Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

Step outside and you're on The Walk, the buzzing promenade behind JBR's beach. Restaurants, shops and the sand of The Beach lie just beyond. Ain Dubai turns on Bluewaters Island across the water, and Dubai Marina is a short walk away. For beach days with the city's energy on tap, JBR is hard to beat. The JBR 2 Tram stop is right next door, and a shuttle runs to the city's malls.

Sofitel brings a dash of French art de vivre to the beach, from Le Goûter, the French tradition of afternoon sweets, served at the café, to the lavish weekend brunches. Every room and suite offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Ain Dubai, and the Palm.

Rooms pair a cool colour palette with smart technology, and each opens onto a private balcony with sea views. Families can choose the two-bedroom Family Suite, with its separate living room, or connecting rooms.

The nature-inspired brasserie serves French and Mediterranean dishes. At the international buffet, chefs cook to order at live stations, and the terrace looks out over the Gulf. A café offers homemade pastries, salads, and sandwiches, and as the sun sets, the lounge beside the infinity pool is the place for a drink.

Perched above The Walk, the rooftop infinity pool seems to spill straight into the Gulf, with palms overhead and Ain Dubai on the horizon. Complimentary beach kits make it easy to head down to the sand. The spa offers calming treatments, and the fitness club adds a sauna and steam room.