Ras Al Khaimah Beach Break, 4 Nights

Most flights from India land at Dubai International, and Ras Al Khaimah is about an hour and a quarter north by road, past Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, with the Hajar mountains appearing on the right as you near the emirate. Check-in is from about two. The rest of the day belongs to the beach and pool; Marjan Island's resorts face west, so sunset is over the water.

A lazy morning, then a pick-up in the afternoon for the desert, where red dunes run inland from the coast. The 4x4 drive over the sand is lively; ask the driver to take it gently if anyone is nervous or prone to motion sickness. At the camp there is Arabic coffee and dates, camel rides, henna, and a barbecue dinner with a tanoura dancer and fire show after dark. Vegetarian dishes are always on the buffet.

A day with no timetable. The water off Marjan Island is shallow and calm most of the year, and the resorts have pools, kids' clubs and water-sports centres for kayaks and paddle boards. Anyone who would rather move can take the paved road up Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain, noticeably cooler than the coast, with viewing decks and the long zipline; we arrange a car and tickets if wanted.

Another free day. For some history, Al Jazirat Al Hamra is a fishing and pearling village abandoned in the late twentieth century, its coral-stone houses and wind towers now being restored; the National Museum in the old fort in the city covers the emirate's past, and Dhayah fort stands on a hill in the date palms to the north. Otherwise, a spa treatment and a long lunch by the sea.

Breakfast on the terrace and check-out. The drive back to Dubai International takes about an hour and a quarter in normal traffic, longer at the evening rush through Sharjah, so we build in a margin. Ras Al Khaimah also has its own small airport, which a few flights use; we check which is better for your tickets. A late check-out can be requested for evening flights.