The St. Regis Downtown Dubai

Overlooking the Dubai Water Canal, with the Burj Khalifa rising just beyond, this is a glamorous alternative to staying in the thick of Downtown. Marasi Drive in Business Bay puts Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Opera just five minutes away, and the Dubai International Financial Centre within 15 minutes, with canal-side promenades right on the doorstep.

St. Regis traditions run through every stay. The signature butler service is on hand for every guest, from packing to garment pressing, and each evening the bar hosts the ritual of champagne sabering, a tradition dating back to Napoleon. Don't leave without trying the Marasi Mary, the hotel's spiced local twist on the Bloody Mary.

Rooms are elegant and spacious, starting at 57 square metres, with a rain shower, a stand-alone bathtub and walk-in closets. Views take in the Dubai Water Canal, Downtown or, from some rooms, the Burj Khalifa, and the suites raise the bar further, culminating in the Royal Suite. Family rooms, family suites and interconnecting rooms sleep up to eight.

BASTA! blends a Roman trattoria, a Florentine steakhouse and a Neapolitan pizzeria, all with canal views, and it's a firm local favourite. At TABŪ, contemporary Japanese dishes come with live performances, while Ginori Terrace serves afternoon tea on fine Ginori 1735 porcelain overlooking the canal.

The St. Regis Spa offers bespoke treatments in private suites, from 24-karat gold facials to Flotation Pod therapy and a traditional Arabian hammam. Afterwards, the third-floor infinity pool overlooks the canal and the Downtown skyline, with a poolside bar for light meals and sundowners.