Don't end up stranded with nowhere to go once the Eid holidays roll around. Take your pick from our round-up of the best weekend getaways around town, all within carbon credit-friendly driving distance. Whatever you're after, there's a mini-break here to suit you.
LUXE ECO BREAK
Where: Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
What to expect: Floating in our chilled private pool looking out over the hazy dunes where a group of lazy snow-white oryx lay in the shade of scrubby desert trees, it was easy to understand why Al Maha is seen as the jewel in the UAE's resort crown.
From our knowledgeable and friendly field guide, Peter, who met us when we first arrived at the entrance to the resort (just 60-odd kilometres outside Dubai), to the roomy villa, complete with billowing fabric ceilings and heavy dark-wood furniture, this resort is committed to ensuring that you want for nothing during your stay. And that's before you've even been enticed on the numerous activities on offer throughout the day.
Each villa comes equipped with a sketch pad, pastels, pencils and an easel, so we spent the afternoon alternating between cool-off dips and attempts at finding our inner-Picasso.
At six in the evening, we ambled past grazing oryx and gazelle through the resort to the starting point for our camel sunset safari. Our brightly-coloured camel caravan seemed a little less excited by the prospect of an evening stroll through the desert than the guests lined up armed with cameras and plenty of holiday enthusiasm. Amidst grunts and groans (from the camels, not the guests!) we clambered up and headed off into the glowing orange dunes. It wasn't the most comfortable journey, but our reward was waiting for us in the dunes - a table filled with refreshments and snacks, and a blazing desert sun slowly melting away into the dunes.
While many guests choose to have dinner at their dining table set up on the wooden deck that surrounds their villa, we headed instead to the resort's restaurant - a dramatic venue with flaming torches, a night sky filled with a million stars, and the vast desert stretching out beyond the terrace. The indoor part of the restaurant has more of an old-school charm with authentic furniture and high ceilings.
Dinner is a set five-course menu, with options for starters, mains and dessert. Using fresh, perfectly prepared ingredients, each dish sounded tempting and tasted delicious. Back at our villa, it seemed foolish to end the day when we could laze on the deck listening to the nocturnal sounds of the desert.
For early birds, Al Maha offers a 5.30am desert safari, an early morning falcon display, or a sunrise ride through the dunes on Arabian horses. Peter had warned us that unless we were experienced riders we should give this a miss - which was an easy decision to make once we heard stories of galloping steeds and hapless guests. Instead, we set up a much more sleep-friendly date with Peter - 9am for a drive through the desert to discover more of the area's wildlife. Besides oryx and gazelle, the main natural attractions here are its wide array of lizards and insects.
With an eye finely tuned to the creatures of desert, Peter quickly stopped next to a tree to show us a lizard catching some early morning rays on the top branches. He also pointed out camel spider tracks that had been left behind in the sand the night before.
Further along we came across herds of oryx - their stick-straight horns pointing skywards. According to legend, the oryx gave rise to the unicorn myth, because if you look at them exactly side-on, it appears as if they only have one horn.
But my favourite had to be the slow, gnarly dhubs that grow close to two-feet long and have the face of a tired old tortoise. We saw at least seven of these desert grand-daddies (they live to be older than 70), plodding over the gravelly terrain not far from their underground burrows.
Another big drawcard for the resort is its tranquil spa, set alongside a low shimmering pool that seems to melt into the desert. Book yourself in for a rejuvenating treatment, or sign up for the stretch and yoga class that is held every morning next to the pool.
Cost and contact: Until September 17, guests can enjoy special summer promotional rates of Dh3,239 per Bedouin Suite - and guests can stay a third night free if they book two nights. From September 18 onwards, it costs Dh4,615 per night for a Bedouin Suite. All rates are on a full board basis and include two desert-based activities. For more information, visit www.emirateshotelsresorts.com or call 04-3034222.
