We review the best luxury beach hotels for families with kids in Dubai. We focus on beachside hotels rather than those downtown and at the airport DBX. By reviewing each of these luxury and boutique hotels, in turn, I conclude which hotel comes in at the top and which hotel I would select as being the best family beach hotel in Dubai.
Dubai is a truly great family holiday destination. Luxury beachside hotels in Dubai include the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach on the beach, The six Madinat Jumeirah hotels, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah on its own island by the beach and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Three of these hotels have some of the best hotel club lounges in Dubai.
Also worth considering are One&Only The Palm on the beach and One&Only Royal Mirage on Dubai beach. There are also three decent Marriott Bonvoy hotels on the beach, which can come in much cheaper than the luxury resorts outlined above. In Dubai, the best Bonvoy properties with a beach for a family are Le Royal Meridien Vs. Grosvenor House Vs. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Vs. St. Regis Saadiyat Island. You can also stay at the Ritz-Carlton, which is right on the beach, but this is not our most popular hotel due to the noise issues on the grounds.
The Atlantis, The Palm, is probably the most iconic luxury family hotel in the region. Still, it has some major disadvantages and has therefore been excluded from my top to best list below as it is simply too busy to be enjoyable in the night season. The resort grounds are huge with a huge amount to do, but during the peak half-term and holiday periods, the crowds are huge, both inside the hotel and generally across the whole resort. In Kaleidoscope, one of the three buffet-style restaurants, there were long queues every morning to get in, and inside, the scrum made it feel like a canteen. This was also the case in the ground floor Imperial Club lounge. The main hotel lobby comes across as some sort of airport terminal, huge and with vast volumes of people rushing around. Similarly, the Aquaventure Water Park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium are literally heaving with people in the high season. This is not what I look for in a luxury hotel, and luxury travelers should avoid this hotel in peak season.
1. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is a glamorous beach resort ideal for families, couples, or high-level businesses. Four Seasons hotels always welcome children with open arms and encourage families with free food for kids under a certain age. They often offer free rollaway beds in the rooms to encourage families to stay. Book a Junior suite, and you have a separate bedroom and lounge area so you can put your baby or a little child to sleep in the next-door room. Ideal!
Set on a pristine, natural beach, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach has 237 ultra-spacious Dubai hotel accommodations, including 49 suites, offering views of the Arabian Gulf on one side and Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline on the other.
This 5-star Dubai hotel is home to 10 restaurants and lounges, one of the city’s most lavish spas, three swimming pools, and fun family activities. The jewel atop the resort, the Mercury Lounge, is host to spectacular sights over both the sea and the Dubai skyline, offering guests uninterrupted views over the Burj Khalifa unlike anywhere else in the city!
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is probably the best family-friendly luxury resort on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Their youngest guests get just as many opportunities for fun as the adults, and their Concierge is pleased to help arrange adventures suitable for your children’s ages and interests.
Within the resort, there is a complimentary kids’ center room with a curved, bright sofa and cushions, toys, and TV loft. A complimentary kids’ program is also designed to educate and entertain children ages 4 to 12. On Thursdays and Fridays, the center is open until 11:00 pm, convenient for parents who want a night out.
The free-form outdoor pool is extremely child-friendly, the perfect gathering place for friends and families across generations, and just a few steps from the beach, where kids can build sandcastles.
2. Jumeirah Al Qasr
Set up like an Arabian palace, or perhaps numerous Arabian palaces, surrounded by greenery, waterways, and of course, the beach, the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex is an old Arabian town recreated in luxury. It comes complete with a traditional bazaar, gardens, wind catchers, and water canals. Riding around the canals and walking around in the Souk is so much fun if a little Disneyesque and offers a great, safe environment, which is ideal if you are traveling with your children as a family. It all has a Disney feel, and all guests get free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai, perfect for a family day out.
There are six hotels on the premises of the Madinat. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Jumeirah Al Qasr is one of the best hotels in Dubai and offers some of the nicest and best rooms within the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex, showcasing Arabian Palatial luxury. Designed in the style of a Sheikh’s summer residence, palatial guestrooms decorated in the traditional Arabian style offer stunning views of the sea and the resort in opulent surroundings. This hotel is reached by traveling up an impressive driveway to the entrance.
Jumeirah Al Qasr has a “Premium Leisure Club” club lounge, which is one of our best club lounges in Dubai. My preference is always to choose a hotel with a club lounge as this makes traveling as a family with kids so much easier at feeding times, etc.
Kids’ activities across the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex are almost endless. Hotel guests benefit from complimentary access to Sinbad’s Kids Club and KiDS at Jumeirah Al Naseem during their stay at any hotel in Madinat Jumeirah. Bring your kids anytime, from early morning to evening. Alternatively, book in with our childcare and babysitting service (upon request) to leave your children in the expert care of our fully-trained staff while you head off for a well-earned break.
