
Best Resort Hotels in United Arab Emirates
As a long-established luxury travel publication, The Luxury Editor is known for showcasing hotels that go beyond star ratings alone and focus on what really matters to discerning travellers seeking a memorable stay in a resort hotel in United Arab Emirates. Service, design, atmosphere, sense of place and the overall quality of the guest experience all play a part in whether a property earns its place in our curated list.
Whether you are at the early stages of planning or already comparing a shortlist, our choice of resort hotels in United Arab Emirates is a credible and useful guide, with easy booking options too.
Let us help you make searching for the perfect place to stay more inspiring, more informed and more enjoyable.
United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
(5 stars)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.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
(5 stars)Stay beside one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks — the Palm Jumeirah — close to malls and the downtown area. All bedrooms have full height windows and balconies to maximise the views, and the outdoor pool is found beside the resort’s private beach; the latter offering a range of watersports. Guests can make use of a fitness centre and the Saray Spa, while younger travellers are well-catered for at the kids club. Also onsite are 10 restaurants providing everything from Korean to Italian, Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Book an Executive Level suite for access to the M Club Lounge.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
(5 stars)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.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach
(5 stars)Sitting right on the glitzy promenade (The Walk) just seven miles from the airport, this 31-storey Sofitel overlooks the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai. And all of its 444 rooms have sea views; book a higher-end suite if you want the benefits of butler service, iPod docks and access to a private lounge too. Its facilities also include the A.O.C International Buffet, the Plantation Brasserie, an Infini Pool Lounge and the Café Concierge. Access to the Sofitel‘s stretch of Jumeirah Beach is from the pool area on the third floor and guests are provided with beach kits.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
(5 stars)The Ritz Carlton Dubai is located along the famous JBR Walk and 5-minutes away from the Dubai Marina. The Ritz Carlton offers 294 amazingly luxurious rooms and suites with sea views and private balconies. It offers first-class spa facilities to all of its guests and six outdoor swimming pools for relaxation and good times. You can enjoy themed meals in the hotel’s 9 restaurants, ranging from Asian to Mediterranean dining but also healthy cuisine provided by the Palm Grill on the beach.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
(5 stars)Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah is only a 3-minute walk away from the beach and is located on the amazing Palm Jumeirah. The 244 luxurious suites, villas, and penthouses guarantee 5-star accommodation overlooking the lagoon or Arabian Gulf. Guests can enjoy fine dining at any of the four restaurants and bars. The Brunello Restaurant serves exquisite Mediterranean dishes while the K-West Bar is the perfect place to enjoy your evening cocktails. For a bit of shopping, you can browse through the shops inside the resort or visit the nearby Mall of the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
(5 stars)Amidst the beautiful 1km-long private beach and historic waterway of the Khor Al Maqta lies your next oasis in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. In their 213 rooms and suites, as well as 6 private villas and 160 serviced apartments, you can find rest and relaxation with modern facilities and burst of Arab architectural design – arched doorways and oversized marble mosaic bathrooms. When you’re not admiring the stunning views of the Khor Al Maqta creek or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you can enjoy culinary delights at the 4 restaurants and bars, including the renowned Shang Palace or soak up the sun on the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri’s private beach and infinity pool.
Sharjah Emirate, Ajman
Fairmont Ajman
(5 stars)Just half an hour away from Dubai, the Fairmont Ajman offers guests the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Lying on the Arabian Gulf, the Fairmont’s 252 rooms and suites are just moments away from the gulf’s refreshing warm waters. The rooms are chic and spacious, with the addition of dark wood furniture and panelling rendering them cosy and inviting. The Fairmont Ajman is home to a remarkable infinity pool, white sand beach, fitness centre and the magnificent Al Zorah Golf Club. All of these world-class amenities make the Fairmont one of Ajman’s top resorts. The Fairmont is home to four restaurants and two bars. The Gioia restaurant offers exquisite Italian food whilst the Kiyi offers guests the chance to explore delicious Turkish cuisine and hospitality. Therefore, the Fairmont truly caters for every taste and every occasion.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
(5 stars)Luxury is always at its best at the Ritz-Carlton and the Abu Dhabi location is no exception. Beautiful lush greenery welcomes you in and lovely visions of the Al Maqta Creek and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will delight your love of nature and architecture. Inside you’ll find plush bedding and delightfully decorated rooms that are a traveller’s dream, whether you’re there for business or pleasure. The hotel boasts an indoor waterpark, an exclusive spa, and a wonderful mixture of cuisines at the hotel’s eight restaurants that serve up everything from steak to noodles and everything in between.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
(5 stars)The Waldorf Astoria Dubai hotel is an astonishing destination and is located on the Palm Jumeirah. It offers luxurious rooms, a remarkable private beach, and distinctive signature restaurants. The hotel offers a mix of dining experiences in its amazing 6 restaurants. Serving Arabian dishes as well as Southeast Asian tastes, the Waldorf Astoria makes sure you’re completely satisfied. Make sure you visit the Serafina Bar where you can enjoy a cocktail and enjoy live entertainment in the evenings.
United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah
The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
(5 stars)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.
The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
SAVE FOR LATERAbu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
(5 stars)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.
