Discover the UAE through the eyes of Maxime van Gelderen, founder and CEO of Connecting the Dots (CTD), one of Dubai’s premier luxury travel and lifestyle management company.
From the bold architectural statements of Dubai’s newest resorts to the quiet elegance of secluded desert retreats, Maxime shares her insights on the most exceptional hotels across the Emirates. Her carefully curated perspective transforms every stay into an experience defined by subtlety, sophistication, and the art of quiet luxury.
Maxime van Gelderen doesn’t just plan trips, she crafts journeys. Her Dubai-based agency, CTD, specializes in experiences for travelers who seek more than conventional luxury. With an eye for design, an instinct for human connection, and a devotion to subtlety, Maxime evaluates hotels not just for their amenities but for the emotional rhythm they create. In this exclusive feature, she shares her thoughts on the UAE’s most extraordinary properties, revealing what makes each destination truly unforgettable.
We asked Maxime for her favorite spots across the UAE.
Dubai
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
“What impressed me most about Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the architecture, it truly feels like Dubai’s next coastal icon in the making. The design is bold yet refined, and the service already carries the effortless polish Jumeirah is known for. What I loved most though is the culinary scene. The F&B offering alone makes it worth visiting, even if you’re not staying overnight. Iliana and Rialto are absolute musts, the kind of places you go for dinner and end up staying far longer than planned. Altogether, the property feels like the epitome of quiet luxury, understated, elegant, and effortlessly sophisticated!”
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
“Bvlgari Resort Dubai is one of those places where Dubai suddenly feels quiet and intimate. What I personally love is the privacy, it feels more like a Mediterranean hideaway than a city resort. The architecture, the marina and the understated Italian elegance create a completely different rhythm from the rest of Dubai. It’s the place I recommend when someone wants Dubai luxury without the noise.”
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai
“Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is one of my favorite beachfront hotels in Dubai because it combines calm elegance with a fantastic location. The rooms are incredibly spacious with views over the Arabian Gulf and the service always feels warm and personal. It’s also a hotel where the restaurants are genuinely worth visiting, which makes it feel like a lifestyle destination rather than just a place to stay.”
Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
“Emirates Palace is one of those places that truly represents the grandeur of the region. The scale, the gardens and the private beach create an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. What I appreciate most is that despite its size, the service remains incredibly polished. It’s a place where you immediately feel the heritage and ambition of Abu Dhabi.”
Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort
“Saadiyat Island is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UAE, and Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort captures that natural beauty perfectly. What I love here is the simplicity, wide beaches, soft architecture and a slower rhythm compared to the city. It’s the kind of place where you come to disconnect and enjoy the sea.”
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
“Rosewood Abu Dhabi has a very different energy, more urban and sophisticated. Located on Al Maryah Island, it’s surrounded by the city’s financial and cultural hubs. I often recommend it for travelers who want to explore Abu Dhabi’s modern side while still enjoying the comfort and elegance Rosewood is known for.”
Ras Al Khaimah
The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert
“Al Wadi Desert is one of the most unique resorts in the UAE. Staying in a private villa surrounded by desert wildlife feels incredibly peaceful and almost surreal. The experience is very much about space and silence, sunrise over the dunes, private pools and the feeling of being completely disconnected from the city.”
The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach
“What makes Al Hamra Beach special is its intimacy. The villas are directly on the water and the entire resort feels incredibly secluded. It’s a place where time slows down, perfect for travelers looking for privacy and understated luxury.”
Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah
“Anantara Mina Al Arab brings a new experience to Ras Al Khaimah with its overwater villas and mangrove surroundings. What I like most is the connection to nature, flamingos, calm lagoons and open water. It feels like a side of the UAE many travelers don’t expect.”
Fujairah
Address Beach Resort Fujairah
“Fujairah offers a completely different landscape compared to the rest of the UAE, where the Hajar Mountains meet the ocean. Address Beach Resort Fujairah makes the most of that scenery with beautiful sea views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a perfect escape when you want mountains, ocean and contemporary luxury together.”
InterContinental Fujairah Resort
“InterContinental Fujairah sits on one of the longest natural beaches in the UAE. What I like about it is the sense of space, wide shoreline, mountain backdrops and a slower pace than Dubai. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful coastal retreat.”
Ajman
The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah
“Al Zorah is one of the most peaceful resorts in the UAE. The architecture is minimal and elegant, surrounded by mangroves and nature. What makes it special is the calm — it feels like a private sanctuary just an hour from Dubai.”
Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort
“Ajman Saray has a classic Arabian resort feel with beautiful beachfront views and warm hospitality. It’s a great option for travelers who want a relaxed beach stay while still being close to Dubai.”
Sharjah
The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah
“The Chedi Al Bait is unlike any other hotel in the UAE. It is built from restored heritage houses in the heart of Sharjah’s historic district. Walking through the courtyards and narrow pathways feels like stepping into another era, it’s deeply connected to Emirati culture.”
Al Badayer Retreat
“Al Badayer Retreat sits among dramatic desert dunes and feels very authentic to the region. The architecture reflects traditional desert forts and the setting makes it perfect for travelers who want to experience the UAE’s desert landscapes.”
Umm Al Quwain
Casa Mikoko Resort
“Casa Mikoko feels like a hidden retreat. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate with a strong connection to nature. It’s ideal for travelers who want simplicity and quiet away from the larger cities.”
Umm Al Quwain Beach Hotel
“Umm Al Quwain Beach Hotel has a laid-back coastal charm that feels authentic and local. What I appreciate most is the simplicity, it’s the kind of place where you slow down, enjoy the sea and experience a quieter side of the UAE.”
With Maxime’s carefully curated favorites across the Emirates, from bold Dubai landmarks to serene desert retreats and hidden coastal escapes, there is more than enough inspiration to plan a journey that discovers the UAE in style. Whether seeking quiet luxury, immersive design, or intimate family experiences, these selections offer travelers the perfect guide to explore the Emirates with sophistication, elegance, and unforgettable memories.
