Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
Dubai, The Gulf, United Arab Emirates

Situated in landscaped gardens, the Royal Meridien Dubai is a true oasis with heated outdoor swimming pools and a Roman fantasy spa inside. The resort boasts a health club and a well-equipped gymnasium looking out onto the beautiful landscaped gardens and the Arabian Gulf. Fitness instructors, aerobics centre, jacuzzi, sauna, steam, hammam pools, massage and beauty treatments are all on offer to guests. Le Royal Méridien is perfectly positioned for some of the most outstanding golf courses in Dubai including the Emirates Golf Club, which is located just five minutes away. Nad Al Sheba, located 20 minutes from the hotel, is the only floodlit course in the Middle East while Dubai Creek Golf Club is renowned internationally for its challenging course and striking clubhouse, and is about 30 minutes away.

The resort is spread over three buildings, all with their own reception facilities. The ultimate in luxury is afforded in the 154 Royal Tower rooms and suites with sea-facing balconies. There are 500 luxury rooms with 22 tower suites, 30 deluxe suites, 2 Royal Suites and 7 Family Rooms, all with a private balcony. There is satellite TV and daily laundry service available.

The resort offers a choice of European, Asian and Middle Eastern food. There are international theme nights at the Brasserie, Tuscan cuisine on offer at Ponte Vecchio, Thai food at Fusion and traditional Lebanese food and exotic dancing at Al Sarab. There is also a Prime Rib Steakhouse, seafood at Mi Vida, a Mediterranean bar at the Sea Breeze, pizzas at La Fornace and grills, snacks and a swim-up bar at the Poolside Bar, with nightly entertainment at the Piano Bar and Lounge.

A state-of-the-art business centre offers Internet access, secretarial and translation services, VCRs and projectors.

Dubai is a mecca for shoppers with its modern centres and traditional souks, but it also offers a great deal more from first-class golf courses to a variety of water sports such as sailing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Also, those looking for a more culture-based break will not be disappointed as the old town, although relatively small, is worth exploring. Dubai is also an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the United Arab Emirates or other Middle East destinations such as Oman, Lebanon and Syria. Dubai is a shopper's paradise with luxury goods at cheaper prices than in their country of origin, and markets selling gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls. There are breathtaking malls, but the Arab souks are the most exotic, especially the aromatic spice souk. Keep an eye out for Arab artefacts, carpets, woven mats and bowls by Bedouin women.