Dubai: Side Trips

For those of you seeking a bit of R & R away from the big city, Fujairah is the place to head — or, to be more accurate, the stretch between the fishing village of Dibba and Fujairah town. Here you'll find an array of sleeping options ranging from the plush Le Meridien Al Aqah with its giant swimming pool to the more down-at-heel (but charming) Sandy Beach Motel whose villas each come with their own barbeque area. Out at sea, Snoopy Rock (an outcropping that looks a little like everyone's favorite Peanut character napping on the roof of his house) is surrounded by great snorkeling, while life on land tends to be lived at an idyllic crawl.

Dibba is approximately 100 km (62 miles) from Dubai and the drive, which takes you past the misnamed Friday Market (it's open throughout the week) and the mountains surrounding Masafi, is an impressive one. You can rent a car (see Musandam), which would allow you to explore the area, but if you're just planning on lazing on the beach, don't bother. Just take a taxi, which will cost roughly AED 200.

• 1. Le Méridien Al Aqah
  Fujairah, U.A.E.; 971-(0)9-244-9000 More Info
• 2. Sandy Beach Motel
  Fujairah, U.A.E.; 971-(0)9-244-5555 sandybm.com