Laze the day away with some top deals
▶ Hayley Skirka rounds up some of Dubai’s best daycation offers, which offer all-day access to the beach, pool and more
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
For an extra-special daycation, head into the desert to Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. Nestled in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this property offers panoramic views of the dunes and has a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, as well as several daycation options to choose from. The pool day package starts from Dh450 per person and includes fullday access to the infinity pool and a three-course lunch at Al Diwaan. Yoga fans can opt for the wellness package, which also includes a one-hour meditative yoga class. Meanwhile the spa indulgence option comes with a 60-minute treatment at Timeless Spa.
Daily, 7am-8pm, including access to the Timeless Spa infinity pool, lockers and changing rooms, gym and a three-course lunch including soft drinks. Yoga sessions are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8am; bookings can be made via 04 832 99; Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; www.marriott.com
Fairmont The Palm
Enjoy pool and beach time at this Fairmont property, and you’ll also get money back to spend on food and drinks. Head down to the luxury hotel any day of the week and take your pick from eight temperature-controlled pools. For beach lovers, there’s also 800 metres of sandy shoreline to enjoy. And, when you start to feel peckish or fancy a refreshing drink, you’ll have Dh150 in hotel credit to spend across the resort.
Daily, 7am-8pm, Dh150 on weekdays, Dh250 at weekends, half price for children aged between 6 and 12; free for children under 6; Palm
Jumeirah; www.fairmont.com/ palm-dubai
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Leave the city behind for a day inspired by the French Riviera at Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk. Head to Soleil to dip into the key-of-life-shaped swimming pool, lounge on sunbeds and enjoy the city views. You’ll also get cashback to spend on drinks and Mediterranean dishes at Soleil Pool and Lounge. Packages start from Dh175 per adult on weekdays, with Dh75 of that redeemable on food and drinks. Children’s pool passes start from Dh85, with Dh50 to spend at Soleil, and children under 5 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Daily, 8am-8pm; from Dh175 on weekdays, from Dh200 on weekends; bookings can be made via 04 324 9999; Sheikh Rashid Road, Oud
Metha; www.sofitel-dubai-theobelisk. com
Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City
Spend the day at Dubai’s only motor-themed hotel and you can cool down at the rooftop pool for only Dh59 per adult. Take in the views of the Dubai Autodrome, visit the gym or simply relax and unwind. Entry fees are also fully redeemable on food and drinks at outlets across the hotel. And, if you want to make it a proper daycation, upgrade for Dh120 and you’ll also get a day room, perfect for freshening up or giving the children a place to nap.
Pool open daily, 7am-7pm, day rooms available from noon-8pm (maximum of two adults and three children under 12 in a room); Dh59 for adults, Dh29 for children aged between 6 and 12, free for children under 6; bookings can be made via reservations.motorcity@parkinn. com; Dubai Motor City; www. radissonhotels.com
Doubletree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay
Spend the day at this Business Bay property and you’ll get pool access, gym access and a premium room to use throughout the day – perfect for freshening up or grabbing a post-swim nap. Rooms can be used by up to three adults, or two adults and two children, with rates starting from Dh200, plus taxes.
Daily, 9am-6pm, blackout dates apply; prices are 50 per cent of standard room rates, from Dh200, plus taxes; Bay Square; www.hilton.com
Vida Emirates Hills
Catch some rays at Vida’s sparkling infinity pool overlooking the greenery of the surrounding golf course. Even better, you’ll get your entire entry fee back to spend on pool bites throughout the day while you relax.
Daily, 7am-7pm; Dh120 per person, cost fully redeemable on food and drinks, bookings can be made by calling 04 872 8888 or by emailing hithere.hills@vidahotel.com; Emirates Hills; www.vidahotels.com
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Make the most of your downtime with all-day pool and beach access at this Sofitel property. There’s a 500-metre private beach and several outdoor pools to choose from, with access throughout the week. Day guests also get 20 per cent off at restaurants and bars across the resort and, if you want to reserve your spot in the sun, dedicated loungers directly in front of the main pool can be booked for an additional Dh210 per couple. A word of note: towels are not provided due to Covid-19 regulations, so make sure you pack your own.
Sundays to Thursdays, 9am6pm; Dh150 per adult, Dh65 for children, free for children under 6; Fridays to Saturdays, Dh200 for adults, Dh100 for children, free for children under 6; bookings can be made via 04 455 6677; Palm Jumeirah; www.sofiteldubaithepalm.com
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
If you fancy a weekend at the beach with change from Dh100, then Hilton Dubai Jumeirah’s Wavebreaker Beach and Restaurant is a good pick. Set right on Jumeirah Beach, this family-friendly haunt is offering all-day beach and pool access on Fridays and Saturdays for Dh99 per adult, and half-price access for children aged between 6 and 12, or free entry for those under 5. On weekdays, it’s Dh129 per person, but that’s fully redeemable on food and drinks at Wavebreaker restaurant.
