Bab Al Shams, Desert Resort, Dubai ★★★★★

Bab AL Shams offers all the comforts of a luxury hotel mixed with traditional features. The impressive five-star hotel is designed in the style of an Arabian fort. Its interior décor includes colourful woven rugs, traditional lanterns, and thatched wood which adds a bohemian touch.

The excellent and attentive service will ensure you have a carefree stay, with thoughtful touches making it all the more memorable, from the fruit and chocolates in the rooms to the fruit kebabs and iced towels by the pool.

As Dubai has expanded, the hotel is no longer as remote as it once was. However, this means that it offers a taste of the desert, while still being a convenient 45-minute drive from the city centre where you can enjoy all the famous sights and attractions including the Palm Jumeirah, one of the world’s largest synthetic islands, and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. Don’t miss the Dubai Fountain, at the base of the skyscraper, which puts on an impressive, choreographed water display every 30 minutes. For a more cultural experience, visit Dubai Creek, a saltwater estuary which is the original home of the Bani Yas tribe.

Retreat to your lavish room or suite, which boasts Moorish-inspired interiors with a modern luxury twist and sweeping views of nature to soothe your senses. Choose between a deluxe room with a view of the garden or of the desert, with the option of having your own private balcony to soak in your surroundings. Each room is decorated in the traditional Bedouin style, including stone-coloured walls, dark wood furniture, ornate lanterns, and patterned red rugs. Importantly, all the rooms are air conditioned.

Take advantage of the beautiful pool area with an infinity pool, a separate children’s pool, and plenty of trees providing shade. Enjoy a massage by the poolside which is just one of many excellent services provided by the onsite spa. Enjoy a meal at one of four restaurants providing a wide choice of cuisines, including international and local dishes. The most notable is Al Hadheerah, which serves authentic Arabic cuisine prepared in outdoor wood-fired ovens. Guests can even enjoy live music and traditional dancing while they eat. There is also a gym, a kids’ club, and a choice of lounges and bars, as well as stunning rooftop terraces with fantastic views.