A world away from the bling and bustle of much of the Gulf, Six Senses Zighy Bay is a peaceful oasis set on an enormous sandy beach, beautifully blending traditional rustic Omani architecture with contemporary ingredients, and an appreciation of the local surroundings. This is a luxury resort like no other in the region. With just 82 generously proportioned luxury villas designed and furnished to reflect the character of a local Omani village using natural stone and warm woods, this laid-back, luxurious and stylish hideaway also comes with a fabulous Six Senses Spa. The resort is great for adults and families love it too as there is so much to enjoy and experience here - whatever your age and interests. Six Senses even has its own custom-built 27.5m luxury Omani dhow (with 3 spacious cabins) available for private charter and the chance to explore the Gulf and the magnificent Musandam fjords for a night or two. Explore Six Senses Zighy Bay

The Shangri-La sits between the dramatic, rugged mountains and the spectacular waters of the Gulf of Oman. The resort consists of three hotels: the 4* family friendly Al Waha, the 5* family friendly Al Bandar and the adult-only 5* Al Husn. Overlooking the bay at Barr al Jissah, this spectacular beach resort spans 125 acres of landscaped grounds and is a perennially popular option for families. It offers superb accommodation and facilities along with beautiful scenery and a large beach. The resort comprises twenty restaurants and bars, a Chi Spa and three private beaches. Complimentary water sports include snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.  Also within the resort, there are 3 freshwater swimming pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, a dive centre and a dedicated “Cool Zone” kids club. 

Set between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman, The Chedi Muscat is a luxurious retreat offering stylish modern rooms and villas. Built to reflect traditional Omani architecture, the property has also been designed with Far Eastern influences. This is Muscat's smallest option and the most adult orientated as there are no inter-connecting rooms or children's facilities. So, perfect for a relaxing break! Facilities include the fabulous Balinese spa, three swimming pools, including the 103m Long Pool, fitness room, Pilates studio (with Reformer machines) and tennis courts. The six restaurants at The Chedi span the great cuisines and wines of the world, from the Mediterranean and the Middle East to Southeast Asia and India. Perfect for a grown up winter break in the warm sunshine of the Gulf. Check out The Chedi Muscat

Located in the heart of the Wahiba Sands, a vast expanse in the Omani desert, Desert Nights Camp is the ultimate desert refuge, with luxurious Bedouin style air-conditioned tents - perfect for a desert adventure. With just 30 tents spread out over 10 acres, you will discover the serene peace of the desert by day and night. Similarly off the beaten track, Alila Jabal Akhdar is an astonishing mountain hideaway perched 2,000m above sea level in the majestic Al Hajar mountains, in striking distance of Nizwa. With killer views and numerous adventurous activities, plus clifftop yoga and a sensational spa. For a real flavour of Oman, one or both of these interior hideaways, make a fabulous addition to some time on the beach. Our Arabian Gulf specialists will gladly put together the perfect Oman holiday for you. For inspiration, see our suggest for a 7 Night Highlights of Oman Adventure

Set within the legendary Liwa Desert, one of the largest uninterrupted sand deserts in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort embraces the epic adventures of this evocative landscape and provides a gorgeous, luxury oasis for an exceptional holiday experience. This extraordinary desert hideaway gives you a true sense of Arabia and is just a 2 hour drive from Abu Dhabi airport. Guest rooms exude an ethnic opulence with indigenous fabrics and jewelled chandeliers, and many have either a balcony or terrace. All have complimentary wi-fi, while one-bedroom suites feature interior details such as handcrafted wooden tea chests along with incredible desert views. In addition, there are one, two and three-bedroom villas set away from the main hotel building, each with a private pool and sundeck, and butler service, making them ideal for families and groups. Explore Qasr al Sarab

Set on a fabulous beach, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort provides the refined elegance that's synonymous with the St. Regis brand worldwide, with a contemporary twist. Extensive indoor and outdoor facilities, plus great service, make this is an excellent winter sun getaway option for families and couples. At the resort there's a health and fitness club with a 25m indoor lap pool, well equipped fitness facilities, a juice bar, plus 2 tennis and 2 squash courts. Across the landscaped grounds of the resort there are 4 swimming pools and circling the resort there is an excellent Gary Player designed 18 hole golf course. The hotel also has the highly regarded Iridium Spa with 12 treatment rooms. Outside the hotel, there is lots of sightseeing to be done, including the new Louvre, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Yas Marina Circuit - home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ferrari World is also great for a fun day out. Have a closer look at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

There are literally dozens of hotels in Dubai, so we're just featuring our 'best all-rounder' favourite in the list of the Best Hotels & Resorts in the Arabian Gulf. Namely: Anantara The Palm. It's a luxury Thai style hotel on a private stretch of Jumeirah Beach with villas built around swimming lagoons. Elegant and exotic, Anantara The Palm is a tranquil and pleasing alternative to the flashy bling of many Dubai hotels. This family friendly resort is set on a 400m private beach with a multitude of facilities and services - including a Kids' Club and a Teens' Club - that will keep everyone happy. There's also a fabulous spa and a selection of wellness programmes. We also like it because there are spacious one and two-bedroom Beach Villas with private pools and just 18 signature Over-Water Villas. Anantara is the only hotel in Dubai offering over water villas. See Anantara The Palm Dubai

Formerly the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, now a Ritz-Carlton property, is a luxury desert resort with individual, private pool villas dotted around the desert landscape, offering utter seclusion and relaxation. With a world-class spa, this is the perfect place to escape the world. The resort also has a number of wildlife activities on offer thanks to its position within a 500-hectare, protected nature reserve, giving the property a unique feel. The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert is a luxury resort, located just an hour away from Dubai. The impressive oasis provides a lavish and contemporary interpretation of the tented designs and nomadic lifestyles of local tribes and the reserve offers the perfect contrast to city life. Guests can appreciate the serene and tranquil desert surroundings, with each luxury villa benefitting from a private pool and beautiful arabesque interiors. Find out more about Ritz-Carlton al Wadi Desert

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