Latest news with #SpringTravelOutlook
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Fitr 2025: 10 ultra luxury staycations in the UAE
He said the UAE's hospitality sector continues to meet this growing demand with its world-class resorts, beachfront retreats, and desert escapes. 'Wego has observed a steady rise in domestic travel bookings, driven by affordability, accessibility, and the increasing appeal of short-but-immersive stays,' he said. Expedia's Spring Travel Outlook showed that Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular destinations. RAK even saw a 240 per cent increase in demand this year, the destination known for its stunning coast, dramatic mountains and adventure activities. 'These emirates offer convenient and exciting staycation options, catering to a variety of tastes from cityscapes to beaches and desert adventures to relax and recharge,' the report said. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Now operated by the Mandarin Oriental, this stalwart of the capital, famous both for its seven-star hospitality and as an architectural icon, Emirates Palace never gets old. A facelift by the new management completed less than two years ago means that this lavish destination is now even better. You never need to leave the property that boasts 1.3km of beachfront, 12 dining destinations and a 1,500-sqm spa. 02 690 9000. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai Opened just in time for Eid, this architectural landmark now sits alongside its older sibling, Burj Al Arab. There will be 386 rooms, a three-storey wellness area spanning nearly 40,000 square feet and 13 treatment suites with private terraces. An 82-berth marina, waterfront promenade, four pools, two sandy beaches, nine ocean-view private villas, and 82 serviced residences are part Dubai's newest destination's design. 04 540 8888 . Intercontinental, Ras Al Khaimah The UAE's northernmost emirate offers breathtaking landscapes of mountains and coast, perfect to feel an escape for the urban hustle and bustle. Whether families are looking for activities or couples are in search of romance, the hotel is a true hideaway. The villas, some of which have private pools, allow you to escape the crowds, and with seven restaurants and bars, you will not have to venture far away. 07 202 6666. The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai Opened last year, this is the first Middle Eastern property from the luxury hotel operator the Dorchester Collection. Another architectural icon for Dubai, it was designed by renowned Foster + Partners, with 225 guest rooms and suites, as well as a collection of lavish residences. Guests at the Business Bay waterside hotel can explore eight restaurants boasting some of the world's most loved chefs. For reservations, call 04 882 2000. Siro One Za'abeel, Dubai Launched last year by Kerzner, the brand known for its global luxury properties under Atlantis and One&Only Hotels, Siro One at One Zabeel is all about wellbeing. Offering a unique blend of luxury and holistic wellness, the concept is built around fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mindfulness. Perfect for the city that never sleeps, rooms feature recovery equipment, a stretching bar and access to virtual exercise and mindfulness classes. To elevate the experience, the Fitness Suites have a personal gym, while Recovery Suites include a treatment room. For bookings, call 04 666 1700. Biltmore Hotel Villas, Dubai One of the city's newest properties, Biltmore Villas is taking home comforts to the stars. Each of the villas, which range from three- to five-bedrooms, comes with bespoke butler service, private parking, maid or driver accommodation, a private cinema and private pool. Located beside Mall of the Emirates, it is possibly one of the most expensive destinations in the emirate, with villas starting at around Dh12,000 per night. 04 308 5555. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai The younger sibling of the original Atlantis Dubai, the hotel has hosted the world's rich and famous since opening in 2023. With 17 restaurants, the expansive resort is a destination in itself. Among those, eight are hosted by world-renowned celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, whose 'Dinner' restaurant has a Michelin star. Also home to hot bars and vibrant beach clubs, the resort has become an entertainment destination for the city. 04 426 00 09. Anantara Santorini, Abu Dhabi Just over a year old, this Greece-inspired boutique property is the ideal way to get a taste of Santorini without the crowds. Adults only, it is nestled along the Ghantoot coastline between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. With all the elegance of Anantara, the resort offers something more boutique than some of its UAE siblings with only 22 rooms, on a stretch of the country's untouched coastline. Call 04567 8666 to book your room. Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah A natural haven among the emirate's protected mangroves, this resort is set within a conservation area home to the likes of exotic birds, gazelles, turtles, and crabs. Guests are whisked away by a private boat to this hidden gem nestled in the emirate's enclave on the east coast. Opulence is the name of the game here where tent-style villas mimic local bedouin heritage. For bookings, call 06 801 2020. Five Luxe, Dubai Self-styled as 'Dubai's most glam beach resort', this is the latest opening from the home-grown UAE brand. Blending Ibiza vibes and Dubai style, the hotel promises all-day parties and day-to-night entertainment. A destination for DJs from around the globe, this is where play meets stay. Next level decadence punctuates the 222 ultra-chic rooms, suites and lofts, which, in addition to their panoramic Dubai views, offer private pools, the Euphoria Suite hosting a private spa and for the perfect party stay, the Encore Suite even has a DJ booth. For reservations, call 04 455 9988.
