Tuesday, August 20, 2024 As the Suhail Star signals cooler weather, UAE hotels experience a surge in travel with enticing staycation offers and discounted rates for August and September. The summer has been long and hot, but relief is on the way as the Suhail Star is expected to appear in the sky soon, marking the start of a transition to cooler weather. In the meantime, a staycation offers a great way to escape the heat, with luxury hotels across the UAE providing chilled swimming pools and round-the-clock refreshments.
Since summer is typically a low season for tourists, many hotels in the Emirates offer special packages and discounted room rates for those planning an August or September getaway. Here are 10 staycation deals still available this summer, catering to families, couples, golfers, and fitness enthusiasts. Ideal for Families: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Escape to Palm Jumeirah for a mini-getaway filled with sun, sand, and sea.
The Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah in Dubai’s Palm West Beach district offers a summer staycation deal perfect for families. Up to two children under 12 can enjoy an all-inclusive stay when accompanied by two adults, with complimentary buffet breakfast, lunch, and a three-course dinner for the little ones. The package includes snacks from Gelateria by Cucina, unlimited soft drinks, food, and ice cream by the pool, plus free access to the children’s club.
This offer is available until September 30 and can be booked using the code ZJL. Best for Wildlife Lovers: Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, Sir Bani Yas Island Accessible via an exclusive boat ride, Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is home to 11,000 animals, including giraffes, ostriches, and Arabian oryx. Families and couples can enjoy a stay at Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, which is open for the first time during the summer season.
Situated in the Arabian Wildlife Park, the African lodge-style villas offer open terraces and private pools. Activities include 4×4 drives to explore the island’s wildlife, wadi walks, and tours of 20-million-year-old salt domes.Packages include villa accommodation, daily breakfast, early check-in from noon, and late checkout until 2 pm.
Kids under 12 stay and dine at no extra cost. Best for Mountain Views: JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta Escape the city and retreat to the mountains with a summer staycation at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, this resort features lush green lawns, quaint chalets, and slightly cooler temperatures compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The resort’s 72-hour summer saver deal features reduced room rates and a complimentary breakfas. Stay in a deluxe mountain-view room with stunning views of the surrounding rugged landscape from a private balcony. Activities include archery, billiards, air hockey, and relaxing in the temperature-controlled swimming pool.
Pets are welcome in designated pet-friendly rooms. Best for Golfers: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Golf enthusiasts can head to Ras Al Khaimah this summer for a stay at the recently renovated Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, which includes unlimited rounds at the adjacent Al Hamra Golf Club and complimentary breakfast. After an early-morning round, guests can unwind at one of the resort’s three swimming pools or explore the children’s water adventure area.
Dining options include nine restaurants and lounges, with cuisines ranging from modern Japanese at Umi to New York-style steaks at Lexington Grill and Bar. For those who wish to continue golfing after dark, floodlit slots are available. Best for Fitness Fans: Siro One Za’abeel, Dubai Siro One Za’abeel is renowned for its fitness-focused offerings, making it ideal for UAE residents seeking a wellness-oriented stay.
The summer reset package includes a night in a Siro Plus room, with amenities such as meditation playlists, cooling mattresses, yoga equipment, and a Swedish ladder for in-room workouts. Guests have access to group fitness classes, the hotel’s sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool. Additional perks include a body composition analysis, jet-lag recovery program, complimentary breakfast at Arrazuna, and daily protein shakes at Refuel Bar.
Early check-in, late checkout, and 20% off dining at all One Za’abeel restaurants are also included. Best for Shoppers: Dubai Festival City Combine shopping with a staycation at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. The Shop, Stay and Savour summer package offers 25% off room rates, complimentary breakfast and dinner, a Dh100 spa voucher, and a voucher booklet for use at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Parents can leave their children at the Planet Trekkers Kid’s Club, where they can enjoy rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more. Best for Theme Park Thrills: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Located at the tip of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is one of the city’s most iconic hotels. This regal waterfront hotel features a private beach, marina, manicured gardens, and two massive swimming pools with waterslides and a lazy river.
Until September 30, guests can enjoy free tickets to top Abu Dhabi theme parks, including Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and WarnerBros World. Complimentary limousine transfers between the resort and Yas Island are included, along with daily breakfast for two adults and two children, and access to the resort’s children’s club. Best for a Seaside Stay: Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa Fujairah’s eastern coast is always a popular staycation destination, even in the summer.
The waterfront Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa is ideal for those seeking to escape city life and enjoy ocean views. The family-friendly resort features two swimming pools, a luxury spa, and Flipper’s Club for children. It’s also well-positioned for snorkeling, watersports, and scuba diving.
The summer offer includes 15% off room rates, dining discounts for children, and a complimentary extra bed for kids. To take advantage of these deals, sign up for the Rotana membership program. Best for Desert Adventures: Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah Experience the desert with a stay at Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah.
Just an hour from the city, this resort is inspired by an Arabian castle and features traditional Emirati artifacts in its rooms. Set against the dunes near Sharjah’s southern border, Al Badayer Retreat offers tented accommodation with powerful air-conditioning and a chilled plunge pool. The resort has two restaurants, in-suite dining, and an indoor pool.
Summer packages include archery sessions, camel rides, and breakfast for up to two adults and two children under six. Guests can also enjoy fat biking in the desert and capture a photo with a falcon, the UAE’s national bird. Best for a Weekend Stay: voco Dubai The Palm Enjoy a last-minute staycation at voco Dubai The Palm with a 30-hour hotel stay.
Available on weekends until August 31, the deal includes early check-in at noon and late checkout until 6 pm. Located on Palm West Beach, the hotel features a private beach and a rooftop pool, perfect for sundowners. Dine at Maison Mathis, one of Dubai’s most popular home-grown restaurants, and enjoy 25% off as an IHG One Rewards Member.
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