Hotel Ritz Carlton

On Jumeirah beach, 14 miles from the town centre, and 17 miles from the airport. Expect 40 minutes for transfer to the town, and as much to go to the airport.

A palace with Mediterranean accents, the Ritz Carlton has the appearance of a big Tuscan villa, facing the sea. This upscale facility will please those interested primarily in service, a refined environment, and restaurants of gastronomic level. Since its decor has nothing Arabic in it, people who want an exotic environment should stay at another hotel (the Royal Mirage or Jumeirah Beach). Note that the hotel provides a shuttle service (free of charge) to the town centre twice a day. One detail to please couples, as well as those who want quiet: the Ritz Carlton has a pool prohibited to children under 14. Finally, insomniacs or pillow fetishists may choose from 6 different kinds of pillows, to avoid allergies or stiff necks or simply to enjoy!

Built in 1998, the Ritz Carlton is a 6-storey L-shaped building oriented lengthwise, facing the sea. Without being typical at all, its architecture is very pleasant: ochre façades, roofs of red tile. The real charm of an Italian villa! The interior is also very neat. Once you enter in the lobby, you will be immediately attracted by the marble fountain in the centre. All around, walls are decorated with beige and orange columns. A big bouquet of flowers sits on a pedestal table and brings warmth to the front desk. The lobby extends to a huge bay window with a view of the gardens and the sea. Outside, the leisure areas are organized around the swimming pools. Each has its own solarium. In addition to the pool for adults located at one end of the property, the hotel has a family pool that is equipped with two water slides. The pool-bar gives you the opportunity to quench your thirst between swims. Unfortunately the vegetation is quite new, especially near the beach. So the natural shade provided by palm trees is limited here. However, we can't complain about garden amenities: lounge chairs, sunshades, mattresses, towels, all are available.

At the Ritz Carlton, you cannot end with a room on the back side. All 138 rooms are oriented towards the sea. They each have a nice balcony to watch the sunset from. The decor is neat with a marble floor and linens in subdued colours (beige, brown, almond green). An desk is provided and so is a lounge area where you will find a choice of pastries and fresh fruits, upon your arrival. The room amenities are complete: air conditioning, satellite television, safe, minibar, and a direct international telephone line. Room service is available 24 hours a day. In the marble bathrooms, there is a bathtub, a shower, a hair dryer, bathrobes, and an assortment of refined toiletries.

The Ritz Carlton has two restaurants which are little marvels for their decor and dishes. The Italian restaurant continues the architectural theme of the hotel with a terrace decorated with tables and wrought iron chairs. The fine and tasty cuisine combines beautifully with the sunny flavours of Italy: tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olives create excellent accompaniments for fish, beef, and pastas prepared to perfection. The second restaurant is also an Art gallery that hosts temporary exhibitions. Slightly more formal, it has a fancy setting with a beaded ceiling, white tablecloths, and silverware. The cuisine inspired by Arabian and international specialities would satisfy any palace. Expect to pay around 10 pounds per dish.

The Ritz Carlton beach is 820 ft long. It is covered by fine sand that is cleaned regularly. The beach slopes down gently to the sea. You have to walk for some time before getting into water deep enough to swim. But the quality and the temperature of the water are so nice that it makes you forget this minor inconvenience. A beach attendant will place your lounge chair, and sunshade. Some water sports are available if you pay an extra fee. Diving, water skiing, sailing, banana boating, snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing are possible options for sports lovers.