The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

On its own private beach near the marina in Dubai, the Ritz-Carlton is modelled on a Med resort, with lagoon-lookalike pools, sea-facing suites and terracotta rooftops. The spa menu includes possibly the most Middle Eastern treatment ever: the signature Arabia Felix ritual deploys rosewater, Dead Sea salt and camel’s milk. The selection of nine restaurants and lounges includes Blue Jade, which does a fine line in Asian food, and Amaseena, where you can pretend to be Bedouins and eat under canvas.