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"And they really are gems", says EDEN Travel Director, Victoria Purves.

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Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah

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The Resort

​​​​​​​​​​​​Dubai is invariably hot. But the new Mandarin Oriental, Jumeira is even hotter... or seriously cool – and judging by the cars parked outside and the people in the foyer, it's the place to be seen right now. So park up your McLaren, and join me for a quick look round the best bits! First off, there's the location: just 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai and 20 from the airport – so perfect if you're on a stopover or a shopping spree.

Step into the huge foyer (watch you don’t walk through the water feature while admiring the beautiful glass and metal trees – I nearly did!) and soak up that luxury vibe... exclusive, very calm and super-relaxed, even when busy. This is where local businessmen meet for afternoon tea at the popular dry café, while pleasure-seekers like you and me sample the wonderful pastries at the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop (or if your tastes run a little richer, there’s a caviar bar nearby).​

The Accommodation

​Like many MO hotels, the style is very contemporary with a thoroughly Asian twist. With 178 rooms and 78 suites there's choice after sumptuous choice of stunning, spacious rooms, all with sea or city views.

My absolute favourite is the Mandarin Sea Front Suite – like the others it's beautifully decorated, but the bedroom is enormous, with a jaw-dropping marble and stone bathroom, a large walk-in wardrobe, a lounge overlooking the sea and a pool that's been furnished with just a touch of Hollywood.

And if you need a two-bedroom suite, you're in luck, as these brilliantly interconnect with a Deluxe Sea Front Room. Arriving by yacht? No problem. Moor it next to the Mediterranean restaurant at the end of the hotel's own pier, and the incredible staff will take care of everything – it has to be said, they really are faultless in every way.​

​​LOOK OUT FOR...

The hotel’s Club Lounge – it’s pretty special, and brilliant value with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés, plus exclusive check-in and check-out – so it’s well worth including when you book …

The spectacular Burj Khalifa views from the lounge...

The fab spa – as you’d expect from Mandarin, it has a fantastic gym and hammam-style suite too.​​



​​​GOOD TO KNOW...

Unlike much of Dubai, there’s very little building work around here. The hotel has its own private residents-on​ly beach (complete with security guards), and the Little Nomads Kids’ Club for 3-10 year-olds has lots to do, including a climbing area and outside splash zone. It’s open 10am-6pm daily.

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​​OUT & ABOUT...

If you fancy a change of scenery, La Mer is just along the beach boardwalk with shopping, restaurants, a water-park and cinema. It took me about 10 minutes to walk there.​






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Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai

The Resort

You really can’t miss Caesars in Dubai! Sharing Bluewaters Island with Ain Dubai (scheduled to open next year it's the world’s largest observation wheel at 210 metres high), you'll spot it from some distance away, which is only to be expected from a resort that brings all the glitz of Vegas to the Arabian Gulf!

When Bluewaters is fully open there’ll be no fewer than 130 shops and restaurants, and two hotels – Caesars Palace & Caesars Resort Dubai and The Residences at Caesars Palace. I’d go for Caesars Palace – it’s the smaller, more personal high-end option; though having said that, if you prefer larger accommodation, some of the residences are available through the hotel, and have full access to all the resort facilities. ​

The Accommodation

Rooms are large with a few lovely touches, like the butler's cupboard accessible from both inside and outside your room (so your butler can leave dry cleaning etc without disturbing you). In fact, the feel throughout is large, impressive and contemporary, with lots of throwbacks to the original Caesars in Vegas.

My overall impression? I felt Caesars was like a pared-down Atlantis – not as gargantuan, but with lots to do both in the hotel and nearby.​

​​LOOK OUT FOR...

The impressive beach, with its unobstructed ocean views...

The Qua Spa, with its Iyashi Dome which uses infra-red rays to cleanse the body for, reputedly, long-lasting slimming effects...

The Rotunda, which promises to become one of Dubai's hottest entertainment venues...

The Julius Suite – one of the largest hotel suites I’ve ever seen. At 315 square-metres it takes up almost an entire floor!​​​



​​​GOOD TO KNOW...

Caesars is great for kids, with the Cherubs Crèche for those up to two years-old; Gladiators for 3-7s; and Centurions for 8-12 year-olds.

​​Guests also have free access to renowned luxury beachfront enclave Cove Beach, which has relocated to Caesars from Jumeirah Beach Hotel.​​


​​WINING & DINING...

There are 14 different food and drink outlets in the resort itself, all of which allow you to sign for your meal whichever Caesars hotel you’re staying in. We plumped for Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen: the staff were great fun and really looked after us, making delicious recommendations from the menu and really adding to the informal buzz of the place. If you fancy trying it though, make sure you book ahead – it’s very popular with the locals.​​​






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​​​FEATURED HOTELS​​

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  • Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai Jumeirah Beach

    There are all sorts of tempting treasures to uncover at this dazzling, centrally located beachfront beauty… But when it all comes down to it, anywhere that serves up ice-cream at breakfast has us at hello!

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

    View this property

  • Banyan Tree Dubai Bluewaters Island

    A modern oasis of indulgence where stylish stays, incredible dining, warm hospitality, and recreation create lasting memories.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

    View this property

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