World's Best The Top 5 Resort Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East in 2019 By John Wogan John Wogan Instagram John Wogan is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure and a contributing writer at T: The New York Times Style Magazine. He was previously a senior editor at Condé Nast Traveler and a travel features editor at Goop.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 10, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Kasbah Tamadot This year's top resort hotels in Africa and the Middle East are as spectacular as the landscapes they inhabit, which include vast stretches of desert, dramatic mountain ranges, and azure beaches along the Persian Gulf. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. Related: The World's Best Awards 2019 The One & Only Royal Mirage (No. 4) is like a world in itself: a 65-acre compound of lush gardens, palm-fringed swimming pools, more than half a mile of private beach, and 466 guest rooms in three buildings. Spa-goers will find an elaborate facility with 12 oversize, private treatment rooms and a traditional hammam. Restaurant options include the Beach Bar & Grill for fresh seafood and Nina, which serves contemporary Indian cuisine. Related: The 10 Best City Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East Runner-up Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is perched 6,500 feet above sea level on the edge of a canyon in Oman's Green Mountains (about two hours southwest of the capital, Muscat). It's so remote that the property can be accessed only by a four-wheel-drive. In fact, the one-of-a-kind location was reason enough for some readers to make the trek. But Anantara goes the extra mile with guest rooms that start at 645 square feet and perks like an infinity-edge swimming pool on a cliff, a spa, mountainside yoga sessions, and guided hiking and bike rides. 5. Beresheet, Mitspe Ramon, Israel Courtesy of Beresheet See Rates on Isrotel.com Score: 91.00 4. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Courtesy of One&Only Royal Mirage See Rates on Oneandonlyresorts.com Score: 92.50 3. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, United Arab Emirates Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach See Rates on Fourseasons.com Score: 92.94 2. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman Courtesy of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar See Rates on Anantara.com Score: 93.60 1. Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains, Morocco Courtesy of Kasbah Tamadot See Rates on Virginlimitededition.com Score: 93.80 A former governor's mansion at the base of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, this year's winner is a tiny, 28-room retreat about an hour's drive south of Marrakesh. It's the passion project of British entrepreneur Richard Branson, who's created an eclectic, charming getaway where internationally sourced antiques fill the interior and roses, cacti, and cherry trees color the gardens. As tempting as it is to lounge around the grounds, though, more active guests can consider tennis on the property's two courts, treks through the mountains, and even mule rides to explore the landscape. The standout for one reader, though, was the staff ("so special"): the hotel makes a point of hiring employees from nearby Berber villages. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit