Red Sands

Make the great desert escape to this crisp, contemporary villa set in the exclusive Mina Al Arabin residential complex in Ras Al Khaimah. Surrounded by lush green landscapes and powdery white sands, there's an island-living feel to this complex that we love. And you're never far from the glittering lights of neighbouring Dubai city when it's time for a change of pace – it's an easy drive away.

You may find all you need right here at this oh-so-sleek villa, though. Offering up the best of residential living with the quality of a five-star hotel, at the heart of the complex, you'll find a shared communal pool and sports facilities to while away the afternoon. Next door, at the neighbouring five-star hotel, there's a spa complex that you're welcome to use for an additional fee. Or head back to the villa for a bob about your private plunge pool – it's the perfect spot to beat the heat.

Sleeping thirteen guests, there's heaps of space to spill out in style inside. Get together in the lofty living space and cook up a Bedouin-inspired feast in the sleek, modern kitchen. Or, for some quiet time, sneak away to the secondary sitting room upstairs or the bedroom's impressive private balconies with a good book – they'll never even notice you were gone.

Home truths:
*Open-air parking is provided
*This home has its own private entrance
*A cot and high chair are provided – just request with your host
*While not all of the bathrooms and bedrooms are photographed, we expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home
*This home sleeps thirteen guests, with the last three guests sleeping on sofa beds in the lounge spaces
*Bathroom essentials are provided
*There are internal stairs which may be unsuitable for guests with restricted mobility
*The larger swimming pool and fitness facilities are shared, but the villa's plunge pool is private
*Groups of young people (up to 18 years) are not accepted