One&Only The Palm Dubai

Out on the Palm's West Crescent, the city's noise falls away. That's exactly the point. A secluded private beach faces the glittering towers of Dubai Marina across the water. The resort's own marina sits alongside, and a water taxi glides across to sister resort One&Only Royal Mirage. When you want the city, the Marina is a 20-minute drive away, and Downtown is about half an hour away.

Step inside and you could be in southern Spain. Inspired by the Moorish palaces of Andalusia, the resort unfolds through elegant architecture, lush gardens and palm-shaded terraces. The hotel calls itself Dubai's most intimate seaside resort, and it lives up to the billing: calm, unhurried and wonderfully private.

Space is the first luxury here: the Manor House rooms stretch to 65 square metres, and every room opens onto its own balcony. Many overlook the sea, and many include a private pool. For the ultimate escape, the two- and three-bedroom Beachfront Villas add a private pool, a sea-view balcony and the sand steps away.

Dinner here is an occasion. STAY by Yannick Alléno holds two Michelin stars for its ever-evolving French menu, while a seafood lounge perched over the water by the private marina pairs afternoon tea with impressive views. The all-day restaurant travels from the Mediterranean to the Middle East and Asia, and at the Pastry Library, guests can play pastry chef and create their own desserts.

Tucked away in the gardens, the Guerlain Spa is a world of its own, with its own pool, private treatment suites and rituals created exclusively for the resort. Bastien Gonzalez's nail studio and Alexandre Zouari's hair salon add finishing touches, plus a Technogym fitness centre for those who can't skip a workout.