Special treat: One of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts, the One&Only Royal Mirage has understated décor, a marvellous beach and is very romantic. Doubles from £175. Read full review http://bit.ly/UJGQwZ
Mid-range: Stunningly designed in a contemporary Arabian style, Al Manzil is a comfortable four-star hotel with a Middle Eastern atmosphere. Doubles from £117. Read full review http://bit.ly/UeFyvz
On a budget: The intimate Orient Guest House offers a B&B type experience and a rare chance to sleep in a traditional windtower. Doubles from £70. Read full review http://bit.ly/W4RFW7.
Make a beeline for the world’s tallest building, 825m-high Burj Khalifa (burjkhalifa.ae; AED100/£17; book ahead online) to savour breathtaking Dubai vistas from the 124th-floor observation deck.
Then wander outside to the Oriental-style Ewaan Lounge (theaddress.com) to recline on cushions in a private poolside cabana under palm trees lit with fairy lights.
Take a splash in one of Dubai’s pristine public beaches. They have more atmosphere than the sterile hotel beaches. Umm Suqeim is an expat favourite with fantastic views of Burj Al Arab.
The creekside Spice Souq stalls long ago succumbed to tourism, but you can still get a feel for old Arabia at the restored Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School, with their airy courtyards.
During winter, Dubai’s parks are packed with locals. Saunter along the water’s edge at Creekside Park, between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges, to take in the atmosphere.
Dine on superb seafood at a table overlooking sail-shaped Burj Al Arab at Pierchic (jumeirah.com; £85 for two), a restaurant at the end of a pier looking out towards the fairy-tale Madinat Jumeirah.