Arabian Business
16-03-2025
- Arabian Business
UAE Eid Al Fitr 2025: Residents plan getaways, spring travel adventures, says Expedia report
UAE travellers are setting their sights on diverse destinations for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday and spring season, according to Expedia's Spring Travel Outlook released this week. The report indicates strong interest in both domestic and international travel during Eid Al Fitr, with Ras Al Khaimah showing a remarkable 240 percent increase in searches, followed by Dubai (+30 percent) and Abu Dhabi (+15 percent). UAE travellers eye Maldives, Istanbul for Eid breaks, Expedia data reveals For international Eid destinations, the Maldives leads with a 515 percent surge in searches, while other popular choices include Istanbul (+330 percent), London (+195 percent), Phuket (+175 percent), and Paris (+130 percent). Tokyo has also seen increased interest (+215 percent), coinciding with the cherry blossom season expected to reach full bloom by 1 April. Spring is a fantastic time for travel, and UAE travelers are embracing the season with trips to vibrant European cities and tranquil Indian Ocean islands. With Eid approaching, memorable experiences are top of mind, and tools like Expedia's Price Tracking help travelers secure the best deals with confidence,' an Expedia spokesperson said. The broader spring travel period from April to May shows continued demand for Japanese destinations, with Osaka emerging as a trending choice (+210 percent) as it prepares to host an international exhibition between April and October. Baku (+165 percent) remains popular due to its proximity to the UAE and spring flowering season, while regional destinations Bahrain (+140 percent) and Cairo (+120 percent) attract weekend travellers. Island destinations continue to draw UAE residents seeking beach holidays, with the Maldives (+140 percent), Phuket (+140 percent), Mauritius (+165 percent), and Seychelles (+110 percent) all showing strong interest. Long-haul trips to US cities including New York, Boston, and Las Vegas all recorded 100 percent or higher increases in searches, while European destinations like Zürich (+95 percent), Paris (+80 percent), and Milan (+90 percent) round out the spring travel preferences. Expedia data suggests May is generally the least busy time for spring stays, potentially offering cost savings and fewer crowds. The platform identified April 1 and March 28 as peak travel days around Eid, while March 20 and April 12 may offer cheaper rates. For travellers planning their spring getaways, Expedia recommends booking 6-12 days before travel to save up to 21 percent, choosing Tuesdays as travel days, and using the Price Tracking feature for flight deals. The company is currently running its Annual Vacation Event until March 31, offering member discounts of 25 percent or more on select hotels for travel by September 8, 2025.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Expedia Spring Travel Outlook: Book by Valentine's Day to Save 25% on Airfare
The Spring Travel Outlook finds late April is the best time to save and avoid crowds Travelers can leverage a strong U.S. dollar to stretch their travel budgets in top international destinations SEATTLE, February 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Expedia® released its Spring Travel Outlook, revealing flight searches for March through May are up, particularly for international travel.1 Searches for spring trips abroad are higher than last year1, as Americans look to leverage a strong U.S. dollar to stretch their travel budgets when exploring international destinations like Japan and Mexico. While Cancún and London remain popular for spring breakers, data shows travelers are also eyeing spring trips to less typical spots like Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok and Seoul.2 Regardless of destination, if last year's trend holds spring travelers can save up to 25% on airfare by booking three to four weeks in advance of travel and avoiding peak travel dates.3 For travelers planning around school breaks in March, that sweet spot ends around Valentine's Day.3 Tips from the Spring Travel Outlook include: When to Book Spring Travel3 Best time: Three weeks to a month ahead of departure to save up to 25% Worst time: 0-6 days out or more than 90 days out Peak Travel Dates3 Last two Saturdays of March (22 and 29) Easter weekend (April 18-20) Mother's Day weekend (May 9-11) Best Time to Travel3 Domestic flights: Last week of April, first week of May (save nearly $55 vs. peak dates) International flights: First week of March, last week of April (save nearly $115 vs. peak dates) Regardless of the departure date, Expedia data shows departing on a Tuesday instead of a Friday could shave around 15% off the price of a domestic ticket. Where to Go2 Most popular: Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Cancún, London, Punta Cana Fastest growing: Rio de Janeiro (+85%), Curaçao (+60%), Tokyo (+50%), Osaka (+50%), Maui (+45%), Istanbul (+45%) Best for the U.S. dollar going farther: The U.S. dollar is expected to remain strong for the first half of 2025, meaning travel budgets go farther when visiting international destinations. Now's a great time for Americans to enjoy a favorable exchange rate in Tokyo, Mexico City, Seoul and other popular spring destinations. Wave Season Spring is a great time to travel, and it's also the best time to book a cruise. From now until March is "wave season," the cruise industry's version of Black Friday. Book before the end of February to score extras like $1,000 onboard credits and other deals, discounts and extras. "There are two types of spring travelers: spring breakers and everyone else," says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. "For the latter group, it's easy to skip the peak dates and save on your airfare ticket. For those that are beholden to school schedules, you can still save hundreds of dollars just by bundling your flights and hotel on Expedia, especially when you're headed to resort destinations like Mexico and Hawaii." Starting Feb. 26, take advantage of Expedia's Annual Vacation Sale to save 25% or more with Member Prices on selected hotels. Head to the Expedia Newsroom for more insights and tips from the Spring Travel Outlook. Data Sources: 1Based on flight searches for travel during the weeks of March 1 – May 22, 2025 as of Jan. 22, 2025, compared to same time period in 2024. 2Most popular and trending destinations based on flight and hotel searches for travel during the weeks of March 1 – May 22, 2025, as of Jan. 22, 2025. Trending destinations are based on comparisons to the same time period last year. 3Based on Expedia flight demand for travel during March, April and May 2024 compared to the same time frame in 2023. ABOUT EXPEDIA Expedia® is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travelers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way. Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travelers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences, backed by incredible technology, enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey. Use our mobile app or visit to plan your journey with us. © 2025 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Expedia logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50. Follow Expedia on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on Contacts press@ Sign in to access your portfolio
