7 post-summer staycations in Dubai

1. TWENTY WAYS TO CELEBRATE IN DUBAI
It was two decades ago in September 1998, when The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai first opened its doors to guests –one of the brand’s first forays into the region and the gateway property for guests within the UAE. During its 20-year history, the award-winning beachfront resort has undergone a number of transformations and now celebrates its double decade with culinary experiences available for a limited time only, as well as a special five-night package showcasing the best of the hotel from past to present, and an exclusive spa treatment, The Rose Awakening, available at the relaunched Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dubai.

The “20 ways to celebrate” package includes a 20% discount on dining, spa and watersports, with 2,000 Ritz-Carlton Reward Points and rates from AED 2,800 per room, per night.

WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
WHEN: Until Tuesday 16 October
www.ritzcarlton.com/dubai

2. GET SILKY SMOOTH AT AL HABTOOR CITY
At the heart of Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Silk Spa has introduced exclusive offers as summer turns to fall, with special offers on their signature Silk rituals and facials. Indulge at one of the city’s most luxurious spas and experience the ultimate pampering session, leaving your skin silky smooth.

The 120-minute Signature Silk ritual includes a body scrub, massage and facial for just AED 690 or you can discover a fresh start for your skin with any one of the customised Espa facials, where guests will receive 100 AED off any facial as well as 100 AED towards any skincare purchase. Guests also have the chance to take a break during the mid-week and wind down with 50% off any spa services on Wednesdays.

WHERE: Silk Spa, Habtoor Palace, Dubai
WHEN: Now (50% discount on Wednesdays)
www.alhabtoorcity.com

3. SPA AND SIP ON THE BOULEVARD
Head down to The Spa at Address Boulevard and take advantage of their afternoon tea and spa package, Serenity Afternoon Tea. A soothing yet an indulging experience that starts with a 60min relaxing massage or an invigorating facial followed by an art crafted afternoon tea at The Lounge, featuring a beautiful chest of drawers full of tantalising delicacies. During your visit you can also enjoy full access to the facilities at The Spa.

WHERE: The Spa at Address Boulevard, Dubai
WHEN: Weekdays from 2.30pm to 6pm
www.addresshotels.com

4. FAMILY FUN AT AL HABTOOR CITY
Sometimes, you have to get away to get closer to your family, and with Hilton’s Family Fun package, you can save while you explore the recently rebadged Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. The package includes breakfast for four and free WiFi, with a vast range of restaurants and entertainment venues on your doorstep.

So pack your bags and start every day with a feast before filling every day with fun – and enjoying late checkouts at the weekend, where available.

WHERE: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
WHEN: Now (50% discount on Wednesdays)
www.alhabtoorcity.com

5. EQUINE ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI
We all know many four-legged friends in the desert have the hump, but the Bedouin background of Dubai is intrinsically linked with Arabian horses. Now you can learn more at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club’s newly launched two-hour Bedouin Culture Tour, at the tranquility of the resort. Designed to provide a fun, informative and authentic experience of Arabian culture, the tour allows you to get up close and personal with Arabian horses whilst learning the important role that the creatures still play in society.

Feel the soft coat of a majestic Arabian horse, sample the flavour of camel milk. Groups will also sit under a date palm trees, play local Arabic games and listen to stories that help you understand the many uses it serves to desert dwellers.

WHERE: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
WHEN: Available now
www.poloclubdubai.com

6. GROUP COOKING WITH SOLO
Now’s the time to become a master chef with Solo’s cooking classes at Raffles Dubai. Led by Chef Doxis Bekris, a new series of Italian Cooking Masterclasses kicked off last month and already have foodies whipping up authentic and delicious Italian dishes, including polpette di manzo, orecchiette with kale & pine nuts, capricciosa and linguini ai frutti di mare. Featuring a different style or region of Italian cooking, each hands-on class teaches how to cook flavoursome dishes from scratch and demonstrate professional culinary skills, from making pasta dough, through to balancing flavours and honing knife skills.

After an action-packed afternoon behind the scenes in the kitchen, the master chefs are invited to join their fellow foodies for a private dinner in the Solo restaurant and enjoy their very own culinary creation.

WHERE: Raffles Dubai
WHEN: Twice a month on Saturdays, AED 320 per person
www.solodubai.ae/cookingclasses.

7. DINING & DOWNTIME WITH REN DXB
Dine and unwind with Dubai’s most decadent brunch package, which combines the dual offering of Morimoto Dubai and Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. The unique package offers brunch-goers an extensive selection of Chef Morimoto’s Japanese-infused signature dishes paired with a selection of Zodiac cocktails, house beverages or sake at a dedicated sake bar, whilst soaking up the lively brunch atmosphere at Morimoto Dubai.

Following a fun-filled brunch, which includes a brunch after-party with DJ Somalie, guests can kick back in a comfortable 60-sqm Deluxe room, overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Water Canal.

The package includes a house beverage brunch package for two at Morimoto Dubai, an overnight stay for two and breakfast for two at BHAR following the overnight stay.