Whether it’s splashing around, experiencing the Atomic Rush, face painting, playing sports, watching movies, or doing crafts, your kids will have the time of their lives at Sinbad’s Kids Club. With over 1,000 m² of play areas and pools, it really is a dream world for children.
Located in the latest addition to Madinat Jumeirah, the brand new KiDS at Jumeirah Al Naseem invites the little ones to make the most of their holidays by taking part in lots of fun planned games, activities, and original crafts. The spacious outdoor playground features a splash pad, swing sets, and a jungle gym to keep the youngsters happy and safely entertained.
Additional Kid’s activities available at Madinat Jumeirah Resort include Gardening for Kids is the perfect activity to keep the little ones busy exploring the resort’s lush gardens. This activity teaches children how to tend to plants and understand how they flourish with the right maintenance. They will re-discover the joy of spending time outdoors and getting their hands dirty.
Every Friday and Saturday, children can enjoy a camel ride along the beach along with a professional trainer.
Every Monday, there is a Beach Cinema for the entire family. Enjoy your favorite movie under the stars as you sit comfortably at our outdoor cinema with your choice of popcorn, ice cream, or one of our delicious milkshakes for your movie snack.
Your family can even feed turtles! Learn more about Jumeirah’s Turtle Rehabilitation Programme at their Turtle Feeding sessions every Wednesday and Saturday. You can meet the turtles and learn more about the rescue and rehabilitation program.
On Saturday, kids and teens alike can enjoy a fun evening of good food and entertainment without their parents. Each week the dinner will have a different theme, from pizza and pasta for Italian night to an Arabic majlis set-up on the beach. The children can dine with their friends safely.
More creative children can let their creativity take over with an hour of arts and crafts. During this activity, your children can get stuck in with painting, quilling, origami, bracelet making, and so much more daily.
On Thursdays, children can hone their culinary skills with these small group cooking classes, where they can decorate or even create their own cupcakes, cookies, and other pastries.
3. Jumeirah Al Naseem
Jumeirah Al Naseem, is the latest addition to Madinat Jumeirah, with interiors inspired by sand dunes, sea breeze, and Dubai’s heritage of pearl diving and Bedouin traditions, its rooms and suites feature spectacular views to Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Expansive terraces invite the outdoors in, and lush gardens edge the sandy beach, providing pockets of privacy and peacefulness.
Dubai’s longest private beach is only steps away, as well as the many facilities within Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Souk Madinat Jumeirah features more than 80 shops, bars, and restaurants. Access to Talise Spa and Talise Fitness, tennis and squash courts, as well as unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™, are all available to guests.
Jumeirah Al Naseem has the “Family Lounge,” a club lounge with all the benefits of the Jumeirah Al Qasr lounge outlined above. This includes all-day tea, coffee, and soft drinks served in the lounge. Afternoon tea and light refreshments were served late afternoon, and pre-dinner drinks and a selection of canapés offered for ‘Happy Hour’ in the lounge.
Plus, if you stay here, you can take advantage of all the children’s activities outlined above, as these are open to families and children at all the hotels within the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex.
4. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is the cheapest hotel of the six Madinat Jumeirah hotels and was completely refurbished in 2015. The spacious guest rooms are beautifully furnished in an Arabian style. It’s warm and cozy and doesn’t go over the top like the Burj. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the sea and offers authentic Arabian experiences on a beachfront location with family-friendly service.
Jumeirah Mina A’Salam has its “Premium Leisure Club” club lounge, which matches the club lounges above with all-day tea, coffee, and soft drinks served in the lounge, afternoon tea and light refreshments served late in the afternoon and pre-dinner drinks and a selection of canapés offered for ‘Happy Hour’ in the lounge.
Plus, if you stay here, you can take advantage of all the children’s activities outlined above. These are open to families and children at all the hotels within the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex.
5. One&Only The Palm
One&Only The Palm is chic and glamorous and Dubai’s most intimate beachfront resort, perfect for families looking for luxury.
Soak up the sun beside shimmering pools and the private, white-sand beach; capture the calm of the day in the Guerlain Spa, set amidst ponds, fountains, and open courtyards; and tantalize your palate with an enviable selection of bars and restaurants under the culinary guidance of three-Michelin-stars Chef Yannick Alléno.
For younger guests, One&Only offers a children’s parent-free zone located in the Manor House and offers a holiday respite for KidsOnly, with a TV room, games, books, and an arts and crafts area. A daily supervised program accepts children who are 4 to 11 years old, where they can enjoy activities from camel riding to camping with other like-minded kids.
6. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa
If you are a family, you will probably prefer to stay at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa. This has large free-form pools with bridges, gorgeous grassy lawns adorned with palm trees, and a beach alongside. The decor in the rooms is fresh and modern, and the balconies in the rooms are large with lovely views, the best of which looks over the gardens and beach. There is a large club lounge here that serves breakfast, but bear in mind that it gets very busy at breakfast time. The breakfast here in the lounge is extremely good, much like you would expect in a normal restaurant, with a vast buffet. After breakfast, it quietens down, and you can enjoy snacks and drinks. It picks up again and gets busy at happy hour when they serve free drinks and light bites.
