With its undying love of all things grand and Instagrammable, Dubai takes its poolside views rather seriously. Here, infinity pools overlook rose-gold deserts or azure waters hugged by white sand beaches, while others have dizzying views of skyscrapers and man-made islands.
Whether you want to gaze at Arabian oryxes among sand dunes or a dazzling cityscape that looks like it’s right out of a film set in the future, while sipping cocktails, here are our picks of the top hotel pools in Dubai with the most incredible views.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Located along the Jumeirah coastline, the elegant Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is ideal for those who want to enjoy beautiful beach views while still being within easy reach of Dubai’s top tourist attractions.
On the sixth floor is the hotel’s adults-only rooftop infinity pool along with Tasca by José Avillez, a sleek contemporary Portuguese restaurant and lounge. The picture-perfect infinity pool is a serene spot from which to appreciate the myriad shades of blue in the Arabian Sea while sipping on a refreshing craft cocktail or feasting on Portuguese seafood specialties.
For families or those who’d rather swim a few steps away from the beach, the same striking views of the ocean can be admired from the palm-tree-flanked swimming pool overlooking the beach. Park yourself on a day bed or in a cabana, sip on chilled cocktails or fresh juices, and nibble on salads while enjoying the upbeat music.
Upgrade your experience at the private pool and beach cabanas that come with complimentary fruit platters, refreshments and sorbets; a nonalcoholic minibar; sofa and lounge seating; and a butler.
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Center
While you might not expect Instagram-worthy pool views in the heart of a business district, the sophisticated Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Center, surrounded by office towers, art galleries and some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars, provides exactly that.
On the Five-Star hotel’s rooftop deck is a glass-walled swimming pool that makes for a stunning image with aesthetically pleasing skyscrapers in the backdrop. There are four private cabanas and loungers and a pool bar that also serves shisha. This rooftop retreat stands high above the surrounding commercial district, offering gorgeous skyline views.
Address Sky View
As far as larger-than-life views go, it’s hard to top the adults-only infinity pool on the 54th-floor Sky Deck of the Address Sky View, in the heart of all the action in downtown Dubai. The backdrop to the rooftop pool is an uninterrupted panorama of the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, which rises front and center above the city like a shimmering crown jewel in its brilliant skyscraper-studded skyline.
Overseen by the stylish restaurant Cé La Vi (an export from Marina Bay Sands, which boasts Singapore’s most famous building and outdoor pool), the pool deck menu features Asian-inspired food, frozen cocktails and shisha. In addition to sun beds, cabanas are available for bigger groups.
Parents and kids can make the most of bright sunny days at the large family pool on the lobby level, serviced by the Deck Too pool lounge.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Built like a fortress in the golden expanse of the Arabian desert, the Qasr Al Sarab is a getaway for those looking to swap Dubai’s glass and concrete cityscape for surroundings that are a bit more pristine.
While swimming in the resort’s family-friendly outdoor pool, you’ll soak in the sun and the quietness of the surrounding dunes, tread upon only by camel caravans and Arabian oryxes. Dotted with palm trees like a true desert oasis, the pool and lounge areas are serviced by the Naseem Pool Bar. On the menu are fruity beverages, fresh juices and Mediterranean dishes.
If privacy is important, choose from one of the resort’s many pool villas that have serene desert views from their own plunge pools.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
There’s no lack of remarkable not-seen-elsewhere-in-the-world features and amenities at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the iconic Five-Star hotel whose white sail-shaped exterior became synonymous with the high luxury standards in Dubai’s hospitality industry.
Understandably, few poolside experiences can match up to those at the Burj Al Arab Terrace, a private nearly 108,000-square-foot terrace that was built in Finland and shipped to Dubai. Stretching 328 feet into the Arabian Sea, the terrace has a restaurant, two swimming pools, a cabana area and a beach covered in white sand imported from Saudi Arabia.
Families can enjoy a day at the freshwater pool, where a shaded swim-up bar serves cocktails. The most spectacular spot, undoubtedly, is the adults-only saltwater infinity pool, which affords uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea, and when seen from afar, also seems to blend into it.
Four Jacuzzis on the terrace invite you to unwind. For those looking for a higher level of luxury than that offered by sun loungers and day beds, there are 32 air-conditioned cabanas that come with a butler and eight royal cabanas with dining, spa, minibars, TVs and bathrooms.
The Mediterranean restaurant Sal serves delicious seafood and other dishes both in the coastal-themed indoor restaurant and by the pool.
