Making plans for the upcoming three-day long weekend? Let us guide you through the best deals in the region to make the most of your mini holiday, not too far away from home.
Few weekends muster as much excitement as the Eid Al Adha break, which spells the onset of the cooler months in the Middle East and gives you the opportunity to hit refresh on your busy schedule. If you haven’t planned a getaway yet, we’ve got your back with our top picks of destinations that offer more than what you’ve bargained for. From luxurious beach retreats to Downtown hotspots, here’s a round-up of places that are just a car drive away!
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Why we love it: Set along a stretch of sandy white beach on Al Raha’s corniche, this five-star hotel has everything you’d need to help you relax - from seafront villas to temperature controlled indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. With seven dining options under one roof, this staycation is going to be nothing short of a welcome break.
Eid special offer: The ‘Eid Escape’ package allows UAE residents to enjoy a stay with breakfast and dinner for two included, a 20% discount when dining at any of the restaurants, a 20% discount on spa treatments, plus free access for little ones to the kids’ club that hosts a variety of fun activities.
Booking contact: reservations.alraha@danathotels.com or call 02-5080555.
JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Why we love it: Spread across 80 acres of lush green manicured gardens amidst the desert, this secluded mountain retreat is great for family getaways and those seeking a bit of adventure. The chalet-style rooms offer gorgeous views of the Hajar Mountains, and when you’re done exploring the natural landscape of the Hatta border and surrounding areas, there are two pools to relax in.
Eid special offer: Not only do you get a discount of up to 30% on the divine mountain-view rooms and suites, the resort is also offering a 20% discount on food and beverage.
Booking contact: reservations.hfh@jaresorts.com or call 04-8145400.
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort
Why we love it: With endless stretches of blue water by the hazy white sands, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort is a dream getaway for die-hard beach bums. The beachfront chalets make for an ideal retreat to escape the fast-paced city life. For those who love the water, the resort offers activities such as wakeboarding, kayaking and snorkelling opportunities.
Eid special offer: Standard rooms are available from Dhs 643 onwards and the Eid package includes buffet breakfast for two, a 25% discount on food and beverage at any of their restaurants as well as a 20% discount on spa treatments or water sports at Body & Soul Recreation Club.
Booking contact: reservations.jebeldhanna@danathotels.com or call 02-8012222.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Why we love it: The Siam style elevation surrounded by lush gardens and palm lagoons will transport you to a Thai hideout. Known for their modern take on oriental design, the red-roofed Anantara on the eastern crescent of the Palm is a sanctuary that promises ultimate revival. The water sports and recreation centre keeps you occupied through the day before you head to one of the restaurants to treat yourself to Thai cuisine or succulent cuts of prime Australian steaks at night.
Eid special offer: Book via the hotel’s website and they’ll reward you. How? With credit of Dhs 150 for rooms or apartments and Dhs 400 for villas. You can redeem this at the restaurants, bars or spa. Water babies can use it for the longtail boat ride.
Booking contact: dubaipalm@anantara.com or call 04-5678888.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Why we love it: The dusky low-rise lavish hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road redefines world class luxury with its unique take on Middle Eastern influences. The highlights of this luxurious property include a world-class spa offering indulgent treatments and a three Michelin star restaurant Jean-Georges. Guests can enjoy the pristine beachfront by day, and at night, they can put on their dancing shoes and head to the bustling Provocateur Dubai nightclub.
Eid special offer: For a minimum two night stay, the hotel offers its exclusive Sensational Suites package that includes daily breakfast at Suq, afternoon tea at Shai Salon and 15% off all spa treatments, and unlimited access to the resort’s spectacular pools and beach.
Booking contact: Call 04-2707788.
The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah, Ajman
Why we love it: Al Zorah is an architectural masterpiece and an instagrammers dream. The luxury eco-destination is set on white-sand beaches, lagoons and lush mangroves. With a championship golf course, watersports galore, Sensio Spa, two hammams and 85-metre infinity pool this stylish resort has it all for those looking to relax
and splurge.
Eid special offer: Guests can avail the latest Eid offer which includes complimentary breakfast and lunch, daily yoga classes and Eid amenities and gifts for children. Prices start from Dhs 3, 480 per night, based on a two-night minimum stay in a double room (one child under 12 years in the same room stays for free).
Booking contact: reservations@oberoigroup.com or call 06-5044888.
Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi
Why we love it: The façade of the Dusit Thani city centre property borrows the best of Thai influences merged into modern hospitality. Not only does the hotel boast the world’s third tallest hotel atrium, it caters to all the needs of a savvy globe trotter with the Namm Spa, DFiT Fitness Centre and an eclectic range of restaurants.
