Luxury Resorts and Hotels in the United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Dubai)

The most iconic hotel in the Emirates – a masterpiece of luxury, design, and world-class service.

Luxury with character: What makes this place special

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is regarded worldwide as the epitome of luxury and exclusivity – and has long since become a landmark of Dubai. Its spectacular architecture, shaped like a billowing sail, is a tribute to the maritime tradition of the region and makes an iconic statement in the city’s skyline.

The façade made of Teflon-coated fiberglass reflects sunlight while regulating the indoor temperature – a technical masterpiece. Inside, the 180-meter-high atrium impresses with its magnificent decor of gold, marble, and silk.

Memorable is the helicopter landing pad at 212 meters high, which has already served as a stage for spectacular events. Since its opening in 1999, the Burj Al Arab has represented a new standard in hotel culture – with prominent guests like Tom Cruise, David Beckham, and Bill Gates. Multiple awarded as one of the best hotels in the world, it is today a global symbol of uncompromising luxury and visionary design.

Experience, indulge, relax: Highlights for your time off

Guests at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah experience a luxurious world of the highest class – from arrival to check-out. Culinary offerings are at the highest level: Nine restaurants and bars are available, including the Michelin-starred Al Muntaha and Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, known for its underwater atmosphere.

The spacious Talise Spa on two floors offers everything to relax body and mind – from aqua treatments to saunas to infinity pools with sea views. All 202 duplex suites feature a private butler service and are equipped with luxurious amenities such as 24-carat gold iPads and Hermès products.

Other highlights include the private hotel beach, several pools, a fitness center, and the Sinbad’s Kids Club for families. For those seeking something special, exclusive experiences like helicopter tours, events on the Sky Terrace, or dinner at great heights can be enjoyed.

Location, travel & target audience: Everything important at a glance

The Burj Al Arab is spectacularly situated on an artificial island, just 280 meters from the famous Jumeirah Beach in Dubai. The drive from Dubai International Airport takes about 25 minutes. Various options are available for arrival – from private limousines to Rolls-Royce transfers to landing on the hotel's own helipad.

The target audience of this iconic luxury hotel includes wealthy couples, honeymooners, VIPs, and discerning individual travelers with a penchant for excellence and exclusivity.

The best time to travel is between November and March when the climate is pleasantly mild. In these months, numerous events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival or the Dubai Food Festival also take place. Those seeking a bit more tranquility should ideally travel in the transitional months of April, May, September, or October.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (Abu Dhabi)

A desert dream from 1001 nights – where Arab tradition meets modern luxury.

Luxury with character: What makes this place special

Hidden in the golden dunes of the Liwa Desert, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara rises like a fortress from another time. Inspired by traditional Arab forts, the resort captivates with its serrated walls, round towers, and an architecture that breathes history. Designed by the renowned studios Hirsch Bedner Associates and Northpoint, it unites authentic craftsmanship with luxurious interiors.

The crescent-shaped resort – a symbol of Islam – ensures that each suite and villa captures either the sunrise or sunset over the Rub al Khali, the largest sand desert in the world. Since its opening in 2009, the resort has received several awards, including 'Middle East’s Leading Desert Resort' and for its exceptional spa design and guest experience.

What makes Qasr Al Sarab so special is the fusion of culture and comfort: Islamic design accents, Moroccan hammam, modern amenities – all infused with the serene magic of the desert.

Experience, indulge, relax: Highlights for your time off

The resort offers its guests a sensory experience – luxurious, authentic, and deeply connected to the desert. The Anantara Spa pampers with signature treatments such as the 'Arabian Desert Rose Ritual', Thai massages, or Ayurveda applications – upon request, also in a private outdoor cabana.

Adventurous guests can traverse the dunes on camelback or participate in spectacular falconry and Saluki displays. An unforgettable experience is dinner under the starry sky, either in a Bedouin tent with a personal butler or entirely privately on the terrace of their villa.

The exclusive Royal Pavilion Villas offer maximum privacy with their own pool and 24-hour villa host. Culinary offerings are abundant: from fine dining at the rooftop restaurant to stylish steakhouse – all with panoramic views of the endless expanses of the desert.

