Soooo, as you may have noticed, I do love a bit of a staycation… And, since I was looking into the summer offers available and pondering how many staycations I can possibly fit in over the summer, as I was trawling for info it occurred to me that you all might be interested in this too so I decided to write a little post and share the info on some of the best deals I’ve come across. You’re welcome… 😉
All deals are correct at the time of publishing and valid during summer 2017 as stated.
Abu Dhabi
Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
A package so good you’ve got to wonder why more hotels don’t offer this option – spend your Friday indulging at the Bubbalicious brunch and make the most of it by staying the night to recover! Package includes brunch and breakfast, starting from Dhs650++ for one person or from Dhs940++ for two (dependent on whether you want the soft drinks, house drinks or bubbly brunch package). It’s got to be said, considering brunch starts from Dhs350 per person (soft drinks package) – this is a bit of a bargain. Book online here.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Another one for those who like to brunch – the Fairmont Bar Al Bahr are running a ’36 hour weekend’ package which includes one night accommodation for two people, brunch for two at CuiScene, breakfast for two, lunch for two at Poolside (main course and a soft drink), late check-out until 6pm and access to all the hotels facilities from just Dhs1399++ (if you want the bubbly brunch package the price is Dhs1699++). It’s another bargain and best of all, this one runs not just for the summer period, but right up until the end of the year! Check it out and book online here.
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
Yas Viceroy, the iconic hotel on Yas Island is offering an exclusive deal for GCC residents with prices starting at Dhs515 including breakfast and 20% off food and beverage within the hotel (excluding mini-bar and Rush). Offer valid until Sept 30th, book using code PROGCC by calling 02 656 0700 or emailing yas.reservations@viceroy
Zaya Nurai Island
One of the best things about Abu Dhabi comes from it being a series of islands… And one of the most exclusive island resorts is of course none other than Zaya Nurai Island an all villa luxury resort just 10 minutes by boat from Saadiyat Island. Currently offering a 20% discount on overnight stays and 30% on stays of two nights or more until Sept 1st and excluding Eid holidays, give them a call on 02 506 6212 to find out more and book.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Located right on the Corniche with full access to the beautiful Nation Riviera Beach Club (and kids club) on the Corniche Beach itself, the St. Regis is offering a summer family package with 50% off on the second adjoining room when booked with any superior room, giving kids their own space and mum and dad a break! Rooms start from Dhs707 and breakfast is included. Book the summer stay family package by calling 02 694 4444 or emailing reservations.abudhabi@stregis.com.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
With its own beach and a location between the two bridges, next door to the Souk Qaryat Al Beri the Shangri-La remains a firm favourite. Offering a stay three nights for the price of two package throughout the summer including breakfast, the offer includes all room types and is valid on stays until Sept 3oth. Prices start from Dhs1075 per night, call the hotel on 02 509 8888 for more information or to book.
Jumeirah Etihad Towers
One of my favourite hotels in the city (read about that here), Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has some really good value packages on offer direct through their website including 20% off best available rate right up until the end of the year. But for summer, available for UAE residents and valid for stays until 31st August their 2017 summer staycation offer includes breakfast, buffet lunch or dinner at Rosewater, 50% off the first spa treatment and 25% off the second spa treatment, late check out until 3pm and free access to the Observation Deck at 300. For booking call 02 811 5888 or email JADreservations@jumeirah.com.
Anantara Sir Baniyas Island
One for the UAE bucket list, immerse yourself in nature at the Anantara Sir Baniyas Island (read about my stay on the Island for more info). With 20% off a stay at any of the three resorts on the island, this is an offer exclusively for UAE residents only. Valid until Sept 30th. Book by calling 02 895 8700 or email crome@anantara.com.
Al Ain Rotana
OK, so it is a bit blooming’ hot but we already live in the sand so what’s a little drive a bit deeper into the desert?! I personally think Al Ain is one of the most underrated places to visit in the UAE – it’s beautiful and it’s interesting with heaps to do, and even if you want to do nothing at all it’s a great place to get away from it all and just relax. This summer, deals at the Al Ain Rotana start from Dhs575 per night and include welcome cocktails, upgrade to the next room category, buffet dinner, 20% off on treatments at Zen the spa, buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids (under the age of six) and late checkout til 4pm! Offer valid until Dec 31st. Book online via this link.
Hilton Al Ain
Famed as the oldest hotel in the UAE, the Hilton Al Ain has hosted many celebrities and dignitaries over the years including the Queen! A piece of history in its own right, the hotel has had a bit of a makeover since those days and is still one of the favourites in the Garden City. Up until September you can grab a bargain staycation at Hilton Al Ain with packages from Dhs295 per night including taxes! Makani Cafe also has a 20% discount across its whole menu and the Pool Bar is offering buy one get one free promotions on beverages. For more information and to book call 03 768 6666.
