Kempinski Mall of Emirates

This novel snow-and-sun destination – famous for offering cosy ski chalets in the desert – is also a magnet for shoppers, attached to an indoor ski park and Mall of the Emirates. From Valencian paella to Levantine falafels, the food is another draw, best enjoyed between exotic cocktails at Noir bar.

In addition to the Ski Dubai indoor snow park, Mall of the Emirates houses Magic Planet kids entertainment Centre, a cinema, around 100 restaurants and more than 600 stores. It also has its own metro stop, facilitating safe and cheap transit to major attractions, including Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

The metro runs as far as Dubai International Airport; the journey time is 40 to 50 minutes – about 10 minutes more than in a cab at a tenth of the cost. The nearest public beach is in Jumeirah, 10 minutes by car.

The Maison de Joelle beauty salon, founded by famous Lebanese television presenter Joelle Mardinian, is frequented by local celebrities. The hotel’s own spa offers manicures, pedicures, scrubs, massages and Prevonia and Mila D’Opiz facials. Both the spa and the small but perfectly formed gym are open 24/7, and the Techno gym exercise machines have YouTube-enabled monitors. There’s even a tennis court.

The pool area is equipped with showers stocked with The White Company toiletries, towels, slippers and fruit-infused water. Service is exemplary with clear emphasis placed on interacting with guests.

Value for Money

Double rooms from AED 900 (£189) in low season; and from AED 1,120 (£252) in high. Breakfast AED 155 (£33). Free Wi-Fi.