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The National
27-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Eid Al Adha holidays: Best staycation deals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the UAE
This year, Eid Al Adha is expected to start on the evening of Friday, June 6, and finish on Sunday, June 8. While the religious holiday falls over a weekend this year, meaning extra days off are not guaranteed, the occasion still provides an ideal time to detach from daily life and relax. Many hotels and resorts across the UAE are offering limited staycation deals and packages throughout the weekend. Here are some to check out. Dubai Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai's only floating hotel is offering an Eid Al Adha package that includes a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room within the same category booked, plus buffet breakfast and dinner for two guests, 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and late check-out at 2pm. Valid between June 6 and 10; Port Mina Rashid; 04 526 8888 Hyde Dubai This chic city hotel is offering 20 per cent off on all rooms during Eid Al Adha as well as a complimentary drink each day at the pool, served with views of Burj Khalifa. Located along the Dubai Canal, the elegant property is the first international outing of the Hyde Hotels, Resorts and Residences outside the US. The brand is known for its playful take on hospitality, creating what it calls a 'city sanctuary'. Valid until September 30; Business Bay; 04 871 1111 The First Collection Home-grown hospitality brand The First Collection is offering a 36-hour staycation across its three hotels in Dubai – two in Business Bay and one in Dubai Marina. Guests can enjoy up to 45 off on room rates when booking a 36-hour stay, as well as an early check-in from 6am and late check-out until 6pm. There's also 20 per cent off food and drinks at select restaurants and discounts on spa treatments. Valid until September 30; Business Bay and Dubai Marina; 04 542 6666 Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah This family-friendly resort on Palm West Beach is launching a range of summer offers, which are valid during Eid Al Adha. Its Half Board Dine Around package in inclusive of daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner for two adults and two children under 14 years. There's also a Stay 4, Pay 3 offer wherein guests booking four consecutive nights will enjoy their final night complimentary, with daily breakfast included. The Suite DreamsStaycation offer comes with daily buffet breakfast, 25 per cent off select restaurants and bars, spa credit of Dh400 and access to M Club, which includes a business centre, afternoon tea and cocktail hour. Valid between June 1 and September 30; Palm Jumeirah; 04 666 1111 Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts The Polynesia-inspired resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts is bringing back its Kids Go Free offer in time for Eid Al Adha. The offer includes free stay and dining, plus late check-out for children accompanied by a paying adult. The package also includes unlimited access to all Dubai Parks and Resorts attractions including Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Riverland Dubai and Real Madrid World. Valid until September 30; Dubai Parks and Resorts; 04 810 9999 Tryp by Wyndham The budget property of American brand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is offering a 36-hour offer for Eid Al Adha at its Barsha Heights property, inclusive of early check-in and late check-out at 6pm. Children under five years stay for free and there is a further 50 per cent discount for children between six and 11 years. There are also discounts on dining and spa experiences as well as complimentary transfers to Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Guests also get free entry to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, including transfers. Valid until September 30; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6666 JA Resorts & Hotels At two JA Resorts & Hotels properties – JA Palm Tree Court and JA Beach Hotel – guests who book for two nights will get the third night free for Eid Al Adha. The offer also includes 20 per cent off dining, spa and other experiences, as well as a free stay for children under 12 years. Valid between June 4 and 14; Jebel Ali; 04 814 5555 The H Dubai The family-friendly city escape is offering 25 per cent off room rates for Eid Al Adha, including a free stay for up to two children aged 12 and under. The offer is inclusive of an Eid Brunch at Eat & Meet for two adults, with children under 12 dining for free, plus a Dh100 