Christmas might only have been a month ago, but by the end of January we’re all ready for another break, and that means either sun, ski or sand.

For those looking for a snowy spa break, the likes of W Verbier, Kempinski Berchtesgaden or Grand Tirolia Kitzbuchel are hard to beat, but for those in need of the healing benefits of the sunshine at this chilly and grey time of the year, the UAE offers luxury, five star service, reliably blue skies and reasonably short flights.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, known for its Arabian Gulf beaches and centuries old fort. Amidst the architectural gems and historic artefacts, it is home to the The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert - a magical mud villa village in the desert where you can dine under the stars and where every villa has its own pool. The region is also home to the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, a stylish escape on the Arabian shoreline where architecture is intricate and no luxurious stone is left unturned.

VISIT RAS AL KHAIMAH

Yas Viceroy

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the famed capital of the United Arab Emirates, sitting off the mainland on an island in the Arabian Gulf. The second most populous city in the UAE after Dubai, it is no less luxurious than its famed counterpart. Yas Viceroy is the perfect example of the city’s best features. A uniquely contemporary building, it is an architectural triumph acting as the centrepiece of Yas Island, hovering over land and water and spanning the Yas Marina Circuit. Equally, Hilton Abu Dhabi is in a beautiful location on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s iconic sea walk and offering dining in five star style.

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Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Dubai

Dubai has become a city of glitz, of awe-inspiring architecture and of glamour. Skydiving over The Palm and shopping in its famed and extensive malls. Visitors are invited to stay at the likes of JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel - an award-winning family beach hotel offering sheer opulence; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, a five star hotel inspired by Ottoman royalty; or Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, nestled into the dunes in the desert surrounding Dubai and surrounded by the most captivating of natural landscapes.

VISIT DUBAI