Peaceful Ajman is the smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates – a tiny enclave known for its scenic beauty, golden beaches and natural and historical sites. The tiny enclave is just a 30-minute drive from Dubai and is one of the most under-the-radar spots for a relaxing weekend escape. Despite its size, Ajman is actually home to one of the UAE’s best hotels, alongside a handful of beachfront resorts that offer access to gleaming white sands and family-friendly establishments with expansive swimming pools, international restaurants and even on-site villas with private pools. For a quiet escape from the city and pursuits like swimming, golfing and exploring its historical sites, here are the best hotels in Ajman for a beachy escape in the UAE’s smallest emirate.
The best hotels in Ajman
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah
Part of Ajman’s Al Zorah project – also home to a Nicklaus Design 18-hole golf course, a marina and almost 60 species of birds – The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah is often regarded as one of the most romantic and best hotels in the UAE. This tranquil, stylish retreat is set on a 400-metre white sand beach and offers an almost incongruously contemporary design set against the historic emirate. Rooms and suites are the work of Italian architect Piero Lissoni and feature clean lines, unique design pieces and a muted palette, with private panoramic terraces overlooking the pool, landscaped gardens and Arabian Gulf. Palm Springs-style villas with individual infinity pools are also just steps from the sand. The hotel shines in its culinary programme and commitment to sustainability with fresh, seasonal and local produce, including some grown in the on-site garden. As one of the top hotels in Ajman, this resort is just a stone’s throw from the Al Zorah golf course and also home to the award-winning Oberoi Spa with open-air showers and private hammams.
Private garden rooms from AED 1,300 per night; book now
Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort
Bringing beachfront luxury to the golden shores of Ajman is the Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort. Located on a prime spot on the coastline, it serves as one of the most stylish hotels in Ajman, the UAE’s most enviable location for sunset, with endless sea views that gaze out towards the shimmering ocean. The 205 rooms and suites either face towards the nearby creek or azure waters of the sea (all have balconies) and pay homage to Arabian tradition with touches like patterned carpets and rich jewel tones. Facilities include two swimming pools, a private beach, a gym, a spa and a children’s club, along with six on-site dining options to keep long stays exciting. The focus here is relaxed all-day dining, inspired by its beachy setting, and outlets include two beachy eateries, an equestrian-themed bar, smarter Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants and a lobby cafe serving afternoon teas and sweet treats.
Doubles from AED450 per night; book now
Ajman Hotel
The Ajman Hotel sits on a 500-metre white sandy beach dotted with towering palm trees and offers ample spots for swimming and snorkelling. The beautiful beach resort started life as Kempinski Ajman before being flagged by Blazon Hotels in 2018. With the largest private beach in Ajman, the property is the ultimate beach escape for families and those in search of switching off – there are manicured green gardens, a huge central swimming pool and separate children’s pool, and facilities like a kids’ club and gym. Rooms take inspiration from the sea and desert with soothing neutral tones, and four dining outlets are dotted across the gardens, beach and in the hotel. Destination dining is popular; think romantic beach dinners and Al Zorah Golf Club is just a 10-minute drive away, giving plenty to do outside sea and sand pursuits.
Doubles from AED375 per night; book now
Fairmont Ajman
Fairmont Ajman is one of the emirate’s most distinguished hotels and is popular with families from Dubai and Abu Dhabi looking for a holiday of relaxation. The hotel is nestled on a 200-metre stretch of private sandy beach and centres around an expansive infinity-edged swimming pool that offers ample sunloungers for languid days by the water. A kid’s club keeps little ones entertained while adults will delight in the Salt & Sea, a swim-up pool, the Fairmont Spa and a trio of great restaurants. As well as its all-day dining restaurant, Spectrum, the resort is home to a signature Turkish restaurant and laid-back poolside eatery – but there’s also round-the-clock in-room dining for those enjoying their traditional and tasteful room. Rooms range from a king sea view to a spacious three-bedroom suite.
Doubles from AED600 per night; book now
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