Supremely located on a golden sandy beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, Kempinski Hotel Aqaba is chic and contemporary, boasting all the state-of-the-art trimmings you could ever want for. The strikingly futuristic rooms with their white textiles, chrome lamps and glass bathrooms boast great views. Expect to indulge in some seriously great cuisine. The standout restaurant is Fish-In, with melt-in-the-mouth seafood, and the sunken pool bar will put you in the holiday mood. With the Red Sea on its doorstep, Aqaba is a natural playground. The hotel offers a plethora of water sports including snorkelling, diving, kayaking and sailing – and the year-round sunshine is an undisputed bonus too.

Next to the world’s oldest and very first natural spa (the Dead Sea), this hotel is the epitome of calm. It helps to have one of the largest destination spas in the Middle East, the 10,000 square-metre Anantara Spa. This haven of pampering not only specialises in local treatments (salt and mud) but also deals in a staggering selection of stress-zapping Asian therapies. This is comprehensive with a capital ‘C’. There’s a Moroccan Hammam, Watsu Pool and indoor salt pools, a Tepidarium (for spa geeks) and no end of scrubs, wraps, facials and massages. The one that hurtles straight to the top of our must-do list is East & West, Anantara’s signature massage. Using a unique blend of oils and purpose-designed massage movements to stimulate blood circulation, it provides deep relaxation while simultaneously using reflexology to clear any energy blockages. The spa has also recently introduced yoga classes (group and private), run by the exceptional Kamlesh Kumar. Definitely one to watch on the international spa scene.