Whether you’re taking some time off with your sweetheart to simply unwind or celebrating a special occasion, hotels in Dubai have plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences that are even more enjoyable for couples.
From opulent suites complete with butlers to beachfront candlelit dinners under starry skies, extravagant extras are the order of the day at romantic retreats in the UAE’s glitziest city. These are a few of the most fetching offerings.
Bulgari Resort and Residences Dubai
Set on seahorse-shaped Jumeirah Bay island, this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece provides a serene getaway in the heart of Dubai, complete with an exclusive La Spiaggia beach club, yacht marina and indulgent Bulgari Spa.
For the ultimate amorous escape, check into a One Bedroom Beach View Villa — enjoy some quiet time in your tucked-away garden, take a dip in your private pool or savor a sunset stroll on the beach just outside your front door. Luxurious touches (Moroccan wool rugs, sunken marble bathtubs and Bulgari toiletries) might entice you to spend your whole trip indoors.
When it comes to dinner, you’ll have a few attractive options. Kick off your evening with aperitivo at the slick oval-shaped Il Bar with views of the Arabian Gulf, before indulging in delicious Italian plates in the romantic setting of acclaimed chef Niko Romito’s Il Ristorante.
For a personalized meal you’re unlikely to forget, make a reservation at the nine-seat Japanese restaurant Hoseki. You’ll be treated to an intimate omakase dinner customized to your preferences paired with glittering skyline vistas.
It’s easy to forget about Dubai’s skyscrapers and supercars as you lay eyes on this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star palace-inspired hotel.
There are few things more romantic than sailing on a wooden boat through the canals of the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex and into your own Arabian fairytale, where regal rooms are furnished with rich carpets, arched windows and balconies overlooking landscaped grounds.
Spend your days unwinding on the resort’s private beach, with a couples’ massage at Four-Star Talise Spa or by chartering a yacht with a butler, hostess and chef for a date like no other.
When it comes to dining, Jumeirah Al Qasr hosts a wealth of striking venues. Sip sundowners at Koubba Bar before snagging a table at intimate Spanish-themed Al Hambra, canal-side Pai Thai or Pierchic, a scenic seafood spot set on the hotel’s pier. This airy restaurant is also great for a lunch date.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
If you crave a tropical getaway but also want to experience the best that Dubai has to offer, this Four-Star retreat fits the bill with its Thai-inspired ambiance set amid lush gardens and meandering lagoon pools on the Palm Jumeirah archipelago.
Stay in one of the UAE’s only overwater villas, where a dedicated host is on hand to attend to your every request. These spacious units were built for luxuriating, whether you want to watch the sunset from your terrace or soak up views of the skyline and Arabian Sea in the bathtub.
If you prefer to stay on land, check into a Beach Pool Villa for your own swimming hole and direct access to the resort’s private stretch of sand.
Savor a laidback seafood lunch at Mediterranean-inspired The Beach House or sample Asian fare at the lively Mekong restaurant. For a romantic date, ask the resort to arrange a candlelit dinner on the beach, a jetty or on your villa deck with a customized menu.
The property presents plenty of fun activities to do with your partner, from a Thai cooking class to sailing around Palm Jumeirah on the resort’s own longtail boat. Your loved one also will appreciate you booking time in Anantara Spa’s couples’ hammam so you can return from your vacation rejuvenated.
Set on a private peninsula in the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, this Four-Star hideaway has a spectacular setting that was made for seduction — shaded courtyards, bubbling fountains, candlelit pools and secret gazebos set in manicured gardens.
A stay in a Palm Beach Junior Suite with Pool means secluded evening dips on your terrace overlooking the beach. Otherwise, spend a quiet day in a poolside cabana that comes with indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a wet bar and en-suite bathrooms and showers.
As the sun goes down, sip cocktails under rose-gold skies at 101 Dining Lounge and Bar’s intimate terrace and take in views over the resort’s private marina. Stay for dinner to sup on fresh seafood or head for the incredibly romantic Stay by Yannick Alléno to sample innovative French cuisine.
End the evening on a sweet note with a stop at the Pastry Library to watch the chef de patisserie bring your dessert dreams to life. Then you can share it with your loved one.
