The festive season is here and if you, for some reason, haven’t been able to head out of the country, then fret not, we’ve got you covered. There are several marvellous staycations on hand at some of the finest hotel and resorts in the UAE during Christmas and New Year. Here are our top five.

Caesars Palace, Dubai: With its pristine private beach, Ceasars Palace Dubai on Bluewaters Island is the perfect spot for a relaxed staycation. There are several festive activities for the little ones that are in spirit of the season. Who knows you might even meet the man himself – Santa Claus. There are several other festive activities on the cards, as well as complimentary spa treatment. Furthermore, UAE residents snag a 20% discount on room, including complimentary breakfast and dinner.

Caesars Palace
On Dubai’s Bluewater Island Caesars Palace is a fantastic new property. Image Credit: Instagram @caesarspalacedubai

The Lighthouse Retreat, RAK: If Christmas and New Year celebrations get too hectic then it might be time to reward yourself with a lavish, detox staycation at The Lighthouse Retreat in Ras Al-Khaimah. You can get 50% off on bookings from the 2nd to the 31st of January 2022.

The Lighthouse Retreat is the first “authentic Wellness and Detox Retreat in the UAE” and boasts a spectacular seafront retreat that offers a programme to balance the mind, body and soul. All meals and refreshments - plant-based detox menu and juicing program are complimentary. As are daily group sessions and activities, including Yoga, Mediation, Sound Healing, Reiki, Fitness and more. The offer is for bookings of two days or more.

The Lighthouse Retreat
A wellness resort, The Lighthouse Retreat will help you get rid of the post-festivity regrets Image Credit: Supplied

InterContinental Resort, Fujairah: One of the newest and perhaps the most luxurious properties along Al Aqah beach in Fujairah, the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort is offering a variety of staycation packages, spanning from now until the end of March, there is something for everyone there. As part of the package you get one night’s stay including breakfast. Furthermore, you get watersports credit worth Dh350 to spend at the resort.

 IC Fujairah
One of the newest resorts on the east coast, IC Fujairah is a great getaway. Image Credit: Instagram @icfujairah

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi: With a pristine private beach that overlooks the Arabian Gulf, this five-star resort is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Reward yourself with a serene staycation, a stone’s throw from downtown Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. You can unwind at their Iridium Spa, or take a dip in one of their four pools, then dine beachside at one of their six restaurants and bars. This festive season St. Regis has plenty of activities planned, so partake in Christmas cheer in style this year.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
This resort is conveniently located close to downtown Abu Dhabi. Image Credit: Supplied

The Ritz Carlton Dubai Marina, Dubai: With its private beach, The Ritz-Carlton is the perfect getaway this festive season. Right next to The Walk at JBR, it offers the best of both worlds when it comes to serenity and glamour. This Christmas they are hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner at Amaseena and Splendido restaurants. Caravan, meanwhile is offering a festive dinner buffet, which includes a mix of live cooking stations including delicacies from the Middle East and India, with a seafood bar.

The Ritz Carlton, Dubai
Despite being located in the heart of new Dubai, The Ritz Carlton, Dubai is a tranquil location. Image Credit: Supplied