1. UNDER AN ARABIAN SUN
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island’s long-awaited opening has arrived. With three properties to pick from – safari-style villas at Al Sahel, beachfront bliss at Al Yamm Villa and a relaxed hotel setting at Desert Island Resorts – here travellers can really feel the freedom of a world away from the norm.
Plus, with wandering wildlife, from giraffes to oryx to cheetah, you might just have your own African adventure. The resort’s all-inclusive offer gives full-board dining, unlimited soft drinks, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, complimentary stay for two children and an activity per day.
2. AND WE'RE OFF....
With the Dubai World Cup in full swing, the Meydan Hotel is setting the scene for race enthusiasts to watch, play and stay. With various celebratory brunches and BBQs to help guests ride in style, it’s the Stay N’ Dine offer that piques our interest.
Book a room from just Dhs599 and you can indulge in daily breakfast and dinner at Farriers Restaurant during the week, or if staying over Thursday, an evening brunch or Arabic BBQ on Friday, as well as complimentary breakfast for little ones and, of course, incredible views over Meydan race track too.
3. ISLAND IN THE SUN
Few places feel as indulgent as Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, with its grand interiors, refined design and warm service – a stunning destination filled with the essence of island escapism.
Whether you come by yourself or tag along with a loved one, make sure you book in for one of the hotel’s Valentine’s Day offers: There’s Black Truffles night at Social by Heinz Beck with a Dhs950 five-course set menu; Private dining by the sea in a beach cabana; or A Journey For The Senses treatment, with a bath in your private spa suite and a 24-carat gold massage. Indulgent to the max.
4. A CULTURAL RETREAT
Those in Riyadh will already know the appeal of Shaza Riyadh hotel, the luxury five-star hotel residence next to the capital’s iconic Al Rajhi Grand Mosque. With a tag line that says ‘Hear the silence, feel the peace’, you know you’re in for a restorative retreat when staying here. The hotel’s new It’s Time offer rewards guests with 25 per cent off room rates, as well as 20 per cent off dining and spa bookings too, when staying two nights ore more. Anyone with little ones in tow, will appreciate the complimentary dining for kids under 12.
The hotel itself pays homage to Andalusian charm, with its calming interiors and architecture inspired the vibrant colours and motifs of various cultures along the legendary Silk Route. It’s a history lesson for the modern traveller, as tradition is met with contemporary design and amenities, with its quiet palettes and sun-drenched rooms the perfect antidote to frenetic city life.
5. HOW TO FLY IN STYLE
Whilst flying abroad might be off the cards for many at the moment, it doesn’t mean you have stay on terra firma. In fact, Palazzo Versace’s ‘Fly In Style’ offer is an unique opportunity to help life spirits, giving a family of four a 22-minute flight in a helicopter, courtesy of HeliDubai. Soaring over the city, round Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and the coastline, you’ll arrive back at Palazzo Versace for your five-night stay in a suite, daily breakfast at Giardino, one family dinner, a spa massage for the grown-ups, access to the Executive lounge, and further discounts on F&B and The Spa.
6. PUTTING FAMILY FIRST
With schools on/off, there’s an even bigger need to keep kids occupied, and Sofitel The Palm has 21 reasons why you should stay there. With a Luxury Room starting from just Dhs821, you can also... swim at six different pools, send your kids down the slides or watch as they bounce wildly at Waiora Aqua Bounce park, indulge in a four-course set menu dinner at Beach Cabana, have a Polynesian ‘Taurumi’ massage at the Spa, hop onto a kayak, pedalo or paddleboat with the kids, or happily pack them off to Amura Kids Club... The choice is endless, but it’s yours.
7. BACK TO THE FUTURE
Although we can’t travel widely at the moment, it doesn’t mean you can’t take a walk down culture lane with the history on offer in the UAE. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana sits on the shore of the Arabian Gulf and is the perfect place to set off on your cultural adventure. Just minutes from Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Heritage Village and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The Cultural Escape offer will fuel you first with breakfast at Horizon, before sending you off for a tour of Qasar Al Watan - Presidential Palace, along with a two-night stay.
8. DUBAI'S DESERT PARADISE
Certainly one of the most culturally-rich properties in Dubai, Bab Al Shams hotel is an oasis amid the sand dunes, honouring traditional Arabian architecture and design in its build.
The hotel’s winter staycation offer starts at just Dhs2,021, with a stay in a superior room, dinner at the immersive Al Hadheerah restaurant, breakfast at Al Forsan, and two hours of complimentary drinks at Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge. On tap you’ll also find stunning infinity pools, archery, camel riding and sweeping vistas over the desert beyond.