Luxury meets leisure at the Mövenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach

I was planning a business trip to Dubai and needed a hotel that was in a good location for me to get around to meetings, and to enjoy some social time after business hours. I had looked around at a few accommodation options and, in the end, the Mövenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach hotel ticked all boxes in terms of what I was looking for.

With a concierge service, expansive recreational and modern meeting, conference and banqueting facilities, lively dining and entertainment options, the Mövenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach has all bases covered. The entrance hall to this five-star hotel is extraordinary and you are greeted by friendly staff and free Wi-Fi on arrival, which is the best kind of welcome. Not only are the amenities fantastic, but the staff, service and customer relations at the Mövenpick are bound to impress.

The hotel is located along "The Walk", which is an infamous stretch of upmarket and trendy hotels, restaurants and shops in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area, which is the ideal location for both holidaymakers and businessmen. The city's thriving business hubs, major attractions (such as the Dubai Marina, among many others) and entertainment facilities are all nearby (literally a few minutes' walk), which is great. If you are looking to experience the "newer" and more urban part of Dubai (while enjoying the beach and the more "touristy" things the city has to offer), JBR is the best place to start. The hotel is a 30-minute cab drive from Dubai airport and all cab drivers are familiar with the JBR area.

Large, spacious and very modern rooms

Often, a hotel room is considered as "just a place to shower and sleep"; however the hotel rooms at the Mövenpick are a lot more than that. The rooms are out of this world: large, spacious, and very modern. All rooms have balconies and offer sea or panoramic views, and feature the latest technology with high-speed internet connection and facilities set to ensure complete comfort during your stay. The bathrooms are also extremely spacious and have doors that open up onto the bedroom. Our room, situated on the fourth floor, had a balcony that overlooked the pool area and the Arabian Gulf, with Atlantis and The Palm visible in the distance. What an incredible sight to wake up to each morning, and to look out onto while getting work done on the balcony. The workstation and desk inside of the room was great and provided me with everything I needed to be productive through the day.

At the end of the work day, the amenities in the hotel, the beach across the road, and The Walk below the hotel, provided me with much needed "downtime" and relaxation.

Get a swimming pool

Weather in Dubai is almost always perfect for a beach holiday. If you plan on visiting Dubai in the summertime, a good piece of advice when looking for accommodation would be to book into a hotel that has a swimming pool.

During the summer months, the temperatures soar beyond what we South Africans would deem "bearable", and so a dip in a cool pool at the end of each day will be a godsend. The Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach boasts an outdoor infinity pool in an enviable position - overlooking the Arabian waters. If you're looking to get some work done and you don't mind the heat, the outdoor pool area lends itself to the most exquisite backdrop. Inspiration and productivity are bound to strike as you lay in the comfort of your pool lounger, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. There is a contemporary pool bar and lounge on hand at the pool, so you won't go hungry or thirsty as you lay back and soak up the sun. The pool has direct access to the beach (downstairs) and upon arrival at the beach you will find the Mövenpick beach counter, which will provide you with complimentary beach towels and umbrellas. Crystal-clear and shallow water, soft beach sand, and The Palm in the distance all create an unforgettable beach experience.

From the moment we checked in, we had the most amazing experience. Having found a hotel that is modern, chic and contemporary all in one, which caters for both business and leisure needs, is a bonus. Since returning from Dubai, the idea of a Starbucks coffee along The Walk and a dip in the sea after a long work day constantly plays on my mind. Whether for work or play, I am looking for any excuse to return to the Mövenpick Hotel at Jumeirah Beach. Soon.