Sometimes it makes sense to book an all-inclusive hotel stay: knowing exactly what a trip is going to cost before you go takes the hassle out of deciding where to dine, or whether to have that extra drink as you lounge by the pool.
The UAE is famed for its luxury hotel offerings, but the country isn't quite so well known for its all-inclusive deals.
However, if you're on the hunt for a stay that includes food, drinks and more, here's a round-up of hotels across the country where you can find just that...
Dubai
Rixos The Palm Dubai
Located on Palm Jumeirah, Rixos The Palm Dubai has a one-kilometre private beach, rooms that overlook the Arabian Gulf and eleven restaurants and bars to choose from. Tuck into Italian food at L'Olivo, dine Spanish-style at Toro Loco Steakhouse or go for seafood at Aqua & More. The 24-hour Patisserie Istanbul is perfect for late-night cravings and the hotel's youngest visitors can tuck into meals created by the Baby Chef. The Rixos Sports Academy is great if you're not good at sitting still - try your hand at spinning, trampolining, anti-gravity yoga, aqua-fit and more. There's also tennis courts and an outdoor jungle gym. If sitting still is what you do best, there's a whole stretch of pristine beach to sunbathe on as well as four temperature-controlled swimming pools where butlers will pass by with cold face towels, ice-cold fruit kebabs and anti-smear cloths to make sure your shades stay smudge free. Guests also get complimentary access to the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna at The Anjana Spa. Rates start from Dh1,500 per night, based on two people in a deluxe room; www.thepalmdubai.rixos.com
Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
This quintessentially British hotel on Palm Jumeirah has a pristine private beach and an infinity pool that serves up great views of the Dubai Marina skyline. The all-inclusive offer gives guests breakfast, lunch and dinner at their choice of the hotel's eateries. Tuck into British classics at GBR or try Indian food at Khyber. If you're more of a carnivore, West 14th Steakhouse is also an option - you'll get Dh150 credit towards meals here. The Dukes Bar, Marina Bar and the Cigar Lounge are also included in the offer and guests can order from a wide-range of beverages, mocktails and tea and coffees. Access to the lazy river and the Dukesy Kids Club are also included in the package. The hotel also offers free shuttle buses to all guests who want to visit Marina Mall or Mall of the Emirates. Rates start from Dh1,000 per person, per night; www.barcelo.com
JA The Resort
The country's largest resort, JA The Resort consists of three different hotels spread over one million square metres of land and comes with a whopping 800-metres of private beach. UAE residents can go ultra all-inclusive at any of the hotels when staying for a minimum of two-nights. With 25 food and beverage outlets included in the offer, you can dine somewhere different every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. House beverages are also included in the package, as are mocktails, soft drinks and hot beverages from 11am until 11pm daily. Fancy clearing out the minibar? Go ahead — it's complimentary. If relaxation is on the agenda, all-inclusive guests can get 30 per cent off spa treatments. Elsewhere, there's seven swimming pools (four with swim-up bars), a nine-hole golf course, tennis, squash and badminton courts, horse-riding stables, mini-golf, watersports, shooting ranges and a private marina to keep you entertained and children have free access at the Pirates and Mermaids Kids Club. Rates start from Dh895 at JA Beach Hotel, Dh995 at JA Lake View Hotel and Dh1,195 at JA Palm Tree Court. The offer is valid until April 30, 2020; www.jaresortshotels.com
Media One
In the heart of Media City, the Media One hotel is handily located for Dubai Marina, Jumeirah and JBR. The 43-storey hotel has a choice of nine bars and restaurants and a sparkling rooftop pool. The all-inclusive offer is geared towards guests that want to party. It includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay and, if you're there on a Friday, you can enjoy the Garden BBQ or Smoke & Mirrors brunch as part of the package. It also includes house beverages in Coco lounge, Garden on 8, Qwerty, CafeM and CafeW from check-in until noon on your day of checkout. If you're planning a girls weekend away, opt for a room on the hotel's female-only floor. Rates start from Dh450 plus taxes, per person, per night. www.mediaonehotel.com
Abu Dhabi
Anantara Desert Island Resort, Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Escape to Baniyas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi for a wildlife-centric stay where you can spot giraffes, cheetahs, emus and more. This protected wildlife sanctuary is a great place for a family-friendly staycation and the all-inclusive package is valid for families of four. Two adults and up to two children (aged 12 years old and under) will enjoy daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort where meals come with views of the Arabian Gulf. There's plenty to keep the whole family entertained during a stay as the package gives everybody one activity of their choice, every night of the holiday. Chose from wadi adventures, nature walks, wildlife drives, kayaking and more. Rates start from Dh1,999 per night and the offer is valid until April 2020; www.anantara.com
