Hotel inspiration: Zaya Nurai Island

The water villas at Zaya Nurai offer the most luxurious beach escape in the Middle East

Zaya Nurai IslandA ten-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, this is, without doubt, one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the Middle East. Water villas at Zaya Nurai offer views of the turquoise sea, while beach houses boast private pools, exclusive outdoor lounges and log burners. No surprise, then, that the resort has a fiercely loyal following of hard-working Emiratis looking for a chilled, seaside retreat from the city. We imagine the five-star service and Michelin-star worthy dining are also a draw – not to mention that most rare of metropolitan commodities: peace.