spa voucher and complimentary shuttle service to Dubai Outlet Mall and Yas Island (for those with valid theme park tickets). Valid between June 4 and 10; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 501 8888 Leva Hotel Also on Sheikh Zayed Road, and minutes away from Dubai Mall and City Walk, Leva Hotel is offering 30 per cent off its room rates for Eid Al Adha. Enjoy a swim on the rooftop with skyline views and uninterrupted sights of Burj Khalifa at this boutique property. Valid between May 30 and June 6; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 526 6000 Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi's landmark hotel has launched an Eid to Remember package, which includes daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner at Vendome, its all-day dining restaurant – valid for two adults and up to two children. There are also themed set menus at Lebanese Terrace and The Supper Club Dinner, a social and immersive dining experience. Valid between June 6 and 9, West Corniche Road; 02 690 9000 S hangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Taking a break from everyday life means something slightly different for everyone - something Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri has kept in mind when pulling together this year's Eid al-Adha staycation deal. While each package on the Eat Paly Love staycation offer will include breakfasts at Sofra Bld, each will include a different bespoke experience each night you stay at the hotel, from chocolate making (Eat) and a traditional Abra boat ride (Play) to a relaxing foot massage (Love). Starting from Dh920 per night. Valid during Eid Al Adha; Khor Al Maqta; 02 509 8888 C onrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Looking for an action-packed, family-friendly break? This Eid, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers's staycation package includes one complimentary theme park ticket per person to any of Yas Island's many theme parks, such as Ferrari World and Yas Waterpark, Elsewhere, there is plenty do within the hotel, and in the local neighbourhood - from visiting some of the hotel's 12 restayuants and bars, seeing the capital from the 74th floor observation deck, or taking a dip in one of three outdoor pools or heading out to nearby Marina Mall and visiting neighbouring Qasr Al Watan. Valid for Eid. Minimum two-night booking to avail the offer. Corniche St, Al Bateen; 02 811 5555 Sharjah Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa The beachfront resort's family package allows guests to book two rooms and enjoy half price off the second room for children under 16. Amenities include a pool, private beach, spa treatments, a children's club and gym facilities. Ongoing; Al Muntazah Street; 06 563 0000 The Chedi Al Bait In the heart of Sharjah's heritage district, experience open-air barbecues in your own private villa this Eid Al Adha. Each villa can accommodate up to 12 guests, and includes breakfast, 15 per cent off on food and beverage, spa credit of Dh150, and free shuttle service to Al Heera Public Beach. Valid during Eid Al Adha; Corniche Street; 06 502 5555 Ajman Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel Offering direct beach access, this cosy resort is a family favourite in the emirate and ideal for those seeking a tranquil Eid stay. All rooms include complimentary breakfast for up to two children, 20 per cent off food and beverage, and late check-out subject to availability. Ongoing, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street; 06 701 8888 Ras Al Khaimah Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island There's something for everyone at this island resort, from watersports and a well-equipped gym to a wellness hub, three outdoor pools and a children's club. Foodies can head to The Market for an all-day buffet, have a light lunch in the laid-back Beach House, and check out Boons for bistro classics or Neo Sky Bar for sundowners. During Eid, guests can enjoy 25 per cent off the best room rates, and tuck into a special buffet on the first and second day of Eid. Valid between June 1 and 10; Al Marjan Island; 07 246 0000 Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort At this beachfront retreat, enjoy French elegance with an Arabian twist via two packages. The Ultimate Coastal Retreat package (starting at Dh2,945) includes a complimentary room upgrade, access to the club lounge, 20 per cent off spa treatments and late check-out. The Signature Suite Experience (starting at Dh3,315) includes club lounge access, a one-time complimentary mini bar, breakfast in bed or in the pool for two, dinner for two at Reunion restaurant and special gifts at turndown.
