These are the absolute best staycations in Abu Dhabi and the UAE

Time Out Abu Dhabi

6 days ago

It might be controversial, but summer in Abu Dhabi is one of our favourite times of the year.
As the roads become quieter and the crowds disperse, a sudden flurry of unbeatable staycation and spa deals descends, and 2025's bargains are possibly the best lot yet.
Whether you want to holiday close to home, explore the rest of the GCC or indulge in some well-deserved pampering, you can do it all, and feel smug about saving money in the process.
Staycations in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Edition
Ultra-hipster The Abu Dhabi Edition has long been one of the hottest places to be seen in the capital. This summer, the stylish hideaway is helping you to stay as cool as a cucumber by offering an ultra-relaxing escape package that you can't afford to miss.
Including a 60-minute massage at the stunning spa, breakfast for two at Market, a stay in one of the chic and minimalist rooms and access to the long infinity pool, it's bound to be the trendiest staycation you've ever been on.
From Dhs1,700. Until Dec 31. Al Bateen. @abudhabiedition, editionhotels.com, (02 208 0000).
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Visiting the legendary Etihad Towers is always a buzz, and it feels even more exciting when you know you are getting a special UAE residents deal.
The 'Suite Escape' offer comes with a helpful 25 percent discount on spa treatments and dining at all the restaurants (including the very fancy Ray's Grill steakhouse on the 63rd floor), an extravagant breakfast buffet for two at Rosewater and free access to the Observation Deck at 300. Treating you to 360-degree views of the city and the blue waters of the Corniche, you'll want to stay up there for hours and hours.
From Dhs927. West Corniche. hilton.com (02 811 5555).
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
Another striking hotel on the Corniche, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl is ultra luxurious in every sense.
The jaw-dropping lobby sets the tone from the moment you arrive, while the palm-fringed infinity pool and diverse dining options are next-level incredible (try the pizzas at Verso and you'll see what we mean). Plus, as a GCC resident, you can redeem a 20 percent discount on rooms, spa treatments and dining. Nice.
Until Dec 29. Code GCCRES. West Corniche. hyatt.com (02 510 1234).
Marriott Hotel Downtown, Abu Dhabi
Starting from just Dhs650 for two, the sensational summer half-board offer at Marriott Hotel Downtown invites you to stay in the beating heart of the city, and really connect with the capital's true soul and spirit.
Dinner at rooftop hideaway AT25 is set against panoramic views over the city, while the always lively Velocity (and its crazily good 10 drinks for Dhs50/Dhs100 weekend deal) is waiting just downstairs. Just in case you happen to fancy carrying on with the party afterwards…
From Dhs650. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. marriott.com (02 304 7777).
Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa
One of Abu Dhabi's 'hidden gem' hotels, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa offers a lovely private beach, a massive spa and a choice of incredibly generous deals. All summer bookings come with a 45 percent discount (including half and full-board packages), while the 'adventure escape' offer includes two free tickets to your Yas Island theme park of choice.
Al Raha Beach. Danathotels.com (02 508 0555).
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Ever wondered what that arched, pink-hued building next to Marina Mall Abu Dhabi is? Well, it's not just one of the city's most iconic architectural landmarks, it's also home to Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi.
A beautiful all-inclusive hotel that comes complete with a huge private beach, kids' club and multiple restaurants, the summer family getaway deal lets up to two kids (one aged 12 and under and one aged six and under) stay and eat for free when you book any room or meal plan. Save us a sun bed by the pool, won't you?
Until Aug 31. Marina Mall Ring Road, Al Kasir. @rixosmarinaabudhabi, allinclusive-collection.com, (02 498 0000).
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa
Heading off on a luxurious desert escape doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. This summer, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa has launched an unmissable all-inclusive package that includes full-board dining, unlimited house beverages at mealtimes and soft drinks from noon until 7pm (including at the dreamy rooftop and swim-up bars).
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the golden dunes and the resort's free-roaming horses (yes, it really is that idyllic), it's truly an adventure of a lifetime.
Until Sep 30. Use code D60. Al Wathba. @alwathbahotel, marriott.com, (02 204 4444).
The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Keeping children entertained throughout the summer holidays is no small feat. Thankfully, the WB Abu Dhabi has launched a fantastic new deal that is sure to keep every family member happy.
Part of Yas Island's 'Kids Go Free' campaign, up to two kids can stay for free in a room with two adults, and enjoy the same meal plan for no extra cost. Complimentary access to Yas Beach is also included with stays until the end of July, and a free theme park ticket is added in for every night you stay, too.
Until Sep 30. Yas Island. @thewbabudhabi, hilton.com, (02 815 0000).
Spa days in Abu Dhabi
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
You know that sinking feeling when you realise that your one-hour massage is about to come to an end? Well, Zen the Spa at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is saving you from this nightmare by tagging on a free 15-minute hand or foot massage with every 60-minute full body massage.
From Dhs470. Al Zahiyah. @beach_rotana, rotanahotelandresorts, (02 697 9000).
