To be honest, we didn't expect to like Dubai. This was a last-minute, rather short vacation trip. Visiting Dubai a few years back on business didn't leave the impression of a place where one could relax. Yet here we are: fresh, recharged and so happy after our week-long break on Jumeirah Beach. It was heaven.
The area we stayed at, called The Beach, a walking distance from Dubai Marina, has everything: from delicious food in a myriad of nearby restaurants & cafes (including Le Pain Quotidien, Carluccio's, Paul's, Magnolia Bakery, Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, to name a few), to a long white sandy beach, with a view of Atlantis hotel and Burj Al Arab. The hotel, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, had a fantastic level of customer service, the most comfortable bed, excellent lounge with an infinity pool.
We absolutely loved the dessert safari (easily arranged by the hotel) and sailing trip around Marina and The Palm - must-have's while on vacation in Dubai. Long days on the beach and by the pool, walking by illuminated Dubai Marina at night - everything was easy, superbly comfortable and the weather was just perfect (+27-32C). Cannot recommend it enough for your winter break! We are definitely going back soon.