s no need to leave the accommodation when staying here, you’ll be able to spoil yourself to The Bulgari Spa and of course, indulge in the MICHELIN-starred restaurants: two-MICHELIN-star Italian restaurant, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, and one-MICHELIN-star Japanese restaurant, Hōseki.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
A brand synonymous with refined hospitality, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is located in Dubai’s iconic Jumeirah district. This seaside resort offers guests, both local and international, a private beach to dip their toes in, only minutes away from their room. Even during those hotter summer months, its tempered pool ensure you still get your dose of Vitamin D without getting overpowered by the heat. A top pick for residents in Dubai or its surrounding Emirates, the Mandarin Oriental’s rooms are beautifully showcase city and sea views. The hotel is an all one-in-one destination for those looking to stay in one place. You can enjoy its luxurious amenities, including its MICHELIN-selected food and beverage outlets, such as one-MICHELIN-star Portuguese restaurant, Tasca by José Avillez, and MICHELIN-selected restaurant, Netsu by Ross Shonhan, serving Japanese contemporary cuisine.
Atlantis The Royal
One of Dubai’s newest resorts, having opened earlier this year with a star-studded Beyonce concert, the Atlantis The Royal spares no expense in offering its guests the ultimate luxury staycation. Not only can guests enjoy its one-of-a-kind architecture on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, but the towering building also offers an all-encompassing stay, from its spacious King Club rooms to its Panoramic Penthouse with a private pool and terrace, and no fewer than 17 restaurants, including six recently added to the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023: Sommelier Award winner and one-MICHELIN-star restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Opening of the Year Award winner Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Service Award winner, La Mar by Gastón Acurio and MICHELIN-selected restaurants serving Greek and Spanish cuisines respectively, Milos and Jaleo.
Desert Destinations
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Nothing defines a Dubai staycation like a luxury desert resort. Far from the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s busy landscape, Al Maha is located in Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve, surrounded by everchanging sand dunes and desert wildlife. The compound comprises of tented Bedouin-style suites featuring a private pool and terrace, with endless desert views, and offers guests desert activities, such as driving tours and horseback riding. A stay like no other for UAE’s residents and visitors, you can expect peaceful nights with nature’s soothing sounds, from the soft gallops of the Arabian Oryxes and relaxing desert winds.
Bab al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Literally meaning “Door of the Sun” in Arabic, Bab al Shams Resort & Spa is made of sandstone-style buildings and offers guests of all ages an Arabian experience like no other. The complex blends in beautifully with its surrounding sand dunes and palm trees, acting as an oasis in the middle of the desert. The family-friendly accommodation is also a great place to stay with your kids thanks to its spacious family suites and large tempered pool for them to enjoy some fun in the sun, even during hotter months. Of course, no desert resort is complete without some fun activities, from desert drives to their falconry display and short camel ride, families will be entertained with these options for their little ones.City Escapes
Park Hyatt Dubai
Situated in the Dubai Creek, the Park Hyatt Dubai offers guests a resort-like experience in the middle of a bustling city. The waterfront property pays homage to the Dubai’s culture through its Arabian architecture, warm hospitality and luxury. Their comfortable rooms and spa facilities define the hotel’s refined atmosphere. Here, guests will also have the chance to relax in what the hotel calls an “infinity lagoon,” which is a manmade beach overlooking the water and Dubai skyline, creating a unique city experience. Only a 10-minute drive from the Downtown Dubai, the hotel is the home away from home for luxury staycation seekers.
ME Dubai by Melia
Being one of Zaha Hadid’s last architectural marvels, the Opus by Omniyat building houses the ultra-luxurious Plus property, ME Melia by Dubai. It’s futuristic structure and interiors transports guests to another world, right in the heart of Dubai’s downtown district. Thanks to its central location, the hotel is close to most of Dubai’s favourite landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Mohammed Ben Rashid Boulevard and DIFC – which are ideal for gastronomes looking to hop around MICHELIN-selected restaurants such as Jun’s, Fouquet’s, Tàn Chá, Clap and one-MICHELIN-star Armani Ristorante to name a few.
Taj Dubai
Another Plus property making our staycation list is the Taj Dubai. It’s palatial take on contemporary Indian style is centrally located in the Downtown district and offers guests views of the world’s tallest building. Their 296 rooms are as upscale as they come, from their humble sized rooms with decadent decor to their Presidential suites. This accommodation is perfect for staycationers looking to go on a shopping spree or evenings packed with MICHELIN gastronomic experiences that can be found nearby, such MICHELIN-selected restaurants Josette and Chic Nonna in DIFC, or At.Mosphere and Hashi located in the Burj Khalifa itself.
