Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Ski in the morning and shop all afternoon, without ever stepping outside. The hotel connects directly to Mall of the Emirates, home to hundreds of shops and Ski Dubai's indoor slopes, the UAE's only indoor ski resort. The beaches, the Palm, and the Burj Al Arab are a short drive away, and the Mall of the Emirates Metro is about a five-minute walk.

Behind its stately façade, the hotel centres on a courtyard of Asian-inspired arches that blend tradition with contemporary style. Thoughtful touches make the most of the address: complimentary hands-free shopping delivers mall purchases straight to your room.

Rooms are warm and inviting, with tasteful décor, plenty of space and views over the city skyline. But the chalets steal the show: the Aspen Ski Chalets gaze straight out over the slopes, the largest spread over three floors with a crackling fireplace, while the coastal-style Aspen Pool Chalets open onto the infinity pools. Family rooms, two- and three-bedroom family suites and interconnecting rooms sleep families of up to six.

Dining here takes you on a Mediterranean tour, with elegant Italian cooking at one restaurant and Spanish tapas and paellas at another. Afternoon tea at the hotel's café makes a lovely pause between shopping sessions, and the mall's many restaurants are right on the doorstep.

SENSASIA Stories offers a bespoke menu of massages, facials and body treatments, with separate treatment rooms for men and women and a couples' suite offering total privacy. The spa has its own pool, and the hotel's two outdoor infinity pools are the place to soak up the sun after a morning on the slopes.