Cross my Palm

Dubai offers a luxury take on winter sun for Tom Hutchison

- NIGEL THOMPSON

There's something thrilling about going from scraping frost off the car in the morning to an evening sipping drinks by a pool in 33C heat.

Many Brits chose tried and tested go-tos for winter sun - the Canaries, Madeira, Cyprus or Egypt. But Dubai should make that list, and it's a resort with guaranteed sun, top hospitality, the world's best water park and the most wonderful food - the flagship Atlantis, The Palm hotel in Dubai. It sits at the centre of the crescent of The Palm, that famous tree-shaped archipelago of artificial islands - a jewel in the crown of the city's offerings.

Towering over sun-kissed shores and sandy beaches, the coral pink ocean-themed resort looks like it is rising out of the sea. Spanning 46 hectares, this mammoth Middle Eastern hotspot is home to 1,544 rooms and suites across 22 storeys.

There are four swimming pools, a private beach comparable to the best of the Caribbean, and 35 on-site restaurants including Michelin-starred food and luxury shops.

And that's before we've even got into the Aquaventure water park, Lost Chambers Aquarium and ridiculously fun kids' play areas. A highlight of the United Arab Emirates, you can fly there in six-and-a-half hours from the UK and the locals' desire and admiration for all things British means we are the top nationality at almost any given time staying at the hotel.

Atlantis is comprised of colourful wings connecting lavish hotel rooms and is awash with five-star amenities. The rooms are huge, having recently benefited from an extensive renovation since its opening year in 2008. These are modern homes-awayfrom-home for families keen on busy days out and creature comforts at night.

They either face inwards towards the other Palm resorts, with a beautiful vista of the neon city skyline as night falls, or offer a straight out-tosea view that's as calming as any spa session.