Eid Al Adha 2021: 18 Family-friendly UAE staycations for the long weekend

SUMMER OF COOL: Taking a break doesn’t need to mean breaking the bank, especially in the UAE. As we head towards the long Eid Al Adha weekend, we have some fun family-friendly options all lined up for you. Whether it’s lounging by pools, hurtling down a water slide or heading off on adventures, here are some staycations that will tick all the boxes.

BONNINGTON HOTEL: Besides being close to the Metro and within easy reach of The Walk JBR, this hotel’s Eid Family Staycation offer comes with a complimentary upgrade. When you book two interconnecting Superior rooms will receive a complimentary upgrade to the stylish Deluxe rooms for just Dh499. Guests can not only check themselves in for a spa break but also take in the views of the double-height Leisure deck, featuring a large infinity-style pool and Jacuzzi and high-tech gymnasium. DETAILS: Offer is valid until July 24.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON DUBAI M SQUARE: Looking for a family-friendly and easy-on-the-pocket staycation this weekend? Check out the ‘Stay Slide & Explore’ package at this Mankhool-based hotel. The option allows a family of two adults and two kids (under 12 years old) to a night’s stay, and free entrance to Laguna Waterpark in La Mer and The Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest with more than 3,000 plants and animals. DETAILS: Rates start at Dh299 and the offer is valid until December 31.

MANZIL DOWNTOWN: Close to a number of fun spots for the entire family – think the Ice Rink and Dubai Aquarium in The Dubai Mall, this staycation comes at a good discount. DETAILS: If you book today, you get 40 per cent off stays until September 15.

TAMANI MARINA HOTEL: When you stay at this hotel and pick the half-board option, you get complimentary tickets to Dubai Parks and Resorts along with breakfast. With spacious rooms and suites, a kids playing area, two swimming pools and a gym, the hotel promises a refreshing break. DETAILS: To book Call +971 4 318 3888 or email sales@tamanimarina.ae

FAIRMONT THE PALM: The UAE Residents Staycation deal is back just in time for the long holiday weekend. Until September 24, guests can book a relaxing stay from Dh699 per room and receive a daily credit of Dh699 to spend on food and drinks, fully redeemable at any of the hotel’s stunning dining outlets. You also get access to the hotel’s private beach and eight temperature-controlled swimming pools, perfect to cool down from the summer heat. DETAILS: Go to Fairmont.com

LE MERIDIEN DUBAI HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE: Make the most of your staycation with a break at Le Meridien, which is not only offering early check-in, complimentary breakfast and late check-out this hot season but also a shuttle to the new Jungle Bay waterpark located in Mina Seyahi where you’ll get free access for a fun, fun day. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh400. To book, write to reservations.lmdubai@lemeridien.com or call 04-5117778.

AVANI IBN BATTUTA: Looking for a fun place to hang out with the kids as you relax, unwind and – let’s face it – do no housework? Check out Avani, which is offering UAE residents 30 per cent off on stays, 25 per cent cuts on food and beverages, 20 per cent discount on laundry and a complimentary room upgrade. Oh and there’s late checkout. Not only can you enjoy rooftop views from the hotel’s pool but also for an additional Dh30 per head, you get to go to the Palm Jumeirah’s Riva Beach Club for a cool day of sun and sand. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh129, minus taxes. To book, visit www.avanihotels.com.

ZABEEL HOUSE BY JUMEIRAH, THE GREENS: So this one has something for the ENTIRE family – yes, that means you too mums and dads. Besides loft-style rooms and complimentary breakfast, 20 per cent off dining at Social Company or LAH LAH, you also get 30 per cent off spa treatments at Native Club. As for kids, access to Wild Wadi Waterpark gets cut with this offer to Dh75 per person. DETAILS: Prices start from Dh350 per night. For reservations, call 04 519 1111 or email: contactgreens@jumeirah.com.

CAESARS PALACE DUBAI: Between July 1 and September 4, Caesars Palace Dubai will host a complimentary daily line-up of exciting, interactive games, workshops and challenges for children staying at the hotel. Kids from 3 to 7 years can take part in arts and crafts activities or try out activities such as yoga, aerobics and Gladiator Sword Training. Oh and sandcastle competitions run twice a week. Children aged 7 to 11 years can take their pick of art, science and music sessions, participate in role play, cookery and dance classes, learn how to perform magic tricks, explore the gardens and learn about the environment. Older kids aged 12 and above, meanwhile, can enjoy a specially created calendar of events such as learning the latest TikTok dance crazes and smartphone photography tips. There’s also a competition for ‘Family of the Week’ at the Caesars Family Olympics, held three times a week. Besides this, there’re also gifts for kids at check in such as stuffed toys and vouchers to be spent on site. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh895 plus taxes. For bookings or more information about Caesars Palace Dubai, please visit caesars.com/dubai.