Location, travel & target audience: Everything important at a glance

The Qasr Al Sarab is located about 200 kilometers south of Abu Dhabi, deep in the heart of the Rub al Khali. The journey from Abu Dhabi International Airport takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by car – via well-maintained roads, even without a four-wheel drive. Alternatively, the resort can also be reached by helicopter – in about 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi City.

The resort mainly targets honeymooners, luxury travelers, and families seeking an exclusive desert experience – combined with absolute comfort.

The best time to travel is between September and April when the temperatures are pleasantly mild. Especially between December and February, the cool desert night enchants with a clear starry sky and perfect weather for outdoor activities.

Atlantis The Royal (Dubai)

Avant-garde design, Michelin cuisine, and sky pools: Dubai’s new landmark of modern luxury.

Luxury with character: What makes this place special

With its avant-garde architecture and unparalleled experiences, Atlantis The Royal sets new standards in luxury hospitality. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the building combines modern design language with regional influences. The stacked blocks and permeable structures create an open sense of space – a fusion of indoor and outdoor worlds.

Spectacular 'Sky Courts' and terraces with private pools and gardens provide the highest level of privacy. A special highlight is the 90-meter-long sky bridge, which not only impresses architecturally but also offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

The resort comprises 795 rooms and suites as well as 231 residences – including the luxurious Royal Mansion, which has previously hosted stars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The culinary variety is unique: With 17 restaurants and the largest collection of celebrity chefs in the world, Atlantis The Royal offers a stage for star-level enjoyment.

Awarded with the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, the resort secured a place among the best hotels in the world in its first year after opening.

Experience, indulge, relax: Highlights for your time off

Atlantis The Royal is a total work of art of luxury, experience, and design. The spectacular sky pools high above Dubai offer an unparalleled view of the city and the sea. For those seeking wellness, the exclusive spa has what you need – featuring highlights like the Hammam Sensorium and modern chromotherapy experiences.

Culinary delights are offered by iconic names such as Heston Blumenthal, Nobu Matsuhisa, and José Andrés. Many of the luxurious suites feature private infinity pools, while high-quality details from brands such as Hermès, Frette, and Graff elevate the living experience.

VIP guests enjoy special privileges in areas such as the Royal Club Sky Lounge or the Radiance VIP Lounge. The adults-only beach club run by Nobu, an infinity pool with a DJ soundtrack, and a stylish nightclub scene make Atlantis The Royal a hotspot for stylish entertainment.

Location, travel & target audience: Everything important at a glance

Atlantis The Royal is located at the western tip of the famous Palm Jumeirah, right next to the Aquaventure Waterpark and the sister hotel Atlantis The Palm. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about 38 kilometers away; the drive takes around 30 minutes by car or taxi.

Various options are available for arrival – from classic taxis to luxurious town cars to the hotel's own transfer services. For those seeking something particularly exclusive, the helipad on the resort's roof can be utilized. Public transportation is possible, but significantly more time-consuming.

Atlantis The Royal targets an international luxury audience: couples, families, and business travelers who set the highest standards and seek experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

The best time to travel is between November and April, when the climate is pleasant and Dubai shows its liveliest side. For bargain hunters, a visit during the summer months is worthwhile – thanks to air-conditioned indoor areas, comfort is maintained even at high temperatures.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Luxury under desert stars – a retreat full of tranquility, culture, and privacy.

Luxury with character: What makes this place special

Nestled in a 500-hectare nature reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers a luxurious desert experience far from the hustle and bustle. The architecture of the villas is inspired by traditional Bedouin culture, combining authentic elements with contemporary design. Each villa is harmoniously integrated into nature and features a private pool and its own terrace with views of the endless dunes.

Particularly exclusive are the Signature Villas with up to 900 square meters of living space – ideal for guests seeking privacy and comfort at the highest level. Culinary offerings at the resort are diverse: from regional farm-to-table concepts at the Farmhouse to modern Japanese cuisine at Zuma.

Another highlight is the award-winning spa area with the unique Rainforest Experience – a hydrothermal journey through various bathing rituals. This resort represents sustainable luxury, deeply rooted in local culture and nature-based exclusivity.

Experience, indulge, relax: Highlights for your time off

The experience offerings at Al Wadi Desert Resort are as extraordinary as the surroundings: falconry, camel rides, stargazing, or horseback riding through the desert allow for an intense connection to nature. In the in-house Equestrian Center and the Falconry Centre, guests are introduced to traditional practices and can actively participate.

