Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Perched on the water's edge and stretched along a one-kilometre-long private beach, the sprawling Shangri-La is the perfect weekend getaway destination for Dubai-ites looking to get out of the city.

For expats with a romantic view of what Arabia always looked like in their imaginations, when the sun sets and the lights of the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque just across the water, start twinkling - the location feels, and sounds, truly exotic. And whether splashing about in the infinity pool or hitting the beach to paddle in the calm water, sampling the cocktails is a must - we recommend the pineapple daiquiri - as are drinks at the super-cool Al Hanah Bar.

But for those for whom getting away from it all involves less lounging and more doing, the hotel is just five minutes from the golf course.

Visit www.shangri-la.com

Fujairah
Hotel JAL Fujairah Resort & Spa
Just 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, on the picturesque east coast, the beaches are fast becoming a haven of five-star luxury, with the hotel JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa one of the latest to open its doors onto the Indian Ocean. The open stretches and Hajjar Mountains behind this five-star spot are enough to banish any city claustrophobia (the comfy kimonos and tranquility of the Spa Zen help too), and for the water babies, with The Palms dive centre, you'll be swimming alongside turtles at this top dive destination.

And take the opportunity to put those off-road driving skills to the test through the mountains or visit the Old Fort.

Sure, the adventuring may be a bit of hot work, but the pool will be waiting on your return.

Musandam
Zighy Bay, Musandam
Whether you take the scenic route by 4x4 over the dramatic mountains of Musandam, the speedboat from Dibba Port or paraglide down onto the hotel beach, whichever way you arrive at the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, the destination is simply breathtaking.

With individual deluxe pool villas dotted around the secluded bay of Zighy, you won't want to leave your villa.

And why would you when you have your own plunge pool, garden and luxurious suite - complete with swimming pool-sized bath - and a dedicated wine fridge for your late night aperitifs? And with the charming concept of ‘Zighy time' - you put your watches forward an hour so you can enjoy the sunset for just that little bit longer - the world seems to stand still, and is only interrupted by snorkelling, diving trips or spa appointments - you can't leave without sampling one of their famous treatments.

Perfect for couples - the place couldn't be more romantic - and an ideal weekend getaway, a trip to Zighy is the perfect antidote to the city summer.

While you're there...
Find your inner CHI
From the four-hour-long Vitality Ritual to the traditional Hammam treatments, the CHI spa evokes an atmosphere of pure calm and relaxation from the moment you enter. And with treatments personally tailored to your own element sign, expect to leave with your yin and yang in perfect harmony.