Weekend escapes in the UAE

Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort and Spa, liwa desert

Go there for: An Arabian experience
What's it like: Nestled in the middle of Liwa's towering dunes, the sprawling complex of sandstone-coloured buildings that is the Anantara resort is so well-hidden that you don't see it until the very end of the winding desert track that leads up to it. But when you do, it takes your breath away! Smiling staff hurry to welcome you as you drive in, and the check-in process, takes place as you relax over a delicious hibiscus drink in the lobby - this sets the tone for the high level of service you will come to expect here.

The resort has been designed as a traditional Bedouin village, with numerous buildings blending into each other through maze-like alleys and secluded nooks and corners. The effect carries into the interiors as well, with an immense amount of research and effort having gone into recreating a sumptuous, luxe atmosphere that is decidedly Arabian. Hand-picked artefacts and antiques dot every space - from the rooms to the cosy library - giving the intimate feel of being in a collector's home, despite the 206-room capacity of the hotel.

The rooms are all spacious, with most featuring a large outdoor terrace dotted with comfy daybeds. Every room overlooks the majestic Liwa dunes - reportedly the highest sand dunes in the world. There is also the option of booking into one of the one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas, which is convenient for large families or groups. Combined with a well-equipped Kids and teens club, this makes it a great option for family getaways.

As an architect friend of mine once said, even the most beautiful building designs go to waste if not properly lit. That is definitely not a problem here, as strategic lighting plays a key role in creating a picturesque lamp-lit scene as the sun goes down. Walking along the pathways after dark, you will stumble upon large sculpted stone structures with fibre-optic lit reproductions of the starry constellations; set beside oversized telescopes. Star gazing into the clear desert sky is a unique activity offered here - just the sort of nightlife you'd want on a relaxed getaway.

The Arabian theme is carefully maintained throughout the resort, both in the activities on offer, as well as the cuisine. The range of activities have been developed to offer an insight into the traditional Bedouin lifestyle and local landscape. These include camel trekking; archery; mountain biking; desert walks and desert drives - the most appealing option in the hot weather! Unlike any other dune-bashing excursion you might have been on, a desert safari on the Liwa desert is truly spectacular with miles and miles of red sand stretching endlessly into the horizon - there's a reason this is called the Empty Quarter.

Make sure to book in on the evening safari, as that is timed to catch the picturesque desert sunset. On the drive, you are accompanied by a well-informed driver and guide, who points out local flora and fauna along the way.

Over the summer, the resort is also offering other activities such as yoga, Arabic lessons, cooking classes, Thai massage classes, water polo and for the kids, options include face painting, arts and crafts, dance and swimming lessons.

When it comes to the food, not only is there a wide range of Arabic dishes in the lavish breakfast buffet, but also a mandatory Emirati dish included in the lunch buffet at Al Waha restaurant - one of the rare opportunities we get to sample authentic local cuisine, as UAE residents. However, you're not limited to only Arabic options, as the Ghadeer restaurant serves up fresh and light Mediterranean dishes in a poolside setting at dinner time, and light deli cuisine at lunch, while the Suhail restaurant offers European-style gourmet grill selections.

To work off these indulgent meals, there is a fitness centre, but the massive free-form pool is probably the most attractive option to cool off on hot summer days. It is large enough to never let you feel crowded in, even if it's full of people. The meandering shape with shaded corners and a waterfall section giving the feel of swimming in a river!

If you're looking for the ultimate exclusivity, then make like the local shaikhs and book in at the Royal pavilion. Set apart from the rest of the resort, it has its own helipad, ten exclusive villas with private pools, and a butler on hand to cater to all your needs.

Also try: A visit to an Anantara resort cannot be complete without trying out their renowned spa, which has its roots in Thailand. The spa is housed in a separate building, and is instantly relaxing with a delicate lemongrass scent wafting through its every space, and trickling water fountains. A lovely tamarind welcome drink and a foot bath precedes every treatment, taking the experience to another level, that of a pampering ritual. The treatment rooms are as roomy as hotel suites, with private changing areas - no gym-style locker rooms here! - and boast views of the dunes as well.

I enjoyed an Aromatic massage, one of their signature treatments that uses fragrant essential oils along with customised massage strokes and pressure to effortlessly knead away tension and stresses. I glided out of there as if walking on air, and the de-stressing effects lasted well into my following working week. The spa also offers a range of treatments, including Middle Eastern themed treatments complete with a hammam.

Summer special offer: Book in for the Summer Spectacular package which gives you a Dh300 credit per room to spend in the hotel on food or spa. Room rates start from Dh800, visit www.anantara.com or call 02-8862088.

Insider tip
Check out the Falaj,a chill-out area with seating around a water canal, in the middle of the desert. It is lovely when lit up after dark.

Banyan Tree al Wadi, Ras al khaimah desert

Go there for: A romantic escape

What's it like: A scenic drive through low red sand dunes with camels foraging about, led us up to the rather spectacular reception at Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Greeted with a deliciously cold towel to wipe away the morning's heat, we were expertly checked in and escorted via buggy to our beautiful tented villa. The interior was swathed in light, airy fabrics and contemporary Arabic style furniture set under a canopied ceiling. The bathroom was bigger than any I have seen before and fabulously laid out with a huge bath as a centre piece, a ‘his and hers' wash stand (complete with luxury Banyan Tree wash-bag crammed full of goodies), a walk in shower, dressing area and separate loo.

