Dubai–combining the traditions of the east with the comforts of the west.

It is a land of fairy tales where hotels are designed to look like sailboats and pyramids, and islands are built from scratch to resemble palm trees. Although it is still an emerging destination, with many resorts set to open throughout 2010, Dubai bestows some of the largest hotel chains in the world. Located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula, it’s position as a major port with low duties allows tourists to enjoy a shopper’s paradise; the city is extremely clean and has a very low crime rate, and it is quickly earning itself a reputation as one of the premier places to honeymoon. 

The Jumeirah group houses some of the best known hotels in the world from London to New York, Shanghai and now Dubai with five properties including the Burj Al Arab, which has been recognized as the most luxurious hotel in the world. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, this landmark is connected to the beach strip via causeway and dominates much of the night skyline with a choreographed light show. This all-suite hotel offers a chauffeur driven fleet of Rolls Royces, helicopter airport transfers, private reception desk on each floor, brigade of around-the-clock butlers, and six award-winning restaurants including the Al Mahara, complete with one of the most beautiful aquariums in all of Dubai. Not to mention a private beach and the Assawan Spa & Health Club bedecked with a mosaic-covered surround.

Overlooking the manmade Palm Jumeirah, which is said to be visible from the moon, lies the One&Only Royal Mirage, which encompasses 60 acres of landscaped gardens and a kilometer of private coastline. The resort boasts world-class golf at seven prestigious PGA courses, a collection of watersports ranging from Hobie Cats to sailing and windsurfing, or for those that are not faint at heart, there are full-day 4×4 desert safaris. After a long excursion, enjoy dinner at one of eight restaurants or indulge in a glass of wine from their private cellar stocked with a unique collection from around the world. Located within the towering domes is the resort’s spa—which practices traditional Oriental Hammam—hair and nail salon, and fitness center.

Part of Wafi—Dubai’s ultra-exclusive lifestyle complex offering the best in food, fashion, art and entertainment—is the Raffles Dubai, built as a 19-story pyramid encapsulating 248 suites and rooms and earning it the title as the largest hotel in the city. It also has ten restaurants, a one-hectare botanical garden depicting the four elements of life, as well as the renowned Amrita Spa and Raffles Boutique offering a wide-range of luxury products. Join the Club at Raffles and as an esteemed member you will enjoy invitations to exclusive soirees and sojourns, gala dinners and more.

Offering everything that comes with the prestige of a Ritz, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is located in the heart of the marina district. Designed as a Mediterranean-style resort, it encompassed tennis and squash courts, three swimming pools and a spa where Middle Eastern therapies are merged with European rituals. There are six restaurants and lounges, and for those wanting to experience the epitome of luxury, you may enjoy the Club Level—an experience that includes personal concierge, a guaranteed sea view and other enviable benefits.

Whether you decide to stay at one of these resorts or another, Dubai is sure to please with its modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Often described as the landmark of innovation, it is a wonderful place to start your adventure together as husband and wife.