The Chedi Al Bait

Over 200 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi’s glitz and glamour, deep into the world’s largest sand desert, Qasr Al Sarab is gloriously remote. Built in an ancient traditional style with towers and turrets and fortress-like crenellations, the hotel blends into the vast desert landscape of the Empty Quarter. Inside you’ll find bedrooms decorated with wooden beams and antique carpets, each one with its own private terrace or balcony. 

Families will find fun at the Kids’ Club and Teens’ Club, or on the shaded tennis courts where lessons help up their game. Educational experiences are on offer at the Ezba farmhouse, where you can meet Arabian salukis, falcons and horses. 

There are six dining destinations to choose from, but the mealtime highlight is an opportunity to dine in the desert entirely alone and under the stars. Plenty more desert adventures abound, too, with dune buggy tours, guided walks and camel trekking among the rusty dunes. Cool off back at the hotel with a dip in the adults-only infinity pool or at the swim-up bar in the main pool. The spa’s Moroccan hammam experience is a must-try for anyone seeking a little rejuvenation, too. 

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf does things a little differently to most hotels in Dubai. Each room is like its own little Arabian summerhouse, with ornately carved wooden doorways and beautiful, detailed fabrics in all colours.

With accolades upon accolades, Oberoi is a pillar of exceptional hospitality and their Al Zorah property on the coast of Sharjah is no exception. This stylish, contemporary resort has incredible bedrooms for every taste, whether you want an elevated ocean view from your own private terrace or a private pool and lush lawn right by your back door.

Personalisation and privacy is the priority at this Al Hamra Beach property, where each of its tented villas has a private pool and access to the sandy beach.