1) Mina A? Salam

The Mina was the first Dubai beach hotel completed as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Built around 2 miles of Venetian-style waterways filled with abras that ferry guests around the Dubai beach resort, the Mina aims to marry Dubai's modern-day opulence with its old-world architecture.

The sand-coloured buildings making up this Dubai beach hotel are striking on the outside and palatial inside. Each of the 292 sea-facing rooms are styled in keeping with the Arabian theme: heavy studded doors give way to Moorish arches hung with ornate lanterns, and the beds are piled high with exotic dark blue, red and gold fabrics.

But the real hook for this Dubai beach hotel are the large terraces which jut out towards the water, ideal for sitting and sipping a leisurely G ?n? T as the sun goes down on your Dubai beach holiday. With walkways along the harbour, al fresco restaurant terraces and a souk full of lavish boutiques, Mina has a distinctly village feel to it ? albeit a village full of those looking for luxury.

2) Le Royal Meridien

This Dubai beach hotel is situated on a pristine stretch of private beach with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. It is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the famous Jumeirah beach.

Roses are a big deal at the Royal Meridien. In the rooms of this Dubai beach hotel are finger bowls of water floating with petals to dip the digits; more rose residue scatters the bed and the bathroom has more blooms than a florist on 13 February. Such opulence is typical of Le Meridien's flagship brand and the pools, gardens and great stretch of sand have been sculpted in a timelessly classic style.

Sexy European clients flitter around the upmarket all-beige coffee spaces and bars, and it is doubtful that the pool has seen a full swimsuit in its life. For more decadence, head to the Roman Spa. This hotel is perfect for an indulgently romantic Dubai beach holiday.

3) Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a 5-star hotel which opened in 1997. This wave-shaped hotel complements the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which stands opposite in the sea. Beside the hotel is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a fantastic Dubai beach holiday destination, to which all guests in the hotel have unlimited access.

When completed in 1997, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel became the 9th tallest building in Dubai. Today, it is ranked lower than the 100th tallest building. Despite its lower rankings, the hotel remains a Dubai landmark.

4) Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

The Le M'ridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is set on Jumeirah Beach, opposite Emirates Golf Club and Montgomery Golf Course. This Dubai beach hotel is a boutique-styled luxury beach resort. Dubai's cultural and tourist venues like the Dubai Museum and Gold and Spice Souks are conveniently accessible from the hotel, excellent for Dubai beach holiday outings.

It is outside where the Mina really comes into its own. With over 2,800ft of golden sands, the hotel boasts more beach than any of the other beach resorts in Dubai, and it utilises every inch of it with excellent water sport facilities.

The hotel is great for guests looking for a more active Dubai beach holiday. It features outdoor facilities for up to 5,000 guests, eight restaurants and bars, five outdoor pools and access to a range of sport activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and a glass-fronted gym that allows you to look out to sea while working out.

5) Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is a giant-size beach resort in Dubai and, at 321 metres, the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height, will take away its title upon its opening in April 2008.

The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. This lavish Dubai beach hotel is an iconic structure designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.

The world's first (self-described) seven-star hotel, the Burj certainly goes to extremes - which are often ridiculous for most travellers - to please its ?ber-wealthy Dubai beach holiday clientele. Still, set nearly 900 feet out in the Persian Gulf on a man-made island, this sail-shaped icon has come to signify Dubai's tourism ascent since it opened in 1999. The hotel contains more than 20,000 square feet of real gold leaf.