8 special weekend staycations in the UAE

1. Romantic holiday

What Escape to Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi for a weekend with your significant other. Settle into the mood with a complimentary bottle of bubbly on arrival. With the hotel taking care of dinner at steakhouse The Grill and international cuisine at Khayal for breakfast during the stay, you can focus on making the trip memorable. The package includes a daily hour-long spa treatment for two.
Details Rooms start at Dh1,157 a night. Call 02 201 4000 or visit Marriott.com/hotels/travel/auhal-marriott-hotel-al-forsan-abu-dhabi/
Great for rekindling the fire

2. Fitness and wellness staycation

What The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina offers a weekend staycation packed with well-being activities for fitness-focused couples. Pick a fitness class at Club Mina or get a rush of adrenaline with a go at paddleboarding or kayaking. After building an appetite, hit one of the resort’s 17 food and beverage outlets. Next day, unwind at Heavenly Spa with a therapeutic massage. You can also make it a family affair as the resort has supervised water sports as well as other sporting activities for all levels of expertise.
Details A Deluxe Seaview room is 999++ a night with breakfast. Fitness classes and water sports start at Dh50. The signature massage at Heavenly Spa costs Dh455. Call 04 399 4141; visit Westinminaseyahi.com
Great for those interested in wellness

3. Spa break

What Take a day off and make it a long weekend of relaxation at Taj Dubai. Stay for three nights to benefit from the Spa Discovery package, where each visitor will be entitled to an hour-long aromatherapy massage plus a 30-minute scrub or a head massage at Jiva Spa. Extend the experience with 20 per cent off choice treatments at the spa, which uses natural products developed from Indian herbs, essential oils and ingredients.
Details A city view room goes for Dh900++ a night until September 30 with complimentary breakfast at Tesoro. Mail Reservations.tthdxb@tajhotels.com 
Great for anyone who wants to kick back and relax

4. For the gourmand

What Take advantage of 20 per cent off on stays at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and opt for the Dine Around package. From Dh270 per person a night, it allows diners to pick from an eclectic mix of restaurants. Embark on a gourmet tour on the terrace overlooking the private beach with a mocktail. Mix and match a starter from award-winning steakhouse Lexington Grill, a main from Arabian restaurant Marjan and dessert from Japanese lounge Umi. End the evening at 17Squared, the hotel’s rooftop nightclub.
Details 20 per cent off on rooms, with rates starting at Dh1,020++ a night, including breakfast and lunch at Qasr Al Bahar. Bookings should be made 24 hours ahead. Call 07 203 5555
Great for food connoisseurs

5. Thai escape in Dubai

What Enjoy a Thai getaway in the heart of Dubai at Dusit Thani Hotel. With a three-course dinner at award-winning Thai eatery Benjarong as well as a Thai massage for two at Namm Spa, the package offers experiences that evoke the essence of Thailand. Daily breakfast at The Californian restaurant is complimentary.
Details An executive suite goes for Dh999+++ a night. Valid until September 30. Call 04 317 4444 or visit Dusit.com
Great for lovers of Thai food and culture

6. Ramadan getaway

What Get your family and friends together at Desert Palm Per Aquum for a special Ramadan weekend. Create fond memories as you celebrate traditional festivities with your loved ones at a two-bedroom pool residence or the three-bedroom Villa Layali. Opt for à la carte iftar in a poolside setting at Epicure for Dh150. Or for an intimate atmosphere, dine al fresco at Majlis. At Dh150 a person for a minimum of four, guests can enjoy a family-style set menu that includes Arabian and international cuisines. Children between 4 and 12 get 50 per cent discount. Suhour is served from midnight to 3am.
Details 50 per cent discount on all rooms from May 27-June 24 with rates starting at Dh400 a night. Call 04 323 8888 or check out Minorhotels.com/en/peraquum/desert-palm
Great for celebrating Ramadan with your loved ones

7. Art attack

What Love art? Head to Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort, which sports a bohemian Arabian vibe with over 50 internationally acclaimed artworks displayed across the property. If the family don’t share your passion, recreational activities such as water sports, a kids’ club, gym, steam room and sauna will keep them busy.
Details Room rates are Dh900++ with daily buffet breakfast at Canvas and 20 per cent dining discount at Arteasan, Café Pronto and The Copper Lobster. Valid until September 30. Call 09 204 1111. Visit Fairmont.com/fujairah/
Great for art lovers

8. The complete package

What The One&Only Royal Mirage offers a perfect staycation package for UAE residents, with fine dining, fun and relaxation. Enjoy the resort’s culinary delights with a complimentary dinner for two in either Olives, Rotisserie, Nina or Tagine. Then have a whale of a time at Atlantis The Palm’s Aquaventure. You also get 25 per cent off spa treatments and water sports.
Details Room rates start at Dh1,740 a night with complimentary breakfast, valid until end of September. A valid Emirates ID is required upon check-in. Call 04 399 9999 or visit Oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-royal-mirage-dubai
Great for all-round fun

source: GULF NEWS