What it is

A sprawling beachfront resort amid protected mangroves with a Jack Nicklaus golf course, enormous rooms, a spa with private hammams, and six bars and restaurants.

What it isn't

Dull. Curated experiences here are worth the trip alone, including falconry sessions and private fishing sojourns in the Arabian Sea.

What we think

Size matters, especially when it comes to a hotel room. And in this matter, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, is unsurpassed in the area. The resort’s “starter” room, Premier Ocean View Rooms with Private Terrace, are a ginormous 656 square feet (including deep soaking tubs and curated artwork), plus an additional private terrace. Need even more room to roam? We love the Deluxe Suites with Private Garden for their 270-degree panoramas of the Arabian Sea and manicured gardens (not to mention 796 square foot floor plans, not including your private terrace.) Families adore the Premium Two Bedroom Beachfront Villas with Private Pool for their 2,300 square foot expanse of free range interiors, plus a private infinity pool on the terrace and—perk of all perks for those with little ones—direct access to the sandy beach. Whatever room you select, know that you’ll be pampered full-throttle, from the bath salts and tub pillow to the blackout curtains and pillow menu ensuring your best vacay sleep ever.

You're here because

You’re a club-carrying golfer, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed course here is iconic, with sand dunes that change as the mangrove seas rise and fall.

The Moment

The resort’s glass-walled restaurant, Vinesse, feels more like an art museum—and that feels all the more true when your dinner salad arrives, a watermelon carpaccio with rocket in a sour plum dressing—almost too artfully plated to eat. Delightful.

Restaurants & Bars

Vinesse - All day dining restaurant that serves fine international cuisines

Vinesse Bar - A contemporary bar with classic cocktails, single malts and cigars.

Aquario - Enjoy Mediterranean flavours at our beach-front restaurant.

The Library - A sophisticated space for reading, meetings or social gatherings serving coffee

The Poolside Lounge - An al fresco dining space with pool and ocean views.

Aquario Bar - Cocktails, gin and personalised, intuitive service.

Location

Just a 30 minute drive from Dubai International Airport and yet a leafy world away, being straddled on all sides by dense mangrove forests.