The Bar/Lounge at Burj Al Arab

"Non-guests can visit the Burj provided they have a reservation at one of the restaurants or bars, and occasional tours are allowed in the public spaces"

"Low-key it is not, with Rolls-Royce pickups at the airport, a rooftop helipad, and an entrance that denies mere plebeians the right to gawk (a barrier ensures only guests and those with restaurant reservations get onto the man-made island on which it's located)"

"The interior is gaudy but the spectacular coastal views, especially from the Skyview Bar, make up for it"

"Whatever form of suite you stay in there’s pretty much every business and leisure facility you could imagine, including the superlative Assawan Spa, a handful of spectacular restaurants and bars and a fabulous stretch of beach"

"The most basic room here is their one-bedroom single suite that’s a (measly?) 170 square metres, with its own living room, lounge area, bathroom with a Jacuzzi, bar counter and decor that’s more grandiose than minimalistic"

"The public can't gain access to the hotel (except with a restaurant or bar reservation) because it sits on a man-made islet just offshore, so you'll have a ton of privacy, but you'll be paying for the privilege"

") The 27th-floor Skyview bar is a must for cocktails at sunset; if it’s already packed, try heading over to the spa’s two gloriously tiled infinity pools (which are sex-segregated as in a sheikh’s harem), from which some of the best views can be enjoyed"

"There is a seating corner, dressing area, dining table, bar, pantry and powder room"

"Nine restaurants and bars include the ground-floor Al Maharda with floor-to-ceiling aquariums and a simulated submarine ride to the entrance, and the 27th-floor Al Muntaha serving modern European cuisine"