1. MICHELIN MASTERY IN ABU DHABI
Nestled in a beautiful setting on a pristine beach, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, sits on a stretch of white sand surrounded by verdant gardens and the blue hues of Khor al Maqta Creek, shadowed by the dominant backdrop of the minarets of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – creating quite the postcard picture. The elegant property, teeming with Arabian architectural flair and charm, blends cultural heritage and modern luxury. Choose from one of the 213 rooms or six private villas before exploring world-class dining concepts including popular Cantonese establishment, Shang Palace.
Pack your schedule with traditional abra rides through the hotel’s waterways, as well as beachside treatments with Chi, The Spa. Or laze under the sun by the hotel’s incredible infinity pool. If you’re a gastronome, September presents the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive four hands dinner event. Taking place on the 6th and 7th of the month, Michelin-decorated culinary maestros Nicolas Isnard and Ludovic Turac will create a six-course menu, celebrating their innovative styles. Guests can expect a flavoursome journey with the likes of Chef Isnard’s sweetbread and octopus fricassee with a Saigon sauce, and Chef Turac’s red mullet ‘Bouille-Abaisse’. All courses will be paired with a beautiful sommelier-selected wine.
Shangri-la.com
2. AJMAN WELLNESS
Free from crowds of tourists and endowed with huge swathes of nature, Ajman is the perfect location to reset and recharge. At the heart of the emirate’s rise is Al Zorah, a development framed by one million square -metres of protected mangroves, beautiful beaches, and azure lagoons. It is here you will find The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah. We recommend families select the mega-sized Premium Three Bedroom Garden Villa with private pool and relax in your own corner amid lush greenery. Featuring king-sized bedrooms, a living and dining area, a private terrace and a temperature-controlled pool, guests are greeted on arrival with a bottle of champagne.
Beyond your abode, switch off with a plethora of complimentary wellness sessions including sunset yoga, Qi Gong and circuit training. Foodies can pique their interests with wine tasting experiences, or a master bartender class, while budding little cooks are offered the opportunity to upgrade their skills through the children’s Little Chef programme. For golfing enthusiasts, swing by the Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course for a round of 18. Until October 2, guests who book the Saturday Brunch and Stay Offer can indulge in brunch upon arrival at Vinesse restaurant, 15 per cent savings on spa therapies and Sunday breakfast.
Oberoihotels.com
3. CREEKSIDE CONNECTION
Keep the summer romance burning with a getaway to the dreamy Park Hyatt Dubai. Wake up each morning to breakfast in bed, or take your seat at Brasserie Du Park for the first meal of the day before heeding the call of the azure water, and placing yourself at the sought-after Twiggy Lagoon Beach, or Amara Pool, for a day luxuriating under the September sun. Vitamin D levels topped up, continue on your path to bliss with a rejuvenating session at Amara Spa, where guests enjoy a 10 per cent saving on all treatments.
Next, raise the tempo with some friendly competition by challenging your partner to a round of mini golf, or take advantage of 60 minutes complimentary access to the padel or tennis courts, where coaches are on hand to offer their masterful insights. As day turns to dusk, learn the art of mixology with a masterclass at NOÈPE, before delving into a world of flavours at one of the property’s 12 sublime restaurants and bars, with a 20 per cent discount guaranteed for guests. Book the Creekside Riviera Couples Staycation Offer and receive a complimentary room upgrade and early check-in and late check-out.
Hyatt.com
4. DESERT EXPLORATIONS
Escape from it all with a trip to the captivating calmness of the Arabian desert. Set in one of the world’s most mysterious-yet-exciting destinations, Banyan Tree AlUla beckons travellers to immerse themselves in local heritage, culture, and fine dining with the breathtaking scenery of the Ashar Valley (inhabited since the ancient Nabataean era), as your stunning backdrop. Guests can embrace the serenity of the dramatic landscape by connecting with the pristine, natural surroundings through signature open-air practices, outdoor wellbeing experiences, and luxe treatments of the much-heralded Banyan Tree Spa.
Complementing this connection with nature, embark on a journey of discovery with guided stargazing sessions, visits to the architectural wonder of Maraya, or a biking tour through the stunning landscape. When night falls, retire to your beautifully appointed, tented villa that comes in one, two or three-bedroom lodgings. Replete with high canopied ceilings and authentic, Arabian-inspired handicrafts, relax upon the expansive patio while soaking up panoramic desert views, or indulge in a dip beneath the stars in your private swimming pool for the perfect way to conclude the day. Book the Best Available Rate package and enjoy a welcome plate of seasonal fruits, daily breakfast for two at Harrat, outdoor activities, and spa treatments.
Banyantree.com
