The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

What the classifiers highlight

The resort sits inside a 1,235-acre protected reserve in Wadi Khadeja, its 109 sand-coloured villas fitted with tented ceilings, brass lanterns and mashrabiya screens alongside 75-inch televisions. Farmhouse by Syrco runs on a farm-to-table brief using ingredients grown nearby, and the spa's Rainforest journey moves guests through 16 hot and cold stations. Falconry shows and camel rides fill the reserve.