If you’re looking for a guaranteed dose of vitamin D (and, therefore, serotonin), your best bet is to head to the desert-turned-cityscapes of the Middle East for winter. Boasting historical palaces, rolling sand dunes, palm-fringed beaches and consistently warm temperatures, countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia offer a plethora of winter sun escapes. Accordingly, some of the most luxurious hotel groups have also seeped into this wondrous corner of the world, promising to complete your holiday with five-star accommodation and creative gastronomy. Read on for our winter sun guide to the Middle East. 

Muscat, Oman

Situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is famous for offering a more subtle luxury than its flashy neighbours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The capital, Muscat, makes for an idyllic romantic getaway, fringed by the mighty Al Hajar mountains (the highest range in the Arabian Peninsula) in the south and golden sandy beaches in the north. The city is brimming with cultural attractions, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, National Museum of Oman, its famous 200-year-old Mutrah Souq and the dazzling Al Alam Palace. From October to March, the omnipresent sun keeps temperatures at a pleasant 23-26°C. 

Where to stay: Al Bustan Palace

Originally built as a palace (hence the name) for Oman’s former Sultan Qaboos, the Ritz-Carlton brand has transformed this mountain-side retreat into a five-star hotel. Featuring a sandstone exterior and golden-domed entrance, the hotel is within a 10-minute drive of the National Museum of Oman while complimentary shuttles transport guests to the Mutrah Souq and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Book the hotel’s plentiful swim-up rooms to rest your head, before exploring the on-site amusement park, Six Senses spa and six restaurants and bars, ranging from Chinese fine dining to a sophisticated tea lounge. 

From £269 per night.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reaching highs of 42°C in the summer, Abu Dhabi’s temperatures sit at a balmy 26°C come December – perfect for Brits looking for a warming winter break, especially if you have little ones in tow. You’d be hard-pressed to run out of things to do in Abu Dhabi, with cultural attractions including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, while over on Yas Island, Warner Bros Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World are bound to delight young and old. The city, marked by its skyscrapers and modern towers, is also famous for its unrivalled mega-mall shopping experience, perfect for finding those final bits on your Christmas list. 

Where to stay: Anantara Santorini Retreat Abu Dhabi

If you’re looking for a beach getaway as opposed to a city break (yes, Abu Dhabi can do both), head to Anantara Santorini Retreat. A beachfront retreat with just 22 rooms and suites, it's designed to mirror the iconic buildings of the Greek island and, therefore, redefine the concept of a UAE escape. This exclusive resort, which opened in February 2024, offers complete privacy, 24-hour butler service, and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf from every room. While away the days at the Mediterranean-inspired and Arabic restaurants, paddle board from the private beach, practice yoga and experience the spa, which includes a Himalayan salt sauna, Moroccan hammam, cryotherapy and plunge pool.

From £572 per night.

Doha, Qatar

Still buoyed by its World Cup hostship in 2022 – which saw millions of pounds pumped into the Qatari capital to entertain thousands of football fans from around the world – Doha is set to rival Dubai as a holiday destination in the coming years. Blending old (the city dates back to 1820) and new, Doha is home to The Pearl – a manmade island with architecture inspired by Europe, such as the Venetian-Arabian Qanat Quartier and the Mediterranean Medina Centrale – as well as the historic Souq Waqif and the Corniche. Elsewhere, Doha’s desert dunes are a playground where you can book safari jeeps, camel rides, guided walks and even camping trips.

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay

Bringing a new benchmark of luxury to Doha, Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay offers guests an ideal location close to key attractions in the vibrant city such as the aforementioned Souq Waqif, The National Museum of Qatar and the Doha Corniche. Having opened earlier this year, the new luxury hotel boasts 283 rooms and suites, a luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa and a range of exquisite dining options, from Parisienne patisserie at Ledoux to Cantonese and Taishanese restaurant, Yun, reminiscent of the original tea houses and luxury dining rooms of 1930's Hong Kong. With elegant furnishings, four-floor wellness experiences and seamless personalised service, this new hotel epitomises modern luxury.

From £163 per night.

Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

Likely the closest place to Mars on Earth, Wadi Rum desert is a sight to behold. Dotted with rugged red cliffs and billows of sand, Wadi Rum translates as Valley of the Moon and is situated in southern Jordan as the traditional home to the nomadic Bedouin tribe. Must-see attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage Site include the fascinating rock paintings, petroglyphs and inscriptions which date back to prehistoric times, as well as walking through the Khazali Canyon. Don’t miss tours to the historic cities of Amman and Petra, jeep tours through the desert, sandboarding on the dunes and sampling a traditional Bedouin dinner. Otherwise known as a Zarb or a Bedouin barbecue, this delectable meal features traditional dishes of vegetables, potatoes and meat, slow-cooked underground in a barrel and served with hummus, rice, flatbread and salad.

Where to stay: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

One of the most famous and luxurious camps in the Wadi Rum Desert, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp comprises 55 tents offering mind-blowing panoramas of the Arabian desert and, when the weather allows, some of the clearest views of the Milky Way found on Earth. Accommodation ranges from junior luxury tents for two guests up to executive spaces for three guests, alongside on-site facilities including a library, terrace, restaurant and outdoor barbecue area. But don’t worry, private chefs are available to cook up a storm whenever you fancy, with dishes ranging from traditional fare to modern, European plates. 

From £157 per night.

Dubai, UAE

As one of the most famous destinations in the UAE, Dubai is known for its luxury shopping, forward-thinking architecture and lively nightlife. The 190-year-old desert-turned-cityscape is dotted with famous attractions including the 830m-tall Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain and man-made archipelagos Atlantis and The Palm. With temperatures consistently in the mid-20s come winter, the city’s never-ending list of beaches makes for the perfect sunbathing spot, while adrenaline junkies can get their fix while sliding between the high floors of a glass skyscraper and jumping into the world’s largest dive pool. 

Where to stay: The Lana

The Dorchester Collection's first address in the Middle East opened earlier this year and it does not disappoint. Tucked away in the Marasi Bay Marina at the heart of Dubai's business district, pick from 225 rooms and suites as well as three restaurants, all designed by Gilles & Boissier to feature world-class art, Middle Eastern flair and contemporary touches. Skyline panoramas come as standard, but are best enjoyed at rooftop bar High Society which boasts clear views of the Burj Khalifa. Elsewhere, don't miss the Dior Spa – the first in the UAE – and dining at Riviera by Michelin-starred French chef Jean Imbert.

From £532 per night.

Read more: The holiday hot list: Where to travel in November