There are luxury resorts… And then there’s Melia Desert Palm, an Arabic oasis set magnificently in a private polo estate amid the sandy dunes just outside Dubai.
Pack your bags for this easy escape 15 mins from the city, which, despite a location smack bang in the heart of the desert, is decidedly cool as a cucumber with shaded courtyards, luscious pool, and 38 delightful timber n’ Jordanian stone suites, many with private pool, cocoon daybeds and even your own BBQ grill and wine fridge.
Views overlook landscapes as pretty as paintings, even stretching as far afield as the Dubai skyline on a clear day, and the whopper line-up of activities ranges from 4×4 desert safari tours, golf, skiing (yes, really) and polo matches to the sensational Lime Spa, offering signature massages and caviar lift facials.
Settle in for sundowners at the alfrisky field-side Polo Bar to watch the action, then tuck into show-stopping modern European fare at Rare… Or, if a decidedly more special occasion is called for, book the single private table in a bougainvillea orchard for the definition of bespoke, destination dining. Phwoar.
Melia Desert Palm, Al Awir Rd, Dubai. +971 4 323 8888, desertpalm.ae
