Staycay Goals

If you're not taking a holiday abroad this summer, fear not! Plenty of fabulous hotels are offering up deals that aren't to be missed — and perfectly suited for the whole family to well and truly survive the UAE heat!

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Bedouins and ride a camel over the dunes of Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter.

This summer, experience unparalleled luxury and unforgettable journeys and save big. Ride on a camel over sun soaked dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter as this foreboding landscape unwinds eternally in front of you. Soak in the freeform swimming pool while desert wildlife grazes in the shade below. Be inspired by glorious Arabian décor that channels one of the world’s most ancient and revered cultures at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

Summer Villa Special: Discover the essence of luxury at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab. Stay in a One Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa with breakfast for two and refresh with a dip in your private plunge pool. Take part in exciting sunrise and sunset desert activities, or simply spend quality time at Anantara Spa. Rate starts from AED1,999* (subject to service charge and local fees) per night in luxury accommodation, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two adults.

Luxury Resort Lifestyle Day: Escape to a luxurious desert retreat for just one day. Discover epic Arabian adventure with tranquil splendour. Indulge more with 20% off lifestyle pleasures. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Bedouin on exciting desert escapades. Rejuvenate body and mind with indulgent spa experiences, while your little ones enjoy fun at the kids’ club. Dine on delicious cuisine as you admire the breathtaking views. Rate starts from AED229* (subject to service charge and local fees) per person.

GO: Call (0)2 886 2088 for reservations and more information.

Emirates Palace

Enjoy special room rates and a buffet breakfast at the Palace.

Summer at the Palace: Take advantage of this very special offer and receive a 25% reduction on your summer break. Along with special discounted room rates, enjoy a sumptuous daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per room. Enjoy complimentary access to the Palace Lounge when booking a suite. Rates starting from AED 990* (subject to service charge and local fees) per room, inclusive of buffet breakfast in Le Vendôme Brasserie. This offer is valid until September 30.

GO: Call (0)2 690 8888 for reservations and more information.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

With pool and beach access, you'll have no trouble staying cool in the heat at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

Pool and Beach Experience: A full-day pool and beach experience including access to a private sandy beach; access to the 1,600-square meter swimming pool, kids’ pool and Ritz Kids Splash Park, including the health club facilities too. How does that sound for a quick local escape? Weekdays: Adult: AED210 net; Couple AED320 net; Children AED80 net. Weekends: Adult: AED320 net; Couple AED530 net; Children AED100 net.

GO: Call (0)2 818 8144 for reservations and more information.

QE2

This legendary cruise liner is permanently docked at Mina Rashid, and the 13-deck hotel is offering its many restaurants and amenities to guests for special rates.

Exclusive UAE Residents’ Offer: The legendary QE2 has been reinvented as the latest must-see tourism destination in Dubai. The world-famous cruise liner, which has a history spanning five decades, is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid, where her dining, accommodation and entertainment attractions can be discovered by the public. The 13-deck hotel has been thoughtfully restored to her former glory – maintaining her most loved interior design features - including her period furniture, renowned paintings and famous memorabilia. In her lifetime, the QE2 has completed 1,400 voyages, sailed some 6 million nautical miles and played gracious host to almost 2.5 million passengers. She completed 25 tours around the world and, after 39 years, has retired in 2008 to join Dubai as a prized and prestigious attraction turned hospitality hideaway. Valid until September 30, the special package onboard the QE2 includes 15% off the best flexible rate online, complimentary buffet breakfast for two, an upgrade to a higher room category and 25% off food and beverage throughout the stay.

GO: Visit www.qe2.com/offers for reservations and more information.

Lapita Dubai Parks & Resorts, Autograph Collection

Polynesian-themed Lapita hotel offers a wide range of adventures and accommodations that guarantee fun for the whole family.

Explore Polynesia in Dubai: At Lapita hotel, a Polynesianthemed world of exciting adventures located in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts, you’ll find tropical flora, lagoon-style swimming pools (that even includes a lazy river), delicious international fare served up to live music, with a stellar view of the surrounding parks, all while the kids are entertained with endless games and activities. The “Exploring Polynesia in Dubai” package is an Exactly Like Nothing Else package, includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, complimentary Polynesian-themed amenities, to help you get in the right mood for your Polynesian journey, a “Limbo fun” dance, a hula hoop class, two complimentary cocktails or mocktails at Lani rooftop bar, and a complimentary relaxing 30-minute Lomi-Lomi massage at Ola spa. Rates from AED1,200 per night. Promotional code: 9EZ.

GO: Visit www.LapitaDubaiHotel.com for reservations and more information.