Al Habtoor Polo Resort review: What I didn't do on my holiday

The story of my two-night solo stay at Al Habtoor Polo Resort, located in the UAE, is one of relaxation and a chance to switch off during a quiet summer in the country. Upon arrival on a Monday afternoon, I was welcomed to a hotel with nearly 150 rooms and villas, but it appeared to be half full. The resort is part of the Al Habtoor Polo Club, which comprises villas, luxury homes, four polo fields, a polo academy, riding school, training arenas, and over 500 stables.

While I didn’t come for the equestrian activities, I was impressed by the horse-themed decor and the main restaurant, Horse and Hound. My executive suite, located on the second floor, boasted a spacious lounge, a luxurious en suite bathroom, and a balcony overlooking one of the four polo fields. The room provided everything needed for a relaxing stay, including tea and coffee, and a balcony that offered a view of the Burj Khalifa.

Breakfast was served buffet-style at Andalusia, featuring various breakfast items, while dinner took place at Horse and Hound, an elegantly decorated sports bar with a chessboard-style tiled floor. The menu featured traditional European dishes, and I enjoyed a standout grilled sea bass and sticky toffee pudding. The swimming pool, with a swim-up bar and plenty of greenery, provided a peaceful place to relax, and there were facilities available for families, including an outdoor playground and tennis courts.