Peaceful and perfect

It may look like forced family fun to some, but getting away can do wonders for overstressed, overcommitted, overwhelmed parents and maybe their kids. And if you are a savvy planner you can find a way to escape the uh-oh of daily life and find an oh-wow moment or two close to home.

I opted for Fujairah — the emirate is finding favour with singles, families and couples who are keen to balance the shopping at Dubai's malls with beachcombing relaxation, on a Thursday evening. My base for this short break was the newly opened Nour Arjaan by Rotana. With 225 luxurious rooms and suites, it is perfect for those who want a home away from home.

Occupying a prime position, the hotel has a relaxed charm, ideal for business travellers and those who want to explore this emirate, and there is plenty of space: we found the hotel so quiet that we were subsequently surprised to find the breakfast room full with business types and weekenders on Friday morning.

Our one-bedroom suite (it is interconnected to a classic studio, in case you have a large family) is fully equipped with a teensy kitchenette for heat-and-eat suppers (from the Lulu supermarket down the road), LCD TVs (in the living room and bedroom) and internet access. The rooms are spacious and well designed. From the size of the bed to the complimentary sweets to welcome you upon arrival, the rooms are a standard above what you would expect to be on offer.

The hotel has the atmosphere of a private members' club, with thick carpets covering the sound of guests' feet, and quietly effective service.

The highlight of the weekend, though, was diving in the Indian Ocean — throwing yourself to the bottom of the ocean with weights on your hips, possible even if you can't swim for your life. Though the hotel doesn't have its own beach, it arranges diving and snorkelling trips for guests. The diving in Fujairah is the best in the whole of the UAE, with a reef trailing 55 miles (88.5 kilometres) of the coast. Within a few metres of the surface one can get acquainted with a plethora of marine life. Drifting far away, absorbed by new discovery, once you get over the slightly disarming feeling of floating, it is incredibly enjoyable.

The hotel is running a promotion for weekenders for Dh550 per person, and includes one night's stay in a classic studio or suite, breakfast, 20 per cent discount on all food and beverage items and diving on the East coast (for qualified divers and beginners).

The hotel has a 20th-floor rooftop pool with stunning views of the Hajjar Mountains, plus a gym should you feel the need to burn some calories after dining at Murjan (the restaurant caters to every palate).

You can also book massage treatments or relax in the sauna room; my 40-minute deep massage helped to release toxins build-up and tension from my sore muscles, and made me feel like a human again. The great room service means you probably won't want to leave, but there's plenty more to explore in Fujairah.

A trip to the emirate should also include visits to the Al Bidya Mosque, Al Heil Castle, Fujairah Fort, Fujairah Museum and the Ain Madhab Gardens.

Good things do come in small packages and all you need to do is look around and grab the right opportunity.

For more information on Nour Arjaan by Rotana's promotions, visit www.rotanatimes.com or call 09-2025555.