From family fun to romantic getaways, travel brands are looking to woo you for the upcoming Eid weekend, half term, and even just to enjoy the last gasps of summer. To give some perspective, Emirates airline is expecting more than 300,000 passengers to travel during the upcoming Eid Al Adha period and more than 76,000 customers will travel with the airline on September 18. The overall figures for the holiday travel period represent an increase of almost 65 percent over last year.
5 of the best last-minute Eid offers:
1 – The St. Regis Istanbul – The Nişantaşı Experience
Istanbul is an iconic year-round destination and is expected to attract greater numbers of the Gulf’s elite to its stylish Nişantaşı neighbourhood this upcoming Eid Al Adha break. The St. Regis Istanbul is vaunting a package for affluent travellers, based around a bespoke experience, including daily breakfast, hammam treatments, round-trip airport transfers in a private Mercedes E-Class limousine and the option to upgrade to the stunning new Bentley Suite. The exclusive package is available September 22-30 for a minimum stay of four nights, with prices from around US $460 per night.
2 – The Meydan Hotel – The Staycation Offer
Dubai’s Meydan Hotel has a host of family-friendly brunches, set menus and special offers – all just a short hop from the centre of Dubai. The five-star home of the Dubai World Cup is giving 25 percent off its best available room rates throughout Eid, as well as further discounts in its its restaurants, including signature Eid brunches at Farriers and the Family Eid Brunch, available during the first day of Eid Al Adha. Book on or before September 20 using the special promo code ‘EIDTMHBB’ and get 25 per cent off.
3 – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – The Indian Ocean Experience
With Indian Ocean destinations just a short hop away, many Gulf residents will be flocking to beaches further afield. But travellers hunting for barefoot luxury may enjoy this resort’s special offers, as well as a sense of escape. The Iconic Indian Ocean Experience gives a 25 percent discount for a minimum four-night stay, as well as a daily buffet breakfast at Atoll Market. But if you don’t fancy staying so long, the Voyagers Retreat will save you 50 percent on seaplane transfers for two people. Rates start from US $787 and the deals are available until December 19. Catering for mini getaways, honeymooners and larger family breaks of up to four adults and two children, the resort, accessible by seaplane, is home to 150 neatly-designed villas.
4 – Manzil Downtown Dubai – The Local Retreat
One of Dubai’s hottest new boutique hotels is hoping to woo locals and travellers alike with some fine dining and respite. All guests are being offered a family-style, three-course set menu including soft drinks for a very modest price. The “Local Retreat” offer also includes 10 percent off rooms, 20 percent off all restaurants, two free cinema tickets, two tickets to Burj Khalifa’s "At The Top" viewing deck, two Dubai Aquarium passes and – take a breath – children under 12 will dine for free. The offer is valid until December 2015 but a valid UAE ID must be presented at check-in… so it really is locals only.
5 – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa – True Arabian Style
Nestled in the dunes of Dubai, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa boasts an enviable location surrounded by gently sloping dunes and untouched natural landscape. Take advantage of the long weekend and bring all your loved ones together to escape the city at the family-friendly Al Forsan. Throughout the first three days of Eid, the restaurant will be offering a special extended Eid buffet, created especially for the festive period – kids under 12 can also dine for 50 percent off. With a live Arabic band, fireworks display, falconry and scores of dancers, Eid celebration would surely have a memorable sense of place.