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Inviting you to replenish your energy levels before the busy months arrive, the 'Rest & Reset' package at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is an epic pay day treat. Including a nervous system restoration treatment, guided meditation and a body and face massage, a day pass to the resort's many pools and enormous private beach is also thrown in as well.
Dhs1,300. Jul–Sep. West Corniche. @mo_emiratespalace, mandarinoriental.com, (02 690 7851).
Mizu Beauty Lounge
Launching with a 'Head-to-Toe Glow Treatment' that really does what it says on the tin, new salon Mizu Beauty Lounge is helping us to unleash our most radiant and healthiest selves this summer.
Lasting a blissful one hour and 45 minutes, the experience includes a full body scrub, scalp cleanse and an arm and leg massage. We feel more relaxed even just thinking about it.
Dhs500. Until Aug 31. Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island. mizubeautylounge.com (050 962 6498).
Wellbeings Holistic Healing
In celebration of its recent opening, Wellbeings Holistic Healing is offering an introductory day pass that includes access to its infrared sauna, hydro massage pool, experience showers, jacuzzi and steam room, all for just Dhs150 per person. Let's just say you'll know where to find us next time we disappear on an extra-long lunch break – shhhh…
Dhs150. Until Aug 31. Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, Al Raha Beach. @wellbeings.me, wellbeings.me, (058 583 0457).
Staycations in the rest of GCC
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Credit: Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort
The UAE's coolest and funkiest desert hotel is offering 25 percent off room and suite stays and 20 percent off villa stays.
Not only that, but you also get Dhs250 credit to spend on spa treatments and fun activities such as horse riding and fat biking, a 30 percent discount on food and drink and free camel rides and falconry demonstrations. Well, it wouldn't be a trip to the desert without getting a selfie with a camel would it? We thought so.
Until Oct 2. Al Qudra Road, Dubai. babalshams.com, @babalshamshotel (04 809 6100).
Banyan Tree AlUla
Credit: Banyan Tree Dubai
With its dramatic sandstone cliffs, ethereal rock formations and ultra-luxurious hotels, UNESCO World Heritage Site AlUla is on every adventurous traveller's wish list. So, we bet you'll be excited to hear that Banyan Tree AlUla is offering a helpful 15 percent discount on stays in its ultra-plush, dune-shaped private villas. Leaving you free to spend your days enjoying floating breakfasts at your villa, dips in the awe-inspiring Rock Pool (it's literally built into the valley) and stargazing with real astronomers, all reservations just need to be made at least 15 days in advance.
Until Sep 30. AlUla, Saudi Arabia. banyantree.com, @banyantree.alula (014 512 0000).
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat
Nestled between cliffs on its own sweeping private bay of golden sand, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat is the perfect place to switch off from your 9-to-5. With jagged mountains on one side and the blue ocean on the other, GCC residents are treated to a 20 percent discount on stays, dining and spa treatments, and 30 percent off activities, too.
Or, if you're travelling as a family, the 'Eat Play Love' getaway includes a stay with breakfast for two adults and two children, plus a choice of a cooking class, family polaroid shoot or a full day snorkelling (with turtles, if you're lucky), kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and camel riding. Oh, and did we mention there's a lazy river, too?
From Dhs811 per night. Al Jissah Street, Muscat, Oman. shangri-lamuscat.com (024 776666).
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
We know, Dhs8,700 for a one-night stay isn't exactly cheap. But, if you're going to stay at one of Saudi Arabia's most exclusive resorts, you may as well do it properly, right? A health retreat worthy of the rich and famous, the new 'Wellness Journey' package includes various detoxifying spa treatments, private fitness and wellness sessions, a cooking class, and delicious full-board dining. Lush.
Starting from Dhs8,700 per couple, per night (two-night minimum). Until Sep 30. The Red Sea Development, Saudi Arabia. sixsenses.com, @sixsensessoutherndunes (014 514 1414).
voco Dubai The Palm
Struggling to think of a special gift for your upcoming anniversary? Don't worry, we've got you. Or rather, voco Dubai The Palm has. Including an early check-in, late check-out, cake, balloons and flowers, you'll have a permanent place in the good books thanks to the friendly hotel's fabulous Special Occasion Getaway deal.
From Dhs750. Until Dec 30. Palm West Beach, Dubai. ihg.com, (04 249 5555).
Spa days in Dubai
Anantara The Palm Dubai
You can make the most of some incredible savings if you book online for the luxury spa. Offering you a 60-minute treatment, you can choose from the Anantara signature massage, Arabian massage, deep cleansing facial or traditional Turkish Hammam. Usually Dhs680, if you book online it will only cost you Dhs399, making it one of the best spa deals in Dubai right now.
Dhs399. Offer ongoing. Open daily 10am–10pm. Anantara The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah. anantara.com (04 567 8140).
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Helping you to put your slow summer days to good use, the spa at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has launched a day pass that includes a treatment, pool and beach access and Dhs100 in F&B credit, all for less than Dhs500. Now that's worth the drive to Dubai.
From Dhs495. Palm West Beach, The Palm Jumeirah. hilton.com, @hiltondubaipalm (04 230 0090).
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Make your Mondays more exciting by having a girly pamper at the luxury spa, where select treatments will be 50 percent off. As well as a complimentary drink, you'll be able to enjoy a hot stone massage, collagen firming facial and much more for half the price. Zen vibes all the way.
Offer ongoing. Mon 11am–11pm. Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf. palazzoversace.ae (04 556 8888).
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