Each villa is attended by a personal concierge who arranges bespoke programs – from a candlelight dinner in a watchtower to a tailored wellness day. The Rainforest Spa combines oriental and European rituals in a hydrothermal wellness world.

Families are also catered to: The Ritz Kids Club offers creative activities like night hikes or fish feeding. The experience is rounded off with stylish bars like the Moon Bar, serving cocktails under the open sky – with views of the clear starry sky of the desert.

Location, travel & target audience: Everything important at a glance

The resort is located in the Wadi Khadeja Desert in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, only about 77 kilometers from Dubai International Airport. The drive takes about 50 to 60 minutes and is comfortably possible by limousine, taxi, or town car. The resort also offers private transfers upon request.

The Al Wadi Desert targets couples looking for romance, families with a sense of adventure, and wellness travelers seeking peace and retreat in exclusive settings.

The ideal travel time is between October and March when the climate is pleasantly mild. During this time, outdoor activities are particularly attractive – from horseback riding to nature hikes to evenings under the open sky. The summer months, on the other hand, are very hot and rather suitable for a stay focused on spa and privacy.

The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah (Ajman)

Nature meets design – a retreat for stylish relaxation on Ajman's pristine coast.

Luxury with character: What makes this place special

Minimalist luxury amidst unspoiled nature – The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah was designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni and features clear lines, natural materials, and harmonious integration into the surroundings. The cubic-modern buildings with wood-paneled facades seamlessly blend into the landscape of mangroves, lagoons, and sand dunes.

Spacious suites and villas with private pools and terraces offer sea views or nature panoramas. The focus on light-flooded spaces, water surfaces, and natural textures creates a calm, almost meditative atmosphere for the resort. Especially impressive is the inspired spa concept reminiscent of traditional Arab medinas: small interconnected buildings with private garden areas.

Since its opening in 2017, the resort has received numerous awards, including 'World’s Leading Beach Villa Resort'. The Oberoi Al Zorah symbolizes a quiet, aesthetic luxury that works with nature rather than against it.

Experience, indulge, relax: Highlights for your time off

The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah combines exclusive comfort with natural experiences. In the Oberoi Spa, guests can choose from a range of individual treatments – from aromatherapy to classic Thai and western massages. The offer is complemented by a modern fitness studio with personal training.

Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in kayaking or paddleboarding in the nearby mangrove forests. Alternatively, the kilometer-long white sandy beach invites romantic strolls, sunbathing, or dinner right by the sea.

Culinary delights are offered by several restaurants: At Aquario, guests enjoy Mediterranean seafood cuisine on the beach, while the bar serves handcrafted cocktails in an open design environment. Private beach dinners or culinary experiences under the open sky make every stay special.

For families, there are a kids club, tailored activities, and spacious accommodation options available. The interplay of thoughtful design, personal service, and exclusive offerings creates a place of tranquility – for couples, families, and anyone seeking a break at the highest level.

Location, travel & target audience: Everything important at a glance

The resort is located in Al Zorah, a quiet, luxurious coastal area of the Emirate of Ajman, about 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Alternatively, Sharjah Airport is also reachable in just 20 minutes. Guests can conveniently arrive by taxi, private transfer, or limousine – including direct access to the reception.

The target audience of the resort mainly includes couples and families who value privacy, a connection to nature, and high-end design. While romantic villas with pools ensure undisturbed intimacy, the family accommodations offer ample space and retreat options for all age groups.

The best travel time is considered to be the winter months from December to February when the climate is pleasantly mild. In summer, temperatures rise significantly, making it ideal for those who prefer sun and tranquility. Practically, English is spoken everywhere, the UAE dirham is the local currency, and international credit cards are naturally accepted.

Luxury dreams between desert, beach, and skyline

The United Arab Emirates know how to redefine luxury like few other travel destinations – sometimes opulent, sometimes understated, but always extraordinary. Whether high above Dubai, nestled in endless dunes or right by the turquoise sea: each of these resorts offers a unique experience at a world-class level. Those longing for exclusivity, service, and stylish relaxation will find their personal retreat here.