Best Luxury Hotels in United Arab Emirates

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert’s sister property, is a secluded, beachside affair. It also offers pool villas, but 32 rather than over a hundred and is just 15 minutes away via a free shuttle. The Bedouin influence remains, but with a coastal vibe (whites and blues reign over the decor), that’s particularly evident in the four-pavilion, sea-view spa. As this is a smaller resort, there’s just one restaurant, Shore House, but the hotel offers their version of breakfast in bed – a Balinese-style floating breakfast in pool. And private candlelit dinners on the beach can be arranged.

If you really want to escape the rat race, come to the ancient dunes of the Al Wadi Desert. An uber-luxury take on Bedouin living, the accommodation includes tent-style buildings and mud-brick villas (all of which have their own infinity pools). The settlement is on Al Wadi Nature Reserve, so expect to spy plenty of gazelles and antelope. And there’s an abundance of unusual excursions organised by The Ritz-Carlton – both for kids and adults. Farmhouse restaurant served produce from its own smokehouse and garden, plus there’s Kaheela for small plates and the Samar or Lobby Lounges for drinks and lighter bites. The spa has a hydrotherapy circuit, a rainforest experience and 10 regal pavilions.

The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, is the first property for the luxury brand, IHG Hotels & Resorts in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Located on the sparkling shoreline of Hayat Island, just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, the five-star haven brings the InterContinental life to the Arabian Peninsula, combining idyllic island-style living with the warm hospitality of authentic Arabia. The resort comprises 351 sea-view rooms, suites and private pool villas – all of which are elegantly appointed and offer guests the latest technology and in-room services. Guests can enjoy six different dining options all of which boast a varied menu and offering; ranging from a trendy New York inspired hang-out to the terrace for al-fresco dining. With a superb selection of day-time activities, state-of-the art health club, spa and a children’s club, guests of every age can tailor a holiday to keep them as active or as relaxed as they wish. Club InterContinental guests receive elevated privileges which includes a dedicated check-in area and access to the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge with its own pool, as well as lavish à la carte breakfasts, afternoon teas and a range of evening cocktails crafted by the on-site mixologist.

Large villas (with up to four bedrooms), multiple categories of family rooms, along with seven swimming pools and dedicated kids and teens clubs, make the Hilton an ideal family getaway in Ras Al Khaimah. And parents can enjoy some much needed R&R in the spa, hammam and Himalayan salt room, at yoga classes and over drinks in the Dome Lounge as an in-house babysitter takes care of the little ones. The food is designed to suit all palates with Italian, European, Middle Eastern and Lebanese options and all-inclusive means you can tuck into as little or as much as you desire, around the clock.

Taking the form of an Arabian palace, the landmark Waldorf Astoria in RAK rises dramatically from the shoreline. The opulent multi-domed hotel brings classic Waldorf facilities and service to the Middle east. On entry, guests are greeted by a 1920s era lobby with a grand piano, vintage furnishings and an elaborate marble-effect fountain. The hotel sits beside an 18-hole golf course and has a lagoon-style pool bordering a section of private beach, tennis courts, an upscale spa, nine restaurants (one of which is reserved for adults), a kids’ club, a playground, regular live DJ sets and 346 rooms.

True to its name, this island resort is a beautiful blend of city living and waterside relaxation. The seductive Arabian Gulf outside the doors of the hotel offers an escape from the everyday and the golf club gives you a reason to enjoy the great outdoors. Located Saadiyat Cultural District, the hotel is minutes from a wildlife refuge and downtown Abu Dhabi. There are three decadent pools to enjoy in addition to the sand and surf. Dining is eclectic, a selection of international cuisines. For a true respite, the St. Regis will always deliver.

The all-inclusive resort is a top choice for a luxurious family holiday. Located on pristine white sands next to the Arabian Gulf, there is an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities; from tennis, paddleboarding, personal training sessions and so much more – guaranteed to entertain all ages. There are seven different room types, five suite types, and two villa types to choose from, all of which are generously proportioned and stylishly appointed. The resort has seven restaurants, offering a truly international selection of cuisines and an ambiance suited to every occasion – with one restaurant reserved exclusively for villa-only residents. The hotel has four bars to enjoy a sociable drink; for an elegant experience, guests can quench their thirst at the lobby bar or a more relaxed vibe the swim-up pool bar is a perfect choice. And for the ultimate in relaxation guests can relax or rejuvenate at the wellness spa; Anjana is the largest spa on Saadiyat Island and guests are spoilt by the myriad of luxury treatments available.

The Four Seasons name is one that you know will always deliver luxury and opulence and this hotel is no exception. Location within a collection of 200 islands, the hotel calls to business travellers, but is also a destination for vacationers and shoppers. The Dahlia Spa offers an extensive selection of decadent treatments including a variety of massage options. There’s also a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city to be had. Each room is thoughtfully decorated and ready to welcome you right in for a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy some downtime.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is an award-winning beach resort that presents guests with a seamless experience of old-world charm and new age culture. Rooms and suites are spacious and sleek, with all the modern-day amenities a guest would expect from a Park Hyatt hotel. Depending on the room or suite type chosen, guests can enjoy unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf, landscaped gardens, and a private pool and terrace. For guests that enjoy action there are plenty of activities within the resort including; tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, water sports, a spa and wellness centre and kids club – to name a few and in the nearby area guests can enjoy a round or two at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club which is just a short walk away, explore the coastal habitats on a boat tour or take in the hustle and bustle of the cultural capital. The resort boasts a wonderful range of cuisine served in its three restaurants; from all-day casual dining to an elegant experience guests will not be disappointed. A great choice for an all-round luxury experience.

This hotel underwent a complete rebranding in March 2020 and is housed in a group of heritage homes. These buildings have been repurposed from their former roles as private residences, but have been well preserved to retain their character. With its own museum, library cigar lounge and jewellery boutique The Chedi Al Bait is quite unusual. 53 elegant bedrooms are decorated in a contemporary Arabic meets Asian design. There are two restaurants, one offering international fare, with the other specialising in gourmet food served family-style. Both have indoor and outdoor seating. Sip on Turkish coffee at the cafe and enjoy sweet treats at Al Bareed. The hotel also has a spa, providing holistic Middle Eastern treatments.

Offering something completely different, this resort is in fact set on an island, off the city’s coast. Here, wildlife including turtles, birds and gazelles roam in the Eden-like eco-setting. Guests arrive via a private launch and are accommodated across 20 deluxe tents each with its own private ocean-side pool. Earthy hues encourage the sense of returning to nature, without compromising on comfort. Healthy, organic cuisine is served indoors and out at Al Qurm, or in-room bespoke dining alternatives can be arranged. The Kingfisher Retreat also has a small spa and direct beach access.  access.

This uber-trendy hotel places you at the heart of the cultural action in the Al Taawun area of town. The rooms here have an urban-chic style, with plenty of mod cons, such as wireless Bose music players, huge TVs, dining areas (even in the standard category of rooms) and Roger & Gallet bath products. Coffee is served in the lobby bar, while the Al Khan restaurant has live cooking stations and an adventurous menu served day and night, as well as frequent all-you-can-eat seafood banquets. Fresh juices and snacks can be enjoyed by the infinity pool by day and guests have access to the spa and fitness centre.