Al Maha Resort

Set in the Al Maha reservation, this luxury resort is the perfect place to relax and truly disconnect. Surrounded by endless kilometres of sand dunes, the resort is a calm oasis populated by Arabian gazelles, oryx, doves and dragonflies.

Having turned off the highway and driven through the first set of gates, the beauty of the reservation hits you. Huge, rolling sand dunes, big blue expanses of sky and wildlife that stare as you drive past (in fairness they might have been curious about my friend's orange Mini). 10 minutes later, you go through a second gate and you've arrived.

The resort is perfect for day-breaks with a group of girlfriends or a romantic getaway with a SO, and the Al Diwaan Restaurant's extensive menu has something for all taste buds.

Highlight - the tranquillity of the resort, the sweeping views from the restaurant terrace, curious gazelles that wonder over to the pool for a drink

Things to watch out for - the turning is quite badly signposted, you definitely need a car that can handle desert tracks

Price - 450aed for pool access and a three-course lunch; from 3500aed per night