A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
▶ Wake up to beautiful views from a vantage point in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, spend a day by the lagoon in Umm Al Quwain or be surrounded by nature in Sharjah. Hayley Skirka has the complete guide to Eid staycation deals
Hilton Dubai Creek
Take a trip to Old Dubai this Eid Al Fitr to enjoy some of the city’s culture and history. Check in at Hilton Dubai Creek and you’ll be near the Gold Souk, the Creek and the Grand Mosque – perfect for sightseeing. The hotel’s rooftop pool offers views across Dubai Creek and to the Arabian Gulf. Eid staycation offers include complimentary breakfast at the Glasshouse Brasserie and a three-course set menu at O’Learys, an American sports restaurant. You can also take advantage of dining discounts and a free upgrade to the next room category, plus early check-in and late check-out, so you can make the most of your holiday.
Dh500 a night including breakfast, excluding taxes; Baniyas Road, Deira; www.hilton.com
Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Located about 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi is an under-the-radar resort and once you’ve found it, you’ll definitely be back for more. Despite being so close to the city, it’s located by the water and has amazing views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s it’s operated by the Shangri-La group, so you can expect luxury standards, for smarter prices. It also has a huge outdoor swimming pool, health club and a good selection of dining options. Dh507 a night including breakfast; available on Thursday, May 13; Khor Al Maqta, Qaryat Al Beri; www.shangri-la.com
Rove La Mer Beach
The newest Rove hotel on the block is offering a great deal this Eid, with guests getting change from Dh600 when they check-in. Located in Jumeirah’s La Mer neighbourhood, the hotel comes with a sea-facing pool, an outdoor terrace and direct access to one of Dubai’s most popular beaches. Inside, it makes the most of its seaside location with giant fish murals, retro surfboard decals and coloured beach-chic furniture. All rooms come with city skyline views or ocean vistas, and each has a private balcony. Guests can also enjoy a 20 per cent discount when dining at selected outlets around La Mer by showing their Rove La Mer key. Dh539 a night including breakfast, excluding taxes; valid from Wednesday to Friday, May 12 to 21; La Mer, Jumeirah; www.rovehotels.com
Park Inn by Radisson
The Eid staycation offer at the Park Inn on Yas Island offers great value for money and easy access to all of the island’s theme parks. Head to the capital for a budget-friendly stay in this newly renovated hotel, which has a colourful design combined with a golf course and Arabian Gulf views. Rooms are wellequipped with Chromecast smart TVs and colour-changing LED mood lights installed in the headboards. Take your pick from Italian dining, Mexican or Belgian pub grub, and enjoy days by the outdoor pool, where children have their own separate play area.
From Dh250 including breakfast, excluding taxes; Yas Boulevard, Yas Island; www.radissonhotels.com
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
Make a break for the east coast this Eid for a stay at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in Al Aqah Beach. Nestled between the ocean on one side and the craggy Hajar mountain range on the other, this five-star resort is perfect for feeling like you’ve really got away from it all – think swaying palm trees, lush gardens and a 200-metre pristine shoreline as well as several temperature-controlled swimming pools, a spa and six restaurants and bars. Children can enjoy the Flipper’s Kids Club and water slide at the family pool.
Dh1,156 a night including breakfast; valid on May 13; Dibba Road, Al Aqah Beach; www.rotana.com
Address Dubai Marina
Spend Eid at the Address Dubai Marina for a stay with a great location, direct access to Dubai Marina Mall and walking distance to the beach. All guests booking a suite over the Eid holidays will also get free tickets to XLine, the Dubai Marina zipline. Get set to fly from one of the Amwaj Towers towards the Dubai Marina Mall, passing Princess Tower, Cayan Tower and the world’s largest man-made marina on the way. Back at the hotel, enjoy the rooftop infinity pool with a view, five restaurants and a spa. Dh800 a night including breakfast, excluding taxes; Dubai Marina; www.addresshotels.com
The Cove Rotana Resort
One of Ras Al Khaimah’s most popular resorts, the laid-back Cove Rotana Resort has a beachfront location and a
Mediterranean vibe. Choose from comfortable rooms, spacious suites or private villas, several of which have their own swimming pools leading directly into the sea. The resort has two infinity pools, a 600-metre private beach, a fully-equipped gym, spa facilities with seven massage treatment rooms, and a separate children’s pool and club area. Dh1,767 a night including breakfast; valid on May
13; Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road; www. rotanahotels.com
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Abu Dhabi’s new kid on the block is set for a bumper Eid. The waterfront hotel on Yas Bay has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool with a poolside restaurant, the first Eforea spa in the UAE, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a shaded splash pool and playground for children. It’s also in prime position for any Eid fireworks set to go off on Yas Island. All guests staying at the hotel will also get free theme park tickets with every night booked, so you can spend your staycation checking out Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi at no additional cost.