For a family, the pool at the Royal Meridien and having a beach will add to your holiday. Still, if you are traveling as a couple or on business, you may well prefer the pool at the Grosvenor House over the beach at Le Royal Meridien. Le Royal Meridien beach and the hotel itself are full of holidaymakers who have booked packages from all over the world, as well as lots of kids and, sometimes, mosquitos in the greenery. It doesn’t feel exclusive. The pool at the St Regis Saadiyat and at the Grosvenor house feels more exclusive and could be considered an alternative if you are set on a beachside resort.
7. Grosvenor House Dubai
For a location next door to the beach but a little more sophistication, try the Grosvenor House Dubai. This feels very much like a proper Luxury Collection hotel, with a brilliant location close to the beach, next to the marina walk, and with plenty of great bars and restaurants in the hotel, including Sidarta Lounge, Buddha Bar, Torro Torro, The Embassy, etc. The main breakfast selection at the hotel is so good that the locals and ex-pats come here for breakfast.
Overall, this is your best option if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member looking for luxury and the best Marriott or SPG Starwood property to earn and redeem your points, particularly if you are traveling as a couple. You also get access to all the beach and pool facilities at Le Royal Meridien via a free and regular shuttle between the two hotels, or you can just run across Al Sufouh Road between the hotels, so you get the best of both worlds.
8. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Another good family choice in Dubai is Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and the Westin next door. Again, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at these two hotels. They share facilities and the beach, but Le Meridien is cheaper.
The lounge here is a good size with lunch and dinner offerings that you could easily make a full meal of. You can also enjoy alcohol, including champagne, all day free of charge, not just during a set Happy Hour period. Both Le Meridien and the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai are great beachfront properties, and the staff are fantastic with children. Some rooms have a great view of Atlantis on The Palm.
9. Ritz-Carlton Dubai Beach Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai Beach Hotel is a luxury hotel with a good club lounge with indoor and outdoor seating area and is right by the beach.
The lounge offers breathtaking sea views, a personal Concierge, and 5 good food presentations during the day, including a full American breakfast. Alcohol is served from around midday, including Prosecco-type fizzy bottles, wines, beer, and spirits, but should be avoided during summer and winter vacation periods as it becomes unruly.
Families are attracted to this hotel for the grounds and beach and the fact they can cash in their Marriott Bonvoy points for a beachfront vacation in the sun, but this really detracts from the hotel experience as the club lounge becomes too full.
Regardless of the time of year you visit the Ritz-Carlton Dubai Beach Hotel, it is worth noting that as a result of the large beachfront and gardens at this resort, it is constantly used as a venue for outdoor events. This is a problem as the PA and sound systems used at these events are very noisy, and lots of loud music is played. Parts of the outdoor space tend to be “closed” or fenced off for these events. The result is that many guests refuse to return after describing it as “one of the noisiest resorts ever…. it never seems to calm down!”
If you visit this Ritz-Carlton in the winter, the pool is so cold that it is unusable, which is not ideal for families. Yes, this hotel has a beach, but it’s not a great choice, unlike The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Resort, out in the desert, and a must-do bucket list hotel. For a proper and truly private beach experience, you need to go back to the top of our list to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, which is superior for families in every way.
10. St Regis Saadiyat Island
St Regis Saadiyat Island is situated on the underutilized 8-lane Sheikh Khalifa highway linking Saadiyat to Yas, which means that it is easy to reach from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports. It is probably Starwood’s (and Marriott Bonvoy’s) most luxury property in Abu Dhabi, but it is not far from Dubai and is worth considering if you are heading to Dubai with your family.
It is located around an hour’s drive from Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor House hotels, which are more centrally located Marriott Bonvoy properties in Dubai, around one and a half hours drive from the airport.
The hotel is just one part of the larger complex, including the new villas and apartments, and features several swimming pools, including an adults-only pool and pools for kids. These extensive pool areas are perfect for families, and there is even a great pool for toddlers, with large parts of it, ankle-to-knee deep.
Along with the pools, there is also a long, white private beach with cabanas, lounges, umbrellas set up, and a drinks service. The adventurous traveler can walk for miles along the beach, past the Park Hyatt. It is as good a beach as I’ve seen in the UAE. It really feels miles from the rest of the world. The only slight downside is it gets a bit rocky as you get to the sea.
There is also an Iridium Spa to relax in and a St Regis Athletic Club, a well-equipped gym with cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights. A 25-meter lap pool, a juice bar as well as spinning classes, etc.
There are many restaurants at the hotel, with the signature restaurant being 55&5th, The Grill. Breakfast is served at Olea, which is the main buffet-style restaurant. This resort is relaxing and definitely very child-friendly and attracts lots of families. They have a kids club and a kids’ area set up for the Friday brunch in the restaurant. The Sandcastle Club is great for kids up to about 10, with a fun pool area and excellent kid’s entertainers.
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