One thing you’ll never be short on is UAE hotels with private pools.

From the massive, turquoise baths at the country’s top hotels, to swanky rooftop pools perfect for parties, there are plenty of opportunities to cool off.

But did you know there’s also lots of much smaller, incredibly luxurious private pools dotted across the emirates? If you’re staying in Abu Dhabi this winter, you’ll want to explore with a staycation. Check into one of these lush UAE hotels with private pools.

UAE hotels with private pools for couples

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Just 30-minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this stunning desert retreat is designed to be reminiscent of a historic desert village. It has 103 rooms and villas and the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas each come with a private plunge pool. The perfect spot to stay when you’re looking to explore Abu Dhabi’s desert with your partner.
marriott.com (02 204 4444).

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

With panoramic views over the Arabian Gulf and Saadiyat Beach, we can think of worse places to staycay with a loved one. All ground floor villas at the Abu Dhabi beachside resort also come with a large outdoor terrace, a private plunge pool and even spa treatment beds, so you’re sure to leave feeling tip top.
hyatt.com (02 407 1234).

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

Nestled between the Arabian Gulf and swaying palm trees, this resort has to be one of the most romantic spots on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Set on a 9km stretch of pristine white beach, it’s the villas that steal the show, each with their own plunge pool and terrace.
rotana.com (02 697 0000).

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, Ajman

A seaside resort in Ajman, this swish spot’s sprawling 2,820 sq ft Premium Two-Bedroom Beach Villa sleeps up to four guests, with sea views and its own private pool. Expect bold décor, a roomy bathroom and an ample terrace that’s perfect for watching the sun
set – how cute.
oberoihotels.com(06 504 4888).

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Every unit in this hotel, which is surrounded by dunes in the Ras Al Khaimah desert, has its own private pool – it’s up to you (and your budget) how baller your booking is going to be. The most accessible is the 1,700 sq ft Al Rimal Pool Villa, which sleeps two and offers guests views out to the desert (and wildlife).
Ras Al Khaimah, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/al-wadi-desert (07 206 7777).

UAE hotels with private pools for families

Al Habtoor Polo Resort

Ideal for those with a large brood who love to make a splash, the Al Habtoor Polo Resort’s 25 immaculately designed villas are spacious in size. There are four bedrooms within each villa, a maid’s room, state-of-the-art smart home technology, marble bathrooms and a private, perfectly stunning swimming pool.
habtoorpoloresort.com (04 435 4444)

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Take a family holiday to Thailand without the expensive plane fare. Known for its Thai-style luxury, this Palm Jumeirah hotel boasts 400 metres of private shoreline and views of the Arabian Gulf. If you want to take a dip in your very own pool, book one of their Beach Pool Villas which each come with their own swimming pool and direct beach access.
anantara.com (04 567 8888).

Jannah Resort & Villas Ras Al Khaimah

The four-bedroom villas at this beachfront hotel in Ras Al Khaimah each come with their own 12 sq m temperature-controlled private pool. Set within your very own private garden, you can choose to be by the beach, or the communal pool.
jannah-hotels.com (800 526624).

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

It doesn’t get much better than an all-inclusive staycation on Saadiyat Island when you’ve small people to keep entertained. Selected rooms at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island offer direct access to the massive swimming pool while the four-bedroom villa offers ultimate privacy and relaxation thanks to its private pool. And let’s not forget those stunning views over the Arabian Gulf’s pristine blue waters.
rixos.com (02 492 2222).

The Cove Rotana Resort

Located on the a water inlet of the Ras Al Khaimah beachfront, you and the gang can stare endlessly at the Arabian Gulf, play some water sports, dip in one of the two infinity pools, or just enjoy each other’s company by hanging out in your villa. All the villas have private terraces, but all the two and three bedroom villas come with private plunge pools. Dreamy.
rotana.com (07 206 6000)

The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Take a breather from the fast pace of the city at this beachside resort where you can check into your own private pool villa, with direct access to the beach. This serene beach resort’s 1,948 sq ft Al Bahar Tented Pool Villa is a seriously relaxing space, with loads of natural light and an almost safari-esque
vibe that the whole fam’ will love.
ritzcarlton.com (07 204 8888).

Most luxurious UAE hotels with private pools

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

If communing with nature above and below sea level in enviable luxury appeals, and you’re after the best UAE hotels with private pools, then Sir Bani Yas Island is likely for you. Luxury villas are spread out amid the lush savannah, each with a private pool – perfect for gazelle watching while wallowing in the water.
anantara.com (02 801 4300).

Bulgari Resort Dubai

If you can’t get enough of Bulgari’s stylish high-end jewellery, bags and watches, this hotel will speak to you. Stay in one of the 101 rooms at this luxury Dubai resort, or hire out one of the 20 premium, private beachfront villas and get your own pool. All the private villas come with access to a private beach and temperature-controlled swimming pool. And if you feel like really splashing the cash (or dreaming about it, at least), the signature Bvlgari Villa comes with a home cinema, Jacuzzi and hamman.
bulgarihotels.com (04 777 5555).

