Discount beauty deals, a luxury eco-lodge and more…
Didn’t quite find time to book a vacation abroad this Eid? Thankfully, there’s plenty at your fingertips to try out in the UAE. Take your pick from an afternoon tea with a difference, a spectacular theatre show or simply unwind with a staycation.
For the culture aficionados
Fancy broadening your cultural horizons? Thankfully, you won’t have to make too much of a dent on those purse strings thanks to La Perle. The water-based show spans spectacular stunts (artists plummet into pools of water from gravity-defying heights), fire, floods and a monsoon-style rainfall in one sitting. A string of celebs, including Lindsay Lohan and Ronaldinho, have flocked here. Just last month, Malala Yousafzai posted several snaps of her attending the show. Good enough for a Nobel Peace Prize winner? Good enough for us.
La Perle, Al Habtoor City. Save at least Dhs1000 when booking 4 or more tickets with the Eid Family Pack, until August 25. Tel: (04) 437 0001 laperle.com/en/tickets/offers-packages
For the sophisticated ones
Make like the Mad Hatter
Sure, the Burj Khalifa might be best left for tourists. But don’t let them nab one of the best afternoon tea spots in Dubai come Eid. Take your pick from mini-sandwiches, patisseries and a 20-strong tea selection, complete with a live violinist. Fancy a more upmarket experience? Sample the ‘Luxurious Menu’, spanning sparkling beverages and a main course (think roast chicken with seasonal veggies). Our tip? Grab a table by the window, of course. A nibble at the world’s tallest building *and* spectacular skyline views? Don’t mind if we do…
At.mosphere Lounge, Burj Khalifa, Luxurious Menu – Dhs515 per person (window table) and La Gourmandise – Dhs327 per person (non-window table). Until 30 September. Tel: (04) 888 3828 atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Dinner with a difference
Sample not one, not two but three different international cuisines in one sitting at Madinat Jumeirah’s Culinary Abra Tour. The only catch? You’ll have to cruise through the tranquil winding waterways of Madinat Jumeriah for each course. Start off the award-winning The Hide, followed by modern Chinese fare (and Burj Al Arab in sight) at Zheng He’s and ending at Tortuga. Now that’s a dinner with a difference.
Culinary Abra Tour, Madinat Jumeirah, Dhs 888 per couple for 3 courses, stopping at The Hide, Zheng He’s and Tortuga. Until end of September. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com
For the hardcore ones
Planning to go a little hard on the feasting? *Raises our hands slowly*. The Fairmont The Palm’s new classes could well do the trick. Dig out your yoga mat and say namaste to a gentle yoga sesh or go hard at Prama, a workout that’ll bust a whopping 1,000 calories in under an hour. The choice is yours…
PRAMA by Pavigym, and yoga with Melanie Swan, Fairmont The Palm. Dhs85 per session until August 30. Tel: (04) 457 3330. fairmont.com/palm-dubai
For the staycationers
A Thai-inspired villa
Now this is one offer you won’t want to miss – pack in a spa treatment, pool access *and* dinner all in the same day at Anantara The Palm Dubai’s Thai-inspired resort. Our advice? See in sunset with a sundowner and Insta-swoon views of The Palm Jumeirah. Just don’t leave before dusk.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. DhS 599 per person, including spa treatment, lunch or dinner buffet with soft beverages at Crescendo, pool and beach access. Tel (04) 567 8888 anantara.com/en/palm-dubai
An eco-lodge
This eco-lodge, located on the Omani border, is the ultimate luxury escape. A digital detox *and* onsite mangroves? Sign us up. If glamping isn’t quite your thing though, there’s tons keep you posted at Kingfisher Lodge– we’re talking kayaking, hiking and even bird-watching.
Kingfisher Lodge, Kalba, Sharjah. Private tents start from 1,300AED for one night (including taxes and vat). Tel: (54) 701 9356. sharjahcollection.ae/kingfisher-lodge
The arty one
For unrivalled unwinding, you could do a lot worse than this opulent hotel, an hour outside of Dubai. Explore your artistic side with arts and crafts classes, available in several languages. Need more distractions? There’s an in-house spa and the chance to savour Waldorf Astoria’s signature eateries in one night on-hand. Race you there.
Waldorf, Vienna St – North Ras Al Khaimah. Rooms start from DhS1300 per night. Dinner: Available throughout the summer for AED 275 per person, daily for dinner only. Tel: (07) 203 5555 waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
Art classes: Available daily throughout the summer from 5pm-7pm. AED 200 per class or AED 800 for 8 classes taught in English, Arabic, Russian and French. Tel: (07) 203 5555 waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
For pampering yourself
Need some me-time? Treat yourself to a string of discount deals at the go-to haunt for massages, mani-pedis and facials. Our faves? Unwind with a mani, pedi, full body massage, facial and face lifting massage as part of ‘Pamper Yourself’. At Dhs600, it’s a steal from its original Dhs1200.
Tao Spa, The Mall Jumeirah. Dhs600 for Delux jelly spa manicure and pedicure (Add gelish for Dhs60), Lava shell full body massage, Hydropeptide facial and Face lifting massage, until August 25th. Tel: (056) 6595222 taospa.com
For the foodies
Beef Bar
Carnivores, rejoice. This one slick steakhouse (we’re talking leather seats and a *lot* of black marble) may well be the plushest place to celebrate. Start off with street food, including tacos, followed by hand-selected cuts for the mains. Still got space? Satisfy your sweet tooth with its signature soufflé. Got little ones? Their 3-course menu starts from Dhs150. Just don’t bring a veggie along…
Beefbar Dubai, Podium Level, Al Fattan Currency House DIFC – Dubai. Dhs295 for three course set menu, DhS 145 for children below age 12. Until August 24. Tel: (4) 35 22 223. dubai.beefbar.com
Palace Downtown
For a more traditional offer, one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets could be your best bet. A stone’s throw from Dubai Mall, dine on traditional Arab fare in identical surroundings, complete with Arabian-inspired archways, private dining coves and a sprawling terrace. The only hard decision? Picking between brunch, lunch or dinner.
Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai. Dhs345 per person for Eid Brunch. 1pm-4:30pm. Dhs223 per person for Eid lunch, including soft beverages. Dhs255 per person for Eid dinner, including soft beverages. Until August 24.
Main image: At.mosphere
