Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island sets the scene for upscale family getaways.

This hotel sits on one end of a banana-shaped strip of sand that’s lapped by calm, glassy water. You can frolic around at the floating waterpark just off-shore – it’s made up of a series of inflatable slides, obstacles and platforms.

Back on dry land, you’ve got half a dozen places to eat and drink, from a globetrotting buffet restaurant to a rooftop shisha bar. A seafront pool’s on hand for when you need to cool off, and little ones can let loose in their own pool, at the outdoor playground or at the hotel-run kids’ club.