Location

Even more ostentatious than the name suggests, this property on the waterfront is truly mind-boggling in size and scope. Embodying all that is shiny and excessive about the UAE�s take on luxury, the Emirates Palace Hotel is right on the beach (its own private one) and set on extensive �palace� grounds a short drive from the center of Abu Dhabi. Interiors are just as impressive as exteriors - rooms have 50-inch interactive plasma TVs, sea-view balconies, massive gold beds and oversized marble bathrooms, each guest is attributed a personal butler and food onsite is naturally the best of everything from all reaches of the globe. Swimming is an obvious pastime here - there�s a beach for families (women) and one for couples, plus a waterslide park and various pools. The Anantara Spa just adds to the pampering.