Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai

This is one of Dubai's most celebrated stretches of sand. The hotel's wave-shaped silhouette rises beside the Burj Al Arab in Umm Suqeim. Wild Wadi Waterpark is right next door, and the souk and canals of Madinat Jumeirah are a short walk away. It's also a well-placed base for exploring. The Mall of the Emirates is about a 10-minute drive, and Dubai Marina and Downtown are each about 20 minutes away.

Shaped like a breaking wave, the hotel is one of Dubai's most recognisable landmarks, with a bright, breezy, energy-filled interior. It's also designed with families in mind. Every stay includes complimentary, unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark next door. Children head off on adventures at the Jumeirah Circle kids' club, while parents unwind by one of the five pools or on the private beach.

Bright and contemporary, with warm wood and marble touches, every room overlooks the ocean and offers 50 square metres of space. The Ocean View Suites add private terraces and kitchenettes, and the Family Garden Suite opens straight onto the resort. At the top of the list are the Al Bahar Villas, each with its own private pool and hot tub. Family rooms and two-bedroom family rooms make it easy to travel together.

Seven restaurants and bars cover every craving, from relaxed beachfront dining with the sand underfoot to a laid-back all-day café, poolside drinks, an elegant lobby lounge and a cake shop for sweet treats. Beyond the hotel, nearby Jumeirah resorts add even more choice.

Hidden away on the first floor, Talise Spa is a calm retreat, inspired by its oceanfront setting. Treatments include a traditional hammam and the two-hour Total Sleep Ritual, using products from Aromatherapy Associates, LING New York and Maroc. Afterwards, guests can relax on the spa terrace overlooking the sea.