- Sally Emery
GIRLIE BREAK
Where: The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah
What to expect: If you're looking to refresh and renew yourself over the extra days off work, then look no further than Ras Al Khaimah. Grab a girlfriend, and head off to the newest addition to UAE's weekend break destinations' list.
Less than an hour's drive from Dubai, the Cove Rotana offers everything two girls on a short break could ask for - affordable yet luxurious rooms, a fab spa and gym, swimming pools and fine restaurants, all set against a backdrop of mangrove-flecked coastline.
The resort has been designed to represent traditional Arabia, with sand-coloured rooms and villas, and winding, paved walkways and alleys. Two huge infinity pools overlook the beach, and after a hard day's poolside relaxing, you can spend your evenings at one of the many dining options. We chose the Mediterranean supper at Basilico, tucking into mussels in rich tomato, garlic and herb sauce for starters before moving on to main courses of perfectly grilled salmon and the biggest prawns I have ever seen. The tiramisu (with two spoons) didn't stand a chance! On our second day, we opted for Cinnamon's casual buffet-style dining for breakfast and lunch.
In an attempt to make up for all this eating, we hit the gym and made use of Jason, the personal trainer, who put us through a rather rigorous set of crunches and stretching. The Cove also has a fabulous spa with really friendly staff and a treatment list so extensive, it is virtually impossible to choose from.
I recommend the rejuvenating foot reflexology treatment, which will make you wince with pleasure and leave you walking on air. If you can handle the heat, book yourself a beach massage under a linen-swathed canopy, listening to the gentle lapping of the sea. The Cove signature treatment was definitely my favourite - an hour of massage and various holistic therapies, which left me feeling like I had undergone a complete body overhaul.
Cost and contact: Room rates start from Dh400 per night until September 15. Thereafter, prices start at Dh1,400 (excluding breakfast and service charges). Call 07-2066000 or visit www.rotana.com.
- Zoe Moore
ROMANTIC BREAK
Where: Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman
What to expect: Renowned for its luxurious resorts around the world, Zighy Bay is everything you'd come to expect from Six Senses. Discretion, privacy and attention to detail make this the perfect place to spend a couple of days rekindling your romance and indulging in a little 'us' time.
After a two-hour drive from Dubai, the resort is so absorbed into the mountain landscape, we almost missed the entrance. Offered the choice of whether to switch to a hotel 4x4 or make the drive ourselves, we chose to tackle the rugged terrain and were rewarded with a breathtaking view on the other side. Sitting at the foot of the mountains along an enclosed bay, the resort does a good job of looking very un-five-star hotel. One of Six Senses' main focuses is to blend in with the natural surrounds, and so Zighy Bay is a complex of stone buildings in keeping with Omani tradition.
Whisked away to our private beachfront pool villa, we were soon settled on our sun-beds and frolicking in the pool. With direct access to the beach, we opened up the gates and let the sound of the waves accompany our relaxed lunch. We were tempted to spend the entire time lazing in our private pool, but instead, took full advantage of the activities the resort has to offer. Setting off on a three-hour mountain trip, we off-roaded through the wadis, hiked up to little mountain villages and encountered local goatherds who have spent all their lives in isolation on the mountaintops - an eye-opening experience. Back at the resort, we collapsed into the spa for a hard-earned session of reflexology.
Our evening was spent enjoying the Haute Couture Dinner, which takes place in the resort's cellar and comes accompanied by a five-course feast. There are numerous private dining options as well. The blend of mountain backdrop, candlelight and the lapping waves provide the perfect setting for a relaxing, romance-filled getaway.
Cost and contact: Room rates start from $1,707 (about Dh6,250) per night for a Pool Villa. There are a number of special offers on throughout September, visit www.sixsenses.com/Six-Senses-Hideaway-Zighy-Bay to check out the various promotions and to book.
