DoubleTree Resort by Hilton: 5 Nights On Marjan Island

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton sits on Al Marjan Island, a string of coral-shaped peninsulas reaching into the Arabian Gulf off Ras Al Khaimah. The resort has its own stretch of private beach, with calm water and soft sand that work well for families. The building is large, with arched windows and warm stone that lights up at night. Most rooms look out over either the pools or the sea, so you wake up to water in some form whatever you book.

The resort runs on space and choice. There are several pools, including indoor and outdoor options and a separate children's pool, plus a kids club with a climbing wall and play area. Adults get a spa with sauna, steam room and massage treatments, a fitness centre, and a quiet wood-panelled bar. Dining covers a few restaurants and cafes across the grounds. Water sports run from the beach, with banana boats and other gear ready on the sand. The Guest Room comes on a room-only rate, so breakfast can be added at booking for an extra charge.

Al Marjan Island is a built-up resort strip, so most of your time will be spent on the property itself or along the waterfront. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is about 20 km away, an easy transfer. Several public beaches sit within a half-hour drive, including Mangrove Beach at roughly 17.5 km and Al Dhait Public Beach near 19.8 km. Day trips toward Umm Al Quwain and Ajman are doable by car if you want a change of scene.

This one suits families and couples after a beach base with everything on site. The kids club, pools and private beach keep children busy, while the spa and bar give adults somewhere to slow down.