City stays, sandy shores and far-flung destinations await this Eid, and with a four-day weekend in the pipeline from April 20th, there’s never been a better time to plan your getaway.
Whether you fancy a luxury staycay in a Dubai resort, a weekend escape to the Hajar mountains or something altogether more exotic, there’s something to suit every travel whim in the UAE and beyond.
So, let’s get Eid started…
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai
Book a staycation that the whole family will thank you for at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark. This Eid weekend, kids big and small will be able to make a splash at Jungle Bay Waterpark, while grown-ups stretch out and enjoy private beaches, six pools and sumptuous spas. The UAE Family Staycation comes with free breakfast, plus access to W Dubai Mina Seyahi and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Last year, the trio of hotels committed to phasing out all plastic bottles, partnering with BE WTR, a sustainable water brand that filters tap water.
From AED1,950. Use promo code ZJL, marriott.com
Anantara World Islands, Dubai
Taking up residence on Dubai’s famed World Islands, Anantara is accessible via a 15-minute boat ride from The Palm, where the resort’s home island serves as a private haven for guests. This Eid you can take your pick from 70 swanky seaside villas and suites at 30 per cent less, for remote island luxury that feels a million miles away from the city. Once you’re settled into paradise, you can learn about the resort’s plastic-free initiative that aims to eradicate all disposable plastic across the resort, as well as lathering up with repurposed soap, 52kg of which is recycled every month. A new composting initiative is also underway. Watch this space.
From AED4,400, anantara.com
InterContinental, Ras Al Khaimah
Eid is a time for generosity and this year, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah has made giving back even more rewarding. During the Eid weekend, you can escape amid mountains, desert and sea, safe in the knowledge that your getaway has contributed to a good cause. Until 22 April, 50 per cent of revenue from seafront and beachfront private pool villas will be donated to the Al Ihsan Association to support IHG’s Giving for Good programme, which aids local communities and planet-saving initiatives. Talk about a feel-good trip…
From AED3,216, icrasalkhaimah.com
Mysk Moon Retreat, Sharjah
Reconnect with nature this Eid at Sharjah’s award-winning Mysk Moon Retreat in the otherworldly Mleiha Fossil Rock desert. With its rolling red sand dunes, archaeological marvels and spectacular trekking trails, the area is a treasure trove of natural wonders and a gateway to the country’s Bedouin past. It has been previously nominated for Unesco World Heritage status, with another nomination scheduled in the next two years. Relax with a spot of stargazing, put your best foot forward for an invigorating hike or try your hand at archery during a guided session with a pro.
From AED1,349, myskhotels.com
Erth, Abu Dhabi
Inspired by UAE heritage, Erth Abu Dhabi offers an evocative gateway into the nation’s past. Here, everything from the décor and restaurant dishes to the flora and fauna growing in the gardens is authentic to the region. Even the word ‘Erth’ translates to ‘legacy’ in Arabic. This Eid, you can choose between the Al Ubayya Deluxe Room, One Bedroom Pool Villa or the Two Bedroom Pool Villa, each incorporating locally sourced natural materials and Palm tree extracts, for the ultimate relaxing getaway with breakfast included.
From AED800, erth.ae
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
Endless beaches, timeless ruins, herds of elephants and famous tea make Sri Lanka’s charm utterly irresistible. And, best of all? It’s only four hours away from Dubai. Swerve the city this Eid and make for the shrubbery with a forest getaway deep in the Ceylon tea region. During the long weekend, Resplendent Ceylon Hotel Group is offering visitors the chance to enjoy a 20 per cent discount on spa services, a private visit to a tea factory and a half-day-tour at Ceylon Tea Trails Norwood Bungalow, perched at an altitude of 1,250 metres.
The charming hotel is made up of five cosy planter residences that date back to the colonial era, complete with a private butler and personal chef to whip up four meals a day – and it’s also giving back to the environment. Recent efforts include the initiation of the Peak Ridge Forest Corridor to protect the leopard population and the regeneration of local montane forests.
From AED3,230, resplendentcelyon.com
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, The Maldives
Unrivalled luxury, powder-soft sands and an incredible underwater world make this remote island paradise the choice of over a million visitors a year. Just four hours away from the UAE, the Maldives is a popular choice for a long weekend, and if you’re visiting this Eid then you better arrive hungry. From 20 to 30 April, Dubai pit master Chef Hattem Mattar will showcase his unique style of live fire-cooking at Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll, using local ingredients picked from the resort’s organic gardens.
From AED5,934, soneva.com
