Because you don’t need to get on a flight for a weekend reboot.

Here are our top picks for a quick and essential escape…

For 360 degrees of nature: Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort

For 360 degrees of nature: Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort

If you’re one with mountains and the sea, Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort marries up both forces of nature in a beautiful and well-thought out property. Sprawled out against the rugged Al Hajar Mountains,  it still has a boutique hotel feel to it despite its 181 rooms.

As with every Fairmont, the hotel straddles a western and local identity, featuring modern, sleek lines with walls of framed Arabic art and oriental accents. There’s an art deco colouring about the hotel too, which pairs up well when you’re sipping a mocktail at the Lava Beach Club – the first lifestyle beach club of its kind in the UAE. Perfect for daytime chilling and excellent for moonlight revelry.

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If we’re going to rave about one restaurant, it’s The Copper Lobster – a proper surf and turf experience lending itself to over-ordering and indulging but hitting every satiating spot – try the tomahawk steak; which is portioned for three people, but really, can be demolished by one person who doesn’t readily take to goodwill sharing gestures – the steak-sleep you’ll have in the hammock bed afterwards is next-level staycation goals.

After you wake from the depths of your sweet slumber, the Willow Stream spa has the usual gamut of treatments to boost your mind, body and soul. None come better recommended than the 30-minute express facial. Why? It’s enough time to relax and perk you up and affords more contact time with the mountains – the hotel can also arrange a bespoke hiking itinerary for you.

For city sophistication: Shangri-La Hotel Dubai

For city sophistication: Shangri-La Hotel Dubai

Often, it’s easier to overlook what is right on your doorstep. Like the Shangri-La Dubai. If you have, now is the time to change things around and book in for a 24-hour pampering weekend.

The sophisticated 302 rooms and suites city hotel has recently got an uplift and boasts some of the best Burj Khalifa views in town. Right from the moment you walk into the hotel and are greeted with a striking artwork featuring countless books in various languages, to the extremely friendly staff to dropping your weary self into the soft comforts of the bed, you feel transported into a different world – one with palm fringed pools (where you can top up your tan lazing on the sun loungers), serene blue waters and a great mix of utterly sumptuous cuisines.

The crispy king prawns with mango at Shang Palace is finger-licking good and the charming Hoi An is a must visit. No pampering stay is ever complete without a spa treatment, and the CHI spa has a long menu of treats.

We are definitely going back for the Himalayan salt stone and the aromatherapy massage, as it took away all remnants of stress that might have followed us there. The journey of tranquillity begins even before that as you walk the candle-lit walkway lined with rose petal pools. Hello, total bliss.

Throughout 2018 you can book this blissful weekend staycation for two at the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai and enjoy breakfast, brunch, a spa treatment, late check-out, food and beverage credit and shuttle transfers to Dubai Mall.

For buzzy nightlife: Grosvenor House

For buzzy nightlife: Grosvenor House

Two towers, one hot hotel. Grosvenor House stands tall in Dubai Marina in the heart of the restaurant circuit, feeding your senses in every direction.

The hotel interiors are calm on the eye with a chocolate and cream colour palette. The bathrooms come with Bulgari amenities and if you get lounge access, the round-the-clock food service will make sure you never go hungry during your stay – but if you do venture to any of their outlets, make sure it’s Toro Toro – the Latin American haunt, for an excellent menu that includes smoked guacamole and a tres leches cake – they’ve got fabulously unusual offerings across the board.

And for after-hours fun, take a bite from a wild slice of nightlife around the Marina and finish off at Bar 44 – views of the twinkling skyline and innovative drinks included.

For modern wellness: The Retreat Palm Dubai

For modern wellness: The Retreat Palm Dubai

Nothing says ‘chill’ better than a property on The Palm. The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has the vibe of a sophisticated beach club but with the added benefit of being touted as the  ultimate holistic wellness destination retreat, so you don’t have to go to the Himalayas to get your fix of self-care.

Just head to The Palm and the fresh and clean atmosphere of the hotel will put you in Zen-mode instantly – also, it’s a new kid on the block.

Head over to The Rayya Wellness Center where a roster of treatments are available to meet your needs without having to lift a finger. You can save yourself the hassle of piecing together a package as they offer all-inclusive deals that cover you from beginning to end.

Whether your goal is to reset your body, revitalise, renew, reshape or simply to relax, this place has got you covered.

For chic interiors: Rosewood Abu Dhabi

For chic interiors: Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Slick and smart are the first words that spring to mind as you step into the glossy reception of Rosewood Abu Dhabi, which sits prominently on Al Maryah Island.

