Furnished apartments in Marina Vista, Emaar Beachfront

The shared facilities cover what most people use in a normal week: a swimming pool, a fitness centre, landscaped gardens and lounge areas. There is a children's play area, which matters more than it sounds if you are here with young kids and no garden of your own. The lifts are high-speed, so a high floor does not mean a long wait every morning.

Security runs around the clock, and small errands can often be handled at the shops within the building itself. Allocated parking comes with the apartment. That is useful here, because most people on the island get around by car or taxi.

Our apartments in Marina Vista are one-bedrooms at the moment, and we have them in both towers. They are a sensible size for a solo professional or two people sharing, with a proper bedroom door between work and sleep. The view depends on the floor and the side of the tower, so ask us about a specific apartment if the sea matters to you.

The building works well for consultants and relocating staff who drive. It also suits couples who would rather come home to quiet than live above a busy promenade. It is less suited to anyone who wants to walk out of the door into nightlife. Daily shopping on the island comes down to a supermarket and a handful of cafés. For anything more, the Marina is a short drive across the water. If you do not plan to drive, budget for taxis as part of daily life.