Island escape
Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island has seasonal full-board packages starting from Dh1,450. The deals include breakfast, lunch and dinner with soft beverages, overnight accommodation in a deluxe sea-view room for two and one activity per person based on double occupancy. Excursions include safari drives, traditional dhow cruises, mountain biking and nature-trail walking. This summer package is available exclusively on the website for a minimum of two nights per booking.
• www.desertislands.anantara.com
Book a spa day
Summer has officially arrived at The Waldorf Astoria in Dubai. Book any facial treatment this month and you’ll receive a complimentary bespoke massage. The hotel’s spa was voted Best Luxury Destination Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2015, and boasts more than 3,200 square metres of indoor treatment space, with an extensive array of hydrotherapy facilities, flotation lounges and thermal relaxation rooms. The spa’s menu includes 50 services and pampering treatments for you to choose from. The Waldorf Astoria is on Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah.
• Call 04 818 2222 or visit www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
Family packages
Vida Downtown Dubai is offering UAE residents special discounts this season through its “Local Retreat” offers. Book a room and you’ll receive 10 per cent off the best available rate and 20 per cent off your bill at all restaurants operated by Emaar Hospitality Group. Children below 13 years of age dine for free. Options also include two complimentary VIP tickets to At The Top at the Burj Khalifa, and two free passes to Reel Cinema in The Dubai Mall. Alternative packages offer two complimentary VIP tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, and tickets to see a film in the world’s biggest mall.
• Visit www.vida-hotels.com
Regional retreat
For a regional retreat outside the UAE this summer, look no farther than Oman. The Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel is a luxury resort set on a dramatic gorge with panoramic views of the majestic Al Hajar mountains. This season, GCC residents will receive preferential rates, starting from Dh716 when booking a mountain-view suite. They’ll also receive breakfast and a 30 per cent spa discount. A valid ID card must be presented upon arrival. Also worth considering is the Mountain Retreat package, which includes breakfast, two set dinners and a 60-minute couples spa treatment when a minimum of two nights is booked. The deal is valid until September 30.
• Call 968 2534 4200 or visit www.alilahotels.com
Beat the heat
This month, guests who visit the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal will be treated to a traditional Arabian tent experience. Traditional Middle Eastern savoury and sweet dishes will be served alongside shisha and refreshments from 4pm until 2am daily. Cold meze starts from Dh26, hot meze from Dh30 and main course from Dh40. Regional entertainment is also in store each evening.
• Call 02 818 8282 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com
rduane@thenational.ae
