Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

The only hotel sitting directly on Pearl Jumeira's waterfront, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa positions itself as a certain kind of fantasy: Gulf views from every private balcony, five places to eat and drink, beachside cabanas, and villas that come staffed with a round-the-clock host and a personal chef. The brand's motto is "tell only your best friends," which is doing a lot of work in a city where ultra-luxe is basically the baseline. Selected by the Michelin Guide.