The Rise of Discreet Luxury in Short-Term Rentals

Dubai’s short-term rental market has long been synonymous with high-rise apartments overlooking the skyline or villas in gated communities. But in 2025, a new premium niche is quietly rising: rentals that offer private pools or rooftop decks.

These features often go unlisted in headlines, yet they are highly sought after by business travelers, families, and residents on staycations who want a balance of privacy, comfort, and indulgence.

Why Private Pools Appeal to Today’s Tenants

The value of a private pool in a short-term rental goes beyond aesthetics. It represents exclusivity and control, something many guests prioritize in a bustling city.

• Corporate Guests: Executives on extended assignments choose homes with pools to enjoy downtime without crowded hotel facilities.

• Families: Parents prefer private plunge pools for convenience and safety, offering entertainment for children within the property.

• Staycationers: Residents booking weekend getaways seek the resort feel, but in a personalized, private setting.

The result is higher demand for these properties compared to standard apartments or villas of similar size.

Property Types Offering Private Pool Experiences

Hidden luxury in Dubai’s short-term market comes in several forms:

1. Villas with Plunge Pools: Found in communities like Palm Jumeirah or Jumeirah Islands, they combine privacy with waterfront or landscaped views.

2. Rooftop Pool Apartments: High-rise developments in Downtown Dubai and JLT feature penthouses or duplex units with private terraces and pools.

3. Townhouses with Courtyard Pools: In areas such as Mohammed Bin Rashid City, compact but exclusive properties cater to families who want both urban access and luxury touches.

4. Serviced Residences with Private Decks: Premium residences within branded towers offer hotel-like amenities with the bonus of a private rooftop pool.

Demand Drivers in 2025

Several shifts in tenant behavior are pushing this segment forward:

• Privacy as a Priority: Guests increasingly prefer self-contained luxury over shared facilities.

• Bleisure Travel Growth: Travelers combining business and leisure want spaces where they can work remotely, then unwind privately.

• Premium Staycations: With Dubai residents exploring high-end local escapes, private-pool rentals are becoming a go-to for weekend luxury.

• Family-Centric Travel: Multi-generational trips often favor villas with private amenities over hotels with restricted access.

Pricing & ROI Impact

Properties with private pools command 20–30% higher daily rates than comparable units without them. While maintenance costs are higher, landlords benefit from:

• Lower Vacancy: Unique features increase booking frequency.

• Premium Guests: Attracts a higher-spending demographic willing to pay for exclusivity.

• Seasonal Demand Peaks: Especially strong during holidays, winter tourism months, and summer staycations.

Considerations for Landlords and Tenants

For Landlords:

• Ensure pool safety and regular maintenance—key factors in repeat bookings.

• Highlight features in listings, as many tenants actively search for “private pool” options.

• Position properties for niche audiences: corporate housing, family getaways, or wellness retreats.

For Tenants:

• Expect higher deposits for short-term stays involving private pools.

• Understand community rules on pool use, noise, and hosting events.

• Look for properties with professional management, ensuring reliable upkeep and safety.

Final Takeaway

In Dubai’s competitive short-term rental market, hidden luxuries like private pools and rooftop decks are becoming game changers. They appeal to guests seeking privacy, comfort, and a lifestyle that blends leisure with convenience.

For landlords, these properties offer higher yields and stronger occupancy rates. For tenants, they represent a chance to experience Dubai in a way that combines urban energy with personal retreat.

As 2025 unfolds, the trend of private pool rentals is set to move from a hidden luxury to a mainstream demand driver in Dubai’s premium rental sector.