Desert Palm

Once past its discreet entrance, this villa complex with high, blank walls and leafy avenues reveals its charms: with just 24 rooms but the amenities of a far larger establishment, it’s as close as you’ll come in Dubai to a hideaway resort. With the high-rise city as a stunning backdrop and overlooking startlingly green, constantly watered polo fields where you can watch chukkas being played in the cooler months, this low-rise hotel is in modern colonial style. It has a beautifully coloured all-day bistro and deli; a restaurant specializing in grilled beef and well-priced wines; a long, languorous infinity pool; and an expansive, deeply spoiling spa called Lime. Bedrooms are either in the hotel, with fine views, or – more peaceful and indulgent – in adjoining villas with their own pools, where you can collapse at the side in blissful wicker ‘eggs’ or on equally soothing beanbags floating on the water.