It might be bang at the heart of a city where you can’t swing a Fendi bag without hitting a luxury hotel, but something about the Raffles Dubai makes you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem upon arrival.

A pyramid-shaped hotel with a unique Egyptian aesthetic, it’s as much an ode to Arabic culture as it is a sanctuary to unwind in the city. You see it in every detail of the hotel, from the hieroglyph-etched pillars of the lobby to the intricate mashrabiya panels and Arabian pendant lights in the rooms. The location of the Raffles Dubai, is unique, connected to the adjacent Wafi Mall with its luxury shops and authentic 14th-century souk. Not that guests who check into the Raffles hotel need to look elsewhere for distractions; there are seven restaurants and bars here and a spa where treatments inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern traditions are as rejuvenating as they come. There is an outdoor pool too, with some of the best views over the city. Pack your espadrilles and wide-brimmed hat for lazy days whiled away on sunloungers and sipping cocktails from the Pool Bar.