Address Beach, Dubai

BACKGROUND One of the newest properties in the Address (Emaar Hospitality Group) portfolio and the brand’s first beach resort. There has been no expense spared, with plush finishings and furnishings from floor to ceiling throughout the hotel, which is quite honestly, knocking its local competition out of the water.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? Tasteful, but chic, the property occupies two gargantuan glass towers (one of which is home to residences). At first sight they look somewhat out of place in the low-rise Jumeirah Beach, but Emaar, developer of the Burj Khalifa, has made it towers its niche, and there is no way you can’t fall in love with this iconic hotel. Soft colours, modern interior design, but with a classical touch; everything is grand yet understated.

WHERE IS IT? At the end of the Jumeirah Beach Residence strip, overlooking the Dubai Eye (Ain Dubai) Ferris Wheel, the Palm Jumeirah and the Bluewaters Island.

It is within walking distance to a plethora of shops and dining venues and on the doorstep of the recently opened footbridge to Bluewaters. It’s also within easy reach of Dubai Metro.

ROOMS I stayed in a Deluxe Sea View Room on the 16th floor, overlooking Ain Dubai and Palm Jumeirah through floorto-ceiling windows. In-room tech was fantastic with everything controlled by an iPad, from the air conditioning to the lights. I love a Bluetooth speaker to play my music through, which this room had, so it was a winner for me. The large bathroom with a bath tub, shower and double sinks was beautiful and there was a work desk, as well a table and chair – the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee with views.

FOOD AND DRINK We ate dinner in the Li Brasil concept restaurant serving

Lebanese and Brazilian cuisine. We opted for the classic Brazilian dishes. The food quality was spectacular and the range wide enough to entice you back to try something new. The huge outdoor terrace setting was magical at night, though the very Latin-inspired indoor bar/lounge was very cosy, bedecked in timbers and low lighting. The Beach Grill restaurant specialising in seafood and meats was a beautiful lunch venue and overlooked the ocean, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Bright and airy with blues, whites and timbers, it would not look out of place in Greece. Breakfast was served at The Restaurant, offering a waiter service buffet for COVID-19 compliance.

BUSINESS The local business crowd has fallen in love with this property and I witnessed a sea of people holding casual meetings and working remotely in the lobby and lobby lounge café, which also has outdoor seating. The Wi-Fi connection was good too.

LEISURE The 75th floor gym was well equipped and offered two studios. There was a spa and kids’ facilities too, plus multiple pools and a private beach. The only hitch is the world’s highest outdoor infinity pool on the 77th floor. If you’re not there by 10am, you may not get a spot, which is disappointing since it’s one of the hotel’s two world-record-holding assets.

VERDICT A luxurious hotel and despite its busy location, felt surprisingly like a city escape. Melanie Swan

There is no way you can’t fall in love with this iconic hotel