Daily, 8am-7.30pm; Fridays to Saturdays, Dh99 per adult; Sundays to Thursdays, Dh129 per adult, with Dh129 redeemable on food and drinks; Dubai Marina; www.hilton.com
La Ville Hotel & Suites
Spend the day taking in spectacular views of the Dubai skyline from the rooftop infinity pool at La Ville Hotel & Suites in City Walk. Day guests will also get credit back to spend on food and drinks at LookUp Rooftop Bar and, if you download the Marriott Bonvoy app, you can also earn and redeem points as you lounge by the hotel pool.
Daily, 7am-6pm; weekday entrance from Dh100, including Dh50 in food and drinks credit, weekend entrance from Dh150, including Dh100 in food and drinks credit; 50 per cent discount for children aged 6 to 12; City Walk; www.livelaville.com
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach
Experience the ultimate daycation at DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach. The infinity pool and private beach here both come with views of Ain Dubai and Bluewaters Island.
Visit on a weekday and you’ll essentially get pool and beach access for free, as the hotel will give you Dh100 credit to spend on food and drinks. Weekends, unfortunately, don’t have the cashback offer, but entry on Fridays and Saturdays starts from Dh150 per adult, which isn’t bad for one of Dubai’s most popular areas.
Daily, 9am-9pm; Dh100 per person on weekdays (fully redeemable on F&B); Dh150 on Fridays and Saturdays (non-redeemable); Dh50 for children aged 6 to 12, free for children under 5; JBR; www.hilton.com
Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis
The Lazy Loungers promotion at Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere lowkey to lunch and swim. Spend Dh100 on food and drinks anywhere in the hotel, and you’ll get access to the rooftop pool at Red Roof free of charge. Choose to dine at the pet-friendly OUIBar & Terrace, Cali-Poke for quick bites on the go, or tuck into light bites as you lounge poolside.
Daily, 9am until midnight; Dubai Silicon Oasis; www.radisson.com
Conrad Dubai
If you’re seeking a ladies-only daycation, head to Conrad Dubai where you can enjoy some pampering at the spa, coupled with pool time. Every Wednesday, ladies can enjoy lounging at Bliss 6 – the hotel’s pool deck surrounded by lush greenery. Afterwards, retreat to the spa for a 60-minute facial followed by a 30-minute back and shoulder massage.
Wednesdays, 8am-midnight; Dh375 per person (women only); bookings can be made via dubaispa@ conradhotels.com; Sheikh Zayed Road; www.hilton.com
Park Hyatt Dubai
For those looking for a relaxing daytime getaway, Park Hyatt Dubai has a package for two that includes entry to the lagoon pool, daytime access to a lagoon beach room, Dh200 credit for food and drinks and complimentary beach bags. You’ll also get a serving of refreshing watermelon brought to you as you soak up some rays.
And, if by the end of the day you really don’t want to leave, you have the option to extend your stay overnight for an additional Dh300.
Daily, 10am-7pm; Dh850 for two
adults, plus taxes; Deira; www.hyatt. com
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham, Dubai JBR
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR has introduced new daycation packages starting at Dh249. The deals include a daytime room, pool access and 30 per cent off spa treatments at Rayya Wellness. Those looking to enjoy dining options can opt for the Dh299 package to get Dh250 in hotel credit – Dh100 of which can be redeemed on food and drinks and Dh150 at Rayya Wellness. And, if you’re bringing the family, the Dh359 package comes with four tickets to your choice of Laguna Waterpark or The Green Planet.
Daily, 9am-6pm; prices inclusive of taxes; dayroom occupancy is maximum two adults and two children under 6; for bookings, email reservations@ramadajbr.com or call 04 399 9979; Jumeirah Beach Residence; www.rhotels.com
Atlantis, The Palm
White Beach at Atlantis, The Palm is one of the most stylish beach clubs in the city, ideal for anyone seeking an Insta-friendly daycation destination. Dive into the infinity pool or relax on the floating beds, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline. With good music and delicious bites on offer, guests will also get money back to spend on food and drinks throughout the day.
Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am-7pm; Dh150, redeemable on F&B; Fridays and public holidays, 10am-7pm; Dh300, with Dh200 redeemable on F&B; reservations can be made online; Palm Jumeirah; www.atlantis.com