Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubaï ★★★★★

Dubai’s reputation as a playground for the rich isn’t exactly untrue. Given the cutting-edge skyscrapers and manmade islands, it’s rather hard to deny that this is a place of exuberance and experimentation. Jumeirah is a residential area on the coast that is popular with tourists and expatriates alike, often dubbed the ‘Beverly Hills of Dubai’. From the coast is a road that leads to the Pearl Jumeirah, one of the newest neighbourhoods in this prestigious area that is wonderfully secluded from the mainland, yet still just a short distance from the attractions of downtown Dubai.

On the oceanfront is the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, a luxury resort that brings the beloved brand to Dubai. This postmodern complex, characterised by its striking white/charcoal design, stretches along the beach, with Dubai’s dramatic skyline as backdrop. You can stay in the exceptional Luux Room (with or without sea view), perfect for couples looking for a romantic island getaway in the sun. Elegant white, baby blue, and sparse light-wood furnishings make the room feel like an Oasis, and from your balcony, you’ll notice either the Gulf or the skyline over the landscaped gardens. Likewise, the Covet Room (with or without sea view) also features sleek white furnishings and a balcony, though in a slightly smaller form. Rooms all boast deep-soak bathtubs, bespoke entertainment systems with surround sound, mood lighting, and even pillow menus. This is luxury done the Dubai way.

Nikki Beach prides itself on the fun factor of its communal spaces, and when you’re not poolside, there are great places you’ll want to relax in. The Soul Lounge, boasting panoramic views of the gulf, recasts the role of the lobby as a chill out space for tasty shareable food and even tastier drinks. When the sun sets, make your way back here to dance the night away with live DJ mixes. At Café Nikki, chow down on the all-day Bistro menu, an tasty mix of fresh salads, sandwiches and seafoods. Or perhaps the vibrant Key West is more your style, with its delicious fusion of Caribbean and Latin-inspired dishes. And this isn’t just a resort - you certainly don’t want to miss the exceptional service of the Nikki Spa, with its range of original, bespoke treatments that aim to revitalise and realign, so that you can take full advantage of everything this marvellous oceanfront resort has to offer.