1) Taj Dubai

Bastion of modern luxury, champion of local heritage – Taj Dubai wears both caps comfortably. An antidote to the region's obsession with beige, the hotel is a carnival of colour and its varied restaurants are full of personality and happy customers.

2) Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

This elegant beachfront property has views of the calming waters of the Arabian Gulf on one side and the glittering Dubai skyline on the other, and houses two pools (one adults only) plus 11 tempting restaurants and lounges.

3) Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Dubbed the world’s only seven-star hotel because of its incomparable luxury, this luminous white landmark has a fleet of matching Rolls-Royce Phantoms and duplex suites throughout. Bathrooms are stocked with Hermès toiletries, and poolside cabanas come with wide-screen televisions and air-conditioning.

4) W Dubai - The Palm

With a façade illuminated by what look like giant neon pink glow sticks and a pool deck that would make Ibiza jealous, W Dubai – The Palm is a party palace. Factor in restaurants by world-famous chefs Massimo Bottura and Akira Back and you have a recipe for around-the-clock celebrations.

5) The Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai

Bringing elegant Italian style to the Middle East, this private island retreat just off the Dubai coast is the antidote to the city’s ubiquitous skyscraper hotels with a low-rise, Mediterranean-style design, a swanky spa and the world’s first Bulgari Marina and Yacht Club.

6) Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai

This majestic property on the Palm Jumeirah – inspired by opulent European palaces from the 18th century – has 391 lavish rooms, suites and villas, eight dining destinations including a restaurant by Alain Ducasse, a 500 metre beach, a sumptuous spa and a private cinema.

7) Address Boulevard

This five-star hotel in the swanky Downtown district exudes understated elegance, with Art Deco-inspired interiors and 250 specially commissioned artworks. It boasts large and luxurious rooms, a cracking casual restaurant and three pools with Burj Khalifa views.