With a long weekend looking likely to happen, here’s how to make the most of it…
With Ramadan now well underway, our minds have already started to wander to the likelihood of a long weekend later this month.
That’s right – with Eid Al Fitr predicated to fall on either Sunday 25 June or Monday 26 June, we’re looking at a lazy few days out of the office.
But how to spend them? We do love a little exotic city break, but flights are looking pricey over the premium long weekend.
Luckily there’s plenty of R&R to be had right here in the UAE, with a wealth of awe-inspiring hotels on our doorstep.
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Plus, with temperatures skyrocketing, plenty of venues are offering cut-price stays – so now looks like the time to grab your beach towel, catch some rays, and then kick back in a five-star spa.
Here, we’ve collated some of our top picks…
The newbie
The Viceroy Palm Jumeirah only opened its doors a couple of months ago, and its summer staycation deal makes this the perfect time to check it out. With 15 per cent off room rates between May 1 and September 30 (so rooms are starting from Dhs553 over the Eid weekend), you can bed down in a king room with a gloriously tiled bathroom. You’ll also score 20 per cent off dining at BLVD On One, and 50 per cent off you first spa treatment. We’ve seen inside the spa, and trust us… you’ll get a proper good pamper here. The resort features three pools and 200 metres of private beach, so you can brave the heat for a bit before hitting the massages and a leisurely dinner.
Rooms start from Dhs553 between June 22 and June 26. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.
The boutique hideaway
With only 117 rooms and suites plus 15 villas, the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa feels more intimate than some of Dubai’s sprawling hotels. The slick and sleek hotel complex – located just metres away from the party favourite Nikki Beach Club on Pearl Jumeira – has only been open a handful of months, and its tucked-away setting means you’ll feel a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Think huge bouncy beds, a tiered pool, plenty of beach front with stylish cabanas, and a new Floridian-Caribbean pop-up right on the sand (only on Saturday nights during summer).
Rooms start from Dhs720 between June 22 and June 26. nikkibeachhotels.com.
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The shopping spot
Nestled in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, and found bang-smack in the middle of City Walk, La Ville Hotel & Suites is the perfect location for those wanting to get their shop on. The five-star hotel is walking distance from City Walk’s boutiques and restaurants, or a quick cab ride (well, in summer at least) from The Dubai Mall. And even if you don’t want to hit the stores, there’s plenty to keep you entertained at this art-infused hotel, from the rooftop pool to the Anne Semonin facials and on-site restaurants (carnivores, we can definitely recommend the steaks at Graze…).
Rooms start from Dhs713 between June 22 and June 26. marriott.com.
The marina mini-break
If you’d rather stay on the other side of town, The Address Dubai Marina is offering 10 per cent off its best available rates plus a free breakfast if you stay between June 25 and June 28. This would be the perfect spot for those who want to look over the waterways and be within a stone’s throw of hundreds of bars, restaurants and cafes (or if you don’t want to venture out, the hotel’s infinity pool looks pretty inviting). That deal is also applicable at any Address hotel in Dubai – so if you fancy more of a lush green setting, we’d recommend the Montgomerie.
Rooms start from Dhs499 at the Address Montgomerie and from Dhs599 at the Address Dubai Marina between June 22 and June 26. theaddress.com.
The Palm classic
If you’re looking for a family-friendly staycation, Fairmont The Palm might have the answer. As part of its summer halfboard offer, guests will get two complimentary hours of play per day at the Kids’ Club, and those four temperature-controlled pools will keep everyone entertained. You’ll also score a buffet breakfast plus lunch or dinner at Flow Kitchen, plus access to the hotel’s 800 metres of beach. Sounds pretty relaxing to us…
Rooms under the offer start from Dhs675 between June 22 and June 26. fairmont.com.
Images: Supplied
