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5 Perfect Staycations in Dubai & Romantic Weekend Getaways In The UAE

| VICTORIA ZURAKOWSKI

5 Perfect Staycations in Dubai & Romantic Weekend Getaways In The UAE


Ready For Some Rest & Relaxation? We've Hand Selected 5 Of Our Favourite Staycations In The UAE  


STAYCATION: (N) a holiday or short stay in one’s own country and not abroad. Otherwise known as a holistay.

While far-flung holidays abroad are appealing, it’s got to be said that there’s something truly satisfying about jumping into your car at the end of a long week and going somewhere for a short stay. From staycations in Dubai and the rest of the UAE, we round up the very best of the weekend getaways that are just a stone’s throw away.

1. SEDR Trailers Resort

If you think that caravans and trailer holidays only conjure up images of the British seaside, think again. The SEDR Trailers Resort in Dubai, which is located on the banks of the picturesque Hatta Dam, is a high-end park for camping and glamping. This staycation in Dubai offers a truly unique, perhaps even quirky, camping experience for all ages. With a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including biking trails and scenic hiking, this Dubai destination is a mere 90 minutes’ drive inland from the city centre, allowing you to swap towering skyscrapers, malls and fast cars for low-rise buildings surrounded by palm trees and small sustainable farms.

The SEDR Trailers Resort is ultra-hip, with each deluxe trailer being able to comfortably sleep a family of four. With an en suite, private terrace, and access to barbecue facilities and fire pits, you have everything that you need and more for a luxury Dubai getaway.

What to pack: Not your usual Dubai beach destination, your staycation wardrobe needs to be well thought out for all the outdoor activities and walking, which is why comfort and functionality need to play a major role. Beach co-ords, which are bang on trend right now, aren’t just for the beach; they’re also no longer just restricted to flouncy miniskirts with a matching top – co-ord trousers can be easily worn with a matching top. Trust us, beach co-ords will soon become your favourite iteration this year.


2. Anantara Resort

With resorts in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Anantara Resort chain will not disappoint. If you’re looking for a luxury weekend getaway in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this is the perfect chance for you to unwind and experience high-end luxury at its best. Whether your Middle East staycation takes you to The Palm in Dubai or The Eastern Mangroves Hotel in Abu Dhabi, you’re guaranteed breathtaking luxury and first-class hospitality.

This is a great way to get away from it all and relax in the UAE while not being too far away from home. From kayaking and canoeing to tubing to river rafting to even swimming with dolphins, there’s plenty to keep the entire family occupied.

What to pack: A staycation in any Dubai or Abu Dhabi luxury resort calls for luxury resort wear – it’s a time when you need to dress for the vacation. A long kaftan, like this one from Miss June, can take you from the beach right through to sundowners. Ever so versatile, this is a great way to channel your inner boho Goddess while looking beautifully put together without much effort.


3. Al Badayer Oasis

If camping isn’t your thing, luxury glamping may change your mind, and the newest site Al Badayer Oasis in Sharjah is one of the most picturesque Dubai staycation destinations there is. The vast castle-like desert resort mimics the aesthetics of traditional Emirati culture, making this short Dubai weekend getaway spot appealing to all demographics that need some respite.

With 10 tents and 21 rooms available, this campsite in the UAE is nothing short of intimate. It’s nothing like your typical getting-back-to-basics campsite; instead, you’ll have full access to two first-class restaurants, an indoor pool, and a health club.

What to pack: Since the Al Badayer is technically a high-end luxury health resort in Dubai, you want to dress comfortably in non-restrictive clothing throughout the day while you move from treatment to treatment. 2020 sees the return of the babydoll dress, which is perfect when it comes to having your beauty treatments. Something like this loose-fitting dress in peach from Miss June would be ideal!


4. Longbeach Campground In RAK

For a bit of camping, glamping and everything in between, head to the Longbeach Campground. This staycation spot in Dubai is just a 30-minute drive from Sharjah and promises luxury glamping fun.

With a host of varied activities that include yoga on the floating deck, aerobics, kayaking, beach volleyball, and kite flying, there are plenty of things to do. If you’re planning on taking your kids on this weekend getaway in the UAE, there’s even a small petting zoo where they can meet their favourite farm animals.

What to wear: When it comes to Dubai glamping attire, think a mix of festivals and resorts. Comfort again should take precedent, especially when there are plenty of activities that require you to be active. Comfort doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forgo style; a cute pair of culotte-style shorts like these ones from Camilla paired with a fitted tank top can be dressed up or down.


5. The Al Maha Desert Resort  

Imagine waking up with a sublime view of vast deserts and camels walking in a line or living amongst elegant gazelles and oryx. The Al Maha Desert Resort, which is a 60-minute drive from Jumeirah Beach, is one of the best staycation spots in Dubai. A true oasis, this luxury Dubai staycation destination is the perfect place to escape it all and sit back and relax while receiving the ultimate spa pampering experience. You’ll even have exclusive access to a palm-lined infinity pool.

One of the best weekend getaways in the UAE, The Al Maha Desert Resort is set in amongst an untouched conservation area. The staycation package includes a Bedouin-inspired suite and two complimentary activities each day, such as hikes, wildlife drives, desert safaris, and camel trekking. As well as fun-filled family activities, the resort also boasts a number of restaurant experiences from indoor dining, barbecues, alfresco dining, and high-tea.

What to wear: High tea calls for something pretty and glam, but not over the top. A patterned wide-legged jumpsuit with a hint of boho chic is ideal for high tea and al fresco dining.

Everyone deserves a break once and a while, but just because you can’t pick everything up and jet off on vacation whenever you like, it doesn’t mean you have to stay at home either. Taking a staycation in Dubai is often the much-needed weekend getaway you need to recharge, and the great news is, there are plenty of unique weekend getaways in the UAE to choose from.

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