The land of outrageous wealth, beauty and glamour

THE ‘City of Gold’ has taken centre stage as one of the world’s must-see spots. It’s the ultimate playground for millionaires and it will blow your mind.

Playground for the rich; Burj Al Arab and the Jumeira Beach Hotel.

A HEADY blend of glitz, glamour, sand and sea, Dubai has taken centre stage as one of the world’s must-visit destinations.

With soaring skyscrapers, traditional souks and expansive shopping centres, a trip to the City of Gold is hardly complete without a few nights at a sprawling resort.

Here are five of the most decadent resorts, should you have cash to splash, according to Travel Insider.

• Atlantis, The Palm

There’s 1.5 kilometres of private beach, two huge resort pools, the two-storey ShuiQi Spa & Fitness facility with 27 treatment rooms, and 20 restaurants and bars, including three by Michelin-starred chefs (Giorgio Locatelli, Nobu Matsuhisa and Michel Rostang).

All 1539 rooms have stunning views, while suites have a dedicated butler (yes, seriously).

Kids will be thrilled with the adjacent 17-hectare Aquaventure Waterpark with its wave pools, rapids and water slides (including one that shoots adrenaline-junkies through shark-infested waters) and the hotel’s Lost Chambers Aquarium.

The decadent Atlantis, The Palm.

• Jumeirah Al Qasr

Evocative of palatial Arabian summer residence and hosted within the walls of the verdant Madinat Jumeirah complex — a sprawling resort that has villas, hotels, restaurants, bars and a traditional souk all set amongst intertwining canals and manicured gardens — the Jumeirah Al Qasr feels a world away from the urbanised city centre.

As you’d expect from the Jumeirah chain, rooms are both inviting and opulent, while retaining a nod of authenticity to the region. Explore the resort on one of the complimentary gondolas before stopping off for a traditional mezze spread in the souk’s courtyards.

The vast resort is set on the beachfront, just near the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, and guests have complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Jumeirah Hotel Dubai.

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

It may be instantly recognisable for its dramatic sail shape but what the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is really renowned for its superlative luxury. Club Suites come with snooker tables, while the Royal Suite has a private lift and its own cinema. It will set you back $24,000.

Bathrooms come complete with jacuzzis, walk-in storm showers and full-size Hermès amenities. The facilities include nine restaurants and bars, four swimming pools, the decadent 18th-floor Talise Spa with separate saunas, infinity pools and steam rooms for men and women, a fitness centre and squash court.

All guests have access to the private Burj Al Arab beach.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

• JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

It’s the world’s tallest hotel and one of the city’s most sought-after stays. Spread over 72 floors, all 1368 rooms and 240 suites exude luxury.

There’s a large lap pool with a lounging deck and for serious downtime, the on-site Saray Spa offers separate men’s and women’s hammams, a Dead Sea flotation pool, steam rooms, saunas and a range of treatments influenced by Middle and Far Eastern traditions.

You won’t want to leave.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

• Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

The 2000-square-metre spa offers a vast treatment menu as well as bespoke treatments and a private garden; a business centre caters to all workers’ needs; and there are several dining options, including Social by Heinz Beck (a three-star Michelin chef) dishing up innovative “fine-casual dining”.

Coco’s Kids Club will keep the littlies interested and those wanting to work out might hit the gym or jog along The Palm’s well-shaded, purpose-built internal running track that stretches the

length of the Golden Mile.

The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

Discover the best luxury accommodation around the world at Travel Insider.