A couple of scorchers in the past week gave a foretaste of the unpleasantly hot months ahead, but on the bright side, summer also brings with it low-season hotel offers that UAE residents can take advantage of to cool off and restore their frazzled spirits.
The Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah launches its summer specials tomorrow, combining low room rates with a range of complimentary or discounted activities for guests. Through to September 8 deluxe rooms start from Dh1,074 including taxes, with unlimited free access to the Aquaventure water park and to the underwater wonders of The Lost Chambers. Guests also receive a complimentary spa product to take home after a spa taster treatment at the Atlantis Spa, as well as a 25 per cent discount when booking any one of three taster treatments on offer and another 60-minute treatment. Booking three treatment sessions entitles guests to a free spa taster.
To keep younger guests busy while their parents relax, the hotel offers a free day of fun and educational activities at the Atlantis Kids Club or at Club Rush, the fully supervised "no adults" private club for teenagers, where they can hang out from morning to midnight with internet access,movies, music and video games. The Atlantis has also organised a variety of summer camps for children and teenagers, with activities ranging from arts and craft to theatre and learning to scuba dive. The camps will run from June 13 to August 11, every Sunday through Wednesday. The camp fees range from Dh650 to D2,200. Visit www.atlantisthepalm.com or call 04 426 0000 for details.
Wives resigned to losing their husbands to golf at the weekends might want to propose the "Mr & Mrs Summer Getaway" at The Yas Hotel on Yas Island. The package includes one night's accommodation, a 90-minute pampering massage for her and 18 holes at the Yas Golf Links for him. The day ends with a romantic three-course dinner for two at the Japanese restaurant Kazu. Rates starts from Dh1,750, including breakfast. If it's just a couple of nights of soothing luxury you're after, the hotel has a "Weekend Bed & Breakfast" package at just Dh1,999 for two nights.
Abu Dhabi residents can get chauffeured to The Yas Hotel in a luxury car and dropped home again for free when they book a set-menu dinner for two at the hotel's Angar, Amici, Atayeb or Noodle Box resturants. The offer is valid from Sundays to Wednesdays and costs Dh449 for two, including a bottle of wine. Bookings must be made 48 hours in advance. Visit www.theyashotel.com or call 02 656 0000 for details.
The Banyan Tree Al Wadi resort in Ras al Khaimah has special offers on its villas, each of which has its own pool and sun deck. From June 1 to September 21, stay a minimum of two nights and get one complimentary night. Rates start from Dh2,871 per night, including taxes, for the Al Rimal deluxe pool villa. The offer includes breakfast and welcome drinks for two.
Villa bookings made at least 45 days in advance receive a 30 per cent discount off the best available rate. The offer includes buffet breakfast for all guests staying in the villa and the choice of a complimentary round of golf at Al Hamra Golf Club for one, a 90-minute spa session for one, or a three-course dinner for two at Al Waha Restaurant. Bookings must be paid for fully in advance and are non-refundable.
Visit www.banyantree.com or call 07 206 7777 for details. * Russell Murray