Opened just months after a sister property in the neighboring emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah (971-4/818-2222; doubles from US$354), located on the exclusive East Crescent of the world’s largest man-made island, proves that there is no sibling rivalry by presenting plush touches that impress even in luxury-rich Dubai. All of the rooms have sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, while a 200-meter stretch of private beach provides an up-close view of the calm blue-green waters. Other highlights at the white-marble-clad resort include two outdoor pools, a 2,000-square-meter Waldorf Spa, and food and beverage outlets led by Social, a New York–inspired eatery conceived by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. And in a nod to the brand’s past, the lobby lounge, Peacock Alley, is named for the grand promenade that once connected the original Waldorf and Astoria hotels in New York. –Christi Hang

This article originally appeared in the February/March 2014 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Glamor in the Gulf”)