NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA DUBAI

Text by Rashi Sen*

Tucked away in the man-made island of Pearl Jumeirah, an unexpected oasis that almost divides the emirate between the traditional and the glamorous, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai offers a curated balance of privacy, exclusivity and an elevated beach-party vibe.

The resort boasts some of the largest rooms and suites in the emirate, including the 1,045 sqm Celebration Suite (customisable for private events and overnight stays alike) and 15 private pool villas.

A collection of food and beverage outlets ensure the guest is spoiled for choice with Bungalo34 serving up Mediterranean cuisine, Soul Lounge offering up a heady mix of live DJs, light bites and heavy drinking, and Nikki Café fills in any missing gaps with its all-day dining offering.

Of course, to be beach-ready, one needs to head soon after to Tone Gym with its latest Technogym equipment and Nikki Spa for the ultimate afterglow. At the heart of the glorious beach resort lies its beating heart, a newly renovated club known for its unique blend of seaside relaxation, music, and dining.

Having undergone a significant renovation under the direction of award-winning architect Rémi Viale, the beach club has reopened late in 2024. For those seeking a more permanent escape, the resort also boasts co-located branded residences.

Nikki Beach is one of the closest luxury seaside resorts to Dubai International Airport, making for an easy taxi ride. Just down the road is laid-back Jumeirah, with boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops, cosmetic surgeons, and the odd Chinese traditional medicine spa. It’s also a great location for culture trippers, who can head to the old town and its enduring allure of fragrant spice souks and shiny gold baubles.

Luxury shoppers will find The Dubai Mall to be quite accessible as well with the imposing Burj Khalifa and its myriad attractions to keep their non-shopper partners occupied.

In a city where luxury hotels prop up like wild mushrooms after rain, it is no surprise that Nikki Beach has managed to hold its own pride of place since opening in 2017. Entrepreneurs Jack and Lucia Penrod effectively founded the first and original luxury beach club concept back in 1998 when they opened in Miami. Over 25 years on, the entrepreneur founders have successfully grown Nikki Beach Hospitality Group to a portfolio of 12 iconic beach clubs, five resorts, residences, a collection of dining concepts and pop-up events.