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Set on Saadiyat Island, the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island hotel has stunning Arabian Gulf surrounds and a sprawling private beach. It also has the biggest spa in the region, which is home to Abu Dhabi's only snow room. The all-inclusive rates include dining options in four restaurants and at the hotel's pool and beach bars. Guests checking in on a Friday can also book a complimentary table at Turquoise for the huge Turkish brunch. Travellers can make use of the hotel aqua park and wave pool or try out the paddleboarding, tennis and other outdoor activities. Children can head to the kids club for all-day entertainment. Guests booking a villa will also get their own private butler to take care of their every need during their stay. All inclusive rates for a deluxe room with a garden view start from Dh2,300; www.saadiyatisland.rixos.com
Other emirates
Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras al Khaimah
The original ultra all-inclusive hotel in the UAE, the Rixos Bab Al Bahr opened in 2014 and has built up a reputation for its all-inclusive offering. Set on the white sands of Al Marjan island, this sprawling pyramid-shaped resort has an endless parade of beaches, swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Nearly every one of the hotel's 650 rooms and suites come with ocean views. Guests will be spoiled for choice when it comes to swimming, there are eight pools to chose from including an aqua park; a dedicated children's pool, an infinity pool and two private pools in the male and female spas. Each of the à la carte restaurants offers a different type of cuisine so that eating out never gets boring. There's plenty of entertainment for the whole family with outdoor games, music, quizzes, karaoke and live performances in the multipurpose amphitheatre. The Rixy Kids club and Teens Republic host arts and craft sessions, watersports, discos and more and is suitable for children aged four to seventeen. Rates start from Dh795, plus taxes for two people sharing. GCC residents can also get 20 per cent of the best available rates when staying for a minimum of three nights; www.babalbahr.rixos.com
Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf Resort, Ras al Khaimah
Set on 640 metres of pristine sandy beach, the Hilton Al Hamra Ras al Khaimah has five dining outlets, two swimming pools and a luxury spa. It's also home to an 18-hole championship golf course. The all inclusive package offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus selected beverages in Al Shamal which is the hotel's international all-day dining restaurant. If you want to try one of the other eateries, you'll get dining credit to spend at Le Chalet or Scirocco. The rate also includes free Wi-Fi, complimentary late checkout until 4pm and access to a variety of activities for children. Rates start from Dh535, plus taxes; www3.hilton.com
InterContinental Fujairah Resort, Fujairah
Escape to the mountains at the InterContinental Fujairah Resort. Nestled on Al Aqah Beach, the hotel has views of the Hajar Mountain range and is in a great location for snorkelling and scuba enthusiasts. Swim in the temperature-controlled pools or on the private beach along the Gulf of Oman. You're also just 100 metres from Snoopy Rock — one of the emirate's biggest draws. When night falls, gather around the beach firepits under a starry sky. The hotel's all-inclusive package means you can forget about totting up the cost of dining out during your stay. Guests get daily international buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at Nama as well as unlimited soft drinks and house beverages from 11am until 10pm at Nama Drift and Horizon lobby lounge and bar. All-inclusive rates start from Dh1,040; www.ihg.com
Occidental Sharjah Grand, Sharjah
Located on the beachfront in Sharjah, the Occidental Sharjah Grand offers a family-friendly stay right on the coast. As well as the private beach which has a nice little beach bar, the hotel has a temperature-controlled swimming pool and a solarium. Children will love the water slides. There is also a wellness centre and a fitness zone, plus an indoor games area.
Every, room comes with a balcony overlooking either the ocean or the city skyline, opt for a beach view if you want a quiet place to relax on the balcony in the evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served buffet style in Meena restaurant and there's also regular live music and entertainment in the evenings. Snacks, fresh juices and mocktails are available at la Bamba and pastries and beverages from La Terrasse Cafe are also included in the rate. The hotel is dry so minibars are alcohol-free, but the in-room snacks and soft drinks are complimentary. All-inclusive guests will also get 10 per cent discount at the spa and all hotel guests can use the free shuttle services to the nearby Sahara Mall. Rates start from Dh553 plus taxes; www.barcelo.com
