Luxe Stays // Top 5 luxury pool villas to self-isolate
Do you wish you were given some warning of COVID-19? To jet off to an exotic location and be ‘stranded’ in self-isolation? Well, the Middle East might not sound exotic. But it has some of the most amazing, luxury pool villas. Complete privacy while practising social distancing. The ultimate escape from reality.
Here are my top 5 Middle East luxury pool villas to self-isolate, recover from jetlag or just have a stayca!
No. 5 // Anantara Qasr al Sarab, Empty Quarter, Abu Dhabi
You haven’t been to the desert until you’ve visited Rub Al Khali, the ‘Empty Quarter’. This stretch of desert is part of the Arabian Desert. It’s the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass covering 650,000km2 across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen.
The magnificent Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is located in the heart of the Empty Quarter. And is breathtaking. Known as the Mirage Palace, this resort is a luxurious oasis amidst the desert. Resembling an old Arabian fortress town Qasr al Sarab is nestled in the valley of mountainous sand dunes.
Qasr al Sarab is a huge resort. For complete privacy, the best place to be is in a pool villa. With views overlooking the resort and the expanse of sand dunes, there’s really no need to leave the private pool or sun deck.
No. 4 // Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
Located only a 45-minute drive from Dubai, Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is an oasis. Nestled among lush palm groves, emerald canopies and iconic sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
The secluded Bedouin-style villas offer a tranquil escape. You can chill in your own private temperature-controlled pool while taking in the desert views. There’s also an abundance of Arabian Sand Gazelles that love to hang around the bushes near your pool.
No. 3 // Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi
If you want a tropical island escape, this is your place. I know you are probably wondering how is that possible in the Middle East! Well, Abu Dhabi is not all desert. It is actually made up of more than 200 islands. And the private paradise of Zaya Nurai Island is a short 15-minute boat ride from the mainland.
Zaya Nurai Island is a world-class private resort mostly host to the local population as a weekend getaway or day visit. With many activities and restaurants, even a cute beach shack bar, don’t forget to make it to your villa! These are spectacular villas, more like homes! They are definitely larger than any apartment I’ve lived in.
Not only do you have a beachside pool. But you also have direct access to one of the whitest sandy, turquoise coloured beached I’ve seen.
No. 2 // The Ritz Carlton, Al Wadi Desert, Ras al Khaimah
The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is located north of Dubai and connects you with the local nature and culture. Situated on a protected reserve, the Bedouin inspired villas take you to a new luxury world. From the striking welcome of the stunning 300-year old olive tree in the lobby to the friendly service and the breathtaking décor of the villa.
My villa had the largest private pool I’ve seen to date and is clearly on my list of places to visit again. The villa was extremely private, a large deck and day bed complemented the pool. The perfect spot to grab a pile of books and self-isolate.
No. 1 // Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
The Six Senses brand is synonymous with unique, authentic luxury. Combine this with one of the most secluded locations in Oman, you are a treated to a delightful stay.
Six Senses Zighy Bay is located on the dramatic Musandam Peninsula. The rugged Omani mountains give way to a powdery sand beach and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Oman. The resort resembles more of a traditional village and is only accessible by 4WD or boat.
The stone villas ooze character. You feel like you’ve stepped back in time but with all the technologies of today. Add the Omani hospitality and this is by far one of my favourite resorts in the world.
So once flights are back to normal. And you need a break from reality. Take a longer stopover in the Middle East and enjoy one of these luxury pool villas to self-isolate on your own terms.
