Dubai honeymoon ideas: best hotels for newlyweds

I couldn’t write about the best hotels in Dubai for honeymooners without including one last hotel that is just as extra as the city itself. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is a luxury five-star beachfront resort with “light, bright and airy” as its mantra.

The beautiful double-height lobby welcomes you with open arms and it won’t take long before you spot the row upon row of giant flower structures and water features adorning it, which also look incredible when lit up at night. Among them, the hotel concierge staff in Oriental-inspired uniforms sweep among guests serving tea and checking they’re having a world-class stay.

The light, bright and airy theme continues into the rooms and suites, which all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private sea view and city view balconies attached to some. Delicate details like Mother of Pearl inlaid chairs, marble bathrooms and gold leaf cabinets adorn the rooms.

Outside, five outdoor swimming pools offering sweeping views of the sparkling Arabian Gulf shaded by palm trees await, as does the pristine beach, which can be directly accessed from the hotel.

The opulent Ottoman-inspired beachside resort of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray promises a truly unforgettable Dubai honeymoon, especially as the exclusive Palm Jumeirah island is easily one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Dubai.

When you’re not too busy taking a dip together in the outdoor infinity pool or relaxing on the pristine private beach, you won’t want to leave your bedroom! Stunning five-star details like plush velvet chairs and silk throws adorn the rooms, while architectural details like arches, pillars, ornate headboards and carved wood screenings add intrigue.

Not to mention Turkish-inspired marble and gold bathrooms complete with bathtub, rain shower and designer toiletries scream relaxation. Who couldn’t resist sinking into bubbles in a bathroom like this together?

The resort also boasts ten restaurants, bars and lounges, each offering the option of al-fresco dining. Given Dubai’s year-round temperate climate, I implore you to take in the views by candlelight outside together while you enjoy a choice of Lebanese, Indian, American, Mediterranean or Turkish cooking.

Taj Dubai is easily one of the most elegant and romantic hotels in Dubai. Upon walking inside, you’ll be met with the smell of fresh flowers that adorn the luxurious lobby and the pleasant aroma of incense drifting towards you.

Upon checking in, you’ll be greeted with a sandalwood bead necklace and a dot of sandalwood paste on your forehead, which is thought to unwind the mind and promote relaxation. Welcome to Dubai… with an Indian twist.

The hotel’s lavish rooms combine supreme comfort with ornate Indian-inspired furniture and ornaments. Some rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the infamous Burj Khalifa, while the Grand Luxury Suites and Maharaja Suite have bathtubs facing this view. And yes, there’s probably enough room and bubbles for both of you.

For the ultimate pampering session though, head to the hotel’s JIVA Spa, which offers a wide range of beauty treatments, therapies and experiences. As newlyweds, you simply must indulge in a two-hour Soma therapy session together, which involves a candlelit aromatherapy massage followed by a rose petal bath and Champagne.

If your Dubai honeymoon demands contemporary city living, then I can think of nothing better than a stay at the award-winning five-star skyscraper hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Boasting skyline views and a glass lift to transport you across the 56 floors, this hotel is all about modernity. But it’s also about luxurious fabrics on the bed, plush sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, Chopard toiletries in your marble bathroom and superb service.

Why not take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary airport transfer or its free beach shuttle service for a totally relaxed and stress-free way of getting around Dubai? Or take in the views from the hotel’s rooftop bar? You can also try unique culinary experiences every night within the eleven restaurants serving everything from Lebanese and Italian food to Japanese and British cuisine.

I’d recommend staying in the Executive Suite if you can, which has superb skyline views and a separate dining area. Or if you’ve recently won the lottery then you could stay in the Presidential Suite instead, which has a private butler service. Only in Dubai, eh?

Overlooking popular attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Hotel Ramada Downtown Dubai is all about modern, sleek and stylish living. It’s one of the best hotels in Dubai for couples who have a midrange budget but who still want the special touches of a four-star experience.

All 181 suites, whether you opt for a studio or two bedroom apartment, have separate living rooms with smart TVs; perfect for a movie night and snuggle after a long day of sightseeing. Plus, if the hotel knows it’s your honeymoon then charming surprises like a delicious honeymoon cake and flower petals on the bed and in the bath could be waiting for you.

To inspire even more kisses and romance, take a dip in the outdoor pool together followed by a steamy sauna session. But possibly one of my favourite features of this hotel is that all its suites come with furnished balconies. Just imagine ordering breakfast from the 24-hour in-room dining service and watching the sunrise over Dubai’s rooftops while you eat. Or indulge in a midnight feast while the lights of downtown Dubai shine brightly. Sounds pretty romantic, huh?

At Hotel Hilton Dubai Creek, honeymooners come for five-star luxury and stay for the panoramic views of Dubai Creek and the Arabian Gulf. Relax beside the rooftop pool with cocktails in hand and feel those wedding stresses melt away with each sip and picture-perfect sunset.

Inside your room, expect contemporary decor, exquisite marble bathrooms and rose petals scattered across the bed. For added luxury and romance, opt for a Deluxe King Creek View room, which comes with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the turquoise waters of Dubai Creek.

Your stay at this superb Hilton hotel also includes a complimentary shuttle service to Jumeirah’s private beach so you can drift off to the sound of the waves and feel the powdery sand between your toes; such bliss.

And in the evenings, enjoy a flavoursome culinary experience at the award-winning Table 9, one of the hotel’s four onsite restaurants. Delicious delicacies like quail consommé, lobster bisque, seared scallops, creamy pannacotta, melt-in-the-mouth chocolate tart and artisanal cheeses await.