Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

"Why book? The epitome of multicultural, modern Dubai, this beachfront property is all about maximum relaxation by day and sophisticated shimmering intrigue by night. Set the scene Heavily frequented by Emiratis, business travelers, and tourists, not only does the property provide a sophisticated broad-ranging culinary menu, but also has an exclusive Club Lounge. The lobby is breathtaking from the outset with its firefly-like glow on trees adorned with 900 lights, and highlighted by the crisp white marble floor. The backstory The first venture for the Asia-based Mandarin Oriental group in the United Arab Emirates, the 256-room property was architecturally designed by Jeffrey A Wilkes, a man who is also responsible for the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Personalized service and excellence in innovative food and beverage doesn’t disappoint here. The rooms Decadent and refined, the rooms are as you’d expect from a Mandarin Oriental property. The decor blends earthy tones with touches of tangerine, teal and gold and only the finest materials (Statuario marble and Persian travertine) along with quality linens, the design approach seamless. Most of the rooms and suites have balconies and terraces, offering views out to Arabian Gulf or the Dubai skyline. The Natura Bisse toiletries elevate the luxe appeal, while the in-room tech isn’t as intuitive as may be expected. The Mandarin Sea Front Suite is ideal for the waterfront views and wraparound balcony. Food and drink Given its global approach to food and beverage, each one of the six F&B establishments has its own appeal, none more so than Tascas, the rooftop eatery by Portuguese culinary superstar Jose Alvarez. You can’t go past the ceviche-style Algarve prawns and blue fin tuna tartare, and if you book early evening you will enjoy your meal with the glistening city skyline as your backdrop. Japanese steakhouse Netsu by Ross Shonhan is notable too, it’s warakari cuisine using straw fire cooking delivers some of the best Wagyu you’ll taste. The open-kitchen provides diners a front-row seat to the cooking action, while the artisanal sake and vast Japanese whiskey selection is equally impressive. Noor Lounge is the go-to for afternoon tea and the nearby Mandarin Cake Shop is packed with some of the most delicious cakes and sweets. The spa The desert’s rolling dunes this part of the world is renowned for, are represented in the curved ceiling in this exclusive health and wellbeing hub; the blue flooring a nod to the Arabian Gulf. But it’s more than just the aesthetics that impress, the spa menu is brimming with Asian and Arabic-inspired treatments and there are separate mens and womens areas with pod-like relaxation spaces. Treatments are infused with 24-karat gold, which is so Dubai, and the team uses a combination of international brands including Subtle Energies and Aromatherapy Associates. The neighborhood/area In the same vicinity as the Four Seasons and Bulgari and not too far from some of the Emirate’s biggest attractions, including the La Mer beachfront hub and Madinat Jumeirah souk. Conveniently located across the road from a local shopping mall and a few minutes drive from the trendy Jumeirah Beach Road coffee precinct. The service Impeccable. From the greeting by door staff decked out in their Mandarin Oriental fedoras and hats to the lobby welcome and friendly check in procedures and assistance as required throughout the hotel, it’s without fault and as you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre. No request goes unmet. For families Yes, families are well catered for here with the Little Nomads kids club offering respite for parents in need of some down time. Meals are free for children under the age of four and babysitting is available upon request. Accessibility Rooms have been adapted to cater to guests with disabilities and the hotel is wheelchair accessible. Anything left to mention? The ice cream at breakfast is a sweet surprise and you simply must make time for an hour or two by the rooftop pool on the Gulf side of Tascas, the view is incredible." - Melinda Healy