5 Best Day Trips from Dubai

"One of the oldest hotels in Dubai, JA Hatta Fort is an oasis in the desert. Just an hour outside of Dubai and set against the Al Hajar Mountains, the hotel is a quaint hideaway. Spacious rooms have balconies with mountain views, and are surprisingly fresh and modern given the property's age. The decor is subtly Arabic-inspired, and rooms have charming white-beamed ceilings. The grounds are home to many different activities, all included: there's a six-hole mini-golf course, tennis courts, billiards, snooker, air hockey and more. The sheer serenity, coupled with expansive mountain views, make it well-worth a weekend outside of the city." - Laura Ratliff