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Eid holidays: Best short break deals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the UAE
This year, Eid Al Adha is expected to start on the evening of Friday, June 6, and finish on Sunday, June 8. While the religious holiday falls over a weekend this year, meaning extra days off are not guaranteed, the occasion still provides an ideal time to detach from daily life and relax. Many hotels and resorts across the UAE are offering limited staycation deals and packages throughout the weekend. Here are some to check out. Dubai's only floating hotel is offering an Eid Al Adha package that includes a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room within the same category booked, plus buffet breakfast and dinner for two guests, 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and late check-out at 2pm. Valid between June 6 and 10; Port Mina Rashid; 04 526 8888 This chic city hotel is offering 20 per cent off on all rooms during Eid Al Adha as well as a complimentary drink each day at the pool, served with views of Burj Khalifa. Located along the Dubai Canal, the elegant property is the first international outing of the Hyde Hotels, Resorts and Residences outside the US. The brand is known for its playful take on hospitality, creating what it calls a 'city sanctuary'. Valid until September 30; Business Bay; 04 871 1111 Home-grown hospitality brand The First Collection is offering a 36-hour staycation across its three hotels in Dubai – two in Business Bay and one in Dubai Marina. Guests can enjoy up to 45 off on room rates when booking a 36-hour stay, as well as an early check-in from 6am and late check-out until 6pm. There's also 20 per cent off food and drinks at select restaurants and discounts on spa treatments. Valid until September 30; Business Bay and Dubai Marina; 04 542 6666 This family-friendly resort on Palm West Beach is launching a range of summer offers, which are valid during Eid Al Adha. Its Half Board Dine Around package in inclusive of daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner for two adults and two children under 14 years. There's also a Stay 4, Pay 3 offer wherein guests booking four consecutive nights will enjoy their final night complimentary, with daily breakfast included. The Suite DreamsStaycation offer comes with daily buffet breakfast, 25 per cent off select restaurants and bars, spa credit of Dh400 and access to M Club, which includes a business centre, afternoon tea and cocktail hour. Valid between June 1 and September 30; Palm Jumeirah; 04 666 1111 The Polynesia-inspired resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts is bringing back its Kids Go Free offer in time for Eid Al Adha. The offer includes free stay and dining, plus late check-out for children accompanied by a paying adult. The package also includes unlimited access to all Dubai Parks and Resorts attractions including Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Riverland Dubai and Real Madrid World. Valid until September 30; Dubai Parks and Resorts; 04 810 9999 The budget property of American brand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is offering a 36-hour offer for Eid Al Adha at its Barsha Heights property, inclusive of early check-in and late check-out at 6pm. Children under five years stay for free and there is a further 50 per cent discount for children between six and 11 years. There are also discounts on dining and spa experiences as well as complimentary transfers to Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Guests also get free entry to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, including transfers. Valid until September 30; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6666 At two JA Resorts & Hotels properties – JA Palm Tree Court and JA Beach Hotel – guests who book for two nights will get the third night free for Eid Al Adha. The offer also includes 20 per cent off dining, spa and other experiences, as well as a free stay for children under 12 years. Valid between June 4 and 14; Jebel Ali; 04 814 5555 The family-friendly city escape is offering 25 per cent off room rates for Eid Al Adha, including a free stay for up to two children aged 12 and under. The offer is inclusive of an Eid Brunch at Eat & Meet for two adults, with children under 12 dining for free, plus a Dh100 spa voucher and complimentary shuttle service to Dubai Outlet Mall and Yas Island (for those with valid theme park tickets). Valid between June 4 and 10; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 501 8888 Also on Sheikh Zayed Road, and minutes away from Dubai Mall and City Walk, Leva Hotel is offering 30 per cent off its room rates for Eid Al Adha. Enjoy a swim on the rooftop with skyline views and uninterrupted sights of Burj