Warsan Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opened
2008
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
MeliaBoutique polo estate
The estate runs like an equestrian club, where guests gather along green paddocks to watch late-afternoon chukkas.
“The 158-acre estate is home to four polo fields, a polo academy, a riding school, and more than 200 polo ponies cared for by more than 50 grooms.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
True to its name, it's an oasis, a sedate resort-style experience with clean-lined modern villas surrounded by gardens, hedges, trees — greener than your average desert experience, that’s for sure.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a 160-acre championship polo estate in Warsan, bordered by stables and chukkas away from central Dubai.
The rooms
Upper-floor Palm Suites look out over the polo fields, and whitewashed villas hide private plunge pools behind high walls.
The gym and pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The 838-square-meter gym looks out across green gardens, and villa courtyards open to private plunge pools in the sun.
The thermal suite
Heated mosaic loungers look out toward the estate grounds, and a circular hydropool is tucked into a tiled alcove.
The spa
Treatment suites hold freestanding soaking tubs overlooking the fields, and curtained daybeds line the dark-wood relaxation lounge.
At the table
Pony Line pours cocktails behind a fluted terracotta bar, and shaded terrace tables look across the polo fields at dinner.
One of the city’s rare small hotels, this enclave of 26 suites and villas sits on a 150-acre polo estate whose verdant lawns feel far, far away from the cranes of Dubai.
How it began
Emirati polo patron Ali Albwardy founded the private estate in 1994, adding the hotel beside his stables in 2008.
Dubai
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.