Lap of luxury: 15 amazing hotels in the Middle East

Published January 23rd, 2014 - 11:07 GMT

Most of us do not have the “luxury” to seek out 5-7 star locales for our next holiday, but who says we can’t window shop with the best of them. For the lucky set who can afford to splurge on the world’s crème de la crème in hotels, the Middle East’s luxurious offerings may be bang on the money!

With architectural decadent wonders of the world like the Burj Al Arab that kisses the Gulf’s opulent skylines, and aggressive amenities and seductive services that make the VIPs of VIPs’ jaws drop in awe at the various Four Seasons glory, it is no wonder that MENA hotels and resorts have all of us “star”-struck ( at a unique 7-star rate!). Arabs for one are not shy of flaunting it when they’ve got it.

If you’re dripping with bling and have a penchant for the ultimate hospitality (who doesn’t?!), then you and Middle Eastern posh hotels are a match made in heaven.

Money talks, and this list of 15 decadent hotels around the Arab region says it best.

So for those with pockets (or imaginations!) lined with gold, take a trip through the lux that defines the Middle East’s finest getaway locales.

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Costing $6 billion to build, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive hotel ever built. Whether it is 24-carat-gold-covered walls and ceilings, a butler at your every beck and call, or a private jet to your next destination that you require, this haven is the hotel you’re looking for.

Revel in the beauty of the Bosphorus from your room in the 5* Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul. With a limousine, boat or helicopter ride only a call-to-the-concierge away, you can live the Ottoman dream in one of their suave suites - it’ll won’t come cheap though, with the “Sultan suites” costing over $40,000 a night!

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa

Surrounded by the stunning Gulf of Oman and with a backdrop of rugged mountains, the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is a well-justified self-proclaimed “oasis of luxury”. With rooms in historic castles and palaces decked out in Arabian décor, it’s hard to believe that this nirvana of calm is just 15 mins away from busy Muscat.

If you associate Morocco with busy souks, think again, and think of the Mazagan Beach Resort in El Jadida. Nestled in the idyllic Moroccan hills, there’s a golf course, equestrian centre and nightclubs for all interests. A suite will set you back $700 a night and the villas are “price on request”. That means expensive!

The Torch is Qatar’s tallest hotel and leads (or should we say lights!) the way in luxury- every room has iPad-controlled mood lighting with 12 setting varieties! Crazy! Torch guests are also privy to private access to Doha’s largest shopping mall for those looking to “burn” their bucks outside the hotel as well.

Bahrain’s Al Arreen Palace and Spa will take care of all your needs.With the world’s first hydro-therapy wellness center and private pools, jacuzzis and gardens galore, guests are sure to leave feeling 5* fresh. But with the palace fully booked “until further notice,” you’ll have to keep dreaming about this full-body experience for now.

Guests are in for a treat at Tunisia’s Djerba Radisson Blu Hotel with its beachy locale on the North African island. With an amazing view of both the ocean and ruins of Cartaghen from its Presidential Suite, this luxurious getaway will be one for the ages. With stunning Arabesque interiors and a private beach, what’s not to love?

Overlooking the Persian Gulf, Kuwait City’s The Regency hotel is pure luxury, decked out in white marble and touting rooms draped in Italian decor and plush beds covered in Egyptian cotton. Sporting incredible sea views and FIVE swimming pools for the aqua-inclined guest, this is one hotel you won’t forget (if you’ve got the budget!)

At Abu Dhabi’s St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, your wish is this hotel’s command! Renowned for its one-of-a-kind butler service, guests can enjoy a 5 (if not 6,7,8!) star treatment - customized to their liking! For the business traveler, the butler will even press your suit while you enjoy a five-star breakfast at any time of the day!

Costing $6 billion to build, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive hotel ever built. Whether it is 24-carat-gold-covered walls and ceilings, a butler at your every beck and call, or a private jet to your next destination that you require, this haven is the hotel you’re looking for.

Revel in the beauty of the Bosphorus from your room in the 5* Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul. With a limousine, boat or helicopter ride only a call-to-the-concierge away, you can live the Ottoman dream in one of their suave suites - it’ll won’t come cheap though, with the “Sultan suites” costing over $40,000 a night!

Surrounded by the stunning Gulf of Oman and with a backdrop of rugged mountains, the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is a well-justified self-proclaimed “oasis of luxury”. With rooms in historic castles and palaces decked out in Arabian décor, it’s hard to believe that this nirvana of calm is just 15 mins away from busy Muscat.

If you associate Morocco with busy souks, think again, and think of the Mazagan Beach Resort in El Jadida. Nestled in the idyllic Moroccan hills, there’s a golf course, equestrian centre and nightclubs for all interests. A suite will set you back $700 a night and the villas are “price on request”. That means expensive!

The Torch is Qatar’s tallest hotel and leads (or should we say lights!) the way in luxury- every room has iPad-controlled mood lighting with 12 setting varieties! Crazy! Torch guests are also privy to private access to Doha’s largest shopping mall for those looking to “burn” their bucks outside the hotel as well.

Bahrain’s Al Arreen Palace and Spa will take care of all your needs.With the world’s first hydro-therapy wellness center and private pools, jacuzzis and gardens galore, guests are sure to leave feeling 5* fresh. But with the palace fully booked “until further notice,” you’ll have to keep dreaming about this full-body experience for now.

Guests are in for a treat at Tunisia’s Djerba Radisson Blu Hotel with its beachy locale on the North African island. With an amazing view of both the ocean and ruins of Cartaghen from its Presidential Suite, this luxurious getaway will be one for the ages. With stunning Arabesque interiors and a private beach, what’s not to love?

Overlooking the Persian Gulf, Kuwait City’s The Regency hotel is pure luxury, decked out in white marble and touting rooms draped in Italian decor and plush beds covered in Egyptian cotton. Sporting incredible sea views and FIVE swimming pools for the aqua-inclined guest, this is one hotel you won’t forget (if you’ve got the budget!)

At Abu Dhabi’s St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, your wish is this hotel’s command! Renowned for its one-of-a-kind butler service, guests can enjoy a 5 (if not 6,7,8!) star treatment - customized to their liking! For the business traveler, the butler will even press your suit while you enjoy a five-star breakfast at any time of the day!

Lap of luxury: 15 amazing hotels in the Middle East

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