By mid-January, I'd reached that all-too-familiar stage where British winter feels endless and I desperately craved some sunshine. Not the kind that requires a marathon flight and days of jet lag, but somewhere warm, bright and straightforward to reach. Dubai seemed like the obvious answer. It's among the nearest destinations you can fly to where sunshine is virtually guaranteed, even during the bleakest January days, and after several dreary weeks at home, that alone was enough to convince me.

W Dubai Mina Seyahi, just a 6hr45 direct flight from London followed by a swift 20-minute taxi ride from Dubai airport, turned out to be precisely what I needed. Featuring 318 rooms, it sits right on the beach, offers a vibrant atmosphere without feeling overcrowded and provides plenty of choices depending on your energy levels that day (minimal, in my case).

Some days were spent lounging by the pool with an iced coffee, while others involved venturing out in the evening and embracing the chance to be somewhere that actually feels warm and lively in January.

The rooms

Upon entering my Deluxe Guest Room, I was immediately captivated by how spacious and bright it felt. The modern design is quintessentially W, featuring striking decor and an atmosphere of contemporary luxury, reports OK!. Check-in was effortless, whilst the team members were wonderfully welcoming and attentive. The bed offered exceptional comfort and there's a well-appointed minibar available if you fancy a tipple.

The bathroom swiftly became my sanctuary, boasting a wet room with an enormous bathtub. The hotel had thoughtfully provided some pampering products for me to enjoy during a relaxing soak. My only recommendation would be to ask for accommodation overlooking the adjacent Westin hotel, as mine directly faced an active building site. Whilst it didn't spoil my experience, and development work is to be anticipated in Dubai, it did mean the balcony went largely unused.

For those with flexibility in their spending, the Premier Room with ocean views is certainly worth considering, as these are typically situated on higher floors offering spectacular vistas. However, if a Deluxe represents the property's entry-level option, it still delivered an extraordinarily indulgent experience.

Dining options

A genuine standout of my full board stay was the remarkable range of culinary options available. I was thrilled to discover I could reserve tables at any restaurant as frequently as desired – the property doesn't push guests towards buffet dining. This thoughtful touch elevated the sense of exclusivity throughout my visit. The W boasts an impressive array of dining venues, ranging from laid-back poolside spots to sophisticated lounges serving creative cocktails and global cuisine.

Guests can explore restaurants across the entire complex, including two adjacent sister properties, ensuring each meal offers a fresh experience. Whether enjoying a leisurely Mediterranean lunch at the Greek restaurant, Fish, sampling sushi-focused fare, or sipping sunset drinks at Ginger Moon, there's always a vibrant and elegant destination within the resort grounds.

A particular highlight was the Italian restaurant, Bussola, where an unforgettable aubergine-stuffed ravioli with burrata foam left a lasting impression. However, one area for improvement is the limited selection of dishes included without additional charges on restaurant menus. Whilst choice remains decent, some venues require a supplementary fee of around 50AED (approximately £10) for many options.

Regarding drinks, prices are steep. Even soft drinks cost around a tenner each, and bottled water comes at a premium – though complimentary bottles are provided in rooms and two free ones daily at the beach clubs.

An all-inclusive package is available for those who prefer it, but for non-drinkers, paying individually for desired refreshments proves perfectly manageable. The hidden gem I discovered, which has become something of a celebrity haunt, is the W's rooftop Attiko bar. While it's not part of meal packages, popping up for an evening cocktail rewards you with sweeping views across Dubai's marina. What's more, hotel guests can always secure a table, despite the venue operating a waiting list for external visitors.

Pools and beaches

Days at W Mina Seyahi revolve largely around poolside and beachfront relaxation. The pool spaces felt like their own self-contained paradise, from the striking infinity pool overlooking the water to the calmer sunbed areas perfect for unwinding with a chilled beverage.

The hotel's private beach is genuinely special – soft golden sand, comfortable loungers and parasols positioned right beside the sea made transitioning between sunshine and shade effortless. Even better, having entry to extra pools at adjacent hotels ensured there was consistently a more peaceful location if one zone became too lively.

Something that added to the hotel's sense of exclusivity is the sunbed reservation approach. Staff diligently ensure sunbeds remain occupied, preventing guests from dashing down at dawn to claim their preferred location. It's an excellent arrangement guaranteeing availability whenever you fancy lounging. My top choice was Mare beach club, where the team were wonderful and children aren't permitted.

Activities

My stay was a delightful blend of lazy poolside days and more active pursuits exploring the hotel's extensive amenities. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the communal gym facilities (it's definitely worth a visit– it has everything!) and spa options, while those seeking a slower pace can savour sunset drinks on the rooftop or leisurely strolls along the beachfront.

I indulged in the spa located on the upper floors, which proved to be an absolute sanctuary. I enjoyed a 60-minute aromatherapy massage that was so soothing, I drifted off to sleep.

The spa therapists don't hustle you out post-treatment either. You're welcome to linger with a herbal tea in a relaxation room adorned with pink quartz, whilst trying out an LED mask.

What to do nearby

Should you wish to venture beyond the hotel, Dubai's iconic attractions such as The Walk, Ain Dubai and the marina are all conveniently close, making this an ideal base for exploring more of the city. A brief journey takes you to the promenade of Dubai Marina, offering endless dining, shopping and people-watching opportunities, while the Palm Jumeirah and city highlights like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are just a quick taxi ride away. Whether you're here to unwind or explore, you've got the best of both worlds right at your doorstep.

Book It

Now is the ideal time to visit, with temperatures ranging in the low to mid twenties; however, the hotel operates all year round. You can reserve a room-only stay from £187 during off-peak times, with prices escalating for bed and breakfast, half board, full board and all-inclusive rates. For exclusive deals and offers, check Marriott's official website.