Two nights in Dubai, then a week in Baa Atoll
Break the flight with two nights on the beach in old Jumeira, then seven nights on a barefoot island in Baa Atoll with a large kids club and a UNESCO biosphere reserve on the doorstep. Good for families.
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai
A sleek new tower hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, for two or three nights of restaurants, rooftop swims and skyline views.
Why we love it
Mandarin Oriental Downtown occupies Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, and it is the hotel we use when a trip needs a city chapter with energy. The restaurants are the draw: Yù & Mì plays on the golden era of Shanghai behind an unmarked-looking doorway, and Noia is a Greek rooftop restaurant beside the pool with the skyline all around.
The spa is thoughtfully done. Its 12 treatment rooms face either east or west, so morning treatments get sunrise light and evening ones get the sunset. The outdoor lap pool is the place to be at the end of a hot day.
This is a city hotel, not a beach resort. There is no sand, and after dark the building leans towards bars and late dinners rather than quiet. We pair it with a beach or desert stay and keep it to a few nights.
Rooms and villas
Deluxe Downtown View Room
A contemporary room looking across the Downtown skyline, with a generous bathroom. A good base for a short city stay.
Premier Sea View Room
Higher up and facing the Gulf, with more space and the calmer of the two outlooks. Our usual pick for couples.
One Bedroom Sea View Suite
A separate bedroom and living area with panoramic sea views, for longer stays or anyone who likes to spread out.
Two Bedroom Suite
Two bedrooms with king or queen beds and a living and dining area. The practical choice for families or friends travelling together.
Royal Penthouse
The top suite, with panoramic views, a grand living area, a private balcony, an in-suite cinema and a Japanese marble bathtub.
Dining
Yù & Mì is the signature: a Chinese restaurant and bar behind a discreet doorway, styled on the golden era of Shanghai, with Yù Bar next door for late drinks. Noia by the Pool brings Greek island cooking to the rooftop, Chitarra is a small Italian, LION is a fire-led grill, and Billionaire mixes dinner with a stage show.
Wellness
Spa & Wellness spreads over two levels, with 12 treatment rooms facing sunrise or sunset, spa suites, vitality pools and an outdoor lap pool. The fitness centre is open 24 hours, with custom Technogym equipment, Eleiko strength kit and a mobility studio. There is also a salon.
Children and families
Families are welcome. Hana & Friends is a complimentary kids' club for in-house guests aged three to 10, booked in advance. Interconnecting rooms and two-bedroom suites work for families, and the restaurants have children's menus.
The facts
| Setting | Wasl Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road |
|---|---|
| Restaurants and bars | Yù & Mì, Yù Bar, Noia, Chitarra, LION and Billionaire |
| Spa | Two levels, 12 treatment rooms, outdoor lap pool |
| Kids' club | Hana & Friends, ages 3 to 10, complimentary |
| Fitness | Open 24 hours |
Where it is
Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown, Dubai
Nearby
A few of the things we plan for guests in Dubai.
Old Dubai by abra and on foot
Start in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a knot of wind-towered coral-stone houses, small museums and cafés on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. Then cross by abra, the wooden water taxis, to the spice and gold souks of Deira. Go in the late afternoon, when the souks wake up after the midday lull. A local guide earns their fee at the food stops.
A quiet night in the desert reserve
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, under an hour inland, protects red dunes where Arabian oryx and gazelle graze in the open. Staying inside it is nothing like the convoy dune drives sold in town: a camel walk at dawn, falconry at dusk and a very dark sky. One night is enough, between October and April.
Kayaking and hiking at Hatta
Hatta sits in the Hajar Mountains near the Omani border, about an hour and a half by road. You can kayak on the turquoise reservoir at Hatta Dam, walk or cycle the marked trails, and see how mountain families lived in the heritage village. Leave early and take plenty of water.
Journeys in Dubai
Ask about Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability, suggest the right room and send a price.