PARK HYATT DUBAI: Want that Insta-perfect family shot? This location will provide the opportunity. When you check in to Park Hyatt, you get complimentary breakfast at Brasserie du Park for two adults and two children (up to 6 years old), access to Lagoon Beach, two family-friendly swimming pools and the activity-filled The Cave Kids Club, and Dubai Creek Golf driving range and mini golf. Plus 20% discount on food and beverages at selected restaurants. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh850 plus taxes. Visit www.hyatt.com to book. The offer is valid till August 31.

EMIRATES PALACE ABU DHABI: UAE residents can now take advantage of an exclusive offer when they book their summer staycation at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. They get – drumroll please - up to 20 per cent off best available rates including a breakfast for two at Le Vendôme brasserie or in the comfort of their room. And if you stay for two consecutive nights, you get a 50 per cent discount on the second night including breakfast. For the kids, there’s a section dedicated to them having fun; it’s aptly named the Emirates Palace Kid's Club. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh840/night. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 02 690 88 88 or visit mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi

RIXOS BAB AL BAHR: This offer to retreat from the world has something for each member of the family irrespective of age. While the adults can go for massages or laze away, the children are invited to The Rixy Club, for kids and teens, which offers a hoard of exciting games and workshops. When you are all chilled out and want something to do with the whole fam, check out activities including water aerobics, paddle boarding, indoor billiards and darts. With eight swimming pools to splash around in, including a picturesque adult only pool and a children’s aqua park, this beachfront resort offers up something for everyone. DETAILS: The offer is valid until August 31. Email reservation.rak@rixos.com for bookings. UAE residents get a special 20% discount on the best available rate during the week and 15% discount over the weekend.

AL JADDAF ROTANA SUITE HOTEL: Here’s an option that’ll get you a staycation and some pool time in a water park – a perfect way to spend family time. This breakfast-inclusive package comes with a 20 per cent discount on food and drinks. And the hotel provides four complimentary tickets to Laguna Waterpark Dubai. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh545.

AJMAN SARAY. At this picture-perfect coastal escape, you get a 50 per cent discount on the second room, plus private beach access so you can build sand castles or just enjoy a quick dip in one of the resort’s pool. Here you can also try unconventional Eid feasts: a Eid Surf and Turf set menu on July 20 from 1pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 10pm at Bab Al Bahr. Details: Prices start at Dh900; offer runs from July 19-27.

RAFFLES DUBAI: When you stay with family at Raffles you are in for a treat. Rooms are easily kitted out with extra beds for your tiny tots, balconies come with stunning views of Dubai’s impressive skyline and kids below 9 eat for free. Parents also get a special half-board offer that includes breakfast and a three-course dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants. If you are in the mood for some activity, just ask for your complimentary tickets to Green Planet or Laguna Water Park to enjoy a day of splashes and slides or explore a plethora of fascinating wildlife experiences. Tickets are for two adults and two children and are valid for 14 days from the check-in date. All tuckered out? Get a refreshing massage at a 20 per cent discount. DETAILS: Prices start at Dh980 per night for a Raffles Signature Room for two adults and two kids, book at bookus.dubai@raffles.com.

THE MEYDAN HOTEL This hotel, located close to Downtown Dubai and all the activities it has to offer, has introduced the Playcation Package that’s perfect for a family outing. The vacation comes with two complimentary tickets to IMG Worlds of Adventure, a complimentary set menu dinner experience at Farriers and an additional 25 per cent off on food and beverages throughout the stay. DETAILS: Price set at Dh590 per night For reservations, email meydanreservations@meydanhotels.com, WhatsApp: +971 56 525 4040 or call +971 4 381 3231.

SWISSOTEL AL GHURAIR: This hotel currently has a fun-filled Laguna Waterpark Staycation offer in store for all families. Starting at Dh250, the package includes a night’s stay for the whole family, water park access for two adults and two kids, buffet breakfast as well as a complimentary shuttle to La Mer Beach, the perfect end to an enjoyable day. The complimentary tickets can also be used at the Green Planet. DETAILS: Offer runs until September. WhatsApp 04 293 3183 for reservations.

BNBME HOLIDAY HOMES - BLUEWATERS: Get all the comfort of home with none of the stress. This three-bedroom home has everything from a fully equipped kitchen to the dining area. For Eid, the home is priced at Dh6,223 for three nights and can accommodate up to six people. Plus, you can get a butler for a little extra. For bookings, visit bnbmehomes.com