The third installment of the hedonistic FIVE brand aims to offer an elevated experience on JBR. But does it truly deliver?
FIVE Palm Jumeirah undoubtedly played a pivotal role in putting Dubai on the global party map, attracting a clientele of reality TV stars, hosting world-renowned DJs, and offering high-energy experiences like ladies’ nights, lively brunches, and epic pool parties. The brand solidified its status as the go-to for party-centric hotel stays in Dubai with the launch of FIVE Jumeirah Village in 2019. Now, in March 2024, FIVE has added another gem to its Dubai portfolio with the debut of FIVE LUXE. True to its name, this resort is designed to take the best elements of its predecessors and elevate them to a whole new level.
Join us as we check it out…
Location
Nestled along the prime stretch of JBR beachfront, FIVE LUXE sits between the Rixos Premium and the Ritz-Carlton. The resort boasts a striking entrance off The Walk, and it’s clear we’ve arrived at the right spot as we’re greeted by a lineup of sleek, rainbow-hued supercars parked out front.
Look and Feel
The lobby at FIVE LUXE makes an immediate impact with its bright, airy vibe and unmistakable wow factor. It shares the same glamorous, contemporary flair as FIVE Palm Jumeirah, thanks in part to the triple-height glass window that opens up to the central swimming pool. This not only enhances the space but also highlights the shimmering marble floors, while a striking ocean-inspired glass chandelier cascades dramatically from the ceiling. The aesthetic is sleek and modern, with soothing neutral tones and seaside-inspired hues that evoke a laid-back Miami cool, creating an atmosphere that’s both luxurious and effortlessly stylish.
Food & Drink
While FIVE Hotels & Resorts has earned its reputation for legendary parties, the brand’s exceptional culinary offerings are just as worthy of the spotlight. This is certainly the case at FIVE LUXE, where dining is as much a highlight as the nightlife. The culinary hub of the hotel is located on the ninth floor, and its newest addition, Tête à Tête, quickly establishes itself as one of Dubai’s top date-night destinations. The restaurant’s Instagram-worthy decor is a visual feast, with a ceiling adorned in lavender and private dining rooms that resemble opulent jewellery boxes. Outside, a charming terrace features white wire chairs with Tiffany-blue cushions, all positioned to take in sweeping views of the sea.
The menu, focusing on fine French cuisine, offers dishes like succulent escargot bathed in rich garlic butter, and tender roasted duck breast paired with sweet clementine. Guests can opt for à la carte or sharing-style dining, perfect for a romantic evening or a leisurely, indulgent meal with friends.
Also offering stunning views from the 9th floor is Paradiso, a renowned Barcelona import celebrated as one of the world’s best bars. The Dubai outpost takes a more maximalist approach than its cozy original, with bold decor that instantly transports you into an adult playground. Inside, the atmosphere has a whimsical, circus-like vibe, featuring monochrome balloons and carousel horses suspended from the ceiling. The terrace continues this playful aesthetic, with black-and-white striped bar stools, clown heads, and a central carousel bar.
The drinks menu lives up to the fantastical setting, with signature cocktails priced from AED 85, creatively presented in everything from spaceships to trains, and even a kryptonite green hue. While the drinks may lean more toward style than substance, they perfectly match the wonderland-inspired vibe of this larger-than-life bar.
Rounding out the impressive culinary offerings at FIVE LUXE are elevated versions of some of the brand’s standout concepts: Goose Island, the ever-popular pub from FIVE Jumeirah Village; Ronin, a contemporary Japanese dining experience; and Cielo, a laid-back seaside all-day dining spot. Together, these venues provide a diverse and vibrant range of dining options to suit any mood or occasion.
Rooms
FIVE LUXE offers nearly two dozen room categories, including a mix of hotel rooms and serviced apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom options. We check into the Gorgeous Sea View room, a spacious 60-square-metre haven that mirrors the resort’s sleek, modern aesthetic. The standout feature is the expansive sea-facing balcony, offering stunning views of the pool and giving you a sense of being right in the heart of the action. Another highlight is the grand mini-bar, which serves as one of the room’s crowning touches, adding an extra touch of luxury to the already impressive space.
There’s a real sense that FIVE is building into an all-encompassing lifestyle brand, and as such you’ll find ReFIVE Spa-branded shampoo and shower gel in the bathroom, and on the key card, a QR code invites you to soundtrack your stay to FIVE Music, the brand’s music label. Downstairs, there’s even a FIVE Mode store, where you can shop their bright streetwear-inspired merch.
Facilities
At FIVE LUXE, there’s the perfect balance of detox and retox, catering to both party-goers and those seeking relaxation. For the latter, the ReFIVE Spa is a true retreat. The treatment rooms, bathed in soft lighting, offer a cozy atmosphere ideal for expert massages tailored to either energize or unwind guests. Each session begins with a refreshing welcome drink of detox water and concludes with the option to sip on signature fruit tea while wrapped in a plush spa robe.
Up one floor, the spa features an indoor pool adorned with marble and gold accents, a bubbling vitality pool, and double day beds for lounging and unwinding after a massage. There’s also a dedicated ice bath room for those seeking a bit of rejuvenation, and a well-equipped gym complete with an open-air deck. Here, guests can break a sweat while enjoying spectacular views of Ain Dubai and the surrounding sea. Whether you’re looking to relax or revitalize, the ReFIVE Spa offers the ultimate in indulgence.
For those seeking a more vibrant poolside experience, Playa Pacha is the place to be. A true see-and-be-seen spot, the area is adorned with the iconic Pacha cherry motif and boasts three pools: one at the top reserved for in-house guests and families, one in the middle, and one at the bottom right by the DJ booth. We settle into the middle pool, choosing a two-person daybed in the shallow waters, and indulge in delicious bites like crispy squid and burrata salad while enjoying the rhythmic tunes that make it impossible not to linger until sunset.
This is the only outdoor pool available, so for a more relaxed day in the sun, the small stretch of beach offers a quieter alternative to lay back and soak in the vibes. Whether you’re here to party or simply unwind, Playa Pacha offers the perfect setting to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Service
When it comes to service, FIVE LUXE is at the top of its game. The staff here excel in delivering warm, attentive service that feels both sincere and seamless. From the cheerful luggage porters who whisk your bags in and out in the blink of an eye, to the waiters at Playa Pacha who anticipate your every need—whether it’s a menu, a refill on your ice bucket, or topping up your glass—it’s clear that customer care is a top priority. The level of service here adds to the overall luxe experience, making every moment feel effortlessly special.
Rates
Entry-level Superior Rooms at FIVE LUXE start from AED 1,575 in November.
Verdict
FIVE LUXE brings together the best elements from its sister properties, resulting in a lively yet more refined atmosphere than its predecessors. While it still infuses haute hedonism into its dining and leisure offerings, staying true to the brand’s DNA, the elevated, grown-up vibe of FIVE LUXE is attracting a new crowd. This is a place for guests who like to balance their party experience with moments of relaxation: where detoxing at the open-air gym and unwinding by the spa pool are just as essential as sipping glow-in-the-dark cocktails on Paradiso’s terrace and vibing to the beats at Playa Pacha. FIVE LUXE offers the perfect mix of indulgence and rejuvenation for those who want the best of both worlds.