Gadgetry takes pride of place here, where every technological feature in your well-appointed room is intuitive, with nothing more than a touch of an iPad to draw curtains or to switch lights on and off. New York elegance comes in the form of discreet yet curated fixtures.

For culinary delights, try La Cava, a perfect spot to clink to your weekend away, while Dai Pai Dong (elevated Hong Kong street food) will unearth dormant palates within – try anything with red bean for super soulful tastes.

For Arabesque luxury: Bab Al Qasr Abu Dhabi

For Arabesque luxury: Bab Al Qasr Abu Dhabi

Living large is the mainstay aesthetic that brings Bab Al Qasr to life. If you arrive at night, you’ll see the hotel lit up like something out of Star Wars – it’s hard to miss.

You’ve got all the gilded features of modern Middle Eastern luxury to keep your senses enticed. The ceiling for a start, goes beyond what the eye can see and Islamic artworks frame your walks around the property reminding you of the beauty of Arabic culture.

Staying with a brood comes recommended as the hotel caters to families very well – the private beach offers hours of sandy pleasures as well as the 35-metre pool, ideal for lazy sun-drenched lounging.

For total privacy: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

For total privacy: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

Situated on the pristine white sandy beach of Saadiyat Island, this grand resort presents itself as an excellent choice for a mini-break by the sea in the capital.

The magnificent pool is an obvious choice but you will not want to miss your daily spot on one of the fully serviced beach loungers.

For a quieter sojourn, head to the more secluded pool of the Atarmia Spa. While working on your tan, be sure to book a pampering session from a multitude of available treatments. The 24-hour gym invites you to work out and keep fit whenever suitable to your inner clock.

Feeling peckish after burning all those calories? Watch the awe-inspiring sunset to the tune of Mediterranean vibes and tapas from the Beach House Rooftop. When the mood for excitement comes on knocking, Abu Dhabi’s many restaurants and, of course, the Louvre will keep you entertained.     

For Palm Beach vibes: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai

For Palm Beach vibes: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai

Located on Pearl Jumeirah you are treated to spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf from whichever room, suite or villa (if you are in the mood to splash out) you may decide to book.

From the cushioned chairs you sink into at check-in, to the soothing white and light blue notes of your room, it’s all ultra-luxe. Understated, but luxe. The ambience is ideal to leave all worries behind and pamper yourself by lounging by the side of the pool or the twinkling ocean.

Better still, surrender into the hands of an army of experienced therapists and feel the stress actually melt away at the spa. And, we know you won’t be able to resist feasting on the divine Mediterranean delights on offer. We won’t tell anyone, so go all out.

For a break from the grinding routine of city life, a visit to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is next only to flying to an exotic location.

For easy escapes: Double Tree by Hilton Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

For easy escapes: Double Tree by Hilton Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

How does packing an overnight bag and heading to the intoxicating lands of Ras Al Khaimah sound? We are all for it. And the Double Tree by Hilton, Al Marjan Island, with its private beach, multiple pools and rooms with wide balconies, is as beautifully serene as they come.

Whether you decide to spend your time getting experienced therapists to work their magic on tired muscles, playing a round of golf, taking a dip in the inviting turquoise waters, flopping in the white sands or lounging by the pool, relaxation is the key word here.

When you talk of pampering, can spoiling your palate be far away? Treat it to Italian delights at Vespa (the tagliatelle with veal comes highly recommended) or delight in local specialities at Al Marjan. And just as an additional treat, why not dine under the stars dipping your toes in the sand? Magical.

For the complete experience: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, Ajman

For the complete experience: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, Ajman

Looking to get away from the busy city life? Why not book an extended stay at The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah? With its long white sandy beaches, azure lagoon and lush green mangroves it is set to become a favourite address for staycation enthusiasts.

You can be forgiven for not wanting to leave your spacious, light-flooded room with floor to ceiling windows, offering fantastic sea views from the private terraces, perfect to sunbathe and watch the magnificent sunsets.

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Explore the property and don’t miss out on a walk around the beautifully appointed gardens, take a dip in the swimming pool and break a sweat on the tennis courts or while kayaking through mangroves.

Then add to your break with a relaxing massage at the spa. Totally rested, dig into sumptuous fare at Vinesse or seafood at Aquario and wash it all down with fresh fruit juices from the adjacent bar.

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Words: Georgie Bradley and Cecilia D’Souza
Images: Supplied