Dubai
Ritz Carlton Dubai
Another one on my own increasingly long list of hotels to stay at, the Ritz Carlton Dubai was very nearly the venue for my wedding back in 2008 and there’s no doubt it’s beautiful. Called ‘More Travels More Experiences’, the summer package is available across all Ritz Carlton hotels in the Middle East and Africa and offers 20% off room rates and 30% off food and beverage at participating outlets. Additionally, if you’re a member of the loyalty programme you qualify for extra savings of 30% and a 30% off voucher for your next stay between Sept 10th & Dec 31st – now that’s one way to get the most out of a deal! The summer package is available for stays until Sept 9th and bookings must be made before Aug 31st. Visit ritzcarlton.com or call the hotel directly to book.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
An institution in Dubai, I can’t imagine there’s a person in the UAE that hasn’t visited Barasti, perhaps their most well-known outlet. But whether you’re looking for a place to sleep it off after a night of partying or just to make the most of some beach time, you can bag a bit of a bargain at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi until August 31st with a one night stay from Dhs499++ plus 50% off all food and beverage, spa and watersports. Call 04 511 7771 for more information or to book.
Atlantis, The Palm
If you have a MasterCard you can take advantage of 25-40% off rooms and suites at Atlantis with hotel guests also receiving 25% off in all restaurants with their ‘stay and play’ offer. Unlimited access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium is also included and if you fancy a trip to the spa, all treatments over Dhs500 will also receive another 25% off. Prices start from Dhs740+per night for up to two adults and two kids aged 11 and under and the offer runs right up until September (redemption period ends Oct 15th).
Offer can be booked via https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/special-offers/mastercard. Stays must be paid in full with a MasterCard and brought along at check in along with your Emirates ID or UAE Resident Visa. Check out the full terms and conditions here.
Burj Al Arab
Another one on the bucket list of most UAE expats, it’s got to be none other than the iconic Burj Al Arab. It’s still pretty pricey even with the UAE residents offer but let’s face it, it’s about as much of a bargain as you’re ever going to get for this place. The all-suite hotel is offering 25% off the best available rate in a duplex suite with breakfast, complimentary stay for up to three kids aged 11 and under in the same suite, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres on a daily basis, unlimited access to Wild Wadi water park and access to all the usual hotel facilities including the spa, Burj Al Arab terrace and beach and a private beach at Jumeirah Al Naseem. For more information or to book call 04 301 7400 or email BAAreservations@jumeirah.com.
Desert Palm Per Aquum
This is one hotel that has been on my own list for some time. Although it’s not necessarily in the most immediately desirable location, it’s the luxury of the property and that the brand is renowned for that places it on my hit list. They don’t have a specific UAE residents offer running, but there is the chance to save a bit of cash with their ‘mid-week recharge’ which offers 20% savings on Palm Deluxe, Palm Suite, Pool Villas or Polo Pool villas and Pool Residence from Saturdays to Wednesdays starting at 840AED. Alternatively, if you can book 14 days or more in advance you can find rates starting from Dhs788, a saving of 15% on their normal rates with the ‘Advance Purchase’ offer. Book online here or email: reservations@desertpalm.ae
Sofitel The Palm
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Sofitel The Palm, and apparently it has one of the best kid’s clubs in the city which is good to know! Summer rates for UAE residents include 20% off the best available rates and 25% off in all restaurants across the property and two for ones available on selected treatments at SoSPA until Sept 30th. For booking or more information call 04 455 6677 or email h6541@sofitel.com.
Address Hotels & Resorts
This is a good one for us Abu-Dhabians or anyone outside of Dubai looking for a city staycation. With the same offer across all five of the Dubai Address Hotels and Resorts if you stay a minimum of two nights you’ll receive Dhs100 back as dining credit per room per night. Also as part of the package on a per room per night basis tickets are offered to KidZania, Reel Cinemas, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or Dubai Parks and Resorts. Offer available until September. For reservations and more information, email stay@addresshotels.com, call 04 423 8888 or book online at www.addresshotels.com.