Khalifa at this boutique property. Valid between May 30 and June 6; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 526 6000 Abu Dhabi's landmark hotel has launched an Eid to Remember package, which includes daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner at Vendome, its all-day dining restaurant – valid for two adults and up to two children. There are also themed set menus at Lebanese Terrace and The Supper Club Dinner, a social and immersive dining experience. Valid between June 6 and 9, West Corniche Road; 02 690 9000 The beachfront resort's family package allows guests to book two rooms and enjoy half price off the second room for children under 16. Amenities include a pool, private beach, spa treatments, a children's club and gym facilities. Ongoing; Al Muntazah Street; 06 563 0000 In the heart of Sharjah's heritage district, experience open-air barbecues in your own private villa this Eid Al Adha. Each villa can accommodate up to 12 guests, and includes breakfast, 15 per cent off on food and beverage, spa credit of Dh150, and free shuttle service to Al Heera Public Beach. Valid during Eid Al Adha; Corniche Street; 06 502 5555 Offering direct beach access, this cosy resort is a family favourite in the emirate and ideal for those seeking a tranquil Eid stay. All rooms include complimentary breakfast for up to two children, 20 per cent off food and beverage, and late check-out subject to availability. Ongoing, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street; 06 701 8888 There's something for everyone at this island resort, from watersports and a well-equipped gym to a wellness hub, three outdoor pools and a children's club. Foodies can head to The Market for an all-day buffet, have a light lunch in the laid-back Beach House, and check out Boons for bistro classics or Neo Sky Bar for sundowners. During Eid, guests can enjoy 25 per cent off the best room rates, and tuck into a special buffet on the first and second day of Eid. Valid between June 1 and 10; Al Marjan Island; 07 246 0000 At this beachfront retreat, enjoy French elegance with an Arabian twist via two packages. The Ultimate Coastal Retreat package (starting at Dh2,945) includes a complimentary room upgrade, access to the club lounge, 20 per cent off spa treatments and late check-out. The Signature Suite Experience (starting at Dh3,315) includes club lounge access, a one-time complimentary mini bar, breakfast in bed or in the pool for two, dinner for two at Reunion restaurant and special gifts at turndown. Ongoing; Al Hamra Beach; 07 209 6000
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Eid Al Adha 2025 staycation deals across the UAE, from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah
This year, Eid Al Adha is expected to start on the evening of Friday, June 6, and finish on Sunday, June 8. While the religious holiday falls over a weekend this year, meaning extra days off are not guaranteed, the occasion still provides an ideal time to detach from daily life and relax. Many hotels and resorts across the UAE are offering limited staycation deals and packages throughout the weekend. Here are some to check out. Dubai's only floating hotel is offering an Eid Al Adha package that includes a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room within the same category booked, plus buffet breakfast and dinner for two guests, 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and late check-out at 2pm. Valid between June 6 and 10; Port Mina Rashid; 04 526 8888 This chic city hotel is offering 20 per cent off on all rooms during Eid Al Adha as well as a complimentary drink each day at the pool, served with views of Burj Khalifa. Located along the Dubai Canal, the elegant property is the first international outing of the Hyde Hotels, Resorts and Residences outside the US. The brand is known for its playful take on hospitality, creating what it calls a 'city sanctuary'. Valid until September 30; Business Bay; 04 871 1111 Home-grown hospitality brand The First Collection is offering a 36-hour staycation across its three hotels in Dubai – two in Business Bay and one in Dubai Marina. Guests can enjoy up to 45 off on room rates when booking a 36-hour stay, as well as an early check-in from 6am and late check-out until 6pm. There's also 20 per cent off food and drinks at select restaurants and discounts on spa treatments. Valid until September 30; Business Bay and Dubai Marina; 04 542 6666 This family-friendly resort on Palm West Beach is launching a range of summer offers, which are valid during Eid Al Adha. Its Half Board Dine Around package in inclusive of daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner for two adults and two children under 14 years. There's also a Stay 4, Pay 3 offer wherein guests booking four consecutive nights