Best for little tots:
AJMAN SARAY, AJMAN
If you’re looking for a hotel that isn’t too far away – it takes 30 minutes door-to-door from central Dubai – then this beachside resort could be the place for you. It’s small enough that you can make the most of everything, even if you’re only there for two nights, yet big enough to mean you can choose from three restaurants serving delicious food, two pools and a kids’ club. What more could you want?
WHY WE LOVE IT
Newly opened, the hotel is part of The Luxury Collection and boasts a spa and nail salon, so you can top up on your grooming while you are there. For the tired mum, the star factor is the kids’ club and the incredible staff who work there. The outdoor play area (yes, it’s a bit hot but the area is shaded) and the indoor playroom will keep kids occupied with organised activities such as treasure hunts and water polo.
SUMMER DEAL
Check in for as little as Dh399 per person, per night, until August 31 and enjoy breakfast and dinner in Vista restaurant, plus a 25 per cent discount on all massages and treatments at Gogo spa. Visit www.ajmansaray.com for more.
TOP TIP
Take advantage of the babysitting team, who are on standby seven days a week to take care of your little darlings while you enjoy some adult time.
Best for splashing around:
FUJAIRAH ROTANA RESORT & SPA, FUJAIRAH
A 90-minute drive with little ones can seem like an eternity, but a trip to Fujairah Rotana is well worth the effort. Situated by the Indian Ocean, this family-friendly resort offers an array of activities to keep your tots busy.
WHY WE LOVE IT
Book your brood into the kids’ club, where staff are on hand in the indoor play area to supervise them at all times. Outside they can join in with swimming lessons (which you have to pay for) or, if they can swim unaided, they can splash in the children’s pool and make the most of the kids’ slide.
Meanwhile you can take a seat at sunken pool bar, Tropicana, where staff serve an array of tropical cocktails. For a beachside snack nip to Sharkey’s. Later, at supper time, both Waves and Mozaique are child-friendly outlets, but if you fancy an adult-only evening, simply take advantage of the babysitting service, which operates round the clock.
SUMMER DEAL
Prices start from as little as Dh1,000 for a family room, which includes a selection of activities such as beach volleyball and children’s outdoor games. Visit
www.rotana.com.
TOP TIP
The water is a few degrees cooler in Fujairah so your tots can enjoy a splash in the sea during their visit. We recommend you pack a pair of jelly shoes though, as the sand gets roasting hot.
Best for party times:
FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR, ABU DHABI
Fairmont Al Bahr is perfect for a group of friends looking for a girly weekend getaway or an overnight stay not too far from Dubai with a bit of fun, indulgence and relaxation thrown into the mix.
WHY WE LOVE IT
On arrival, we were met by our personal butler who escorted us up to the seventh floor private check-in. Our rooms had amazing uninterrupted views of the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abu Dhabi creek. First up on our agenda was Friday brunch at CuiScene restaurant, where the airy space overlooking the hotel’s grounds set the tone for a bright and relaxed atmosphere. When we were done indulging to our hearts’ content, we headed to the inviting pool for a few lengths to stave off the inevitable post-brunch guilt before retiring to the pool bar, Poolside, for the rest of the afternoon.
SUMMER DEAL
Outside of Ramadan, the 36-Hour-Weekend package includes brunch, one night’s stay, breakfast and poolside lunch (all for two). Packages start at Dh1,399. Visit www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi.
TOP TIP
Do as we did and glam up your getaway with the Fairmont Gold Experience and enjoy personal butler service, private check-in and afternoon tea in a private lounge.
Best for zoning out:
PARK ROTANA, ABU DHABI
For a couple of days of doing nothing but lounging by the pool and ordering tasty snacks from the bar, pack a book, a bikini and a bottle of sun cream and head over to Park Rotana in Abu Dhabi.
WHY WE LOVE IT
It might not have all the swanky amenities that some five-star hotels boast, but with a temperature-cooled pool, a state-of-the-art gym and a luxe spa, all your bases are covered. There’s also a good choice of F&B options for you to choose from, such as Asian fusion restaurant Teatro, and international cuisine at Ginger and Cooper’s Bar, which is known as one of Abu Dhabi’s most happening nightspots.
SUMMER DEAL
Until September 15, book a room at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi and receive complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 20 per cent discount on all other services, including food, beverages and spa treatments. Room rates start at Dh449 per night (plus 10 per cent service charge and 6 per cent tourism fees). To book, visit www.rotana.com.
TOP TIP
If you’re in the mood to splash out, upgrade to a Junior Suite for as little as Dh300 extra, and you can divide your chillaxing time between the lounge and the bedroom.
Best for romance:
SIX SENSES ZIGHBY BAY, OMAN
Anywhere that allows guests to paraglide into the resort gets a thumbs up from us, but Zighy Bay has a lot more going for it than just that.
WHY WE LOVE IT
Built to resemble a traditional Omani village, the 79 low-level villas all have private infinity pools, plus charming touches such as chessboards, his-and-hers bicycles and outdoor showers. The pièce de résistance, however, is the private butler service. Your ‘manservant’ is on call 24/7, whether you want a lift to the spa or a booking at posh-nosh restaurant Dining on the Edge, which is situated at the top of a mountain overlooking the bay.
SUMMER DEAL
If you’re travelling with little ones, take advantage of the Family Friendly package, which invites children under 12 to stay and eat free of charge when sharing their parents’ pool villa for a minimum of three nights. Activities include watersports, Zighy Cinema, making cupcakes, building sandcastles and more. For details, visit
www.sixsenses.com.
TOP TIP
While Zighy Bay is big on R&R, with an award-winning spa on site, there are many other activities on offer, like mountain biking, off-road driving and hiking.
Best for tranquility:
THE CHEDI MUSCAT HOTEL, OMAN
The Chedi is an oasis of 21 acres of lush landscaped gardens at the foot of the rugged Hajar mountain range, with stunning views of the Gulf of Oman and its own private beach. Close by are The Grand Mosque,
a souq and the Royal Opera House.
WHY WE LOVE IT
We found it impossible to tear ourselves away from the serenity of the resort, where you can lose all sense of time and truly relax. The breathtaking adults-only Long Pool is next to the luxe zen-inspired spa, with its double suites for couples and amazing views of the turquoise sea. In all areas, the staff have mastered the perfect balance of friendly and attentive, yet not intrusive, service.
SUMMER DEAL
The Chedi is offering a Summer Breeze deal until August 31, with rates starting from Dh910 per room per night, or add an additional night and receive a complimentary three-course dinner for two. In addition you’ll get a 30 per cent discount on spa treatments; a daily breakfast for two; 20 per cent discount on food and soft drinks; a complimentary minibar with water and soft drinks replenished daily, plus early check-in and late check-out on availability. To book email: reservation@chedimuscat.com.
TOP TIP
The huge sunken tub in the suites can take ages to fill, but the hotel will draw a bath for you at a prearranged time. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
