From luxury Arabian resorts to futuristic high rises and beachfront party escapes, here are the 26 best hotels with private pools in the UAE.

The best hotels with private pools in the UAE: Dubai

One&Only Royal Mirage

Check into your own mini Arabian palace with a stay in One&Only Royal Mirage‘s beautiful two-bedroom Beach Garden Villa, one of the most romantic hotels with private pools in the UAE. The experience begins before you’ve even opened the door, with its own private driveway, which leads you to a 300 sq metre villa that sleeps up to six people. The villa itself offers oodles of privacy, with palm-fringed private garden, and of course, the all important private pool, and indoors is opulen and gilded with marble bath tubs, chandeliers, an Arabesque majlis-style lounge and dramatic pillars. This is perfect for a private celebration with pizazz, or a luxurious family escape. Other highlights include the beach being steps away and a dedicated villa host and housekeeping team.
Beach Garden Villa from AED20,000 a night; Dubai Marina; oneandonlyresorts.com

Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis The Royal is a true architectural feat, lording over Palm Jumeirah and seen from across the Dubai coastline. Officially ‘the best hotel in the Middle East’, it’s a true wonder – shiny and modern interiors (all glossy whites, gold and blues), celebrity chef restaurants and beach clubs, manicured grounds and luxury shops. One of the true USPs are the pool suites, home to many a celebrity during the world-watched launch in January 2023 and now open to guests. Spread across the Jenga-like structure, private pools perch on towering balconies and offer magnificent rooms of Palm Jumeirah or the Arabian Gulf. There are suites and villas to choose from, along with mansions and penthouses (one that hosted Beyonce and her family). When it comes to hotels with private pools in the UAE, there are few more striking and memorable.
Pool sky villas from AED8,296 (minimum two-night stay); book now

One&Only The Palm

Often dubbed as the romantic hotel in Dubai, One&Only The Palm sits on the furthermost reaches of the western outer crescent of the Palm Jumeirah. Because of its almost remote location, it’s peaceful and private – a leafy Andalusian palace with manicured grounds, a slick of golden sand and just 64 rooms. Four of these are exclusive beachfront villas with their own private pool overlooking the beach. Choose from a one-bedroom executive suite with pool, part of the hotel’s Palm Beach Mansion wing, or the lavish two-bedroom beachfront villa with an extensive outdoor area and pool big enough for laps. 
Suites from AED5,000; book now

Bulgari Resort Dubai

Of course, it’s only right a hotel like Bulgari Resort Dubai would be one of the best hotels with private pools in the UAE. The resort, from the glamorous Italian marque and Marriott International, sits on its own seahorse-shaped island in refined Jumeirah and is home to the first Bulgari Yacht Club, a World’s 50 Best Bar and 101 nautical chic rooms – 20 of these are private beachfront villas each with their own private temperative-controlled pool, along with access to a private beach. Villas have one to three bedrooms and some pools have views of the Burj Khalifa, and the ultimate, the 540sqm Bulgari Villa, boasts an additional 500 square-meter garden, private home cinema, indoor hydromassage and hammam.
Villas from AED13,200 per night; book now

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Looking at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, you might be mistaken for thinking it’s a tropical island resort in Thailand or the Maldives. The Thai-based luxury group opened its version of its island idyll on Dubai’s most famous island, Palm Jumeirah, back in 2013 as the first resort in the Middle East to have over-water villas. In the past decade, it’s been a firm favourite with locals and an in-the-know secret for tourists. Book into a one or two-bedroom beach pool villa to have your own private pool nestled in your own private shaded garden with direct beach access. It might be a little dates, but it’s one of the best hotels with private pools in the UAE.
Villas from AED 5,950 per night; book now

Al Maha Desert Resort

Dubai’s most luxurious desert resort is just an hour’s drive from the city, yet feels a world away. Al Maha Desert Resort is the spot for seriously romantic getaways, where couples emerge fiancé, and is, therefore, one of the most luxurious private pool villas in Dubai. The resort is home to just 42 tented private pool villas peppered across the terracotta dunes, and the pools look out onto the rolling sandy horizon, which Arabian oryx and bouncing Arabian gazelles often patrol. There are few more private, peaceful, and luxurious to watch wildlife and sunset in Dubai. 
Villas from AED3,800 per night; book now

