Thanks to holiday dates for both the public and private sector now being combined, more people than ever in the UAE are enjoying longer holiday dates.
Eid Al Adha this year is from Saturday August 10 to Tuesday August 13, meaning you won’t go back to work till Wednesda August 14. Couple this with the weekend starting on the Friday August 9, and you have a nice few days to play with if you want to make the most of your time off.
Here’s the places where you can escape the office and have a great holiday.
Europe
Portugal
-
Hotel: São Lourenço do Barrocal, Alentejo
-
Price per night (aprox.): AED 1,815-5,500
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: Yes
-
Recommended duration of stay: Three days
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): AED 2,750
Calling all fitness freaks, if you’re down about the scorching UAE heat stopping you from doing all your usual outdoor activities, head over to Alentejo in Portugal where the São Lourenço do Barrocal estate is mustering up a combination of luxury and lifestyle with its rural getaway vibe, along with a host of Eid Al Adha deals.
It is situated in a historical and untounched area of the country, allowing for amazing walks, views and romantic evening star gazing.
You can check the hotel out here.
Ireland
-
Hotel: The Marker Hotel, Dublin
-
Price per night (aprox.): AED 900-1,800
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: No
-
Recommended duration of stay: Three nights
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): AED 2,700
If you’re no stranger to the UAE, you may get serious Yas Hotel (the Abu Dhabi F1 track one) vibes from this hotel, it has the same super modern and shiny feel, as well as a similar exterior.
Located right in the heart of Dublin, you’ll have plenty to do around the city, from brewing factories, to museums, to memorials of the late Oscar Wilde, Dublin is fast becoming a hot spot for a younger crowd looking for fun, with some culture on the side.
You can check the hotel out here.
Africa
Seychelles
-
Hotel: The H Resort Beau, Seychelles
-
Price per night (aprox.): AED 1,800-5,000
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: No
-
Recommended duration of stay: Four days
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): AED 2,095
Tucked away in the tranquil Mahé island, this hotel resort is one of the most beautiful for miles around.
While being eco-friendly, the luxury offered is totally uncomprimising, with spa treatments, pools, beachside and candel lit dinners, this provides a seriously relaxed holiday.
There is also a chic cocktail bar or a Japanese grill for you to enjoy on your remote island.
Check out the website here.
Asia
Maldives
-
Hotel: Velaa Private Island, Maldives
-
Price per night (approx.): AED 8,000-58,000
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: Yes
-
Recommended duration of stay: Three days
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): AED 2,400
If this one seems a tad familar to you, it’s probably because Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was just there himself.
This place is luxurious, ‘SERIOUSLY’ so, you can’t buy a room, you can only buy a villa.
Described as a “beyond luxury hideaway”, the website goes onto explain that “The colours and patterns of a turtle’s shell make up subtle nuances in the design, while from a broader aerial view, Velaa’s exclusive over-water villas resemble the head of a turtle with the island forming the body.”
Check out its deals on the website here.
Maldives
-
Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
-
Price per night (approx.): AED 7,000-15,000
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: Yes
-
Recommended duration of stay: Four days
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): AED 2,400
Spanning across three islands, this 122 all-villa resort is for those of us that find a normal hotel room a bit too cramped.
The resort, which is only accessible by yacht, has 11 places to dine, spas, private beaches, private pools and infinity pools, a fitness centre, a snorkling opportunity, basically anything idyllic and luxurious is on the to-do list here.
This ‘hotel’ stands as Waldorf Astoria’s debut in the Maldives, and it seems like a strong one at that. Personal chefs, staff membes, entertainment, dining, spas, personal yachts. This place will make you want your own private island.
Take a look at the website here.
Sri Lanka
-
Hotel: Taj Bentota Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
-
Price per night (aprox.): AED 370-4,660
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: No
-
Recommended duration of stay: Three days
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): AED 1,150
Tennis, water-sports, billiards, table tennis, darts, and beach volleyball, there’s seldom a dull moment at this little tucked-away beach resort.
Said to be one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Sri Lanka, this really isn’t a last resort holiday, providing a tropical paradise, just a four hour flight away from Dubai.
With super comfortable rooms, minibars, private baclonies and seating areas and a refreshing sea breeze. This will provide a lovely little dozing holiday.
Take a look at the website here.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
-
Hotel: Wyndham Dubai Marina
-
Price per night (approx.): AED 300-800
-
Eid Al Adha deals?: Yes
-
Recommended duration of stay: Two days
-
Price of economy flight (aprox.): N/A
Dubai Marina stands as one of the most popular areas in Dubai, it’s pretty, it has places to eat, to drink, entertainment, shopping, Marina has it all. This hotel’s location then is perfect.
Where TRYP is a more urban hotel experience, this place is a bit more traditional. It has sleek rooms, with a netural colour scheme, warm lighting and tasteful wooden features.
Guests and residents alike have access to dining outlets including Alloro Ristorante, Southern Smokehouse BLACKSMITH, Hello – a lobby coffee house, as well as wellness facilities including DreamWorks Spa, a gym and an outdoor pool.
Take a look at the website here.
