With its private beach – a pristine, 1.3km stretch with its own marina –  and 85 lush hectares of gorgeous, manicured gardens, it’d be easy to assume that this chic hotel was set on some far-off island, and not in the centre of Abu Dhabi. Inside, traditional Arabic architecture meets old-world luxe (think gold, crème and silk upholstery, marble floors) in its 302 rooms and 92 suites. Meanwhile, a host of svelte dining options woo with myriad flavours, from classic French to locally inflected seafood, while its Moroccan-inspired spa offers anything from traditional hammam treatments to barbering services.

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