When it comes to five-star hotels, Dubai doesn’t just raise the bar—it bedazzles it in 24-karat gold. Naturally, I was practically glowing at the thought of checking into Anantara World Islands Resort Dubai, a brand synonymous with dreamy, barefoot luxury. And with their Jaipur property all over my Instagram feed, my hopes for this Dubai escape were stratospheric. Would it be pure magic, or would the sparkle fade faster than a faux diamond under pressure?
Check in: 1/10
What started as a promising Bond-style adventure—driving to the jetty for a boat ride to the hotel—quickly turned into a soggy disappointment. Coffee at check-in? Sure—if you’re fine with being told to fetch it from the nearby gas station. The boat itself, rented from a third-party, was as exciting as a suburban water taxi. No welcome drink, no frills—just a view that graciously saved the experience from total doom.
Rooms: 7/10
We stayed in beach pool room that was spacious, beachy, and rocking its own private plunge pool. Points for the poolside room service entrance—the staff delivers via the beach so you can stay blissfully submerged. However, the decor felt less “Dubai opulence” and more “mid-tier villa vibes.” Still, we spent most of our time in the pool pretending we were on a private island, so no major complaints.
Dining: 8/10
Two options: Helios (Mediterranean) and Qamar (Middle Eastern and Indian). While Helios was fine, Qamar took the gold with views of the Palm and Indian dishes that hit the spot. Bonus points for satiating my daal makhani cravings in style.
Experiences: 5/10
The gym and yoga studio with skyline views were a delight—who doesn’t love a little zen with a side of skyscrapers? Beyond that, the activity menu ranged from mildly quirky (eco-golf, anyone?) to predictably meh. A cocktail mixology class? Fun. A paddle court? Maybe not your main draw when in Dubai.
Check out: 5/10
The departure mirrored our arrival.
Conclusion:
This resort has potential, but it desperately needs a refresh to compete with Dubai’s glittering hospitality landscape. For now, it’s more “almost luxe” than luxury.
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort beach pool rooms starting from INR 55,133 (approx)
Book here