Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

Casual hotel with private beach and watersports Discuss this article

© ITP Images

With a gem of a beach for sun worshippers, the Mina retains a casual ambience that’s at odds with its rather more formal big brother, Le Royal Meridien. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with beachside balconies overlooking the Palm Jumeirah (request a room with a view when you book).

Bathrooms are fairly, ordinary but include nice little touches like an in-room radio. It is outside where the Mina really comes into its own. With over 850m (2,800ft) of golden sands, the hotel boasts more beach than any other in Dubai. And it utilises every inch of it with excellent water sport facilities (including a PADI-certified dive centre), a stunning pool area, and one of the best beach bars in Barasti.

The children’s facilities, including the Penguin Club and dedicated pools, ensure the sprogs don’t interfere with tan-topping time, while the glass-fronted gym allows you to look out to sea while working out. The hotel was undergoing some fairly major construction work at the time of going to press, but normal service should be resumed by the end of 2008.

Time Out reviews hotels anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.