Jumeirah Beach Club by Vanessa Kaoukji

Closer to the centre of town that other properties in the Jumeriah International Group, the Jumeriah Beach Club offers the best of many worlds: it has a beautiful stretch of beach; lush tropical gardens; a spa; extensive sports centre as well as seven tennis courts.

Of the 50 suites, only the two Paradise suites (where the Beckham family famously stayed) are on the beach front. Otherwise the suites, four in each villa, are nestled in the gardens which are broken up by little brooks and bridges. Ground floor villas have a small private garden and those above have private balconies. First floor suites have vaulted ceilings which gives a greater feeling of space.

The spa is of Japanese/ Balinese influence and is situated in its own separate building so that going for a treatment means a physical separation from the rest of the hotel. There is also a couples treatment room, for those honeymooners that can’t bear to be apart.

Externally the suites are quite ugly but are well disguised by foliage. The main buildings (reception, restaurant and sports centre) are supposed to be Polynesian in style - low rise using a lot of wood and glass - and have a distinctive clubhouse feel. This would attract sport fanatics looking for somewhere to hide.