Ever want that feeling of getting away without actually having to get on a plane – travel without travelling, as we like to call it.
Whether you’re tight on time, trying to save your fils, or prefer to look at the beautiful destinations we have on our doorstep for your holiday adventures, there are plenty of places in the UAE that are just as good – and often even better – than popular holiday spots around the world.
So, when the travel bug strikes, here’s how to holiday in Greece, Turkey, Ibiza, the Maldives and more without leaving the UAE.
SWAP: The Maldives
FOR: Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah
While the Maldives might be on most people’s bucket lists, the prices might make this Indian Ocean destination more a dream than a reality. But if you’re dreaming of over-water villas, ocean views and blue skies, you’re in luck, as Ras Al Khaimah has something on your doorstep.
The newly-opened Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort offers just this… stunning villas perched over the water, with buckets of wildlife on tap – thanks to the area’s protected mangroves – and an interrupted horizon where sea meets sky. Just a 45-minute drive from DXB and one hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Palm Jumeirah, this island idyll is the perfect Indian Ocean-meets-Middle East escape.
The first overwater villas in the emirate, you’ll enjoy spotting the resident wildlife from your private terrace, sipping something cool from your own infinity pool and sunset (or sun rise) strolls along its strip of sandy beach living you best island life. Maldives, what Maldives?!
Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, anantara.com (07 204 2222)
SWAP: Istanbul
FOR: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Istanbul is known for its meandering cobbled side streets that are teaming with art, culture, coffee shops and games of Backgammon. If you’re looking for something similar closer to home, head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in the old part of Dubai for an immersion into Emirati history, heritage, arts, culture and soul. Surrounded by old sandstone buildings and traditional wind towers, the winding alleyways will weave you past pop-up art installations, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, XVA Art Hotel and 50 different houses, all giving you a taste of the traditional style of life in Dubai, from the mid-19th century to the 1970s.
Art enthusiasts can browse the walls of XVA Art Gallery, with its showcase of established and emerging Middle Eastern artists, while history lovers can indulge in a cultural meal at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, which are hosted in a traditional majlis alongside a talk engaging visitors in the history and culture of the Emirates. To fuel your adventure, stop by Arabian Teahouse for a caffeine boost of Arabic coffee.
Fancy a staycation too? Book a room at XVA Art Hotel or at the nearby Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton to sleep amongst the stories of those who came before you.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Fahidi, Dubai, dubaiculture.ae (800 33 222)
SWAP: Disney Land
FOR: Dubai Parks and Resorts
From one theme park to another, and while Dubai doesn’t have its own Disney park (yet), there are plenty of other places for kids to get their thrills and spills. Pack your bags (but not your passport) for Dubai Parks & Resorts and make a holiday of it. There’s bucket loads to do, thanks to its three theme parks, a water park, an indoor play zone, 100 rides, 50 restaurants, 20 shops and… three hotels!
Spend your days drifting between Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Shrek-inspired rides at MotionGate; build, play and get wet at Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park; experience the winning spirit of the all-new Real Madrid World; go crazy at the cosmic indoor play area at Neon Galaxy; or stroll through the streets of Riverland Dubai, one of the city’s most Instagrammable destinations.
For the ultimate sleepover, venture through the dragon-guarded entrance for a stay at Legoland Hotel, with its colourful themed bedrooms each with their own play area, non-stop entertainment and dinner at the themed Bricks Family Restaurant.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubaiparksandresorts.com (800 2629 464)
SWAP: Ibiza
FOR: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
While Ibiza might be the ultimate party island, you don’t have to travel to the Mediterranean to get your high-energy kicks. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai is the perfect spot for a little celebration this summer. No matter how hot the mercury hits, this beachside destination is filled with cool Mediterranean vibes.
The sun-kissed island of Ibiza is known as an ambidextrous destination – offering both lavish parties and ultimate relaxation. The same can be said for Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, with its sprawling pool, pristine strip of sandy beach, four-tier shisha terrace, private VIP cabanas and day beds perfect for lazy afternoons, all giving way to DJs beats, dancing and live entertainment as the sun sets.
With its ‘see and be seen’ vibes, its location adds another winning punch, sitting directly on the waterfront of Pearl Jumeirah. The views are, quite literally, stunning, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find better in Dubai.
The hotel has 117 rooms and 15 villas to cherry pick from, each offering an ultimate seaside sanctuary. Think private pools, beach and garden views, and all the mod-cons and luxury comforts a discerning traveller needs. Kick off your shoes, you’re on island time now.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah, dubai.nikkibeach.com (04 376 6162)
SWAP: Santorini
FOR: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
The clue’s in the name really… Why pay for a flight to Cyclades island when you can enjoy all its white-washed wonder right here in the UAE.
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat opened its doors in February this year, bringing a little Aegean glamour to the Gulf. Plumped pretty on the coast half way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s a gorgeous new bolt-hole for those wanting to escape this summer without, well, escaping.
One of only a handful of boutique resorts in the UAE, the hotel has only 22 guest rooms and suites, making it perfect for both full buy-outs or some much-needed quiet time. Oh, it’s an adults-only resort too, so you’re guaranteed a slice of solitude.
The white and blue architecture and interiors of this sun-soaked resort really capture that essence of island life, with uninterrupted sea views inviting languid afternoons at the infinity pool.
And don’t worry about missing your favourite Mediterranean food either, as one if its two restaurants, Thalassa, serves up elegant a menu of Mediterranean cuisine with Greek overtures. Close your eyes, soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Santorini right here in the UAE.
Al Jarf 22, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, anantara.com (02 817 0000)
Looking for more UAE-based adventures?
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