One&Only The Palm

A staycation in a massive mansion on the beach? Where do we sign up? The swish Palm Jumeirah hotel boasts four exclusive beachfront villas, each with a private pool overlooking the pristine beach, making it one of the favourite UAE hotels with private pools.
oneandonlyresorts.com (04 440 1010).

Zaya Nurai Island

This stunning boutique private island resort in Abu Dhabi has some of the most luxurious accommodations in the country. Each beachside villa boasts its own private pool, direct beach access and a load of facilities including board games and Acqua di Parma products in the bathroom. Fancy or what?
zayanuraiisland.com (02 506 6222).

UAE hotels with private pools close to nature

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

This exceptionally luxurious resort might only be an hour’s drive from Dubai Marina, but it couldn’t feel further from the city. You’re likely to come across a leaping gazelle here – or if you’re really lucky, an Arabian oryx. All Bedouin Suites have plunge pools and after all, where’s better to watch the wildlife than from your very own private pool? A
super hotel with a private pool in Dubai for special occasions.
marriott.com (04 832 9900).

Anantara World Islands, Dubai

Serenity begins as soon as you embark on the boat to reach this hotel, where each of the Beach Pool Villas boast their own body of water. The standalone rattan-interior chalets make the perfect escape for nature-lovers who yearn to spend their days floating between the salty sea and refreshing allure of the (private) swimming pool. If you’re having trouble deciding between UAE hotels with private pools, this pool ticks many boxes.
anantara.com (04 567 8777).

Hatta Terrace

One of a number of privately owned villa properties now available to book in the Hatta mountains, Hatta Terrace is perhaps the most glam, home to three bedrooms and a private swimming pool with enviable views of the surrounding peaks. Other properties available for rent in the area include Sama Hatta, The Palm House, Happiness Farm, Hatta Gate, Hatta Haven, Alberi Lodge, Hatta Mountains Lounge and Sunrise Farm Hatta.
instagram.com/hattaterrace (056 859 2952).

Meliá Desert Palm Dubai

Set amid a massive grassy polo estate in Dubai, at this luxury hotel staycationers can take a break from wandering around the lush polo fields before taking a dip in their very own eight-metre private temperature controlled pool with indoor and outdoor rainfall showers, which come in select private villas. This is one of the UAE hotels with private pools to relax at.
melia.com (04 323 8888).

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

If there was ever a visual representation of an oasis in the desert, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara would be the picture perfect image. The décor of its 154 rooms and 52 villas is brimming with rich colours and beautifully designed fabrics giving off rustic Arabian vibes and select pool villas come complete with private plunge pools overlooking the desert.
anantara.com (02 886 2088).

UAE hotels with private pools for serial phone-snappers

FIVE Jumeirah Village

After a city escape that looks great on the ‘gram? This hotel boasts not one, not two, but 269 swimming pools. Choose between one, two or four bedroom Sky Villa suites, all of which come complete with panoramic views and your own private pool terrace. Check in for party vibes that will make your followers green with envy.
jumeirahvillage.fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9988).

Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah

Looking to escape the city and go to UAE hotels with private pools? This desert retreat just over the border in Sharjah is home to 10 one- and two- bed, ultra-luxe tents. And when we say luxe, we mean it, because each of these glamping pods comes with its own private plunge pool overlooking those incredible burnt
orange dunes. Check in and get ready to capture some seriously cool content. myskhotels.com (06 801 2020).

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

Thought Nikki Beach was all about beach days? You’re not far wrong – but when you stay at their resort, you can opt for your own private beach villa with it’s own pool and roll the beach days into pool nights (go wtih it). There are 15 villas, which each have their own private pool, plus sea views and direct beach access, in addition to a chic dining area and spa-like bathroom.
dubai.nikkibeach.com (04 376 6000).

Dirham-saving pool bars

So you don’t want to fork out the room rate, but still want your pool fix? Head to one of these pool bars where you can pretend you’re on vacation as you cool off, ice-cold drink in hand.

Azure Pool, Ras Al Khaimah

Those looking for a seriously relaxed pool day should head out of the city to Ras Al Khaimah’s Waldorf Astoria where you’ll find their serene Azure Pool. Here you can swim up for a cool beverage before relaxing in the temperature-controlled pool that looks over the Arabian Sea.
Dhs240 with Dhs150 redeemable on F&B. Azure Pool & Beach Bar, Ras Al Khaimah (07 203 5555).

Nation Riviera Beach Club, Abu Dhabi

In sharp contrast to the luxurious formality of The St. Regis hotel lies this relaxed beach club, which is a great place to chill at the water-submerged bar. They also have special rates for couples and families, which means it’s the more the merrier here.
Dhs160 per person (Mon-Fri), Dhs230 per person (Sat & Sun). Free for children under four. Daily, 8am-8pm. Nation Riviera Beach Club, The St Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, nationrivierabeachclub.com (02 694 4780).

Wet Deck, Dubai

An ‘adult only’ pool and beach club, this is one of the UAE hotels with private pools where good-time-loving Dubai residents hang out. Inviting people to take a seat in the centre of this sprawling pool, you can expect great tunes and a light-hearted ambience.
Dhs100 (weekdays), Dhs150 (weekends) redeemable on F&B. W Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 245 5800).

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