A few days ago, we headed to Dubai with a clear mission: to experience first-hand the world of FIVE LUXE JBR and FIVE Palm Jumeirah and to attend the opening of the new season of Pacha ICONS, headlined by the one and only Carl Cox. After visiting Destino Five Ibiza last June, we already knew that every project led by FIVE Holdings is a guaranteed success. Yet exploring their two resorts in the UAE in detail has once again proven that the fusion of luxury, entertainment, and music is an unbeatable formula.
Since FIVE Holdings acquired The Pacha Group in 2023, its position as a global leader in experiential luxury has only grown stronger. By building a lifestyle brand that blends hospitality with entertainment, culture and partnering with some of the biggest names in electronic music, the group continues to show that staying at a FIVE hotel means experiencing something far beyond traditional luxury. Combining glamour, nightlife, and design, their concept stands apart from anything else out there. Their values and identity are reflected across their portfolio, always adapted to each market, which currently includes three luxury hotels in the UAE, a property in Switzerland, two hotels and a nightclub in Spain, and two fashion lines, FIVE Mode and The Pacha Collection.
Our Dubai journey began at FIVE LUXE JBR, located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, right on the beachfront and close to Dubai Marina. Opened last year, it’s one of FIVE’s most ambitious projects, using its prime location, a perfect meeting point between coastal calm and cosmopolitan energy, to deliver a multi-sensory experience where guests can unwind and enjoy themselves. There’s space for relaxation, with its private beach and infinity pool, but also for nightlife and world-class music.
On the night of 17 October, we danced to the beats of British legend Carl Cox at the opening of Pacha ICONS’ new season, an event that last weekend hosted BLOND:ISH and will soon welcome PAWSA, Marco Carola, WhoMadeWho, and Peggy Gou, among others. A stellar line-up that proves FIVE’s deep commitment to musical quality and talent, offering an experience that transcends conventional luxury. Whether it’s a day spent at Playa Pacha or losing yourself on the dance floor under the stars, every moment feels unforgettable.
From the rooms, the Dubai skyline unfolds before your eyes, a perfect contrast between the serenity of the beach and the energy of the towering buildings. A melting pot for visitors from all over the world —some for business, others for pure leisure— the area continues to grow as a global hotspot for those seeking the best of both worlds.
The dining options at FIVE LUXE JBR are nothing short of exceptional. From breakfast at Cielo to sundowners at Paradiso Dubai, every corner offers breathtaking views and an impeccable atmosphere. But one of the resort’s true highlights is Ronin. Within just a year of opening, this bold, irezumi-inspired Japanese restaurant was awarded Opening of the Year by the MICHELIN Dubai Guide 2025, a well-deserved accolade after tasting its signature dishes, conceptualised by acclaimed Executive Chef Sin Keun Choi. With its daring aesthetic and refined execution, Ronin has quickly become a must-visit destination in Dubai’s fine dining scene — no small feat in a city that thrives on culinary excellence and fierce competition.
Our next stop was FIVE Palm Jumeirah, a temple of contemporary luxury designed for those who want to experience Dubai to the fullest. With panoramic views of the skyline and the Arabian Gulf, this hotel, opened in 2017, has become a meeting point for travellers, creatives, and lovers of experiential luxury. Its private beach club and lively social pool, home to iconic pool parties and live DJ sets, are among its main attractions.
A special mention goes to Maiden Shanghai, which features dishes inspired by China’s four great culinary traditions —Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghainese and Pekingese— alongside spectacular views over Dubai Marina. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset, where we enjoyed a memorable dinner before heading to Bohemia Beach Club. If you visit, don’t miss Bohemia Presents at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, the hotel’s Saturday series showcasing world-class house music and open-air parties. We were lucky enough to catch Robin Schulz’s set, a perfect finale to a sun-soaked day filled with great energy.
The following day, we made our way up to The Penthouse Dubai, located on the 16th floor of FIVE Palm Jumeirah. Offering modern Japanese cuisine and breathtaking rooftop views, this space combines a relaxed terrace atmosphere with an international party vibe. It once again takes centre stage as the region’s premier rooftop party destination, hosting global superstars. Expect names such as Solardo b2b Alec Monopoly, Purple Disco Machine, and Max Dean, among others.
If you’re craving something different, Cinque is an excellent choice. Located on the ground floor with direct views of the resort’s famous social pool, it reimagines Italian tradition with a creative twist, offering refined Mediterranean comfort food in a stunning setting. Every restaurant within FIVE Palm Jumeirah follows the same principle: thoughtful design, immersive atmospheres, and a meticulous attention to detail that lets guests travel the world through taste and style, all while staying true to the FIVE DNA.
Other must-visit spaces include Jade, an intimate lounge bar offering signature cocktails and elevated Asian bites; Numâ, which brings a fresh perspective on modern Arabic cuisine; Praia, a beachfront restaurant and lounge overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline; The Delisserie, the perfect spot for Neapolitan-style pizza; and Bling, the resort’s exclusive nightclub that defines Dubai’s high-end nightlife.
Both FIVE LUXE JBR and FIVE Palm Jumeirah confirm that the FIVE universe has mastered the art of redefining contemporary luxury, merging hospitality, design, music, and lifestyle into one seamless rhythm. Each space strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement, with flawless service and a keen eye for detail. From seaside breakfasts to rooftop parties and award-winning cuisine, there truly is a moment for everything within this world. One designed to help you disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with yourself, surrounded by a global community that shares the same passion for experiential luxury and great music.
