Top 10 Dubai staycation options for the long weekend

The UAE has declared a long weekend for public and private sector workers in the country from November 30- December 3 to mark National Day celebrations.

With four days off, if you have not yet planned a quick overseas trip or prefer to spend the time relaxing in the country, here are some staycation options right here in Dubai.

1. Anantara, The Palm Dubai Resort

Located on one of the fronds on Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel is home to 400 metres of beachfront, offering open views of the Gulf. The Anantara is the only hotel in the UAE with over-water villas located along the lagoon which flows in-between the rooms. You have will have direct access to three swimming pools along with the option to try out some water sports or time to relax at the spa.

Price per night: Dhs944

2. Atlantis, The Palm

The Atlantis hotel offers a huge variety of activities such as the Aquaventure waterpark, Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion reserve, swimming pools and a plethora of restaurants including the award winning Ronda Locatelli. If you get a chance you should check out the aquarium, home to over 65,000 species of marine life, placed right in the centre of the resort. If the waterpark isn’t for you, then you can spend the day re-energising at the spa.

Price per night: Dhs1,245

3. Hatta Fort Hotel

If you feel like an escape to the mountains, then the Hatta Fort hotel is a good option. Surrounded by mountains, you can opt for activities such as archery, jump for a swim or relax instead with a spa treatment. After your dinner at one of the several F&B options, make sure to watch the beautiful sunset behind the Hatta mountain range.

Price per night: Dhs699

4. Fairmont, The Palm

The Fairmont is a five-star hotel located on the Palm with a private beachfront and a dedicated kids club. It has 10 restaurants with cuisines ranging from Arabian, European and South American food. Guests will have access to a choice of four swimming pools, fitness centre, health club and spa.

Price per night: Dhs935

5. Bab Al Shams

If you are looking to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then the desert is a perfect option. Bab Al Shams is situated along the sand dunes and offers a huge range of desert based activities such as camel riding, desert driving, falconry, horse riding or even fat bike riding. It has an array of quintessentially Arabian cuisine options alongside western foods for you to indulge in throughout your stay.

Price per night: Dhs1,000

6. Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

The centrally located Shangri-La hotel, on Sheikh Zayed road, offers over 300 luxury rooms with stunning views over the city. The hotel has amenities for sports and relaxation, and if you are looking for a wider choice of food options, just step onto the bustling street outside.

Price per night: Dhs800

7. The Westin Beach Resort

If you feel like a relaxing family retreat to the beach is in order, then you can head to The Westin. Guests will have access to the resort’s pools, gym and spa. With eight different restaurants to choose from and the beach in walkable distance, you can rewind and stretch out at this resort.

Price per night: Dhs816

8. Jebel Ali Beach Resort, Golf and Spa

With access to the resort as well as Palm tree court suites, the hotel also offers guests the chance to play a round of golf at one of the most prestigious courses in the UAE and then relax in the pool.

Price per night: Dhs840

9. Raffles, Dubai

This five-star hotel is positioned in the heart of Dubai, within a short journey to numerous shopping destinations. Guests will have access to the spa, gym and hair salon as a way to wind down over the weekend. There are also seven restaurant options available at the hotel, so there is no actual need to for you leave if you don’t want to.

Price per night: Dhs889

10. XVA Art Hotel

If you are a fan of art and wish to experience an artistic weekend away, then head over to the XVA art gallery hotel. Each room is individually themed as a piece of art, such as the Dishdash room and the Henna room. The hotel also boasts an art gallery with contemporary pieces of art from across the Arab world.

Price per night: Dhs722