As temperatures rise in the UAE, Eid Al Fitr offers the perfect opportunity for residents to escape the heat and book a holiday, either close to home or farther afield. There is also, luckily, still time for those who have yet to make reservations. From island-holiday getaways and European city breaks to more rugged trekking experiences and hotel staycations, here are some of the best.
Africa
Kenya
Explore the wildlife of Kenya at The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, located in Laikipia Plateau, just north of Mount Kenya. Visitors who book for four nights will only pay for three, and will enjoy a number of activities such as day and night game drives, nature walks and rock climbing. An onsite spa, library, viewing deck and infinity pool are also available. Children ages 4 and younger stay free, while those ages 5 to 15 will receive a 50 per cent discount from the adult rate, per child, and will receive their own private adjoining bedroom. Rates start from $US3,640 (Dh13,370) for four nights for two people, including accommodation, meals, some activities, spa treatments, transfers and taxes. Excludes flights (www.lightfoottravel.com).
Africa
Morocco
Relax in Ansi, Morocco at Kasbah Tamadot, located an hour from Marrakech in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Bookings of three, four, five or seven nights get one night free. Guests will have access to an infinity pool, sundeck, gym, tennis courts and a spa treatment room, and can venture off for a day of trekking through the mountains. Rates start from 7,000 Moroccan dirhams (Dh2,640) per room per night, including breakfast and taxes. Flights excluded (www.virginlimitededition.com).
Africa
Seychelles
Retreat to Anse Forbans and enjoy a family beach holiday with DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort & Spa's I, Sea, You package. Children younger than 6 can stay for free, while those ages 6 to 12 receive a 50 per cent discount on the standard rate. Arabic pastries are delivered to the room every day, while adults can indulge in a complimentary, 60-minute spa treatment for two. Rates start from €590 (Dh2,430) per night, including accommodation and taxes. Excludes flights (www.hilton.com).
Asia
Maldives
Take advantage of the Coco Collection Maldives' GCC Eid offers. Visitors who stay four nights at either the Coco Bodu Hithi or Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu will only pay for three. Also included in the offer are complimentary transfers, daily breakfast, a welcome platter of fruit, dates and dark chocolate, and a 10 per cent discount on all treatments at the Coco Spa. The offer is available from June 23 to 30, and rates at Coco Bodu Hithi start from Dh2,688 for two people; and from Dh1,788 at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, for two people, both per night. Both are based on a four-night, two-person stay and include breakfast, return transfers and taxes. Excludes international flights. When booking this offer, use the code EIDCC (www.cococollection.com).
Asia
Thailand
Escape to Phuket with Travel Counsellors' Eid Break in Phuket offer. This four-night package includes a stay at Centara Karon Resort Phuket, located on the west coast of the island and a short walk from Karon Beach. Visitors will have access to a number of activities, including tennis, yoga, Thai cooking classes and a kids' club with Camp Safari for children ages 4 to 9 years. Prices start from Dh4,785 per person, based on a four-night stay and two people sharing, and includes accommodation, breakfast, taxes and round-trip airfare, departing on June 25 from the UAE (www.travelcounsellors.ae).
GCC
Abu Dhabi
Stay close to home and book Crowne Plaza Yas Island's Yas Parks Eid Offer. Families will receive free breakfast, a 20 per cent discount on selected massage services and a 15 per cent discount at all restaurants, not including room service. Complimentary access to Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World is also included, in addition to use of the Yas Express shuttle bus, which goes to Yas Parks and Yas Mall. Complimentary access and transfers to Yas Beach are also included. Prices start from Dh784 per night, based on a maximum of two adults and one child 12 years or younger, and includes accommodation, breakfast, park access and taxes. To book, call 02 656 3030 or email reservations.cpyas@ihg.com (www.ihg.com).
GCC
Ajman
Get the family together and stay at the recently opened Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah. Visitors can enjoy the property's Eid offer, which includes complimentary daily breakfast and lunch. Also included are daily yoga classes, Eid amenities and gifts for children. Prices start from Dh3,480 per night, based on a two-night minimum stay in a double room (one child under 12 years in the same room stays for free), including accommodation and taxes (www.oberoihotels.com).
Dubai
Take advantage of Fairmont The Palm, Dubai's Summer Half Board offer. Visitors will receive a buffet breakfast and complimentary lunch or dinner at Flow Kitchen all-day dining restaurant. Also included is two hours of play at the Fairmont Falcons Kids' Club, per child, per day, ages 3 to 16 years, and shuttle bus service to Dubai Mall. Prices start from Dh722 per night, including accommodation and taxes (www.fairmont.com).
GCC
Ras Al Khaimah
Enjoy a staycation and book into the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Visitors will receive a 20 per cent discount on the best available rates, complimentary breakfast and dinner, and unlimited access to the swimming pool, hotel beachfront and spa. Families with little ones can also enjoy the property's children's club. Rates start from Dh1,142 per night, including taxes. To book, email reservation.warak@waldorfastoria.com or call 07 203 5555 (www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com).
GCC
Oman
Take advantage of the cooler climes with Sheraton Oman Hotel's Eid Al-Fitr experience. Visitors will receive a 30 per cent discount on accommodation, and a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages at Courtyard restaurant, which serves international cuisine. Also included is a 20 per cent discount on massages and a 15 per cent discount on facials. Rates start from 42 Omani rials (Dh401) per night, including taxes (www.sheratonoman.com).
Europe
Germany
Take a city break with Jumeirah Frankfurt's Eid offer. The package includes breakfast and one dinner for two at the Max on One Grillroom, a selection of in-room snacks and Nespresso coffee, as well as unlimited access to the property's sauna – located in the Talise Spa – and adjacent Fitness First. Visitors are also steps away from Zeil, one of Frankfurt's most popular shopping streets. Prices start from €309 (Dh1,275) per night, starting from June 27, and including accommodation and taxes (www.jumeirah.com).
Europe
Greece
Get moving with U-Tracks' Mount Olympus Guided Walk excursion. The four-day experience, which departs on June 26, begins at the village of Litochoro, before transferring to Gkortisa where trekkers will begin their ascent. Visitors will ascend the plateau of Muses, the peaks of Profitis Ilias and Toumba, and the throne of Zeus. This is followed either by climbing Skala and then the summit of Skolio at 2,911 metres or – if weather and the group's fitness level permits – the main summit, Mytikas, located at 2,917 metres. The experience is rated moderate to challenging – so a high level of fitness is required – and trekkers will walk between three and seven hours a day. Rates start from US$690 (Dh2,535) per person, including accommodation, some meals, transfers, an English-speaking guide and taxes. Excludes flights (www.utracks.com).
Europe
Switzerland
Indulge with Beau-Rivage's The Legend of Empress Sissi package, named after Empress (Sisi) Elisabeth of Austria who would often stay at the Geneva property. Visitors will receive a buffet breakfast, a box of violet-flavoured macarons and a 30-minute guided tour of the property, which visits some the empress's favourite spaces in the hotel. Also included is a two-hour guided tour of Geneva – visitors should book this 24 hours in advance. Prices start from 860 Swiss francs (Dh3,265) per night, including accommodation in a deluxe room, breakfast and taxes (www.beau-rivage.ch/en).