Ras Al Khaimah
Waldorf Astoria
With some excellent restaurants and beautiful big rooms, the Waldorf Astoria is well worth a visit (read about my experience there here) and even more so if you can get a deal. This summer and right through until Dec 17th they are offering 20% off the best available rate including breakfast and dinner in the Qasr Al Bahar buffet restaurant. Rates start at Dhs1020++. Call 07 203 5555 or email reservation.warak@waldorfastoria.com
Al Wadi Desert Ras Al Khaimah
Previously the Banyan Tree, the resort is now Al Wadi Desert and managed by Ritz Carlton. It’s a place that has been on my bucket list for a very long time and oozes luxury, exclusivity and elegance. The deal is the same as above for the Dubai hotel (and also available across all Ritz Carlton hotels in the Middle East and Africa) – ‘More Travels More Experiences’ offers 20% off room rates and 30% off food and beverage at participating outlets. Additionally, if you’re a member of the loyalty programme you qualify for extra savings of 30% and a 30% off voucher for your next stay between Sept 10th & Dec 31st – now that’s one way to get the most out of a deal! The summer package is available for stays until Sept 9th and bookings must be made before Aug 31st.
Fujairah
Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
Fairly new on the scene since it only opened earlier this year, the Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort claims to be an art inspired resort and boasts all rooms with either ocean or marina views. Their summer offer runs until Sept 30th and includes 20% off the best available rate including breakfast, 20% discount on dining at Arteasan, Cafe Pronto and The Copper Lobster and free access to the kids’ club and hotel facilities. Although ‘beach resort’ is in the name, you need to know that the hotels’ own beach club is not yet completed but a free shuttle service runs to and from a neighbouring hotel’s private beach for guests. Call for more information on 09 204 1111 or email fujairah@fairmont.com.
OK, so these next hotels don’t exactly qualify as staycations, but come on, at just a short flight away (or even just a drive for Oman), they are so frequently visited by UAE residents it seemed rude not to include them…!
Bahrain
Ritz Carlton Bahrain
Again, it’s the same offer as with the Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah Ritz Carlton hotels but I’ve added it in again because not only is Bahrain on my own hit list, but the Ritz Carlton in Bahrain has been said to have some of the best service in any hotel in the Middle East so on that basis alone I think it’s worth including:
‘More Travels More Experiences’, the summer package is available across all Ritz Carlton hotels in the Middle East and Africa and offers 20% off room rates and 30% off food and beverage at participating outlets. Additionally, if you’re a member of the loyalty programme you qualify for extra savings of 30% and a 30% off voucher for your next stay between Sept 10th & Dec 31st. The summer package is available for stays until Sept 9th and bookings must be made before Aug 31st. Visit ritzcarlton.com or call the hotel directly to book.
Oman
The Chedi, Muscat
A perennial favourite with short-breaking expats, it would have been remiss of me not to include The Chedi Muscat (read about my experience there here). Famed for its understated elegance and luxurious, peaceful surroundings with its own private beach, not to mention some incredible pools, rates start from OMR120 per room per night but currently you can pay for two nights and stay for three. Also receive credit back to be spent in the resort on a sliding scale depending on the type of room booked – when booking a Serai Room from OMR 120 you’ll receive 50 OMR resort credit per stay, more resort credit is awarded as the room category increases so if you book a fancier room, you’ll get even more back in resort credit. As an extra bonus, guests will also receive OMR30 per room per night, incl. soft drinks and buy one get one free on selected spa treatments.
For more information on the terms and conditions or to book call +968 2452 4400 or email reservation@chedimuscat.com.
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Alila Jabal Akhdar is currently offering GCC residents that opportunity to book rooms from just USD300 inc taxes including breakfast and dinner and 15% off the spa. It’s cooler up in the mountains so it’s well worth a look if you’re stuck here for the summer. According to my own research though from perusing the website and tripadvisor reviews, the resort is set right on a cliff edge without any barriers so is not particularly friendly for families with young kids (as if we needed an excuse to leave them at home?!). The offer can be booked online directly through their website.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Last, but most definitely not least, also located up in the mountains of Oman, the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar makes a great base for not only relaxing, but for visiting the historic Nizwa Fort and Souk as well as the UNESCO heritage sites of Bahla Fort and the Falaj Al-Katmeen Aflaj irrigation system along with Jabal Shams, or ‘sun-mountain’ the highest peak in the GCC. Although still perched on a mountain side and caution is advised near the cliff edge, although I haven’t yet visited myself (yep, it’s on the ever-increasing list!), the Anantara appears to be a much more family friendly choice with all the usual Anantara luxuries and services including a kids club.
When booking online directly through the hotel website receive Dhs95 per stay for rooms and Dhs191 per stay for villas which can be used throughout the hotel at any of the bars, restaurants and even the in spa. The deal includes up to 30% off the best available rate including buffet breakfast for two people, 20% off selected spa treatments and 20% off food and beverage (except alcohol) across all hotel outlets. Rates start from Dhs1,049 and are exclusively for GCC and Omani residents. Book online directly through their website to get the best offer.
Now the only thing is whether there’s enough weekends (and maybe money…) left during the summer to squeeze in all the places I’d still like to go… 😉
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