Ocean Deluxe

Identical inside — the scalloped arch over the bed, the carved headboard, the blue-and-gold carpet, the inlaid tables, the sitting corner under its brass lantern, the marble bathroom with its deep tub under a stepped arch. The bed comes as a king or as two twins, chosen when you book — the same room either way.

What changes is what happens when the balcony doors open. The ground falls away into palms and the pale roofs of the resort; an abra channel runs between them; the souk stands beyond; and past all of it is the Gulf with the Burj Al Arab on the water at the end of the beach. In the evening the sail lights up and starts cycling colours, which is either the reason to book this side or the reason not to. It takes 4 guests at most, 3 of them adults.