Five Palm Jumeirah

Five Palm Jumeirah is one of the city’s most famous hotels, catapulted onto the global stage thanks to its client base which includes top influencers, VIPs and celebrities. The hotel itself is an architectural marvel, located on the popular West Beach development of Palm Jumeirah with soaking ceilings, arched details and a serene colour palette – lots of white, gold, blues and pastel pink. As one would expect of a brand known for throwing the best party in town, the private pool villas are spectacular – overlooking the ocean and skyline and the location for private parties, but also lazy days away from the buzz. You can choose from two-bedroom townhouses, three-bedroom boho chic villas and four- and five-bedroom beachfront mansions – the latter with its own rooftop jacuzzi.
Townhouses from AED3,600 per night; book now

Anantara World Islands

Anantara World Islands is perfect for a Dubai staycation with a difference. The five-star resort was the first to open on the famous World Island development, welcoming guests from early 2022 to its tropical-jungle-inspired resort just off the coast of Dubai. Reachable only by speed boat, guests arrive on the island and step into a truly Maldivian-like experience, even more so when checking into the private pool villas. The Beach Pool Villas are a spacious 103 sqm with 64 sqm of private outside space alone, and have a plunge pool with direct beach access. 
Villas from AED2,550; book now

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Located on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is one of Dubai’s most discreetly luxurious hotels, designed to resemble an Ottoman palace and having played host to plenty of celebrities. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the golden sands and warm Arabian Gulf, the Turkish-inspired Royal Residences estate is home to a handful of grand villas, with the grandest of all boasting five bedrooms, a private pool, round-the-clock butler service and imperial Ottoman-era-inspired furnishings.
Villas from AED 3,500; jumeirah.com

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

Hidden within the Madinat Jumeirah waterways are the two-and three-bedroom villas known as the Malakiya Villas, forming part of the ultra-luxurious Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf property. These are the resort’s most exclusive accommodations, and are spread over two floors of Arabian-inspired luxury with 24-hour private butler service, plunge pools and gardens shaded by palms.
Villas from AED 5,500; jumeirah.com

Al Habtoor Polo Resort

A little way out of the city, and therefore perfect for escaping it all, is the Al Habtoor Polo Resort. The Andalucian-inspired resort benefits from an equestrian centre and polo field, and reflecting the equestrian theme, has a handful of Royal Pool Villas split over two or three storeys. Guests can opt for the garden or polo field view, but all sleep up to eight and come with private temperature-controlled swimming pools and in-built BBQ pits.
Royal Villas from AED 3,250; habtoorpoloresort.com

Meliá Desert Palm Meliá Collection

Meliá Desert Palm Meliá Collection is the ultimate staycation destination. Its location in the heart of a 64-hectare polo estate and neighbours with Dubai Safari Park allows for ample activities, while the resort itself is home to a handful of private pool villas. There are both one- and two-bedroom pool villas available, which feature separate lounges, a kitchen area and, of course, a private pool framed by sunbeds, a Bali bed and an outdoor shower, emulating the Indonesian island just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Dubai. 
Villas from AED1,900; book now

Five Jumeirah Village

Having a private pool is usually the preserve of the resort’s top-tier accommodations, which can often make them unattainable. One hotel that has turned this on its head is FIVE Jumeirah Village, (the suburban sister of FIVE Palm Jumeirah), with the hotel home to a total of 269 swimming pools, with 99% of those being private pool suites. It’s easy to check in, zoom up the lift in the soaring, Jenga-like tower, and never leave your suite – thanks to an expansive private terrace with swimming pool or jacuzzi, loungers and a seating area. There’s a great sound system, and the suites themselves are ultra-modern and typical of the playful brand – all gleaming white with rose pink and gold touches. With suites of up to four bedrooms on offer, it’s one of the best hotels with private pools in the UAE.
One-bedroom villas from AED1,020; jumeirahvillage

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is the elegant, calm big sister to the playful Nikki Beach Dubai club. Located on a stretch of private golden sands, the resort has uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea, a large infinity pool, and abundant sunbeds and loungers on the beach and terrace. But for the hedonism the brand is known for guests can rent out one of the hotel’s white-washed, retro-futuristic beachfront and garden villas which come with their own private pool, terrace and entertainment system. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom villas to choose from with either private gardens or outdoor spaces overlooking the palm-strewn beach. 
Villas from AED8,550 per night; book now

Hotels with private pools in the UAE: Abu Dhabi

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara looks more like a mirage than a resort – located in the western reaches of Abu Dhabi, almost touching Saudi Arabia in what is fittingly known as the Empty Quarter. It’s a truly magical setting: a fortified compound that seems to rise in front of the desert sands, complete with faux watchtowers and castle walls. While the rooms and suites in the main building are popular, there’s no better way to enjoy this regal desert oasis than in a private pool villa – of which many are finished with Islamic touches like patterned rugs, wooden chests, lamps and latticed furniture, and have gardens with views over the dunes. One-bedroom villas have leafy gardens, while the Royal Pavilion and family villas are set further away in the orange dunes. While the four-bedroom Sahra Villa has the most rooms, the most opulent – and most luxurious private pool villa in Abu Dhabi – is the Al Sarab villa: 853 sq metres with two bedrooms, living room with Hermes furnishings, grand dining room, staff areas and a ginormous private garden with full-sized pool.
Book now

