The Perfect combination of a beachside and city break

With a choice of 5 swimming pools, including one for adults only, numerous enticing dining options, lush gardens, a private sandy beach, a luxurious spa and superb service, the elegant Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR, on the Arabian Gulf is one of the best hotels in Dubai whether you are there for business, a romantic break or a family holiday. I found it the perfect base for exploring Dubai.

This article contains affiliate links. For more information about affiliate links, please visit our Affiliate Disclosure and Review Policy.

Ritz-Carlton Dubai review

As you walk into the reception, you are welcomed into a light and spacious lobby with a large picture window looking out to the grounds, dark beams, elegant columns and Arabic features and detailing, topped off with a sparkling chandelier. Throughout the hotel the attention to detail in the design and furnishings is exquisite.

My room at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR

I was more than happy with my room with a balcony overlooking the Arabian Gulf, an extremely comfortable king-sized feather bed, a lounge area and desk, tea and coffee-making facilities and a walk-in wardrobe (with iron, ironing board and safe). The spacious ensuite bathroom had a large bathtub, a separate ‘Rainforest’ shower, double sinks and an excellent selection of toiletries, as well as plush towelling robes and slippers. There was also a 47” flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and, discreetly tucked away in a draw by the bed, a tablet controlling the lights, air-conditioning and so on. You could even order room-service from it.

After checking in, I found a delightful range of snacks and a refreshing smoothy waiting for me in my room and each evening there was a welcoming surprise treat such as chocolates with a glass of single malt whisky.

Check out what people are saying about Ritz-Carlton Dubai on TripAdvisor.

Dining at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR

With eight restaurants and lounges to choose from, there is a fabulous variety to dining options.

La Baie Lounge offers chic outdoor dining – a more casual experience during the day with a more sophisticated edge in the evenings.

The impressive evening menu takes you around the globe. The seafood offerings particularly caught my eye… Kelly’s Irish oysters, Alaskan king crab, Omani clams and Kinkawooka mussels. They also have a great range of seriously good mocktails and cocktails which we enjoyed as the sun went down over the Arabian Gulf.

The new Palm Grill by the beach is the perfect place for a casual lunch. I particularly enjoyed the snacks in a bucket, perfect for nibbling at while soaking up the rays from your sunbed.

Splendido is an Italian Restaurant, and while I didn’t get the chance to eat here, I did take a peek inside, and it looked very smart and inviting. To quote their website, “Splendido features authentic Italian cooking for contemporary palates. Enjoy fresh breads, pastas and deli items in a New York style decor with a large outdoor patio.”

Blue Jade brings sophisticated Asian cuisine to the table, and we had great fun at their sushi masterclass with Chef Ta Van (held on the 25th of each month) followed by sake tasting. Blue Jade was voted Best New Restaurant in Dubai by BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2013.

Amasena really sets the scene with Arabic tents by the shores of the Arabian Gulf, fabulous traditional regional cuisine, shisha pipes and the exotic rhythms of the oud and tabla.

The Lobby Lounge, with its magnificent wooden ceiling – the architectural showpiece of The Ritz-Carlton – is an elegant choice for morning coffee or afternoon tea with a superb range of tempting cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones and over 20 teas.

Next door the Library Bar, offers a more intimate and dignified setting with premium malts, cognacs and vintage wines and a terrace from where to enjoy their excellent range of cigars.

Breakfast is served at the Caravan, a light and airy restaurant with a lovely sun terrace overlooking the gardens. The quality and choice on offer really was outstanding from English and Continental Breakfasts, to plenty of healthy options and local specialities.

The highlight of the week, however, is the famous Ritz-Carlton Friday Brunch also at the Caravan – an all you can eat mega feast lasting from 1 o’clock until 4. I can vouch that the variety and quality of the dishes available was exceptional. Very popular with the expat community, they dress to impress. It’s not cheap but a fabulous treat for a special occasion.

The Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Spa

Disappointingly, I didn’t have time to make use of the spa facilities, but I did have a quick look round to take these photos, making me even more sorry not to have been able to indulge in a bit of pampering. The spa features nine multipurpose treatment rooms plus three private rooms, each with its own terrace, separate relaxation lounges and a dedicated “hammam” area, indoor hot and cold plunge pools and an outdoor lap pool with impressive views of the surrounding skyscrapers. There is also a well-equipped gym.

Check availability and prices at the Ritz-Calrton Dubai JBR on Booking.com.

Things to do in Dubai

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR is in the Marina District of Dubai on Jumeirah Beach and by the famous JBR Walk, Dubai’s only beachfront promenade of luxury retail shops and al fresco restaurants and cafés. The centre of Dubai with its luxurious shops as well as the souks of the Old Town are all within easy reach by taxi (which are inexpensive).

For kids, there’s a fabulous choice of theme parks and waterparks, as well as a superb aquarium in the Dubai Mall which is next to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The view from the top is well worth seeing! The hotel itself has an excellent kids club.

You can read about some of the many wonderful things to do in Dubai on my personal blog, TravelWithKat.com/Dubai including a fabulous food tour with Frying Pan Adventures, dune bashing in the deserts, a visit to the Burj Khalifa plus a post about all my favourite things to eat in Dubai.

Since I’ve been back, I’ve also heard that Dubai is starting to embrace sustainability and responsible tourism is now being actively encouraged by the Department of Tourism, including the launch of their Green Tourism Awards. It’s my hope that hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton join this new initiative.

Ritz-Carlton Dubai review summary

There is an almost endless choice of Dubai hotels suiting all budgets but if it’s a little luxury you are after than the Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach is a great choice. With such an excellent range of dining options, a lovely beachside setting, extensive conference facilities, as well as the most attentive and helpful staff you could hope to find, the Ritz is perfect for a relaxing break, a conference, wedding or honeymoon and is to my mind one of the best hotels in Dubai. And while the hotel itself is low rise, the skyscrapers form a stunning backdrop – a beach and city break all in one.

Check availability and prices at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR on Booking.com.

Photos 1, 4 and 16 courtesy of the Ritz Carlton. All other photography by Kathryn Burrington

Disclaimer: Thank you to my hosts Dubai Tourism, Alpha Tours and the Ritz Carlton for my complimentary stay in Dubai. 

Further articles you might enjoy

Top 5 Central & South American Eco Resorts, Boutique Travel Blog

From a cave hotel in Turkey to the ultimate in luxury in St Moritz, Boutique Travel Blog

The Modern Honolulu, one of Hawaii’s most fashionable boutique hotel

Nilaya Hermitage, Goa

Kathryn Burrington

Boutique Travel Blog’s founder and editor, Kathryn, also blogs at TravelWithKat.com where she shares her passion for discovering new countries, cultures and cuisines.