With the Eid Al Adha break fast approaching, you may be considering squeezing in a quick holiday in your time off.
Luckily for you, you live in the Arabian Peninsula and don’t necessarily have to hop on a plane to nab that holiday you’ve been looking for.
Just a few hours from the UAE there are a number of little-know island holiday hotspots that we need to be explored.
If you were looking for your next getaway, why don’t you try one of these…
Zaya Nurai Island
Located just off the coast from Abu Dhabi, it’s like something straight out of a luxury brochure – all turquoise seas and white sands. Choose between a humble beach retreat all the way up to a modern beach estate, all within minutes of the ocean.
It’s less of a family destination and more of a romantic retreat. It’s the kind of place you’d visit to treat a loved one, or to spend that well-deserved week away from work.
Expect great food, golf and luxury spa treatments a-plenty.
Prices for a one bedroom beach house start from Dhs2,750 a night. Tel: (02) 5066222. zayanuraiisland.com.
Sir Bani Yas
Located 170 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi, this island is well-known for its huge amount of wildlife and plants.
It used to be the largest wildlife reserve in the Arabian Peninsula, and thanks to tens of years of conservation work it now plays home to thousands of free-roaming animals as well as millions of trees and plants.
There’s a bird sanctuary, wildlife reserve, and the opportunity for plenty of activities including safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and snorkelling.
Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled, family vacation or just a quick getaway, Sir Bani Yas is a neat destination just a stone’s throw away from the capital.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa serves as a great luxury option.
Rooms from Dhs1,020 per night. Tel: (02) 801 5400. sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com.
Read:
Eid Al Adha Holidays: Five Day Break Likely
UAE Public Holidays 2016: What To Do At Home & Abroad
Holiday Destinations Less Than Five Hours Away
Kish Island
It’ll take you a three-hour ferry to get there, but this small, Iranian island in the Persian Gulf is stacked with shopping malls, tourist attractions and resort hotels.
The best part? You don’t need a visa to get in, and it’s a free trade zone.
The weather’s a bit cooler than in the UAE, so it’s a good spot to hit up during the summer. As far as activities go, there are bike paths all over the island, beaches, markets and malls.
Accommodation-wise, the city’s filled with luxury hotels. One of the best of which is the Shayan International. It’s full of all the amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, with smashing sea views to boot.
Rooms from Dhs645 per night. Tel: (+982) 166975709. Can be booked here.
Holding Image: zayanuraiisland.com
Images: Wikipedia, YouTube and Supplied
