Stellar staycation packages, starting with Dubai’s Ottoman-inspired Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel

The UAE’s leading and luxury hotels are looking to entice residents with their range of discounts and deals for Ramadan. We’ve compiled a list of this month’s best staycations and beach resort packages, starting with a review of Dubai’s top Ottoman-inspired offering.

Al Nafoorah Lebanese restaurant at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel in Dubai. Courtesy Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

As I pulled up to the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, I had one man on my mind: Tom Cruise. During filming for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in 2010, the actor shot scenes at the property – and I was about to darken the same doors.

From its imposing facade to its jaw-dropping lobby, Zabeel Saray makes an impact from the get-go. There’s definitely something cinematic about it and it’s easy to see why the Sultan’s Lounge inside the entrance, with its rich Ottoman fabrics and flourishes, lent itself to moviemaking.

Bed, bath and beyond

After a swift check-in, I was off to explore my sea-facing room with its cool interior of dark wood, deep rugs and moody lighting. Carrying through the Turkish theme, and compact though it may have been, the lavish bathroom completely upstaged the bedroom. It had floor-to-ceiling grey marble, magnificent tasselled mosaic lamps, a gold hammered sink and a recessed sunken bath large enough to park a small car in.

Spa-tacular pampering

The hotel’s Talise Ottoman spa was calling my name. The space is vast at 8,000 square metres, and beautifully designed with halo chandeliers hanging from high dome ceilings and mosaics at every turn.

The traditional Turkish hammam was unlike any I’d experienced before and was, without question, the best.

It took place in an ornate private wet room and I lay upon a huge, heated marble stone. From being lathered with foot-high soapsuds to surrendering to the therapeutic hair wash, this ancient ritual should be at the top of the list for tourists and residents alike.

If you’re looking for spa alter­natives to hammams during Ramadan, there are also 42 treatment rooms offering everything from hydrotherapy to desert sand body scrubs and marine flora wraps.

If you’re a fan of ­extremes, a trip to the snow room before retreating to one of the spa’s heated marble recliners is an absolute must.

Iftar

There’s a good selection of iftars to choose from at Zabeel Saray this Ramadan, not least the Imperium restaurant, offering French cuisine. There’s also Turkish food at Lalezar from sunset to 8.30pm, from Dh195 per person.

I opted for Al Nafoorah, which lived up to its promise of authentic Lebanese fare. The venue was packed with tables of Arab families partaking of the Dh185 meal deal, which included juices, water and soft drinks. Particular standouts from the hot mezzeh include lamb sambousek and kebbeh, while the Arabian-spiced summan fillet and mixed grill shone as mains.

Suhoor

For suhoor, a top recommendation is to head to MusicHall, adjoining Zabeel Saray, which this month has been transformed into Masrah Ramadan, or the theatre of Ramadan. Guests can order from an à la carte suhoor menu and also enjoy live performances showcasing Arab talent.

The last word

A one-night staycation at Zabeel Saray certainly felt like two, which would seem to be the ultimate goal of any same-city retreat. It’s a palatial space – and a peaceful one, with the popular private cinema having been respectfully closed during the Holy Month.

It will, however, be fully operational again come August. In the meantime, if you’re looking to step back into the Golden Age and desire a mini-break involving Ottomans and opulence, The Crescent (west) venue will no doubt leave you feeling mission accomplished.

• UAE residents can book Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Summer Escape Package promotion from Dh1,499 per night. The deal includes breakfast, beach access, Sinbad’s kids club, lunch or dinner and a Turkish hammam for two. Visit www.jumeirah.com/jzssummerescape

Six best staycations

Tilal Liwa Hotel in Rub Al Khali desert

Ramadan promotions run from July 21 to July 26 from Dh479, including either suhoor or iftar. Or book a night during Eid from Dh749, which includes breakfast, dinner and activities such as sandboarding. Visit www.tilalliwa.danathotels.com

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah

Set against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, the hotel is offering a rate of Dh798 per person, inclusive of taxes, breakfast and dinner during Ramadan. Stays over Eid start from Dh1,400. Visit www.lemeridien-alaqah.com

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah

The desert resort and nature reserve has a one-for-one deal for Ramadan. Weekday villas for two adults and two children under 12 start from Dh1,870, with a second night free. Weekend rates start from Dh2,120. Visit www.banyantree.com/en/al_wadi

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi

Stay three nights over Eid and get a 25 per cent discount, 30 per cent off for four or more nights. Prices from Dh515 per night include breakfast and a 60-minute aromatherapy massage for two. Visit www.abu-dhabi.anantara.com

Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain

Book a weekday room during Ramadan and pay Dh375 to receive a free breakfast or suhoor. Alternatively, make a booking over a weekend and pay Dh475, or during Eid where prices start from Dh1,100 per room.

Visit www.mercure.com

Raffles Dubai

A Rise and Shine promotion at Raffles Dubai is offering visitors a 25 per cent discount, including either breakfast or suhoor. Spa promotions include a 60-minute Eve Lom facial for Dh529. Visit www.raffles.com/dubai