There's no place like home: UAE summer staycation spectacular

During the quiet, hot summer months, luxury hotels offer fantastic deals - presenting the perfect opportunity for a staycation.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi & Banyan Tree, Ras Al Khaimah Beach

For the natural antidote to the stresses of city life, head to Banyan Tree for some R&R.

The deal Book one night at either resort and get the second one free, up to a maximum of five complimentary nights. Included is breakfast, a "Rainforest spa experience" for two and a welcome drink upon arrival.

The amenities Falconry, horse riding, camel safaris, a nature reserve and bike trails, plus 9/18-hole golf courses.

The cost Prices start from Dh1,705 for two nights in Al Rimal deluxe pool villa and Dh2,657 for two nights in a beachfront pool villa.

T&Cs: Valid until September 30, excluding August 16-22.

www.banyantree.com 07 206 7777

Grosvenor House, Dubai

Make Grosvenor House your home in Dubai Marina this summer with bargain breaks for two.

The deals The Romantic and Classy weekend packages offer one night in a Tower One deluxe room. Both packages include breakfast plus dinner for two in the Embassy restaurant, in addition to beach/pool access, complimentary Wi-Fi and late checkout. Classy package extra - a classic afternoon tea for two at Rhodes in Residence.

The amenities Retreat Health & Spa in Tower 1 and B/Attitude Spa in Tower 2. Unlimited access to Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, which offers 14 additional restaurants and bars.

The cost Romantic Weekend Packages cost Dh750 per person, per night. Classy Weekend Packages cost Dh900 per person, per night.

T&Cs Offers are available until August 23.

www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com 04 399 8444

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Escape the rat race and indulge in some barefoot luxury this Ramadan by making your way to the Musandam Peninsula, just an hour and a half's drive from Dubai airport.

The deal Enjoy the seclusion of a private villa and pool in an offer that includes breakfast and a daily iftar.

The amenities The resort's spa is open extended hours during Ramadan. A nice touch is also the suhoor majlis, well stocked with board games. The Cinema Paradiso showcases Arabic and Western movies and on Fridays, suhoor dhow cruises are available around Al Haffa bay.

The cost Dh1,983 per night based on two adults sharing.

T&Cs Offer is valid through Ramadan. Child supplement Dh128, additional adult supplement Dh367.

www.sixsenses.com +968 2 673 5888

Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah

If you're in search of a change of scenery, dramatic backdrops don't get much better than the Hajar Mountains this summer.

The deal Up to 30 per cent off any of the 218 ocean-view rooms this month. Receive a further 20 per cent off when you stay for three nights and 30 per cent for five nights.

The amenities Crazy miniature golf, fitness centre, spa facilities, tennis club, kids club, dive centre.

The cost Room rates start at Dh400

T&Cs Book before August 3 and stay by September 16.

www.lemeridien-alaqah.com 09 244 9000

Ramada, Ajman

Beat a retreat to the heart of Ajman this Holy Month and explore the wonders of the UAE's smallest emirate.

The deal Receive a complimentary 30-minute massage for two, plus free beach access when you book one night. Breakfast and free high-speed internet are also included.

The amenities Make use of the four-star hotel's fitness centre, steam and sauna facilities and private beach access. Ajman City Mall, boasting more than 60 retail and food outlets, is also a stone's throw away.

The cost Dh389 for single/double occupancy.

T&Cs The deal is valid until September 30.

www.ramadaajman.com 06 703 1123

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

An oasis in the desert, slip away to the lush landscaped gardens of the Shangri-La for a capital weekend.

The deal Take advantage of a 50 per cent discount off the best available room rates, buffet breakfast included.

The amenities Traditional Arabian dhows are available to take you around the hotel's waterways and drop you off at the resort's in-house souq. Guests can also dine at any of the five restaurants and book appointments at the resident spa or beauty salon. Added extra - a private butler service is available in all suites.

The cost Dh725 per person, per night.

T&Cs The offer, excluding taxes, is available until August 31.

www.shangri-la.com 02 509 8888

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai

Step back in time and indulge in the opulence of the Ottoman Empire this summer without leaving the UAE.

The deal Receive 10 per cent off the best available rates, inclusive of complimentary buffet breakfast, access to Selim's Kids Club, Wild Wadi Waterpark and free internet. Also enjoy a 20 per cent reduction on all spa treatments, including facials and hammams, during the summer.

The amenities Private access to the unspoilt beach of the Palm Jumeirah's West Crescent, in addition to an infinity pool. The resort also boats 10 dining venues and the extensive Talise Ottoman Spa.

The cost The discount deal applies to room rates starting from Dh900.

T&Cs Valid for stays until September 30.

www.jumeirah.com 800 586 3 4724

Anantara's Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi

If you desire an urban sanctuary and are looking to reconnect with Mother Nature, this is the spot for you.

The deal Receive Dh1,200 worth of credit to spend in the resort's restaurants and spa when you book one night for the same price.

The amenities The hotel is located along the 1.2km shore of Abu Dhabi's protected mangrove reserves. The resort also features an infinity pool and a spa with a traditional Turkish hammam.

The cost Deluxe room rates start from Dh1,200.

T&C Valid until September 30.

www.anantara.com 02 656 1000

Al Hamra Village, RAK

A Cove Rotana package includes a two-night stay, breakfast and two rounds of golf or half-price spa treatments. A 15 per cent discount is available on all food and beverages. Rooms start from Dh650 per night. Visit www.rotana.com or call 07 206 6000.

One&Only Resorts, Dubai

Special offers at The Palace or the Arabian Court during Ramadan start from Dh1,160 per room, per night until August 16. Premier single or double rooms on The Palm resort start from Dh1,970. All prices exclude tax. Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com or call 04 440 1010.

St Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Superior rooms at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort start from Dh1,199, including breakfast. The deal includes two rounds of golf per room, a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments and a 20 per cent reduction on food and beverages. Offer is inclusive of taxes and runs until September 15. Visit www.sbgolfclub.ae

All Hyatt Hotels, UAE

Until September 1, the summer promotions of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Park Hyatt Dubai, Grand Hyatt Dubai and Hyatt Regency Dubai offer numerous benefits to those booking three consecutive overnight stays. Those visiting Park Hyatt Dubai can also indulge in Cool Summer packages featuring a peppermint aromatherapy massage at the Amara Spa, priced at Dh460 for 60 minutes or Dh620 for 90 minutes. Visit www.hyatt.com

All deals are subject to change and availability. Local taxes & service charges may apply. Contact the hotels directly for full terms & conditions.

rduane@thenational.ae

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP

Group A

Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA

Group B

Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti

Group C

Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia

Group D

Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

If you go

The flights

The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings

The stay

Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.