Inside FIVE LUXE Dubai: The New Standard of Luxury and Glamour

Dubai is all glitz and glamour-and from the moment you land, it feels like stepping into your upgraded self. At Dubai International Airport, tall palms line the luggage area, and staff dressed in traditional Emirati attire look like royalty.

Eager to check into , I was already thinking about the vibe and outfits to match. With the heat sitting at 35°C by 8:30am, I quickly spotted my chauffeur holding a "FIVE LUXE" sign, dressed in a sharp grey suit. He greeted me warmly, grabbed my luggage, and set the tone for what would be a VIP experience from the start.

The car was a glossy black Tesla Model X, branded with FIVE Hotels and Resorts logos. When the doors lifted upwards like wings, I asked the driver to do it again-for the content, of course.

Inside, the cool air-con and tinted windows were a welcome relief. As we pulled up to FIVE LUXE, the sight of luxury sports cars-Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Rolls-Royces-made the experience feel even more exclusive.

The lobby was expansive, with a subtle floral scent in the air, adding to its calming elegance. At the centre, a stunning spiral chandelier made of blue glass shimmered across the soft tanned marble floors, resembling tiny glass fish swimming in the air. Every corner was carefully curated, including staff uniforms that matched the hotel's neutral, pastel palette.

Behind the chandelier, floor-to-ceiling windows opened to a view of the hotel's pools and the Ibiza-inspired Playa Pacha Dubai Beach Club.

Oversized red cherry sculptures surrounded by mirrors created the ultimate photo opportunity, perfectly complemented by plush sunbeds and private cabanas.

The vibe at Playa Pacha Dubai was a perfect blend of fun and luxury, with families, influencers, and groups of friends vibing under the sun. Inflatable cherries floated around the pools, while the DJ played house and dance music, keeping the energy up.

By midday, the pool was alive with guests dancing in curated outfits, enjoying the moment, and posing for pictures.

For me, it was all about trying the coconut water with the Playa Pacha cherries imprinted on the shell. With the sun blazing overhead, it was the perfect way to cool off-and yes, I took a photo first.

The Luxe Sea View Room was the epitome of effortless elegance, offering a breathtaking view of the beachfront, skyline, and Ain Dubai.

Natural light flooded the space, pulling me toward the balcony. Spacious and well-appointed, the room had plenty of storage for my things.

A bottle of chilled Prosecco, dark pistachio chocolates, and a welcome fruit platter waited on the table, along with a personalised note-a thoughtful touch that made it feel like more than just a stay.

State-of-the-art technology was at my fingertips, allowing me to control everything-from the lights to the curtains controlled through a sleek touch panel by the bed.

Preset moods like "Relax" dimmed the room and gently closed the curtains, creating a cinematic feel each morning as I watched the city stretch out before me.

The personal touches continued with a satin gold robe embroidered with my name and a custom pillow, making the room feel like my own.

The bed was incredibly comfortable-a rare find for someone with scoliosis. It was soft yet firm, offering the right support while still feeling luxurious.

What surprised me most was the contrast between the room and the rest of the hotel. While FIVE LUXE radiates vibrant energy, the rooms offer serene calm, providing the perfect escape before another day (and night) of fun.

During my stay, I had the privilege of attending a performance by Grammy-nominated duo CamelPhat, part of the Pacha ICONS series.

Known for standout tracks like 'Cola' and 'Breathe , they created an unforgettable atmosphere that transported me straight to Ibiza's iconic nightlife scene.

Their performance at Playa Pacha Dubai served as a preview of their upcoming 2025 residency at Pacha Ibiza, running every Tuesday from 20 May to 7 October.

I was fortunate enough to catch a sneak peek of what's in store for their headlining show at the Destino FIVE Ibiza Opening Party on 19 June.

If the energy at FIVE LUXE was anything to go by, it's going to be a massive event-and I couldn't have been more excited to witness it all in Dubai first.

The crowd at Playa Pacha was as diverse as the music itself-couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers-all enjoying the music in their own way.

The inclusivity, the energy, the sound-it was all there. And it wasn't just a good night out. The whole event was a standout moment-not just for the guests, but for what it represented.

FIVE and Pacha aren't just hosting events-they're shaping the future of nightlife in Dubai. With Playa Pacha's immersive production and world-class sound, it delivered that signature CamelPhat energy while setting the tone for what looks to be an unforgettable season ahead.

One of the highlights of my stay was dinner at Ronin, the hotel's Japanese restaurant. The space was dark and sultry, with an open-plan design that invited the warm Dubai air in as I dined.

The staff was enthusiastic and took the time to walk me through the menu and recommend drinks to enhance the experience-whether you're drinking alcohol or not.

I later found out that FIVE LUXE had recently been recognised by Forbes Travel Guide and the BBC Good Food Middle East Awards-where it was shortlisted as Top-Voted Hotel of the Year. Something that, in hindsight, made the whole experience feel that bit more elevated.

There's something about eating in a space that's been awarded for its excellence-it adds a layer of quiet validation to every moment.

I ordered a sushi platter that arrived theatrically, laid out on ice with a small chimney sending wisps of smoke across the dish. It was one of those moments where you pause before eating to take it all in-both in taste and presentation.

The visuals were just as important as the flavours, and it was clear that every detail had been considered.

The following morning, I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast in bed, courtesy of room service from Cielo. With over 200 suites in the hotel, I wasn't expecting quick delivery-but everything arrived within 20 minutes.

I went all in: a full English breakfast, sourdough with vegan sausages, fresh fruit, warm pastries, and drinks in branded 'FIVE' covers. The rich hot chocolate was a highlight-and so satisfying I didn't need to eat again until dinner.

Even in the smaller moments, FIVE LUXE knows how to make things feel extra. Nothing feels standard, and that's the point.

From exclusive experiences to personalised breakfasts, FIVE LUXE isn't just a place to stay-it's a place that makes you feel like the main character.

Whether you're there to indulge in pure luxury or immerse yourself in the excitement, they've thought of everything-so all you have to do is show up.