Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

It’s difficult to do anything that truly wows when you’re on a man-made, palm-tree shaped island. Even with the bar set ozone layer-high, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray consistently receives compliments that would make any hotelier blush; “absolutely perfect” and “spectacular” are bandied about deservedly. It’s a movie-set sprung to life, you’ll find hand-painted frescoes and intricate carvings in all 443 rooms—including in the private marble baths—and a plot-thickening, near-bottomless activities list (windsurfing! Indian cooking classes! A 59-meter infinity pool! a private movie theater! Pétanque!). To top it off, the ten restaurants ensure you’ll never have to leave the property; because, well, why would you?

An over-the-top Ottoman-style palace.

Subtle; no detail is left unadorned.

In a more-is-better destination, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is the most.

Fountains gurgle in the Arabian Nights-esque Turkish Hammam, a relaxing soundtrack as you dash from the spa’s snow room to it’s Thallasotherapy swimming pool.

Al Nafoora - Lebanese Imperium - International French Brasserie Amala - Northern Indian cuisine Rib room - Steak house Lalezar - Turkish Plaj - Pool restaurant Voda Bar, in house bar and lounge Music Hall, dinner dance concept bar and lounge Sultans Lounge Lobby Lounge