This Eid al Fitr, avoid the busy airport check-in desks and enjoy the delightful holiday destinations on your doorstep instead. With pristine sandy beaches, five star service and adult-only pools to discover, the UAE is spoilt for choice (and without a long haul flight in sight).
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Park Hyatt Dubai
Dubai, UAERenowned for tasteful aesthetics across the globe, The Park Hyatts are among the world’s best-loved luxury hotels. Dubai Creek, with its azure infinity lagoon and man-made private beach, makes it no exception.
It may not be the gatekept gem it once was but with a modest 223 rooms across five floors, it’s still a humble resort with the Park Hyatt-standard emphasis on peace and privacy. Just a 10-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, and 45-minutes from Dubai Marina, guests find themselves transported from city high rises to holiday heaven within the hour as they overlook the Dubai Creek from their new oasis under a palm tree by the pool. With a selection of trendy restaurants to choose from and a spa complex that’s hard to resist, it really does feel like a slice of vacation here.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Abu Dhabi, UAEOK, so this staycation may technically require a light spot of air travel, but a 20-minute flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport is hardly a drag when it’s overlooking turquoise Gulf waters to reach the paradise desert island that is Sir Bani Yas. Alternatively, passenger ferries are frequent and fuss-free. Home to Arabian Wildlife Park, guests get a taste for safari spotting roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles across the island, before retreating back to the hotel to enjoy its lavish suites and five-star standard accommodation. The pool, the spa and the restaurants are unsurprisingly impressive, but what is unexpected is the variety of the leisure offerings, from snorkeling and tennis, to unique attractions like archery, trail hiking and game drives.
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Mysk Al Faya Retreat
Sharjah, UAEIf uninterrupted privacy in a seriously secluded spot sounds like the Eid break of dreams, Mysk Al Faya Retreat is one of the few boutique hotels in the UAE that can be privatised exclusively. Located less than an hour east of Dubai, this Bedouin-style retreat seamlessly blends traditional desert dwelling with modern luxury living. Each of the five conservative rooms are little havens sharing the private sea-saltwater pool, herbal sauna and salt inhalation room. With no on-site staff, guests can indulge in complete reclusion as they watch the sunset over the desert and stargaze into the night around a bonfire. A unique and unforgettable stay that sleeps up to 10 people, it’s the ideal location to enjoy with a group of friends or family.
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa
Ras Al Khaimah, UAEJust an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa occupies the entirety of Hayat Island (off the coast of RAK City) encircling its guests in the sparkling shores of The Arabian Gulf. Step onto the 6,000,000 sq. ft island to revel in its lush green gardens and idyllic island living, only mirrored in the modern minimalism and traditionalism of interior design dovetailing seamlessly. Sea-facing rooms or suites that open onto the gardens are plush and tasteful but the villas with private plunge pools and soaking tubs on the terrace reach a new level of lavish living. Whether meandering into the spa, 6 restaurants and bars, fitness studio, or sprawling swimming pool, elegance truly is everywhere.
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Al Maha Desert Resort
Dubai, UAEAlthough just a 50-minute drive from Dubai, Al Maha sits in stark contrast to the city’s fast-paced beat, infinite development and excess wealth. Perhaps the perfect antidote to over-stimulation, the resort can be found 45 kilometres inland from the city and is only reachable by hotel-arranged Jeep transfer. But desert camping this is not. Designed to evoke Arabic bedouin heritage, the luxury tents are spacious, fully powered by solar energy with sizable baths and king beds which blend the tranquility of the desert with all the modern luxuries of a hotel. Sit back and take in the stunning panoramic views of the sanctuary for endangered wildlife (Arabian oryx and gazelles often saunter past), or dive into desert activities on offer from horseback riding to driving tours. Either way, guests experience the epitome of escapism.
Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Dubai, UAEFar from the glossy and glistening skyscrapers of the city, lies the understated but charming allure of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Less than an hour's drive away, those seeking a family-friendly retreat that still feels relatively calming will find it here, nestled amongst the dunes. A conservatively-sized low-profile construction with just over 100 rooms, Bab Al Shams’ sandstone structure, expansive desert vistas and modern mystique feel far away from city life. The golden landscape provides a fruitful offering of activities around the clock from desert tours and horseback riding in the morning, to falcon shows and stargazing at night. Room and suite views of the flourishing garden courtyard or rippling sand dunes are good for the soul and private terraces and patios are throughout. There’s even a kid’s club and outdoor play areas for little ones to love.
Illustration image: Al Faya Retreat by Sharjah Collection
