I have mixed feelings about Al Sarab, a 'take me to the Casbah' sort of place where you might find Peter Lorre lurking in a dark corner. We stayed for four days as part of a self-driving trip across all seven Emirates - a trip I recommend to one and all. Sarab had an amazing design and location. However, I agree that it was not quite on the luxury level due to its size and due to the invasion at the weekend by ex-pats who seemed to stand around in the pool, shouting at each other, eating, drinking and smoking. The hotel was suddenly transformed into Benidorm.

I really fancy Anantara's place in the mountains of Oman.