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi lies on the beautiful white sand shores of Saadiyat Island – arguably known as the home of the most beautiful beaches in the UAE. The tranquil property is one of the city’s best-known beach escapes, sitting in a cluster alongside other big-name resorts, offering a more toned-down, minimalist vibe. Six private pool villas are on offer, offering garden and beach views. One-bedroom villas have terraces with private plunge pools, two-bedroom villas have some garden space with larger pools and the three-bedroom abodes are spread over 355 sq metres with beautiful views over Saadiyat Beach. All villas are contemporary and done in oceanic hues. Guests can enjoy five dining outlets and access the island’s 18-hole golf course, making it one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi for leisure travellers.
Book now

Nurai Island

More tropical island hideaway than Abu Dhabi hotel, Nurai Island has built a name for itself as one of the emirate’s most exclusive hideaways. Surrounded by the turquoise Arabian Gulf, the white-sand island feels worlds away from the city, though it’s just a 15-minute boat journey. As one of the most secretive resorts in the UAE, Nurai Island is home to a handful of beach and water villas, which all come with their own private pool and verdant gardens. Villas are ultra modern with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, doors, and clean-cut white lines, and all have easy access to the island’s private beach. The mammoth estate villa is the jewel in the crown – perfect for a large family getaway or for those needing real space – while two-bedroom houses are great for small families and groups of friends. As of 1 September, the resort will also start offering private butler service in all villas – elevating the island to new luxurious heights.
Book now

Anantara Al Sahel Resort

Head towards the coast, and you’ll find the mainland of Abu Dhabi gives way to scatterings of islands: Yas, Saadiyat, and Jubail, to name a few, are now entertainment, leisure, residential and cultural hotspots. Far west of the Empty Quarter lies Sir Bani Yas, a desert island dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park – home to 17,000 free-roaming animals like Arabian oryx, gazelles, hyenas, giraffes and even cheetahs. Another large chunk of the island is dominated by Anantara, which has three properties here each offering a unique experience. There’s the fortress-style Desert Islands Resort, the rustic lagoon-front Al Yamm resort – 30 villas inspired by a traditional Bedouin village – and the most unique, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort. Al Sahel brings a touch of the African savannah to Abu Dhabi with 30 luxury thatched safari-style villas filled with dark wood and private pools. An African restaurant serves beachside barbecues, but guests can also make use of the other two hotel’s dining spots and facilities.
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Club Privé by Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Another luxurious option on Saadiyat Island, and part of the cluster of five-star resorts, is Rixos Premium Saadiyat. The property is best known for its all-inclusive experience, including activities and restaurants far beyond the uninspiring buffet synonymous with package offerings. While the property itself is architecturally beautiful – inspired by the brand’s Turkish roots intertwined with Arabesque details – the most impressive stay on the resort is in one of the Club Privé by Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island private pool villa. An even more luxurious all-inclusive offering, Club Prive offers two types of villa – the three-bedroom, which comes with an exclusive pool shared with other Club Prive villas, and the four-bedroom Villa Privee – with its own exclusive private pool. The latter has 24-hour butler service, a grand separate dining room and plenty of dining areas – making it perfect for group travel and events.
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Anantara Al Yamm Resort

Built to resemble a traditional Emirati fishing village, Anantara Al Yamm Resort is one of three beautiful and unique Anantara properties on the wild Sir Bani Yas island. Set on a seemingly untrammelled beach overlooking the ocean and mangroves, the peaceful resort is an ideal hideaway for those looking to switch off, enjoy water activities like snorkelling and kayaking and truly explore Abu Dhabi’s natural and scenic beauty. Rustic and isolated private pool villas dot the shore – a short home to free-roaming animals, including the Arabian Oryx. One- and two-bedroom villas come in many shapes and sizes, so make sure to book into one with a private pool. Guests are also able to enjoy the facilities of the property’s sister resorts, Desert Islands and Al Sahel.
Book now

