InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa

For those not well versed in the geography of the Arabian Peninsula: Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the United Arab Emirates, and its capital city, Ras Al Khaimah City, is the capital of the UAE. It’s an hour’s drive from the Dubai airport to RAK City, and occupying the entirety of an island just off the coast of the city is the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa, a 351-room luxury resort whose atmosphere of luxe seclusion belies its convenient quasi-urban setting.

To that end, the views of the Gulf are highlighted, both in the public spaces and in the sea-facing accommodations. The best of the rooms, suites, and villas are set right on the beach, but even those that open onto the gardens are lavish and elegant, in a style that’s roughly two parts modern minimalism to one part classic traditionalism. Space is plentiful at all levels, and the villas add extra luxuries like private plunge pools or soaking tubs on the terraces.

The facilities in common are no less impressive, from the spa and fitness studio to the sprawling lagoon-like pool. There’s a kids’ club and a separate teens’ club, and a handful of restaurants range from the Turkish-inspired Levant & Nar to the American-style NoHo Bar & Grill.