St Regis Saadiyat Island

Its typical Arabic architecture rises up above the coastline all domes and arched windows, and surrounding its grandeur are lawns, palm trees and fountains that make this an oasis in the city.

Enjoy the best of both worlds at this resort on the Abu Dhabi coast: you’re close enough to the city for exciting days out and urban explorations, but you’ve also got access to the shimmering sands of Saadiyat Beach. Spend your days here lounging by the gentle waves of the Arabian Gulf, or by one of the five swimming pools where towering palm trees swish in the sea breeze. For more active pursuits, the property is adjacent to an 18-hole championship golf course, and has its own fitness centre and 25-metre lap pool. 

Inside this modern hotel you’ll find contemporary bedrooms with a touch of Emirati glamour, many with ocean views and their own private balconies for watching the sun set over the sea. The hotel draws locals for its excellent dining options: Maté is famous for its Argentina-inspired brunch, while The Café is known city-wide for its excellent Middle Eastern cooking. There’s also cake and coffee in The Library, and fresh seafood cooked Italian style at Beach House. 

Tucked away amid burnt-orange desert dunes and lush green foliage, Al Maha is a little oasis of calm just 45 minutes outside of Dubai. Its suites are built in the style of Bedouin tents, with vaulted canvas ceilings and Arabic crafts on display. Handmade wooden beds with intricately carved posts offer a serene night’s sleep in the desert, while private outdoor decks have loungers for sun seeking and their own, temperature-controlled plunge pools. 

Relaxation comes easy here – especially thanks to the expert therapists in the spa – but there’s adventure to be had, too. Try archery on the dunes, use the fitness suite, or have a go at sand boarding out in the middle of the desert. For dinner, there’s Al Diwaan, serving carefully crafted cuisine from across the world, or private dining experiences right on the dunes. 

What’s more, this property is set within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where elegant Arabian oryx and gazelles roam free atop the sand. Excursions to the reserve’s visitor centre offer an opportunity to support and learn about the conservation taking place in this enchanting region. 

Sitting right by the city harbour and opposite the impressive Palm Jumeirah on its own nearly one-kilometre stretch of sandy beach, One&Only Royal Mirage has a spectacular location.