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

A 40-minute drive from the city amid honey-hued sands – just before the desert turns burnt orange – lies Al Wathba Desert Resort, A Luxury Collection. Opened in 2019 as Jumeirah, the property transferred to Marriott in 2020 and has become one of the best desert resorts in the UAE. While the property has smaller rooms in the main building – making it accessible to all budgets – book a night in a private pool villa for an exceptional desert experience. The sumptuous villas have private pools, a terrace overlooking nothing but sand and palm trees, and the occasional camel or gazelle roaming. Guests can have chefs come to the villa and prepare lavish barbecues or enjoy in-villa spa treatments before spending the night in their lovely private living area. The elegant arabesque theme prevails all around, from the decorative rooms, suites and villas to the traditional Saray Spa, and the fragrance of tuberose dances in the air. Five restaurants span Lebanese, traditional Emirati, European, and desert activities, including camel and Arabian horse riding, dune bashing, archery, and riding the hotel’s in-house Waverider.
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Hotels with private pools in the UAE: Ras Al Khaimah

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

Anantara has just opened what could be Ras Al Khaimah’s most modern and luxurious hotel, the stunning Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort. The beachfront sits nestled amongst protected mangroves, with Maldivian-style overwater villas promising a stand-out and unique experience within the emirate. These private pool villas are perched above the ocean, with mangrove views, and come with kitchens, spacious bedrooms, sea-view bathtubs and outdoor showers – all reminiscent of Anantara’s beautiful Maldivian properties. Elsewhere, guests will find a 9,000 sqm private beach, the Anantara Spa, Anantara’s signature Mekong restaurants, and soon, a yoga pavilion and wildlife centre – showcasing the wonders of the mangroves and UAE eco-system to guests.
Doubles from AED1,700 per night; anantara.com

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Located in the terracotta dunes of Ras Al Khaimah’s desert conservation, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is rated as one of the best the best hotels with private pools in the UAE. Though just a 50-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, the sprawling desert retreat feels like its on another planet – set in 1,235 acres of protected nature reserve with free-roaming Arabian gazelles, oryx and camels to keep guests company. Speaking of guests, visitors stay in private pool villas – the highest category being palatial tented villas – with private terraces overlooking the endless desert dunes. Villas come with bicycles so guests can pedal through the lantern-lit grounds past traditional Arabic forts, greenery and wildlife to the Arabesque spa, activities centre for the likes of falconry, archery, horseriding and desert safaris, and the four restaurants – rooftop Moon Bar is an utterly spellbinding spot for sundowners with views across the desert. This is also one of the most popular spots in the county for proposals, romantic escapes and honeymoons.
Villas from AED 1,550 a night; Al Mazraa Wadi Khadija; ritzcarlton.com 

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

While Al Wadi Desert channels One Thousand and One Nights, its sister property, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, opts for a more tropical, Balinese vibe. The unique hotel is located on the white sands of Al Hamra – a vibrant community with an 18-hole golf course, shops, a marina and restaurants – and offers the feeling of staying on a private island, thanks to its collection of beachfront private pool villas. Inside the villa is typical of an Indian Ocean island with billowing white bed drapes, lots of teak and outdoor bathtubs and showers. Private gardens are shaded with palm trees and have private cabanas and seating overlooking the ocean – perfect for enjoying breakfast or sundowners with a view. Breakfast and in-villa dining are hugely popular, but the main resort has a fantastic main restaurant specialising in fresh seafood.
Villas from AED2,720; Al Hamra Village; ritzcarlton.com

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

Ras Al Khaimah’s modern Mövenpick Resort sits on the beautiful sands of Al Marjan island – with a stretch of private beach and views across the Arabian Gulf. The hotel is a popular spot with staycationers, families and groups of friends, who come to make the most of its fantastic array of facilities and restaurants – including an iteration of chic Dubai beach club Ula. What makes this property so great are its private pool villas – which come with a decent-sized garden with a private pool and terrace (get a couple of villas together for a fun vacation with friends). Fans of the brand will appreciate the classic Movenpick touches, like a chocolate hour open to all those at the resort.
Al Marjan Island; doubles from AED480; movenpick.accor.com

The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa

Ras Al Khaimah’s shoreline is dotted with beautiful natural islands, one of them, Hayat island, is home to the shiny InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa. The sprawling beachfront property is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, making it perfect for a long weekend escape. The private pool villas are ideal for families and groups of friends looking for a relaxing break in the northern emirate and offer elegant living spaces, spacious bedrooms, in-villa dining and private terraces with stylish grey loungers and private pools. Minimalists will love the resort’s clean, stripped back and modern design – with lots of whites, blues and wood – while families will appreciate a superb children’s club.
Hayat Island; doubles from AED980 a night; icrasalkhaimah.com

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