Top 10 UAE staycations for October

Escape to the dunes with a staycation at one of these sun-baked sandscapes in some of the nations best hotels

Krystien Meyers
September 23, 2020 5:24 PM

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Located in the midst of 500 acres of desert in the northern part of the emirate, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert has 101 villas spread generously across the protected Al Wadi Nature reserve. 

The tented villas are spacious and each comes with a huge private swimming pool and sundeck cabana. There are plenty of desert activities on offer, including horse riding and wildlife walks, and there's a fully-equipped children's club too.

www.ritzcarlton.com

Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah

About an hour from Sharjah, the Mysk Al Badayer Retreat is set against the dunes close to the emirate's southern border in the desert area of Margham. Inspired by an Arabian castle, rooms are filled with traditional artefacts and design touches and there's a real sense of Emirati hospitality.

www.myskhotels.com


Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai

Despite the competition, Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai is perhaps one of the emirate's best retreats. Part of the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this place guarantees privacy and the chance to reconnect with nature.

Until the end of October, the resort is running its Welcome Back promotion, which includes all meals, two activities and Dh400 back in resort credit. Rates start from Dh3,674.

www.al-maha.com

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai

Bab Al Shams, on the outskirts of Dubai, is a great family-friendly option if you want to enjoy the dunes without having to travel too far into the desert. It's about 45 minutes from Dubai, but once you get checked in you'll feel like you're much further away. Rooms fuse traditional design with modern amenities and each comes with its own majlis area.

www.babalshams.com

Tilal Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi

If you want desert seclusion without too big of a price tag then the Tilal Liwa Hotel is a good option. Getting here involves a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, but upon arrival, you'll be rewarded with the endless dunes of the Empty Quarter as your playground. At night, gather around the bonfire to stare at the starlit sky, which glows bright thanks to very little light pollution in the region.

www.danathotels.com

Fairmont The Palm

Top luxury Dubai hotel, Fairmont The Palm is having a fab 24-hour sale with nights starting at just AED 240. Book into the stunning hotel that hosts a lush sandy beach, six bright blue pools and has all your needs covered. Included in the offer is an overnight stay in a comfortable and relaxing room or suite, plus access to the resort’s sandy stretch of private beach, which gives its visitors undisturbed views of the Dubai Marina skyline.


www.fairmont.com


Telal Resort, Al Ain

Located on the outskirts of Al Ain in the Remah desert, Telal Resort is a real hidden gem. Recreating a traditional Emirati experience for guests, the property is inside a natural oasis that's also home to gazelles, oryx, houbara, swans and more. Rooms, suites or tented villas are on offer and each comes with either an outdoor terrace, garden or private pool.


www.telalresort.ae

Atlantis The Palm

For those thinking of a staycation at the iconic resort on Palm Jumeirah, it’s currently offering up summer deals. Whether you want to relax, recharge, or get your pulse racing with an action-packed weekend, Atlantis, The Palm is the region’s favourite staycation destination. They'll take you a world away from your every day without having to leave the UAE.

www.atlantis.com

Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is reopening next week, and there’s a special staycation deal to celebrate. The hotel near Dubai Marina is reopening on Thursday, October 1 and it’s launching a brand-new all-inclusive deal. The stay will be Dhs1,299 for a family of four – with two adults and two kids up to the age of 14.

www.marriott.com

Palazzo Versace

The luxury designer 5* hotel recently launched they ultimate relax spacation for just AED 675. The deal includes a foot bath ritual, a 30-minute back massage, a 30-minute facial, classic manicure at The Spa Nail Studio, a hair wash and blow-dry at the hair salon, and access to the Central and West pools. You can even nab the chance to really elevate your experience and get a one-night free stay when you spend Dhs1600 on spa or dining experiences.

www.palazzoversace.ae