Bushra Hakin checked out luxurious spaces, outstanding views and indulgent treats during a weekend at the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences.

It had been several years since I last visited Dubai. I travelled around the world, but not the Middle East, and I missed the incredible transformation Dubai has undergone. The last time I was there, the skyline was impressive, yes, but now? It’s like the city has expanded quickly into endless stretches of luxury. After a quick flight, I was breezing through customs and slipping into a chauffeured car. The drive to my home for the weekend – Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences – was delightfully short, thanks to its enviable location in the Jewel of the Creek development. This sleek, waterside enclave is home to some of the most luxurious residences in the city, and the Hilton fits in perfectly among them.

Walking into the lobby, the first thing that hit me was colour: a bold sweep of pink and rose-gold that runs through the entire property. This isn’t the timid pastel you see in a boutique café; it’s glossy, glamorous and unapologetically chic. A wall of windows frames the marina outside, where the hotel even offers berthing facilities for guests arriving by yacht. The marble backdrop, yes, pink marble, catches the afternoon light, giving the whole space a soft, golden glow. I was welcomed with the traditional warmth of Arabic coffee and plump dates, before John, at reception, swiftly handled check-in, sharing all the need-to-knows from breakfast hours to concierge services and a quick overview of the hotel’s amenities.

My one-bedroom apartment was huge, nearly 100 sq/m, airy, modern and bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows framing Dubai Creek and, in the distance, the spire of the Burj Khalifa. The pink theme continued in subtle accents, tying the interiors together. A fully equipped kitchen, complete with a stove, oven and a lifesaving coffee machine, sat ready for longer stays. Even laundry was considered, with a washing machine and detergent pods available on request. The living area held a dining table, TV and a welcome spread from the hotel’s Hi-Bye Café: delicate pastries, glossy bonbons and a tray of exotic fruits that were thoughtful touches setting the tone for my stay.

Inside the bedroom, the king-size bed was just the right blend of cloud-soft and supportive, with pillows that hit that elusive perfect fluff level and a TV to watch to extend my bedtime. My favourite feature, though, was the bathroom. It connected the bedroom and living room with jack-and-jill doors, housing a deep soaking tub, a rainforest-style shower with built-in speakers and every amenity I could possibly need. Not once did I have to call for any extras.

Hilton spoils you for choice when it comes to culinary adventures. Serein Restaurant, the main all-day dining space, was where I took most of my meals. Breakfasts were a daily highlight as I sacrificed precious sleep for pancakes one morning, shakshouka the next, then dosa, croissants and pain au chocolat, all perfectly executed and fuelling my day. Lunch there was a global buffet of options, perfect for the hotel’s international clientele. My highlights included a tangy, spicy arrabbiata pasta that hit all the comfort-food notes and the Hilton Platter: a feast of fries, chicken popcorn, cheese spring rolls and onion rings – moreish and best enjoyed with a cold drink on a hot day.

I struck lucky by being in town for the Saturday Brunch. It was an exciting spread of cheese boards, salads and various appetisers alongside sizzling steaks, crispy dosas and the very umami nasi goreng. The steak and eggs were my personal triumph of medium perfection, with sides of grilled cherry tomatoes and crispy potatoes. I also sampled the pancakes and Red Velvet Oats, which weren’t just a sweet craving but also incredibly light on the tummy. Seafood fans can enjoy dishes like the Salmon Poke Bowl or Shrimp Aglio Olio and dessert lovers (like me) can’t skip the Viennoiserie selection.

For something more relaxed, there’s Serein Pool Lounge, with quick bites and sunbeds, and the Hookah Place, a dark, intimate spot where I had dinner on one of the nights. I skipped the hookah but happily tucked into a crunchy Chicken Caesar Salad and then moved on to a Marinated Chicken Pita filled with grilled chicken, cucumber and tomatoes, all tied together with a tangy and garlicky sauce. I couldn’t resist ending with a matcha latte, served with a chocolate shaped like a capybara, so adorable I almost felt bad eating it.

The first floor is home to the well-equipped fitness centre, pool and my personal favourite – the Wellbeings Holistic Healing Spa. Even the air felt different, scented faintly to awaken all your senses. I was welcomed with a warm cup of calming herbal tea and invited to complete my consultation form while discussing treatment options with the therapist. The menu was expansive, featuring both familiar and rare therapies. I opted for a Balinese massage with lemon essential oil, which is ideal for relieving muscle tension without being overly intense. My therapist, Daisy, suggested I start with the sauna and steam room to open my pores and relax my muscles. The Jacuzzi, booked in advance for privacy, was a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel truly exclusive. There, I spent about an hour relaxing both my mind and my muscles, after which the experience followed.

The massage itself was a masterclass in skill and intuition. Daisy worked in fluid, unhurried motions, easing knots and lingering where I needed it most, whilst also applying acupressure to troubled areas. The signature Balinese stretches gently coaxed my joints into release, while the citrus-infused oil added an extra touch of relaxation. By the time she finished, I felt taller, lighter and oddly, as if my skin was glowing from the inside out. I was given some time to relax in the dark room before I changed and had my last cup of herbal tea.

While the hotel could easily have kept me cocooned all weekend, I ventured out. To reconnect with the city’s traditional side, I visited the Gold Souq, its displays of intricate jewellery glinting under bright lights and its labyrinthine alleyways taking me from one speciality souq to another. Deira City Centre was a hop, skip and a jump away and tested my shopping stamina while Dubai Mall and the glittering Downtown reminded me why this city is such a global draw. The Dubai Frame offered a striking view of old and new, its towering golden structure framing the skyline like a work of art. The only regret? Visiting during summer meant missing out on the city’s lush gardens and open-air attractions, many of which were closed due to the heat.

All too soon, it was time to leave. The warmth of the staff, the comfort of the apartment, and the ease of being so close to everything made the weekend feel both restful and full. I left with the quiet certainty that I’d be back, next time with family and hopefully in the cooler months, to enjoy everything the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences and its neighbourhood have to offer. ✤

GO: Call 4413 0000 or email Reservations@jewelofthecreekhotels.com for more information or to make a booking.