With Eid around the corner, pack up the best of friends, loved ones and the family to celebrate the season with a mini getaway

Whether you’re looking for break just a short drive outside the city, or you’re looking to explore beyond the Emirate (or even beyond all seven of them) Abu Dhabi Week has rounded up five top spots perfect to celebrate Eid. Family friendly, super luxurious, relaxing and just plain gorgeous: here is our pick of the top destinations and hotels to explore.

The perfect mix

Check-in:
The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah

What’s on offer?
Hidden from the road, The Cove Rotana Ras Al Khaimah is a real surprise once you climb its long driveway. Spread over a total 300,000 square metres, the resort is set around a natural inlet, and boasts a 600-metre-long beach, two pools, a choice of restaurants and a spa.
The 202 rooms and 76 villas that make up the property have been designed to resemble an ancient Arabian city, and even though the resort is less than two years old, it manages to pull off the illusion.
Why go? There’s an abundance of facilities and activities on offer – creating the perfect, family friendly mix for those who wish to take it easy or for those wanting to get in on the action.
For those who prefer to kick back and relax, the Laguna Pool, at the base of the hill, and close to the beach, is blissfully child-free, while the Sunset Pool opposite the reception area caters for guests with families. During Eid the Sunset Pool will be hosting a barbeque with live entertainment.
A range of watersports, from kayaking to banana boat rides, are on offer down at the beach, while the spa has an expansive menu for those keen for some pampering. Watch out for special offers during the Eid holiday.
When it’s time for a bite, Cinnamon, with its live cooking stations and large indoor and outdoor seating area, is the best dining option for families, serving breakfast and dinner. During Eid Cinnamon will also be hosting a brunch. Those looking to take their time over dinner, though, should book a table at Basilico, the resort’s signature Mediterranean restaurant.

Fun for all the family

Check in:
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah

What’s on offer?
There’s plenty for you and your little ones to do at Le Meridien Al Aqah. From handicrafts to dinner and disco, to swimming in the covered pool, the Penguin Club caters to kids aged four to seven and juniors aged eight to 12. Older kids aged 12 to 18 can stay busy with their own activities like water aerobics, water polo and water volleyball in the Teens Club. Stay and play with kids younger than four, or leave children aged four and older with the qualified child minders.
Whether you have kids or not, everyone can enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds of this long established five-star hotel. Take a stroll through the gardens and stop for a game of chess or snakes and ladders on the giant outdoor playing boards, or test your skill on the mini-golf course.
Le Meridien Al Aqah features nine restaurants, a multilayered pool with swim-up refreshment and a gorgeous beach with plenty of thatched umbrellas to keep the sun at bay. Need a little more relaxation? Check out the Thai, Balinese and traditional Ayurvedic therapy or any of the full service beauty treatments on offer at Spa al Aqah. Looking for some adventure? Trek through the nearby mountains, walk the wadis, take a safari through the desert, check out the historical landmarks or explore the underwater scenery with an afternoon of scuba diving.

Why go? The hotel is a stress-free haven for the whole family without the hassle of travelling too far.

Heavenly hideaway

Check in:
Al Maya Island and Resorts, Al Maya Island (also known as Bahraini Island)

What’s on offer?
With hundreds of grazing gazelles and a peaceful and pristine white stretch of beach lined by calm blue waters, it’s easy to disregard the private island’s lack of restaurants or award-winning spas. The Al Maya Resort is the epitome of a retreat; a sanctuary for those looking to escape the city. The one, two, and three-bedroom luxury villas boast private indoor splash pools, charming vintage comfort, and an unforgettable claw-foot tub experience. Save for Fridays when hundreds flock to the island’s pool area for the weekly BPM Al Maya party, it is typically a quiet affair – and strolling around its traditionally designed grounds, you almost feel like you’re the only one there.

Why go? The resort can lend itself to two types of escapes; a couple’s detox or the coastal party pit stop for a group of your liveliest friends. Al Maya – being one of the largest of the Emirate’s 200 natural islands – is big enough to comfortably cater to both. However, be prepared to let your wallet go for a weekend.

Secluded sanctuary

Check in:
The Chedi Muscat, Oman

What’s on offer?
There’s a reason The Chedi Muscat won the Über impressive accolade of World’s 2nd Best Hotel in 2008 – awarded by none other than Condé Nast Traveller. And it’s a fairly placed award.
It’s an unassuming entrance that greets you, some 15 minutes drive from Muscat International Airport, to the north of the scenic capital of Oman, in Al Ghubra.
The authentic Omani architecture is modest, but once the doors are opened a tasteful blend of opulent finishes and refined details greets you.
With fresh white architecture, the hotel radiates a fresh and welcoming vibe, its eight years in business well-hidden. Water features dominate the grounds, accentuated by neat gardens and winding pathways. The hotel offers two rather chic swimming pools; the adults-only infinity pool heading out to the private stretch of beach is a welcome excuse for some quiet time. It’s all about quiet time actually on site actually. An impressive library offers internet, coffee and tea and a generous supply of reading material, while The Spa beckons with an impressive array of indulgent, pampering treatments.
Dining choices are equally stylish and indulgent. The Restaurant offers the finest of Middle Eastern, European, Indian and Asian cusine; watch chefs work their magic from four open display kitchens. More casual, yet equally impressive options include The Beach Restaurant and The Poolside Cabanas.
There are of course recreational options on offer – there’s also a gym on site – but this resort will tempt you to simply lie back and relax.

Why go? While the hotel certainly isn’t opposed to children (and the hotel has adequate facilities, including a family pool) we recommend saving this one for the adults only. With an overwhelming sense of calm, the luxury hotel offers endless style and substance.

Timeless beauty

Check in:
Tilal Liwa Hotel, Madinat Zayed

What’s on offer?
Nestled at the edge of the majestic Rub Al Khali desert, the Tilal Liwa Hotel is a secluded desert hideaway – perfect for a relaxing weekend break.
This intimate four-star hotel blends sympathetically into its desert environment, with just over 100 rooms arranged over two levels in a U-shape around a stunning infinity pool, offering uninterrupted views of the beautiful flowing dunes. The ground floor rooms even open straight out onto the pool terrace.
Although small, the hotel offers a wide range of leisure facilities and the inviting Body & Soul health club and gym. A variety of sight-seeing tours can also be arranged including desert safaris in a 4x4, barbeques under a starlit sky or even a tour of the nearby traditional camel farm and camel race track.
Tilal Liwa only has one recognised restaurant, the Al Badiya, but it offers an eclectic (and very reasonably priced) all-day menu serving a wide range of delicious contemporary and regional cuisine. There are also a number of lovely little bars and shisha spots dotted around the complex – although the hotel doesn’t yet have an alcohol licence.

Why go? Whether you are embarking on a desert safari, want to discover the traditional sights of Al Gharbia or simply want to get away from it all, the Tilal Liwa hotel is the perfect spot offering secluded, tranquil harmony for couples or the whole family.