Jumeirah Beach Hotel

As the name suggests, this is Jumeirah’s beach flagship right on the shores of Dubai in the shadow of the Burj Al Arab’s sail. The brand’s original outpost, it has been a benchmark since 1997, setting a high standard with villas right on the sand and the sunniest gastropub you’ve ever seen. And if you thought you’d outgrown waterparks, it’s time to reconsider: every stay comes with free entry to the Wild Wadi waterworld next-door.