Staycations in Dubai & UAE: Hotels, Resorts & Retreats

Uninhibited luxury awaits you at the Atlantis The Royal – a stunning beach resort that’s been named one of the top ten hotels in the world. Stacked like Tetris, with 43 levels, you can pick from plush rooms, suites and penthouses – after considering how much you want to splurge on this luxurious getaway. Once you’ve settled in, you can spend your holiday dining in splendour at the hotel’s restaurants, including, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Other incredible experiences include a day well spent at the Aquaventure Waterpark or getting to know the adorable dolphins at Atlas Village. As the sun sets, you can fashionably step into the property’s many bars and clubs to dance the night away!

Experience the luxe version of pristine Santorini in dazzling Abu Dhabi. Surrounded by aquamarine waters, Anantara Santorini recreates a serene world to escape into on your staycation here. The immaculate white resort offers cosy rooms where you can unwind and destress while gazing at the picturesque setting. When you are ready to feast, the restaurants serve Mediterranean and Arabic delights. Adding to the pleasure of staying at this adults-only property is the line-up of activities. Pack in adventure with kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding expeditions. If you love the indoors more, then, sign up for mixology or yoga classes. Or simply kick back and relax at the spa or while catching a movie at this private cinema.

One of Sharjah’s renowned resorts, Al Faya reimagines the Bedouin experience in an ultra-luxury setting. First, be prepared to be mesmerised by your surroundings, as the resort sits pretty at the foothills of the Mleiha region – a UNESCO Heritage site. The ancient landscape is made up of soft, red sands and stark brown mountains that are a sight to the sore eye. At Al Faya, you’ll be treated to a memorable glamping experience as you lay back in modern rooms that are fitted with all the amenities. In the evenings, you can gaze at the stars from the comfort of your bed through the skylights or even curl up by the fire pit outside as you enjoy the coolness of the desert. The resort’s herbal room, salt pool and tropical shower walk add plenty of sheen to your glamping trip.

Ensconced between the sweeping Al Hajar Mountains and the sea, Fairmont Fujairah is the ideal setting for a beach holiday. Given their comfortable rooms and top-notch services, Fairmont would make a lovely holiday spot for your family. When not lazing in bed, you can explore the hotel’s fantastic lineup of activities including watersports and the dedicated kids' play area. You can also choose to break a sweat with sunset yoga, aqua Zumba, and beach volleyball. On weekend nights, you can even take in belly and fire dancing performances. If you’d like to venture out, Fairmont Fujairah is close to historical sites that you can visit.

A traveller’s favourite, Park Hyatt sits on the unspoiled Saadiyat Beach, offering endless views of the waters of the Arabian Gulf. A staycation here means that you’ll be able to take advantage of the posh rooms, swim in the tranquil waters of the magnificent pool that’s cocooned amidst palm trees, and perfect your swing at the well-designed golf course. The kids can head to Camp Hyatt – a playroom packed with games and interactive toys. When you are ready to hit the beach, sign up to zip through the waters on a speed boat, take a deep dive into the sparkling waters on a snorkelling or scuba diving exploration, or roam the skies on a parasail. In the evenings, unwind over a drink at the Shala Beach Lounge or feast at the celebrated Maté – where Argentinian food gets a Lebanese twist.

Set amidst the golden sands of the desert, the Ritz Carlton elevates the Bedouin experience to the luxury realm at its enchanting property. Nestled in an expansive nature reserve, the resort promises a serene landscape that showcases life in the desert and highlights the richness of the centuries-old nomadic culture. Check into one of the comfort-lined villas that come fitted with private pools and sweeping views of the landscape, roaming ibexes and camels gently navigating the dunes. Outside, you can spend your time horse riding or mastering falconry and archery. For an immersive desert experience, you can also head out biking or stargaze well into the night.

Pack in the best of Dubai into one glorious staycation at the Address Beach Resort – which stands tall on the city’s iconic beachfront. Ranked high on the list of the best hotels in Dubai, the glass-cased, towering, table-top hotel is part of the Jumeirah Beach Residence that overflows with luxury and showcases Dubai spectacularly. From the comfort of your room, you can look down at the glittering city and catch glimpses of the Marina, Bluewaters Island and the Ain Dubai. The hotel boasts the world’s highest infinity pool where you can melt away all your worries. When you want to dial up the pampering, stop by one of the resort’s many restaurants to savour carefully crafted culinary experiences or simply check into their spa.

Al Maha can easily be mistaken for a luxurious mirage in the desert, except, it is very real! A Marriott Bonvoy offering, the spellbinding property sits amidst the Dubai Desert Conversation Reserve and features palm groves, blue pools, and swaying canopies surrounded by endless desert dunes. The elegant villas with canopied roofing and furnished with ethnic details look like they are straight out of an Arabian fairytale. And this enthralling tale follows you to the in-house, outdoor restaurant that serves up Arabic and Mediterranean delights. When you are ready to conquer the desert, the resort will be happy to arrange dune-bashing, falconry, camel and horse-riding adventures.

Let your Dubai experience soar to new heights with a stay at JA Hatta, an adventure-packed mountain retreat. Best suited for those of you who love the outdoors and want to discover the beauty of the Hajar Mountains, the property offers you the opportunity to spend your days hiking and mountain biking through the rugged terrain. You can also find your inner zen while kayaking at the dam. When you’d like your downtime, you can head to the resort’s lounge to sip on a heady concoction or you kick back in your private terrace to gaze at the stars.

Opulence seeps through every nook and cranny of Raffles The Palm in Dubai. Evoking the look and feel of a Baroque-era palace, the gilded interiors from the dramatic lobbies to the artful bedrooms and the 6,000 chandeliers that stud the sprawling property - will ensure you spend your staycation like royalty. When you want a break from gawking at the extravagance, you can set your sights on unobstructed views of The Palm and the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf. To make the most of your trip here, we recommend you dine in style, find your zen at a yoga session and dispel your worries at the luxe spa.

Soak in the heritage of Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural centre, with a staycation at the Chedi Al Bait. As you step in, the historic mansions that have now been converted into the hotel will give you a peek into the history and architecture of the region. You’ll make your way past arched doorways to settle into rooms that radiate old-world charm while also being fitted with modern luxuries. For leisure, you can tour their in-house museum (yes, they have one!) which showcases the region’s history. There is also a cosy library and a lush cigar lounge. The hotel is also home to four restaurants serving everything from local cuisine to Korean offerings. We recommend you make reservations at the outdoor Al Bareed – which is housed in what was once Sharjah’s first office. The laidback, tree-lined space overlooks Creek Harbour and is bound to soothe you. For the ultimate pampering experience, the in-house spa lines up traditional massages along with rejuvenating hammam experiences.