Staying in the UAE for the Eid Holiday? We round up some of the must-try staycations around the Emirates.
One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
When finding the perfect spot this spring, escape from the busyness of the city and step into a landscape of luscious greenery and blossoming fuchsia flowers at one of Dubai’s most sought after hotels. The One and Only Royal Mirage is perfect for a weekend escape and you won’t even have to travel far. This Arabian Palace rests itself on a kilometre of private beachfront splendour, an oasis of serenity overlooking The Palm, contrasted with the modern backdrop of the Dubai Marina.
Within the grounds, three distinct environments await, each complementing the other in a celebration of Arabic design and luxury. Amidst the detailed accommodation, arches and mosaics, lay a choice of eight exquisite restaurants to bring your taste buds alive and take you on a culinary journey. The hotel also houses an invigorating health and beauty spa, four delightful swimming pools and two tennis courts to keep you busy and active during your stay.
Bulgari Hotel, Jumeira Bay, Dubai
Surrounded by panoramic ocean views, The Bulgari hotel is the epitome of luxury and provides a variety of unique and private experiences. Home to the first Bulgari Yacht Club and Marina, this glistening jewel sits on a seahorse-shaped island in Jumeira Bay is just minutes from the mainland. The modern Italian architecture of this magnificent hotel reflects the signature Bulgari style whilst seamlessly drawing on inspiration from its setting.
From the privacy of in-room check-in to a 24-hour personalised butler, the Bulgari hotel goes beyond expectations to ensure an experience that is discreet, luxurious and exceptional in every way. With an exclusive beach on the doorstep and a collection of intoxicating dining options, you’ll want to extend your stay far beyond the weekend. For a uniquely intimate dining experience, visit Hōseki, the Japanese restaurant which seats just nine guests, as the chef prepares the freshest handcrafted seafood dishes before your very eyes, catering specifically to the guests in the room that evening.
Nikki Beach, Pearl Jumeirah Island Dubai
A trip to Nikki Beach hotel will have you feeling as if you are on the Mediterranean coast. The modern accommodation and adjoining beach club feature stylish architecture and the brand’s signature crisp white décor design. This beachfront resort presents spectacular views of both city and sea, with different accommodation options to choose from. Situated within the main building are extra-large guestrooms and exclusive suits, whilst more discrete villas line the beach.
The four restaurant areas bring refined cuisine, healthful salads, and freshly caught seafood for their creative sushi selection. Guests can continue their health and wellness journey by retreating to the specially appointed spa suits with distinctive treatment concepts, such as Hammam, ice fountain and mixed vitality pool. Alternatively, for those looking for a livelier ambience, the chic beach club offers plush sunbeds and VIP cabanas that surround the oversized pool and swim-up bar. Guests are delighted with lavish parties and exceptional live entertainment that are sure to bring family and friends together.
Raffles Hotel, The Palm Dubai
‘True luxury is not just about what you do, it’s about how you feel,’ and you are certainly sure to feel like royalty when staying at the newly opened Raffles hotel, located on the West Crescent of the Palm. As the second Raffles hotel to open in Dubai, this golden palace is the crowning destination for the most regal of guests. The hotel offers spacious and premier rooms, and guests can even upgrade to their very own four-bedroom imperial villa on the shoreline, a mansion of luxury on a pristine beach.
Each villa is adorned with opulent gardens, lavish interiors and a private garden pool, a true home away from home for any VIP. Raffles also provides exceptional dining experiences that not only delight the sense of taste but also focus on sight and sound alike. Enjoy afternoon tea whilst listening to a live pianist in the Blüthner Hall or flavour exquisite cocktails in the Sola Jazz Lounge, everything tastes better when accompanied by world-renowned musicians.
Zaya Nurai Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
If your heart belongs to the Maldives and you’re looking for somewhere nearby with that same exotic island feel, then just off the coast of Abu Dhabi you’ll find Zaya Nurai Island. Accessed via a private speedboat, this secluded island provides an adventure like no other. With only private villas available for booking, this slice of paradise caters for those looking for the most comfortable and homely stays. The extravagant floor to ceiling windows in each water villa blends the waves seamlessly into your living space giving you the impression of drifting out into the open water.
Beach houses create cosy settings, stretching out to powder-white sands, they each come with a private pool, ample terrace area and a stone campfire, perfect for snuggling up with the family under a blanket and making memories roasting sticky marshmallows together. There are plenty of activities on the island too, fishing, archery, diving and aerobics keep you active, whilst a world-class ocean spa, five dining options and beach club ensure ultimate relaxation.
Hilton, Yas Island Abu Dhabi
To add to their list of luxury hotels, Hilton has just opened its newest addition on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Known for being one of the most valuable hotel brands worldwide, this hotel combines elegance with fun-filled adventure. The Hilton Yas Island is perfectly situated to ensure ease and access to the best theme parks and each of the rooms provides balcony views that sweep across the creek and marina, so it’s perfect for all the family.
By checking into the Royal suite, guests are permitted access to the famous Yas Island Theme Parks for the duration of their stay and the extra-large terrace provides a hide-away jacuzzi, just right for unwinding in the evenings after a busy day. This new hotel also offers a 360-degree sunset bar, set out in the Yas Bay, the menu has also been created by an executive chef with experience from some of the world’s leading restaurants.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
Just a two-hour drive from Dubai, nestled in Oman’s dramatic Musandam Peninsula you’ll find the picturesque Six Senses, Zighy Bay hotel and retreat. Where rugged mountains dive into emerald waters, the cobblestone enclaves provide a luxury hideaway with traditional Omani culture weaved throughout. This sanctuary is the ultimate location for those searching for a slice of nature, harmony and peace, combined with the finest in hospitality and service.
From sunrise breakfasts on the mountain edge to private yoga sessions and wellness screening, you’re sure to feel refreshed, relaxed and revitalised after your stay. Six Senses Zighy Bay offers the time and space to find yourself whilst experiencing Omani style living. The hotel also offers eclectic dining experiences with both local and international cuisines as well as private villa barbeques or an intimate dinner on the beach.
Intercontinental Fujairah Resort
Framed by the magnificent Indian Ocean and the Hajar Mountains, the intercontinental has just opened its doors to guests. Located in Fujairah on the Al Aqah beach, the resort combines traditional Arabian architecture with international luxury, a perfect escape from busy city life. Each of the rooms provides plush comforts and uninterrupted views of the ocean, ensuring ultimate relaxation as you step through the door.
Take a walk along the peaceful sandy beaches as the sun sets on the horizon or thrill your adventurous side with a selection of water sports and aquatic activities. In the evening, DRiFT seafood kitchen and bar serve up the freshest seafood and the signature outdoor fire pit allows you to dine with a perfect view of the azure sea as the embers crackle away.