Panoramic windows lead your eye straight to the private infinity pool, with a backdrop of more camels and dunes - all accessible from a wooden deck outside which is furnished with sun loungers. All the accommodation in the resort is in such exclusive pool villas. You have to remind yourself there is a whole resort to explore to tear yourself away from your villa. A simple phone call to reception ensures that a buggy is outside your gate in minutes.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi offers a clever mix of the Orient and Arabic cultures brought about by spectacular architecture. Courtyards with water features, huge impressive doorways and wonderful avenues all set amid the Ras Al Khaimah desert.

After sunset, the lighting around these magnificent villas changes to a very contemporary look with striking electric blue lights around the pool and the exterior.

There is an Activity centre on site from where you can sign up for one of the many recreational activities on offer, or arrange a tailor-made activity of your choice. We tried the interactive falconry show where we watched peregrine falcons, and a golden eagle expertly showed us the art of desert hunting. This was followed by camel rides and henna painting. Another must-do here is a treatment at the luxe spa, which features a fabulous hydrotherapy circuit, including a vitality pool and hammam. I opted for a traditional Balinese massage. Warm essential oils are applied and pressure is concentrated through the therapist's thumb and palm to create an intense deep tissue massage stimulating blood circulation and energy flow.

Supper for us was at the Thai restaurant Saffron. Delicious papaya salad, Tom Yum Goong soup, sticky rice and mango pudding all enjoyed with breathtaking backdrops of cleverly lit sand dunes that seem to go on forever into the night.

Also try: The Nature reserve activities, which is a big focus here at the resort, set as it is in a 100-acre conservation reserve. Local wildlife such as Arabian oryxes and gazelles share the outdoor space with you, and you can observe them in their natural surroundings on guided walking trails or from a specially designed lookout near their watering hole.

Our afternoon and evening at Banyan Tree Al Wadi had us planting an indigenous tree for Earth Day (a project that Banyan Tree supports to raise awareness on sustainable tourism), and participating in a short nature walk where conservationists talked us through the local agriculture and wildlife.

Summer special offer: Banyan Tree Al Wadi is offering a Summer of Indulgence package in which you can enjoy an extra night's stay free with every two paid nights, as well as use of the hydrothermal wellness facilities. Room rates start from Dh2,130 per night and are inclusive of daily breakfast and welcome drinks. Plus you can choose from one of these complimentary add-ons with your booking: a round of golf at Al Hamra Golf Club; a three-course dinner at Al Waha or Saffron restaurant; a 90-minute massage session at Banyan Tree Spa; a private falconry show in the nature reserve. Visit www.banyantree.com or call 07-2067777. - Zoe Cairns

The Yas hotel
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
 

Go there for: A fitness break

What's it like: Perched on top of the Yas Marina Circuit, the Yas Island Hotel has a definite sporting affinity. The lobby interior, with its racing track lines and white contoured walls epitomises speed and clean living. The interior design is influenced by wind tunnels, used to perfect car aerodynamics - if that doesn't inspire you to use the gym, nothing will! The rooms are modern and sleek too, with many offering a circuit view or a marina view, just like their seven restaurants.

Choose from healthy Japanese Kazu, seafood at the newly opened Nautilus, where you can sup on fresh oysters from the cool marble oyster bar, the delicious Italian Amici or mezze at Atayeb. If you want to indulge your gastronomic tastes for one meal, you can forgo the healthier options and tuck in to some Indian at Angar or Asian at the Noodle Box. Not that you'll have much room from lunch or dinner after the amazing breakfast buffet at Origins. There's a huge selection of healthy choices on offer.

A highlight of a stay here is definitely access to the state-of-the-art gym, which has terrific views of the marina with its ninth floor location and the latest Techno Gym equipment. Exercise options include use of high-tech machines such as the Kinesis - brilliant for toning and stretching - and the cardio wave, a sort of sideways ski machine, which really works on toning thighs and bottom as well as giving a cardio workout. The staff in the gym are well-trained so just ask and they'll help you work out a programme.

Opening at the end of summer is the spa, where you can finish your workout with a well earned Turkish bath and massage. In the meantime, spend some well-earned down time at the romantic rooftop bar Sky Lite. Here you can take in the magnificent architecture of the hotel underneath the awesome night sky. During the day - on the opposite side of the roof - you can soak in the sun and watch the underbellies of planes pass by as you sip on a refreshing mocktail.

Also try: Another must-do here, in keeping with the active theme, is a round of golf at the lush green Yas Links Golf Club. If you're not quite up to the 18 hole there's an easier nine hole or the floodlit driving range to practice your swing on - if you'd rather wait until after the sun has set to practice your putting.

Summer special offer: Check out the Yas Hotel's special packages over the summer at www.theyashotel.com. Room rates start at Dh551, call 02-6560000.

Insider tip
Look into what's on at the Yas Marina circut when you're visiting - you could check out a race or car demo if it's on, or stay away if you prefer peace and quiet.

- Sara Sherlock-Thomas

Insider tip

You can book in for a preliminary diving lesson with a PADI instructor in the comfort of your own villa's pool. In-villa diving lasts an hour and costs Dh250 per head.