will enjoy their final night complimentary, with daily breakfast included. The Suite DreamsStaycation offer comes with daily buffet breakfast, 25 per cent off select restaurants and bars, spa credit of Dh400 and access to M Club, which includes a business centre, afternoon tea and cocktail hour. Valid between June 1 and September 30; Palm Jumeirah; 04 666 1111 The Polynesia-inspired resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts is bringing back its Kids Go Free offer in time for Eid Al Adha. The offer includes free stay and dining, plus late check-out for children accompanied by a paying adult. The package also includes unlimited access to all Dubai Parks and Resorts attractions including Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Riverland Dubai and Real Madrid World. Valid until September 30; Dubai Parks and Resorts; 04 810 9999 The budget property of American brand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is offering a 36-hour offer for Eid Al Adha at its Barsha Heights property, inclusive of early check-in and late check-out at 6pm. Children under five years stay for free and there is a further 50 per cent discount for children between six and 11 years. There are also discounts on dining and spa experiences as well as complimentary transfers to Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Guests also get free entry to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, including transfers. Valid until September 30; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6666 At two JA Resorts & Hotels properties – JA Palm Tree Court and JA Beach Hotel – guests who book for two nights will get the third night free for Eid Al Adha. The offer also includes 20 per cent off dining, spa and other experiences, as well as a free stay for children under 12 years. Valid between June 4 and 14; Jebel Ali; 04 814 5555 The family-friendly city escape is offering 25 per cent off room rates for Eid Al Adha, including a free stay for up to two children aged 12 and under. The offer is inclusive of an Eid Brunch at Eat & Meet for two adults, with children under 12 dining for free, plus a Dh100 spa voucher and complimentary shuttle service to Dubai Outlet Mall and Yas Island (for those with valid theme park tickets). Valid between June 4 and 10; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 501 8888 Also on Sheikh Zayed Road, and minutes away from Dubai Mall and City Walk, Leva Hotel is offering 30 per cent off its room rates for Eid Al Adha. Enjoy a swim on the rooftop with skyline views and uninterrupted sights of Burj Khalifa at this boutique property. Valid between May 30 and June 6; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 526 6000 Abu Dhabi's landmark hotel has launched an Eid to Remember package, which includes daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner at Vendome, its all-day dining restaurant – valid for two adults and up to two children. There are also themed set menus at Lebanese Terrace and The Supper Club Dinner, a social and immersive dining experience. Valid between June 6 and 9, West Corniche Road; 02 690 9000 The beachfront resort's family package allows guests to book two rooms and enjoy half price off the second room for children under 16. Amenities include a pool, private beach, spa treatments, a children's club and gym facilities. Ongoing; Al Muntazah Street; 06 563 0000 In the heart of Sharjah's heritage district, experience open-air barbecues in your own private villa this Eid Al Adha. Each villa can accommodate up to 12 guests, and includes breakfast, 15 per cent off on food and beverage, spa credit of Dh150, and free shuttle service to Al Heera Public Beach. Valid during Eid Al Adha; Corniche Street; 06 502 5555 Offering direct beach access, this cosy resort is a family favourite in the emirate and ideal for those seeking a tranquil Eid stay. All rooms include complimentary breakfast for up to two children, 20 per cent off food and beverage, and late check-out subject to availability. Ongoing, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street; 06 701 8888 There's something for everyone at this island resort, from watersports and a well-equipped gym to a wellness hub, three outdoor pools and a children's club. Foodies can head to The Market for an all-day buffet, have a light lunch in the laid-back Beach House, and check out Boons for bistro classics or Neo Sky Bar for sundowners. During Eid, guests can enjoy 25 per cent off the best room rates, and tuck into a special buffet on the first and second day of Eid. Valid between June 1 and 10; Al Marjan Island; 07 246 0000 At this beachfront retreat, enjoy French elegance with an Arabian twist via two packages. The Ultimate Coastal Retreat package (starting at Dh2,945) includes a complimentary room upgrade, access to the club lounge, 20 per cent off spa treatments and late check-out. The Signature Suite Experience (starting at Dh3,315) includes club lounge access, a one-time complimentary mini bar, breakfast in bed or in the pool for two, dinner for two at Reunion restaurant and special gifts at turndown. Ongoing; Al Hamra Beach; 07 209 6000