- Charlene Stubbs
FAMILY BREAK
Where: Hotel JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa
What to expect: Five sets of eyes peer out of the windows, keen to spot the hotel that will mark the end of our journey. Seconds later, JAL Fujairah bursts into view in a flash of pastel ice-cream colours, making a brave stand against the muted sand and rock environment. Inside the very child-friendly exterior, however, is a very adult-friendly interior - neutral colours, spacious areas and an Asian scent permeating from oil burners.
All of the rooms at JAL look out over the deep blue of the Indian Ocean and have safe balconies (no gaps for children to stick their arms/legs/heads through). My favourite feature of our room was the shutters connecting bathroom and bedroom, meaning you can check out the view, or watch TV, while in the bath or shower.
Down at the pool area, there is an adult pool, a child's pool (waist-height on a three-year-old), and a baby's splash pool. If you have forgotten arm bands, ask the lifeguard to point you to their stash of swimming gear. For the more adventurous water babies, you could head to the beach and take a trip out on an old-fashioned pedalo or swim out to the floating aqua park. We spent most of our day either wandering the beach collecting shells, carousing in pedalos or checking out the indoor play areas with the one-year old.
For our evening meal, being partial to spice, we booked a table at Marco Polo, the hotel's Asian fusion venue, for a feast of scrummy Thai soups and delicious Indian biryani. Next time we'll try Breeze (Mediterranean), Icho (Teppanyaki), Al Nokhada (Arabic) or Lobby Lounge (Italian). The restaurants are open from 6pm, but there is also the option of a good room service menu for children. If you fancy a grown-up dinnertime, don't forget to book a babysitter well in advance.
The next morning, after gorging on a big breakfast, we lazed about doing more of the same. Later in the day, enjoying a late check-out, we bundled our sandy belongings back into the car and headed back into the rat race.
Cost and contacts: Special Eid package costs Dh1,370 for two with breakfast (minimum booking of two nights). Call 09-2449700 or visit www.jalfujairahresort.ae.
- Louisa Wilkins
ADVENTURE BREAK
Where: Khor Kalba mangroves, south of Fujairh
What to expect: We were not alone. A head bobbed out of the water then submerged. No it wasn't an anaconda, croc or any other waterborne predator - our observer was just a turtle, a confirmed vegetarian.
On the coast south of Fujairah, Khor Kalba is a network of mangrove-fringed waterways and the best way to explore these is by canoe or kayak. If you don't have either, Explorer Tours offers guided excursions. The tours are conducted on request and departure time depends on tidal schedules. An 80-minute drive from Dubai, Khor Kalba is close to the Omani border and adjacent to a coastal town of the same name.
The area is popular with the 4x4 crowd but once you paddle away from the parking area, African Queen fantasies come quickly. Herons stand on the banks, turtles surface to check your progress and the mangroves buzz with life.
You have the choice of three-seat canoes or kayaks. Our guide and two of us took a canoe, in which we also stowed our cooler box, while our companions shot ahead of us on a kayak.
Soon after starting out, the channel narrowed and we were deep in the mangroves. Although the midday sun was intense, it wasn't too hot. We took a detour into a mangrove forest and found a collared kingfisher perched in the canopy while hundreds of crabs clung to the mangrove trunks.
After paddling for an hour, we alighted, walked down to the beach and went for a dip. There wasn't another soul in sight. After this, we returned to the channel and swapped crafts.
Heading back along the same waterway, we pulled into the mangrove canopy for a picnic lunch on the boat, then paddled back to our cars. After the three-hour trip, we retired to the Hilton Fujairah Resort - which is conveniently located a 20-minute drive away - for the night& just the tonic for stiff limbs!
Cost and contact: Dh175 for the kayaking trip, including soft drinks (transport and food are not included). For more information, call Explorer Tours on 04-2861991 or visit www.explorertours.ae. Prices for a double room at the Hilton Fujairah Resort start from Dh720 per night, call 09-2222411.
- Andrew van Smeerdijk
