4 GCC staycations you should check out in May

SAADIYAT DREAMING

Home to the best beaches in the UAE, there’s nothing like indulging in a staycation on Saadiyat Island. Leading straight out onto the island’s pristine natural sands, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is a dreamy base for your Saadiyat stay and its two-day Serenity Retreat is ideal for those who are craving a reboot. Including a rejuvenating hot-stone massage, moisturising facial, invigorating yoga class, soothing sound healing session and more wellness-inspired experiences, you’ll instantly enter a state of pure relaxation from the moment you arrive. Completed with a lavish daily breakfast and access to the resort’s many pools and wellness facilities, you’ll depart feeling like a whole new person.

Hyatt.com

ELEGANCE REDEFINED

Made for special celebrations or romantic weekends, the Epitome of Elegance experience at Raffles The Palm Dubai takes luxury to a whole new level. Starting with a VIP transfer in a classic Rolls-Royce or Bentley, your villa will then treat you to some of the finest views of The Palm from anywhere in the city, plus your own private swimming pool. Completed with daily breakfast, afternoon tea and sunset aperitivo at the exclusive Raffles Lounge (and the option of having breakfast in the privacy of your own villa, too), the 24-hour butler service ensures that every moment is nothing short of magical.

Raffles.com/thepalm-dubai

AMAZING AJMAN

Those familiar with the UAE lifestyle know it’s busy and exciting. However, we all need to slow down sometimes; an opportunity to press pause and escape for a while. Nestled on Ajman’s pretty coastline, the new Exotic Escape package at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, offers the ultimate beachside reset, and the perfect way to recharge and replenish your energy levels. Surrounded by turquoise waters and pristine golden sand, the limited-time deal includes a stay in one of the spacious rooms, daily breakfast and dinner, and a 20 percent discount on all spa treatments at the serene The Oberoi Spa.

Oberoihotels.com

ECHOS OF ALULA

Saudi Arabia’s majestic AlUla region is on every luxury traveller’s bucket list and now, thanks to Our Habitas, you can experience it in a whole new way. Combining two nights in the stylish Airstreams of Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas and a one-night stay in one of Our Habitas AlUla’s stunning sustainable villas, the Echos of AlUla package is the ultimate way of immersing yourself in the region’s fascinating history and heritage. Ideal for adventurous travellers who are craving a rush of adrenaline, each three-night package also includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as a hot air balloon ride over the endless desert and a go on the region’s extraordinary mountain zip line and sky-high giant swing. Prices start from SAR 7,800 (US $2,079) per person.