Eid special offer: To make sure you treat yourself to enough ‘me time’, the hotel is giving you a third night free when you pay for two consecutive nights. If you don’t have the luxury of time, the 24-hour staycation is for you. Check-in at a time convenient to you (at no additional costs) and check out 24 hours later without losing out on the 20% discount on selected restaurants and spa treatments. Rates start from Dhs 300 onwards.
Booking contact: info.abudhabi@dusit.com or call 02-6988888.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Why we love it: Looking for something tranquil, soothing and peaceful then the Waldorf Astoria it is. Just an hour’s drive away, the opulence and refinement that greets you at this beachfront resort will make you wonder why you didn’t arrive sooner. There’s a 350m stretch of secluded beach, a spa that offers over forty treatments including the signature Precious Pearl and nine restaurants and lounges along with the luxurious Peacock Alley lounge, which flawlessly defines the Waldorf Astoria experience.
Eid special offer: Special Eid rates start from Dhs 1,020 which includes complimentary breakfast and either lunch or dinner as part of the package. Visitors can also enjoy unlimited access to the beachfront, swimming pools and children’s club.
Booking contact: reservations.Warak@waldorfastoria.com or call 800-00266723.
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
Why we love it: There is more to this iconic hotel than just its futuristic design. Built over land and water, the hotel is the centrepiece on Yas Island. With Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina and Yas Mall on its doorstep, it’s the perfect destination for families and couples alike. There are two pools - family and adults-only - both with sunset views, and with eleven dining and lounge venues offering cuisines from across the globe, what’s not to love?
Eid special offer: Special rates start from Dhs 515 where guests can enjoy daily buffet breakfast and 20% off all food and beverage. Guests can also avail discounted tickets to Ferrari World or Yas Water World Abu Dhabi per guest, per day, for up to 2 adults and 2 children under 12. Also, be sure to check out the tailor-made kids’ zone, Generation V, for the younger members of the family.
Booking contact: yas.reservations@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com or call 02-6560700.
Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel
Why we love it: Feel on top of the world (literally) when you check-in to this mountain oasis resort located at the top of Jebel Hafeet. At 3,000ft, say goodbye to noise and air pollution and hello to a tranquil setting with beautiful views. From a Mediterranean meal at Le Belvedre to dance shows at Lawrences Bar and spa services, there’s something for everyone to ensure a relaxing break.
Eid special offer: If you’re willing to commit to a non-refundable or non-ammendable offer then room rates are available, exclusive of taxes, at Dhs 749 (without breakfast) and Dhs 849 (with breakfast). That’s a saving in comparison to the standard rate which begins from Dhs 1,200 per night.
Booking contact: H3573@accor.com or call 03-7838888.
Palace Downtown Dubai
Why we love it: What’s to love about a staycation in the heart of the city? This: You’re staying in a Middle Eastern palace inspired resort nestled amidst palm trees, overlooking a mirror-flat lake. And if you’re wondering what views can one get from here...Burj Khalifa. The only thing we’ll tell you - it won’t be easy to leave its confines.
Eid special offer: Booking a minimum two nights stay at The Palace Downtown gets guests Dhs 100 dining credit per night, complimentary tickets to The Dubai Mall’s popular attractions such as KidZania, Reel Cinemas and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo - we’re talking a VIP entrance, fish feeding, a ride on the glass bottom boat among other things. Plus, entry to Dubai Parks and Resorts. Book an extra two nights and you’ll be enjoying a day at IMG Worlds of Adventure too.
Booking contact: stay@addresshotels.com or call 04-4238888.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah
Why we love it: This property delivers what you’d expect (if not more) from a five-star beach resort - white sands, blue waters, stylish rooms and top-notch restaurants. Summer entertainment includes karaoke nights, quiz sessions as well live performances by jazz musicians. If you’re there purely to relax, make your way to the Turkish-inflenced Anjana Spa.
Eid special offer: You can book an all-inclusive holiday which means you indulge to your heart’s content at no additional cost. There’s no swiping the card or parting with the cash when you dine because the room rate covers it all. Rates start from Dhs 1,431 per night (double occupancy).
Booking contact: sales.rak@rixos.com or call 07-2020000.
The Chedi Muscat, Oman
Why we love it: This ultra-chic, contemporary oceanside retreat in Muscat is a visual delight. The hotel sits on a 21-acre site with palm lined gardens and white buildings giving you a sense of peace and tranquillity. Spend your days in any of the three pools including the region’s longest which measures 103m, the vast spa or make the most of the complimentary yoga and pilates classes. Whatever you decide, The Chedi Muscat won’t disappoint.
Eid special offer: Until 30th September, the award-winning property offers the Summer Breeze package that is tailored for each guest. Some exciting benefits include generous resort credit, buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments and dinner supplements.
Booking contact: reservation@chedimuscat.com or call +968-24524401.