The kids are back at school and you both still have some holiday to take — it’s time to plan the perfect couple's escape. Think dramatic desert-scapes to rekindle romance, historic quarters to explore and luxurious child-free pools. Dubai offers everything from sunset balloon rides to afternoon tea with a view.

Go in search of old Dubai

Dubai isn’t all shimmering steel and glass skyscrapers. To discover some of its original heart and soul, head to Al Fahidi and explore the sand-hued buildings punctuated with wind towers and adorned with beautiful Arabian latticework. The quietness of this quarter embraces a sleepier pace of Middle Eastern life. Spend a while slowly getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways, exploring the art studios, museums and quaint coffee shops that make this historic neighbourhood.

Afternoon Tea at the Burj

The lavish English ceremony of afternoon tea is an experience to savour, and there is nowhere better to relish this treat than at the iconic Burj Al Arab. The 27th floor Skyview Bar has endless panoramas of the twinkling Arabian Gulf and serves one of the best afternoon teas in Dubai. Nestle into a window seat and toast your time together with indulgent caviar blinis, neatly trimmed sandwiches and homemade scones.

A hot air balloon ride at sunset

Watch the beauty of Dubai unfurl from thousands of feet up with a hot air balloon ride that reveals the contrasting glass and steel metropolis, and the wild ruggedness of the surrounding desert. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, the colour of the sand turns from rich gold to glowing bronze, and then dusky red. The sense of oneness with nature is completed by the silence of the experience as Arabian oryx quietly graze beneath, while majestic falcons hover in search of prey. With the city a mere dot in the distance and the imposing Hajjar Mountains in the background, you’ll both feel utterly at peace.

Enjoy a relaxing treatment à deux

Rekindle your romance, with a sublime couples treatment at Talise Spa. Set amid the exotic waterways and rich greenery of the hotel’s garden, this tranquil spa features three serene couples suites where you can unwind in utter bliss. The two-hour Just the Two of Us package is the ultimate way to revive and rejuvenate with a deep-tissue massage.

Stay in solitude at Jumeirah Al Naseem

The heavenly beachside retreat Jumeirah Al Naseem is the perfect destination for a Dubai escape without the kids. The adults-only swimming pool and secluded rooms and suites all offer privacy, but most of all, peace. For a stay in unadulterated luxury book the mesmeric Ocean Penthouse with mesmerising views of the sea. Or for laidback living with your own private balcony and direct access to the adults-only pool opt for a tranquil Pool Terrace Room. Make your child-free break truly unforgettable with a lazy day on Jumeirah Al Naseem’s two kilometre stretch of pristine beach.

From dramatic desert-scapes to luxurious child-free pools and sunset balloon rides, experience the perfect couple's escape when you stay at Jumeirah Dubai's hotels and residences.