Banyan Tree Dubai

What the classifiers highlight

On Bluewaters Island, the resort works aromatherapy scent and a spare, Asian-influenced design into what feels like a retreat, minutes from Dubai Marina. The 179 rooms favour earthy greys and beige with private balconies over the gulf, and a 1,640-foot private beach ranks among the city's best. Alizée's kitchen leans Mediterranean, with linguine, Canadian lobster and tarragon.