Update (27 July) - Heart of Dubai has now shut. See the Lifestyle Inc website for other properties that they operate

Heart of Dubai is one of a group of resorts and attractions run by Lifestyle Inc. The team also runs a restaurant called Je t'aime, and an amusement park resort called Wonderpark.

Lifestyle Inc previously operated another Dubai-themed resort called Ermia's Lifestyle Dubai. At the time, I wasn't convinced by it, as I thought that the owners tried to pack too much in leaving the resort feeling cramped.

Happily I can say that's not the case with Heart of Dubai. Lifestyle Inc have concentrated on doing one thing, and doing it well, in creating a high end and beautifully put together beach resort.

Overall look and feel

Though I'm aware some of the team has been in the Middle East, the resort isn't really Dubai (I guess with some imagination, it could be one of the artificially created islands off the coast).

Does that matter? I don't think it does, I just viewed it as a really good beach retreat.

The resort has two rows of villas, each built around a walkway over the water. They are connected to the main island, where you'll find a spa, yoga retreat, restaurant, pool and of course a beach.

Though I found it a little laggy (it's quite a detailed build), overall it is really well done.

Score - 4/5

The villas

Our villa was on three floors. There's a rooftop terrace, and a main living area leading out to a private pier on the ground level.

Then an elevator takes you down to the underwater area, where there's the bedroom, the bathroom (the bath has an underwater view) and another living room.

The villa was huge, and the underwater level was a particular highlight. The furnishings and decor were also of a really high quality.

One thing I should say is that Heart of Dubai is not cheap. We stayed in the cheapest villa, and even so it cost 3500L a night. Even for private sim resorts, this puts it at the top of the price range.

Score - 4/5

The amenities

Let's first of all mention the spa. When done well, hotel/resort RP should feel real and immersive and this did. Hands down, Muti and myself thought it was the best resort spa we had experienced.

The spa also has mud baths (a first time I've seen them), and a hot spring.

The pool ranks as one of the best I've seen. We didn't try the restaurant, but if we return, we surely will.

Then there's the underwater area, which is vast, and contains an assortment of statues, ruins, fish and plants. It's definitely worth spending several hours here.

Score - 4.5 / 5

The animations

The villa had a Maddox bed, largely Loft and Aria furniture, and also a Bazar Maldives bath. By and large the animations worked well.

Score - 4 / 5

Other considerations

Is the resort adult? There are adult anims in the villas and many of the public areas

Privacy? It's a private sim, you get your group tag when checking in, so only staff and residents have access

Price? 3500+

Lag? I experienced some

Overall

The main downside of Heart of Dubai is the price as there are cheaper private resorts.

However, this is somewhere you might want to consider splurging for maybe a two night visit. Just be sure to then choose days where you can spend a lot of time in world so you get the most out of it.

Overall though, we really enjoyed our time here. The staff were friendly and extremely helpful, and I recommend it highly.

Website for bookings

Note Heart of Dubai is a private resort, you need to pre-book and you are given your group tag on check in