Dh750 a night, excluding taxes; Yas Bay, Yas Island; www.hilton.com
Versace Dubai
Celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a relaxing holiday at one of Dubai’s most fashionable retreats: the five-star Palazzo Versace. Check in to your own Versace-designed room or suite at this neoclassical-style hotel, reminiscent of a 16th-century Italian palace. Relax with rejuvenating spa treatments and treat your taste buds to a wide range of culinary experiences at the myriad food and beverage outlets. The Eid staycation offer includes breakfast, plus daily lunch or dinner, and discounts on any spa treatments booked. Guests can also get complimentary access to the pool and beach at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa (a minimum spend applies). From Dh1,190, excluding taxes; Al Jadaf Waterfront; www.palazzoversace.ae
Emirates Palace
Where better to celebrate Eid than at Abu Dhabi’s majestic Emirates Palace? Expect grandeur and opulence at this sprawling hotel, which has its own private beach, a marina, several swimming pools and a variety of top-notch places such as Hakkasan to eat and drink. There’s also an excellent spa with separate male and female facilities for when you want to unwind. Located in the heart of the capital, the hotel is offering an Eid deal for UAE residents that is inclusive of an overnight stay in a Coral Room, buffet breakfast and an Eid celebratory dinner.
From Dh1,430, excluding taxes; valid Wednesday to Friday, May 12 to 14; West Corniche Road; www. mandarinoriental.com
Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
If you want mountain views on one side and the ocean on the other, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort is a good pick. Nestled in the north of the Emirates, this sprawling family-friendly resort has several swimming pools, including one that is for adults only, and another that is geared towards children. It also has tennis courts, a private beach and plenty of water sports on offer. This Eid, special staycation rates include breakfast and dinner, with the option to dine buffet-style at The Kitchen or go a la carte at the hotel’s contemporary Lebanese restaurant. The perfect base for exploring Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains or simply relaxing on the beach, it’s also home to a huge spa with the first Himalayan Wellness Grotto in the emirate. From Dh1,110, including breakfast and dinner; Al Maareedh Street; www.hilton.com
Anantara Eastern Mangroves
For a day spent taking in the natural mangroves, Anantara Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi offers a tranquil escape. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade or take to the water for some mangrove kayaking. Elsewhere, the spa is entirely relaxing, with an amazing hammam facility and the temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking the waters is the perfect place to lounge. Dining options include all-day restaurant Ingredients and the first-rate Pachaylen, which serves up authentic Thai food. Dh638 a night including breakfast; Sheikh Zayed Street; www.anantara.com
Barracuda Beach Resort
On the edge of the Umm Al Quwain lagoon, this is a longtime favourite among UAE residents. Located about 60 kilometres from Dubai, this spot is far enough away to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle, but only takes an hour to reach from the city. Days can be spent by the lagoon-side infinity pool or the palm tree-lined private beach, and children have their own paddling pool and play area. When it comes to dining, check out Biryani Junction for Indian dishes or Thunder Road Pizza & Grill for Italian fare. It’s also right beside Dreamland Aqua Park, ideal for a day out and, if you go for a villa, you can bring your pup along, too. From Dh700 including breakfast, excluding taxes; off the E11; www.barracuda.ae
Ajman Saray
If a pristine sandy beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf is what your Eid dreams are made of then you may want to head over to the Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort in the UAE’s smallest emirate. The hotel’s long-stay promotion means the longer you stay, the more discounts you get. Check in for three nights and you’ll get 20 per cent off, make it a four to six-night stay and the discount increases to 25 per cent, and if you spend seven nights in this coastal getaway you’ll get 30 per cent off your stay. There’s plenty to keep you occupied with a huge swimming pool, fully equipped gym and spa experiences to enjoy. Dining options include Lebanese, Mediterranean, steakhouse and the newly revamped Bab Al Bahr Bar & Grill right on the shoreline. From Dh680 a night for a three-night stay; Dh1,472 for a one-night stay, including breakfast; Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street; www.marriott.com
1JBR by bnbmehomes
Bring the entire family for an Eid staycation at Jumeirah Beach Residence with a spacious apartment to call your own over the holidays. Check in to 1JBR and you’ll have a beautifully designed spot that sleeps six to 10 people. The residence comes with a huge indoor dining table that’s perfect for family meals, barbecue facilities and a large balcony that’s ideal for al fresco dining, with amazing views of Ain Dubai. If you really want to push the boat out, you can book a private butler to assist throughout your stay. Dh2,300 a night, butler services from Dh1,000; Jumeirah Beach Residence; www. bnbmehomes.com
Armani Hotel Dubai
For a stylish Eid staycation, the Armani Hotel Dubai has a two-night package on offer that also comes with tickets to some of the city’s best attractions. Check in to the hotel, which is housed in the world’s tallest building, and enjoy the Italian-designed rooms, buffet breakfast for two and a dinner experience overlooking the Dubai Fountain. Guests will also get tickets to visit Burj Khalifa on level 148, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and the VR Park in The Dubai Mall. Any spends on food, beverages and spa treatments during your stay will also automatically be discounted by 15 per cent.
From Dh5,500 for two people, for two nights; valid from Thursday to Saturday, May 13 to 15; Burj Khalifa; www.armanihoteldubai.com
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat
Escape to Sharjah’s Khor Kalba, where the Mysk Kingfisher Retreat offers an eco-focused stay in a luxury tent. Check in to your one-bedroom tent that comes with a sea view, a private pool and an outdoor rainforest shower. The Adventure Package includes breakfast and dinner plus a family trip to the Kalba Birds of Prey Centre where expert handlers will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about falcons, owls, eagles and more, before letting the birds entertain with a flying demonstration. Afterwards, a kayaking tour of the natural mangroves is the ideal way to soak up the natural surrounds.
Dh4,250 a night, excluding taxes, for two adults and a child; Kalba Corniche; www.myskhotels.com
All rates and availability were correct at the time of writing, but could change as occupancy levels at resorts change. Deals are available throughout the Eid holidays, unless specific dates are mentioned