The Wanderlust – An edit of superlative hotels in the UAE

The Wanderlust

An exceptional edit of superlative staycations in the UAE

Zaya Nurai Resort This island paradise is located just off the shores of the UAE’s capital. Zaya Nurai is a world-class boutique island resort, bringing the epitome of luxury to the UAE. For those staying close to home this summer, it’s the ideal location to get away from it all whilst not having to venture too far. STAY. With five different types of accommodation on offer at Zaya Nurai, there’s a luxurious option for everyone. As the entry-level category for accommodation at this five-star resort, the Beach Villa room comes complete with an outdoor lounge with private dining; access to the private beach; an outdoor shower; and your own private pool.

The Beach House and Sea View House have two bedrooms and a living room, as well as their own private pools, making them the perfect places for small families to stay.

The four-bedroom Water Villas at Zaya Nurai make you feel like you’re in the middle of the Maldives. Complete with a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, outdoor terrace, rooftop dining and barbeque area and a 120 square metre infinity-edge pool, this villa is ideal for large families holidaying together. Finally, the crème de la crème of what Zaya Nurai has to offer is their five and six-bedroom Estate Villas which offer 18,000 square feet of living space which come complete with private gardens, private beaches, infinity swimming pools and reflecting pools, as well as outdoor dining areas and alfresco showers. DINE. The private island getaway has five restaurants for their guests to dine at. Frangipani blends the culinary influences of the Middle East, Asia and the West. Dine in an alfresco setting at Hooked, which offers a taste of the Levant with fresh sea fare. Indulge in some Mexican cuisine along with sunset views at Dusk. Zaya Nurai’s Smokin’ Pineapple restaurant brings a boho-chic charm to the resort where guests can indulge in wood-oven-fired pizza and an extensive cocktail and mocktail menu. And last but not least, devour the best that Asian cuisine has to offer at the Ginger Mermaid. WELLNESS. Guests can make their fitness a priority during their stay at the state-of-the-art gym or opt for a more Zen exercise at the resort’s yoga pavilion. The Nurai Spa gives guests complete relaxation and wellbeing by offering a number of treatments which will completely rejuvenate the mind body and soul. Rates start from Dhs2900 per night. For more information visit zayanuraiisland.com.

The Abu Dhabi Edition This modern and luxurious hotel located in the downtown district on the waterfront of Al Bateen Marina is the ideal place to stay for a city escape in the middle of the UAE’s capital. With a range of deluxe rooms and bigger suites to suit any size of party staying, the Abu Dhabi Edition offers a modern and cosmopolitan getaway from the every day. With three signature restaurants – Annex, Oak Room and

Previous pages: Zaya Nurai Resort; Below: The Abu Dhabi Edition; Right: Jumeirah Al Naseem; Mysk Al Faya Retreat

Alba Terrace – guests can enjoy a range of fine-dining cuisine at the hotel. In addition, relax poolside at either of the two pools the hotel has to o er or indulge in a relaxation session at the hotel’s spa, complete with seven treatment rooms. Rates start from Dhs595 per night. For more information visit editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort This luxury five-star resort offers the ultimate getaway for all travellers, overlooking its very own beach which looks out on the Arabian Gulf. Guests can choose from an array of rooms and suites ideal for any length of stay. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is in close proximity to the Saadiyat Cultural District and downtown Abu Dhabi, perfect for guests looking to explore the outdoors. Within the resort, there’s also plenty for guests to partake in such as a game of golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, relax poolside or rejuvenate at the Iridium Spa. Rates start from Dhs1,265 per night. For more information visit marriott.com/the-st-regissaadiyat-island-resort

Mysk Al Faya Retreat With just five rooms available, Mysk Al Faya Retreat in Sharjah is one of the most exclusive getaways in the UAE. Combining traditions from the region with luxe modernity, all the rooms have a skylight for stargazing at night and all have access to a saltwater pool and hands-free spa. The exclusive resort is the epitome of luxury and transcends the meaning of truly “getting away from it all”. Guests can dine at Mysk Al Faya’s exclusive roadhouse type concept and also experience true luxury and relaxation at the retreat’s spa. Rates start from Dhs2,999 per night. For more information visit myskhotels.com.

Bvlgari Hotel & Resort Dubai Reflected by the design of luxury Italian brand Bvlgari, the Bvlgari Hotels & Resort is the epitome of a luxurious getaway in Dubai. The resort’s bold and contemporary design blends traditional design and dramatic Italian contemporary architecture. Built on its very own island, Jumeira Bay, the resort brings the heart of the Mediterranean to Dubai. Complete with rooms, suites and villas, the resort o ers the perfect stay no matter who the guest is. Dine at one of the resort’s contemporary restaurants such as Il Ristorante by Niko Romito, Il Café, La Spiaggia and more. Bvlgari Hotel & Resort is also home to one of the most exclusive restaurants in Dubai – Hoseki is a minimalist dining destination

IMAGES: SUPPLIED where guests can enjoy a oneof-a-kind gastronomic Japanese treat by Chef Masahiro Sugiyama. Meanwhile, guests can immerse themselves in a world of relaxation at the resort’s ultimate eudemonic wellness experience that covers over 1,700 square-metres. Rates start from Dhs2,700 per night. For more information visit bulgarihotels.com/dubai.

One&Only The Palm Immerse yourself in the sanctuary that is One&Only The Palm. Experience tranquil beachside living in one of the resort’s rooms, suites or villas, as well as the five-star culinary o erings at One&Only The Palm led by world-class culinary master Yannick Alléno. The luxury resort is also the exclusive home of Guerlain Spa, which fuses nearly two centuries of Guerlain’s scientific research and product innovation to timehonoured Arabian traditions. Rates start from Dhs2,700. For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm.

Jumeirah Al Naseem With a poem written personally in Arabic calligraphy by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum behind the resort’s front desk, Jumeirah Al Naseem is nothing short of special. With an array of rooms and suites to choose from, a stay at Jumeriah Al Naseem is oneof-a-kind. For summer 2021, the resort has an exclusive o er for UAE residents. Book now for stays until 15 September 2021 and enjoy benefits including up to 30 per cent o the Jumeirah Flexible Rate; 15 per cent savings on beverages; daily breakfast; and more. Rates start from Dhs2,115 per night. For more information visit jumeirah.com.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa Al Maha is a desert oasis located just under an hour’s drive from Dubai. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Arabian desert with vast views of sand dunes and the Hajar Mountain massif. Each room has its very own private pool ensuring optimum privacy for all guests, as well as a premium spa where you can relax and revitalise. Whether you want to dine in the privacy of your own suite or at the signature Al Diwaan restaurant, the cuisine is nothing short of spectacular. Rates start from Dhs3,650 per night. For more information visit al-maha.com.