Holidays on the home stretch before the summer heat

Hone your artistic side, take a swing on one of the world's best links, and other mini-break ideas before the heat drives us indoors.

Next month, stay in a deluxe terrace room and learn a few calligraphy skills at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. Courtesy of Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas

Calligraphy at Qasr Al Sarab

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and Qasr Al Sarab are offering a package that combines an interactive calligraphy workshop by Khaled al Saai and a weekend getaway. Visitors also get to enjoy a two-day calligraphy exhibition in the resort's Al Liwan Lounge. Rates start from Dh4,135 for two in a deluxe room for one night, full-board, with a one-day Arabic calligraphy course for one participant, including materials.

The resort's "two nights, two iconic hotels" offer, priced at Dh2,842, includes a night in a double room at the Yas Hotel and Qasr Al Sarab with two tickets to Ferrari Word and breakfast. Prices include taxes. For more information, visit qasralsarab.anantara.com.

Green getaway

The Yas Hotel has golf packages with accommodation for two in a deluxe room, a round of golf for one person at the Yas Links Golf Club, transport to and from the Yas Links Golf Club and breakfast for two. Weekend rates for the nine-hole package start from Dh1,508 per night and from Dh2,088 for the 18-hole package. All prices are based on two sharing and include taxes. The offer is valid until May 31. Visit www.theyashotel.com or call 02 656 0700 for more information.

Fly fishing in Fujairah

From April 6 to 13, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort will host a fly fishing academy led by the British angler Martin James. Packages start at Dh999 during the week and Dh1,250 at the weekend, with breakfast, the fishing course and lunch. A two-day course package without accommodation costs Dh600, inclusive of lunch. The children's course is priced at Dh120 for a full day, including lunch and two refreshment breaks. Registration closes on March 25. For more information, call 09 244 9000 or visit www.lemeridien-alaqah.com.

Muscat beckons

Etihad Holidays' new worldwide holiday programme includes two-night packages to Muscat with accommodation in five-star hotels. Choose from the Grand Hyatt (Dh2,095), Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa (Dh2,930), Al Bustan Palace Hotel (Dh2,725) and the Chedi Muscat (Dh2,540). Prices are per person and include economy-class airfare, two nights' accommodation, round-trip airport transfers, breakfast and taxes. The offers will be on sale until April 30 for travel until June 10. For more information and to book, call 800 2324.

Nobu dinner at the Atlantis

Atlantis the Palm has a special Nobu dinner deal that includes one night's accommodation, a meal worth Dh1,000 for two people, breakfast, drinks at Seafire Steakhouse, two treatments for the price of one at ShuiQi Spa, free entry to Sanctuary Nightclub and preferential rates at Dolphin Bay. The package is priced at Dh3,594, including taxes, and is valid for stays until April 3. Visit www.atlantisthepalm.com for more information.

Kids at Ajman Kempinski

Book six nights in a deluxe room at the Ajman Kempinski hotel and the children get to stay for free. Rates start from Dh754 per night, per adult, and include a complimentary second room, daily snack box treats for the children, access to the Kids' Club, breakfast for the whole family, putting lessons and an hour of bowling, a family tour of Sharjah Aquarium with private transfers, and taxes. The offer is valid until April 19. For details and reservations, call 06 714 5555 or visit www.kempinski.com.