For many in the UAE, summer is synonymous with travelling. As the heat amps up at home, many look to international destinations for long holidays and quick breaks.
Of course, things are a little different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although passenger flights are gradually resuming operations, decreased flights and quarantine requirements (which differ from country to country) can make it a tedious process.
So, why not holiday in the country you're already in? A number of hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have launched staycation deals aimed at residents, to help them feel like they're a world away without leaving the emirates.
Here are some offers to try ...
Please note: From Tuesday, June 2, to Tuesday, June 9, Abu Dhabi residents cannot travel for a staycation at a hotel outside the emirate; and residents outside Abu Dhabi cannot enter the emirate for a staycation.
In Dubai
Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Explore the relatively new neighbourhood of Al Seef with the property’s Dream Away staycation package, which gives customers a 10 per cent discount on flexible rates, plus an additional 10 per cent discount for Hilton Honors members, late check-in and check-out, and a 24-hour cancellation policy (no deposit required).
Guests can also enjoy long walks along the promenade, with plenty of waterfront dining options, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
From Dh225 per room, per night. This offer is valid from Friday, June 5.
Taj Dubai
The hotel located in the heart of Downtown Dubai is offering guests staycations complete with Burj Khalifa views. Guests can check into a Burj Room View or Burj Room Suite and enjoy early check in at 10am, late checkout until 6pm and daily breakfast while one child below the age of 12 stays for free.
Prices start at Dh299 for a Luxury Burj Room View and Dh999 for a Luxury Burj Room Suite. The package is valid till July 29.
JA The Resort
JA Palm Tree Court in JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, is giving away a staycation for free. Well, not exactly, but the hotel has introduced a package wherein the price of the room per night will be given back to guests in the form of credit that they can use to spend at its restaurants or on experiences.
That means, the price of the package can go towards horse riding lessons or clay pigeon shooting, or can be spent at restaurants including Captain's and La Fontana. Visitors also have access to the hotel's private beach, which is now open. Do note that the hotel’s pool remains closed, in line with government directives.
From Dh396 per room, per night. This offer is only valid for UAE residents. Bookings can be made at www.jaresortshotels.com using the code UAESTAY.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
If it's family fun you're looking for, InterContinental Dubai Festival City has partnered with Toys R Us to launch a "playcation". Guests can expect a complimentary upgrade to an InterContinental Suite, and in-suite guests will find Toys R Us family games and toys, as well as surprise gifts for children below the age of 12. The rate includes breakfast at Anise All Day Dining or in-room dining service, family lunch or dinner at Anise and guaranteed early check in and late check out.
Prices start at Dh399
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
UAE residents can take advantage of the high-end beachfront hotel's current staycation deal, valid for two adults and two children. Guests can choose from different dining options (free breakfast, half-board, full-board) and get a 25 per cent discount on drinks and more during the stay. Visitors can also enjoy the property's private beach and tropical gardens.
From Dh399 per room, per night. Customers can use the promo code LRR to get the discount.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Residents checking into the hotel’s Polynesian-themed hotel rooms, suites or apartments can enjoy its UAE residents’ staycation offer, which includes complimentary breakfast, late check-out until 3pm (subject to availability) and a 30 per cent discount on select restaurants and in-room dining.
From Dh450 per room, per night. Full payment is required at time of booking and is non-refundable.
Andaz Dubai The Palm
The five-star boutique hotel has launched a summer staycation deal, valid until Tuesday, September 15. Guests can choose from a variety of contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and Dubai skyline views, and enjoy the Palm Jumeirah property’s 300-metre private beach. They can also opt for some retail therapy at Nakheel Mall, which is within walking distance. The offer includes an a la carte breakfast at all-day dining restaurant, The Locale.
From Dh550 per room, per night.
Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
The five-star hotel has launched two staycation packages giving guests a chance to enjoy its luxurious interiors and 450 metre private beach.
The UAE Residents package offers residents a 35 per cent discount on room rates as well as complimentary breakfast and dinner for two.
Meanwhile, the Like A Caesar package offers guests a 20 per cent discount on room rates and includes complimentary breakfast and 20 per cent discount on all food and beverage outlets across the property.
Prices start at Dh614 for the UAE Residents package and Dh756 for the Like a Caesar package.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
If you’re looking for a way to beat the summer heat, it doesn’t get "cooler" than this package from Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. UAE residents booking a staycation in the month of June can choose one of the following: a second room at 50 per cent off, dining credit of Dh200 at any of the restaurants … or two complimentary tickets to Ski Dubai (which recently reopened). The package also includes early check-in, late check-out and a 20 per cent discount when dining at any of the restaurants. And being in the vicinity of Mall of the Emirates means there will be plenty to eat, see and do.
Dh899 for a grand deluxe room, including breakfast for two adults and two children. Offer valid until Tuesday, June 30.
Jumeirah Al Naseem
The beachside destination has launched its Ultimate Staycation offer where guests can take in the sun along the private two-kilometre beach, and enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch or dinner at select restaurants, as well as up to 40 per cent off on best available rates. When it comes to dining, guests can choose between Peruvian-Nikkei cuisine at Kayto, the al fresco vibes at Rockfish, or Greek specialties at Shimmers.
Prices start at Dh990 per night.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Those looking to splurge can treat themselves to the property’s UAE Staycation Beach Escape package. Choose from a collection of rooms, suites and even a beach garden villa with a private pool and terrace – all with early check-in and late check-out, breakfast and daily resort credit of Dh500, which can be spent on drinks or dining within the property, at the likes of Drift Beach Club or The Dining Room. Between its gardens and private beach, there will be more than enough to keep you occupied – and pampered.
From Dh1,550 per room, per night.
In Abu Dhabi
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
The stylish hotel located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche has launched a staycation offering guests the chance to check-in as early as 10am and check-out at 3pm.
Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast – within the hotel’s restaurants or from the comfort of their rooms – and a 20 per cent discount on food and drinks during their stay.
The staycation offer includes a 40 per cent discount on the best available rate, or a 30 per cent discount on the best available rate with a complimentary lunch or dinner at select venues.
Prices start at Dh420.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Looking for a treat for the whole family? This hotel has a staycation offer that includes breakfast at Fairways, Dh150 credit to spend in any of the hotel's restaurants, a 35 per cent discount on food and drinks, late check-out and more.
Price depends on the date of booking, but starts at Dh600.
The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The hotel has put together a package including complimentary daily breakfast, Dh200 to spend in the resort per day, and one hour of complimentary water sports rental. Guests can also let their children loose at the complimentary Sandcastle Club.
Price depends on the date of booking, but starts at about Dh700.
In Ras Al Khaimah
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
The beachside resort has a Reconnect Oceanside package for families looking to live it up in a villa. Two adults and up to children under the age of 12 can enjoy an overnight stay in a private villa complete with a temperature controlled pool. The package includes Dh200 resort credit per day, daily breakfast at Shore House, complimentary dining for children under the age of 12 and access to the daily falcon and owl show at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.
Prices start at Dh1,800+ for the Reconnect Oceanside package, valid until 30 September.
