Meliá Desert Palm member of Meliá Collection

The story

Polo ponies and a riding school sit at the heart of this resort, which blends Latin American and Emirati influences with an equestrian theme. Spacious suites and villas with private pools are done in a modern equestrian style, an art collection runs through the public spaces, and restaurants such as Signature Steakhouse and Epicure look out over the polo field and the Dubai skyline. Guided buggy tours lead past the stables, where a rare white peacock, kingfishers and Indian rollers can be spotted. The 34.5-metre infinity pool is set among tropical gardens, and the 820m² Samana Spa has a steam room, sauna, ice room and cold plunge pool. The Stables Fitness Centre runs yoga, HIT and Barre classes, alongside tennis and squash courts, a jogging route, a children's playground and private dining across the estate.