1.) Park Hyatt Dubai
Amid palm trees and adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, this whitewashed property with multiple blue domes combines Mediterranean and Moorish influences. Verdant pathways and water elements connect public areas. Rooms in simple white and gray color schemes are “incredibly spacious, with fantastic balconies” or terraces overlooking the marina on Dubai Creek; “the bathrooms are truly fabulous.” Café Arabesque—one of four restaurants—is “really excellent,” highlighting culinary influences of the Levant; the Terrace Bar pours 20 premium vodkas. Amara Spa fills a courtyard and welcomes guests fresh from the golf course.
2.) Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh
Situated in the Olaya district, this hotel is “without a doubt the best in Riyadh.” Rooms are split between two wings; the south wing celebrates Arab architecture, while the north wing leans more toward traditional European style. All, however, have 24-hour butler service, and touch screen controls for lighting, curtains, temperature, and room service. Cristal dishes up “surprisingly good French” specialties with a Spanish twist—using ingredients like Wagyu beef, foie gras, and Balik salmon—overlooking the cascading waterfalls of Al Faisaliah Center, a complex with the country’s first skyscraper, a conference center, and a shopping mall. In 2012, a ladies-only spa will debut. “Staff are capable and always friendly.”
3.) Four Seasons Hotel, Doha
Located in the mixed-use West Bay complex, this Moorish-designed hotel showcases local white stone, latticework domes, geometric patterns, arches, columns, and palms galore, and presents “beautiful lobby floral arrangements.” Rooms have wood paneling and are done in yellow, blue, and green silk and satin. Try the French and Lebanese “super grand buffet” at Brasserie, or cigars and single malts at the Library Bar & Cigar Lounge—although the prices are “typical Four Seasons.” Get a mineral body wrap at the spa, followed by snacks and Bollywood music at the Hip India lounge, on the spa terrace. “Staff never fail to ask if you need anything.”
