With a week’s holiday announced for Eid Al Fitr in the UAE, many people now have a confirmed nine-day holiday on the horizon. If you haven't yet made plans for your time off, don’t despair as there are plenty of Eid staycations that can still be booked today.
From a luxury escape on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah to a back-to-basics mountain getaway in Ras Al Khaimah, read on for a dose of staycation inspiration.
And if you're planning to jet overseas, you'll find some exciting holiday ideas in this story, with everything from a wildlife-filled safari in Sri Lanka to a Maldivian adventure for solo travellers.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Head to Palm Jumeirah this Eid Al Fitr and enjoy front-row seats to the city's celebratory fireworks displays when checking in at Sofitel Dubai The Palm. With a private beach, 11 restaurants, bars and lounges and a luxury spa by L'occitane, the five-star hotel’s Eid package includes daily breakfast for two, late check-out and an exclusive Arcadia perfume gift.
Rates from Dh1,499 per night; www.all.accor.com
Bear Grylls Explorer Camp, Ras Al Khaimah
Try something different over the holidays with a remote getaway at Bear Grylls Explorer Camp.
Located on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the resort's Eid offer is inclusive of a one-night cabin stay for up to three people, a barbecue dinner and plenty of activities to choose from including a high ropes course, hiking, archery or air rifle shooting. Cranking things up a notch, the nearby Jais Zipline, the world’s longest, will be open 9am-3pm over the Eid holidays and the Jais Sledder – the UAE’s longest mountain coaster – will be open from 9am-5pm.
Rates from Dh649, including one activity. Dh150 supplement for barbecue dinner (for two people); www.beargryllscamp.ae
Studio One Hotel
Book a two-night stay at Studio One hotel this Eid and get 20 per cent off the total rate. The cinema-themed hotel has its own private viewing room to take in your favourite films, a family swimming pool and some great restaurants including Italian spot Larte, popular Irish bar McGettigan's and the swanky Maine Oyster Bar and Grill.
Two-night, room-only stays start from Dh714; www.studioonehotel.com
NH Collection Dubai The Palm
Located on the popular Palm West Beach, the NH Collection Dubai The Palm has discounted rooms on offer this Eid for GCC residents. The luxury property has panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and shimmering ocean, with three restaurants, a private beach club and luxury spa. Check in over Eid and get complimentary breakfast, a Dh100 voucher towards a treatment at Soul Senses Spa and 15 per cent discount on food and beverages across the resort.
Rates from Dh925 per night, excluding taxes. Discount excludes in-room dining and View 180; www.world.nh-hotels.com
Queen Elizabeth 2
Spend a night at sea with a stay at the Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai’s only floating hotel. Book the staycation special between April 10 and 13 and get a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room, daily breakfast, a special Eid dinner in Lido restaurant, early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability. There’s also 20 per cent discount on food-and-beverage spends during your stay. Read our review of the property here.
Room rates start from Dh549 for a classic room; www.qe2.com
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
In the beautiful surrounds of Saadiyat Island, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi offers a relaxing escape and the sense that you’ve left the city. There is up to 15 per cent off room rates for GCC residents checking in over the holidays, with the code UAER when booking online. As well as having one of the best private beaches in the UAE, the hotel is also home to several restaurants, four swimming pools – including one of the largest in Abu Dhabi – and a fantastic children's club. Read our review of the property here.
Rates from Dh3,041; www.hyatt.com
St Regis Dubai, The Palm
On the trunk of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, The St Regis Dubai comes with excellent views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf, and it still has availability for stays over Eid. Check in and enjoy round-the-clock butler service, discounted treatments at Iridium Spa and 20 per cent off dining at Cordelia – the hotel's all-day-dining venue – and at Ruya, which serves Anatolian dishes. Read our review of the hotel here.
Rates from Dh1,245; www.marriott.com
