By Chris Leadbeater
With swish new buildings cropping up on its shimmering skyline practically
every time you blink, the Middle East offers more than a few options when it
comes to hotels
in Dubai. So where to stay and why?
Who can do it? Anybody who dreams of seeing someone famous.
The Atlantis has had its fair share of A-list visitors. Its launch last year
saw guest appearances from Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Charlize Theron,
Lily Allen and Richard Branson.
Let's go! The Atlantis is one of the most well known hotels
on the planet at the moment. Certainly, its opening - where there were fireworks
as well as celebs galore - created headlines around the globe. But then, it
has good reason to brag. Aside from perching on the Palm Jumeirah, the astonishingly
sculpted piece of reclaimed land that sits just off Dubai proper, it boasts
a lagoon stuffed with 65,000 fish (including sharks), a branch of uber-restaurant
Nobu, a chic shopping area and a water park packed with slides and rides.
Top tip: It would be easy to stay on the Palm - but don't forget
the mainland. A new monorail is being constructed to whisk you there in comfort
- opening later in 2009.
Who can do it? Those seeking a special place to cosy up after
a wedding - or hoping to celebrate a major anniversary of said big event. Over
1000ft high, and with its iconic sail shape framed against the sky, the Burj
Al Arab is a landmark hotel for landmark holidays
in Dubai.
Let's go!Bearing in mind that it claims to be the only hotel
in the world that offers seven-star - yep, seven - luxury, a stay at the Burj
Al Arab is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It undoubtedly will be
if you opt to arrive via the famous elevated helipad or in the back of one of
the fleet of chauffeured Rolls Royce super-cars. Then there are the two pools,
six restaurants and huge suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, jacuzzis and
personal butler service. A B&B bolthole on a rundown stretch of sand this most
definitely isn't.
Top tip: Wander up to the aptly named Skyview Bar, which floats
200 metres above sea level, on the hotel's 27th floor. The cocktails are good.
The panorama is even better.
Who can do it? Anyone who has had enough of dashing about
on the career path, and wants to cool their smoking heels. This getaway-from-it-all
retreat may be just the place.
Let's go! The key attraction for those wishing to hibernate and ignore the tumult of modern life is that, although it sits squarely on the main drag of Jumeirah Beach, the hotel has about a kilometre of private shoreline. That and the fact that its accommodation is set within a maze of landscaped gardens, fountains and pathways. Then there are the eight restaurants, four bars and four swimming pools. Work stress? What work stress?
Top tip: Choose to drop anchor in The Palace. With its sea-facing rooms and suites, this is arguably the pick of the hotel's three distinct accommodation areas.
Who can do it? Anyone who likes to splash, paddle, swim and generally bob about in the blessed liquid that is H2O. Which, let's face it, is just about all of us.
Let's go! Only opened in mid 2008, the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi is something of a paradise for water babies. There's the Jumeirah Beach location. But then, there are also five swimming pools and a water sports centre, where you can try such varied pursuits as water-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and riding around on the back of a giant, tame shark. All right, not the last one. That's a lie. But there is a focus on children, with a kids' programme for those aged 4-12 ensuring that the little ones don't have to miss out.
Top tip: Use the hotel as a base for a spot of retail therapy. It is but a short jaunt from here to the massive Mall Of The Emirates. Better warn your bank manager in advance.
Who can do it? Those who love to be pampered. Some might say that it is illogical to visit a destination like Dubai, with its dry, baking climate, in search of revitalizing spa treatments. But then, when has this ever-expanding desert metropolis seemed logical?
Let's go! Ten treatment rooms (two of them for the specific and sole use of the fairer sex), a sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms - here is a haven for those seeking fragrant relaxation. The spa menu offers everything from a Maternity Massage and a Balinese Massage to a Timeless Strawberry Ritual. What's that? Well, it involves being exfoliated with sea salts, then submerged in a coating of strawberry cream. Yep, sounds awful.
Top tip: Gentlemen, do not despair. If Timeless Strawberry Rituals are not entirely your thing, it is little more than a short chip from the hotel to the nearby Emirates Golf Club.
Looking for luxury deals? Check out our latest
offers to Dubai for fantastic value breaks
Chris Leadbeater is a freelance travel journalist. He writes regularly
for the Daily Mail. His favourite destinations are Cuba, the USA and Paris.