Christmas and New Year's Eve are just around the corner, but if you've yet to finalise your plans, these all-inclusive staycations might pique your interest.
With options to eat, drink and even party to your heart's content, these all-inclusive stays are ideal for the holiday season, whether you're seeking an end-of-year celebration to remember or a family-friendly festive escape.
From luxury guaranteed at the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi to non-stop action at Dubai's first 24-hour all-inclusive hotel, here’s a shortlist of staycation deals still available to book this Christmas and New Year.
Non-stop fun at Hotel Riu Dubai
Dubai's first 24-hour all-inclusive hotel has a minimum stay policy of two nights over Christmas, and three nights from December 31. That means guests can settle in for a proper mini-break at the Deira Islands hotel. The all-inclusive concept here means no matter what time of day or night it is, you'll be able to get something to eat or drink somewhere in the hotel.
Beachfront Hotel Riu has 800 rooms, its own mini water park, two children’s pools and three large swimming pools for adults. Food, drink and activities on site are included in the room rate, so you can have a merry festive season without having to worry about what your final bill might read.
Rates start from Dh2,032 for a two-night stay over Christmas, Dh4,987 for a three-night stay at New Year; www.riu.com
Fireworks and festivities at Rixos The Palm, Dubai
Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites, Dubai, is gearing up to say goodbye to 2020 in style. The hotel boasts a one-kilometre private beach, rooms that overlook the Arabian Gulf and 11 restaurants and bars, so there's plenty of eating and drinking to be done. There are also four temperature-controlled swimming pools where staff will pass by with cold face towels and fruit kebabs.
The hotel has villas that can sleep up to eight adults, as well as private deluxe rooms. It's already fully booked for Christmas, but if you want to ring in the New Year here, you can still do so. To celebrate, the hotel is hosting a Rouge Party inclusive of canapes, a dinner and free-flowing drinks. Outside there's live music, entertainment and fantastic views of the midnight fireworks to help guests say goodbye to 2020.
All-inclusive rates over New Year from Dh3,000 per room, per night; www.rixos.com
A Ras Al Khaimah Christmas at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
An action-packed family-friendly festive stay is on the cards at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. And if you book the all-inclusive package, you won't need to spend any time worrying about your final bill, no matter how many festive treats the children get through.
The resort has a children’s club with a climbing wall, arcade games and a huge outdoor playground. There's also a Pirate Boat Aqua Zone, water trampoline and inflatable bouncy castle to keep everyone busy. Unwind on the 650-metre private beach or at one of seven swimming pools. Festive staycays include breakfast, lunch and dinner on Christmas Day, with seasonal specials being served, as well as selected beverages.
All-inclusive rates over Christmas from Dh1,608, including taxes; www.hilton.com
Unwind at the Occidental Sharjah Grand
For a family-friendly all-inclusive stay in Sharjah, try the Occidental Sharjah Grand. This four-star hotel has a private beach, large swimming pool complete with a water slide and a sandy children’s playground. Included in your all-inclusive rate are all meals with daily breakfast, a buffet lunch and dinner with a selection of local and international cuisines. Hot and cold drinks at the lobby bar and in-room dining are also included, as is a daily minibar refill of soft drinks.
By the pool, you can order drinks and snacks from 10am until 7pm. Top tip: upgrade to a sea-facing view for as little as Dh50 to make the most of the water vistas and have a view of the fireworks. All-inclusive guests also get 35 per cent off watersports when paying in advance this festive season.
Rates start from Dh853 over Christmas and Dh2,112 on New Year's Eve; barcelo.com
Christmas spirit at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's most famous all-inclusive resort is in high demand over the festive season, so you'll need to be quick if you want to snap up one of the remaining rooms. Festive afternoon teas, Christmas Day brunch and a New Year's Eve party with dinner, a live saxophonist, dancers and a performance from Chris Willis – best-known for his Gettin' Over You track with Fergie, David Guetta & LMFAO – are also included.
Located in what is one of the capital’s most scenic spots, the hotel has its own water park, several swimming pools and a gorgeous shoreline with access to Saadiyat Island’s crystal-clear waters. There are eight restaurants and bars to choose from, and activities are also included in the rate, with paddle-boarding, tennis and bicycle hire on offer. Relax by the beach – there’s a bar where you can get complimentary refreshments all day long – and have your pick of the swimming pools, from a chill-out infinity spot or a fun-filled aqua park.
Limited availability with rates over Christmas from Dh1,350, and Dh1,500 on New Year's Eve; supplements for in-house guests opting to dine at a la carte restaurants on Christmas and New Year's Eve; rixos.com
Deck the halls at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel
While it's not strictly an all-inclusive package, the Anantara Eastern Mangroves festive package comes with daily breakfast, and your choice of either Christmas Eve dinner, Papa Noel's Christmas brunch or dinner on Friday, December 25. You can also have drinks included for a supplement of Dh150 per person, making it almost an all-inclusive deal.
There are festive decorations all over the hotel, including an impressively large tree surrounded by glittering presents, and the mangroves outside make for a perfect post-Christmas lunch stroll.
Rates start from Dh1,150 excluding taxes on Christmas day; www.anantara.com
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Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
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Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
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Company name: Entrupy
Co-founders: Vidyuth Srinivasan, co-founder/chief executive, Ashlesh Sharma, co-founder/chief technology officer, Lakshmi Subramanian, co-founder/chief scientist
Based: New York, New York
Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.
Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius.
Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place.
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