One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel

Sprawling along a kilometre of sandy beach opposite The Palm Jumeirah, the One&Only Royal Mirage has the feel of an Arabian palace, all mosaics and arches and Moroccan lanterns. Sixty-five acres of lush gardens lead into an outdoor world of fragrant frangipani, fairy-lit palm trees and refreshing swimming pools.

The long beach is dotted with cheery yellow parasols and private, shady cabanas. The hotel also boasts some great restaurants and one of Dubai’s most opulent spas, with hammam.

Note – the resort is really three resorts in one – all similarly beautiful but with a slightly different feel. The Palace is the main, majestic (and busiest) building, the Arabian Court boasts dramatic architecture and feels a little more intimate, while the Residence the most exclusive of the three.