Al Maha, A luxury collection Desert Resort & Spa

This exceptionally luxurious resort might only be an hour’s drive from Dubai Marina, but it couldn’t feel further from the sweeping opulence of glass and metal that the city is famous for.

Although rather than an errant bruncher, you’re more likely to come across a leaping gazelle here – or if you’re really lucky, an Arabian oryx.

But that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of luxurious comforts. After all, where’s better to watch the wildlife from than a temperature-controlled infinity pool, or your private sundeck?

The hotel, which sits deep in the desert among a conservation reserve, offers lavishly furnished rooms in a traditional Arabian style, with creative touches adding to the atmosphere.

It means guests can relax in total comfort before taking high tea at the Hajar Terrace Bar – or even a private picnic on the dunes. Each stay comes with two free desert activities, ranging from one hour of falconry or horse riding to afternoon wildlife safaris and camel trekking.

Dune bashing 4x4 rides are available for adrenaline-seekers who want to test their mettle among the great desert’s sandy peaks, too.

Of course, if you’d prefer to just kick back in the pool and gaze out over the dunes, we’d totally understand.