The National
04-04-2025
- The National
Vida Creek Beach review: Where Art Deco minimalism meets Dubai's historic heart
With about 800 hotels to choose from in Dubai, where to stay is a decision worth mulling over. There are home-grown brands – Jumeirah Group, Five Hotels, The First Collection – and the international power hotels from Mandarin Oriental to Hilton. That's before even considering Airbnb. Whittling it down to an area that appeals is a good start, and Dubai Creek is a key location in the emirate's history, the dividing line between the Bur Dubai and Deira areas, which together are known as Old Dubai. Vida Creek Beach hotel is a newer addition to the waterfront, having opened in late 2023. For staycations and holidaymakers looking to sleep waterside, here's what to expect if Vida Creek Beach is your one-in-800-ish. Grandeur is a common feature of Dubai hotels, so stepping into this hotel lobby is refreshing. The Art Deco design is soft and minimal. Corners are smoothed with curved sofas and rounded coffee tables, and the hotel entrance features giant archways. The colours are neutral with earthy pops of peach, mauve and sand. Checking in is quick and simple, and we find our own way to our second-floor room. We only have weekender bags, so it is no trouble at all. We head to our deluxe king room, which is an effortless continuation of the lobby aesthetics. An arched floor lamp emits orange light, there are pale wood wardrobes and marble surfaces against stone-hued walls, and not a boxy, right-angled piece of furniture in sight. Although we travel light for only one night, there is plenty of storage. Luggage won't be in the way, with a rack by the door, alongside adequate wardrobe space. There is a king-size bed, bedside tables, desk, chair, mini fridge, TV and mirror. The art throughout the room adds darker tones but is in keeping with the general aesthetic. While there is no tub to soak in, there is a power shower in the bathroom, which doesn't feel cramped. The balcony is a highlight, with two chairs and a table overlooking the hotel's pool and lagoon facilities. Vida Creek Beach is low-key, but that doesn't mean it isn't friendly. The staff are welcoming but not bombarding. If you like hotel staff to wait on you hand and foot, this may not be for you. Sitting by the pool, service is a little slow for food and drink, with the main bar on the lower level. It takes about 30 minutes for a waiter to come and take orders, and equally as long to receive them, although we get the feeling the team is a little short-staffed that day. Alternatively, it's easy enough to make our way down to order directly, but we're too relaxed in the chilled setting, and in no hurry. Unlike at the family-centric artificial beach-like lagoon area, we're joined at the pool by other adults likewise lounging quietly on sun beds. Throughout the stay, every staff member, from the lobby to the courtyard restaurant, is smiley and welcoming. Already won over by the airy, soothing interior design of the lobby, we fall for the calming look and feel of Vida Creek Beach that follows us wherever we wander. During our one-night stay, we spend most of our time enjoying the pool and lagoon facilities. The clear waters teamed with areas of greenery create an in-nature feel, despite being in the depths of the city. The crowd is diverse: families, friends, couples and solo sunbathers, yet they share the common goal of laid-back weekend leisure. The vibe is the same at dinner time, as we head to the spacious courtyard which is equipped for people to watch a football match (with no hint of sports bar exuberance), enjoy a drink, have their heads down in their laptops with a coffee, or enjoy a full meal, as we did. Our evening is spent in the hotel's main restaurant, The Courtyard, which serves modern Mediterranean and Arabic dishes. Not very hungry after poolside snacks of fruit and ice cream, between two, we order lamb kebab skewers (Dh115) flavoured with sumac and onion and served with French fries and tahini sauce; a Vida salad (Dh75) which consists of gem lettuce, baby spinach, avocado, mango and papaya; and crispy falafels (Dh55) served with fresh bread and a side of hummus. We take our time to eat as we sip refreshing drink mixes, simply enjoying the atmosphere. Breakfast the following day is an impressive display in the Origins cafe, the Vida brand's signature restaurant. It provides everything from pastries to cooked breakfast items. Made-to-order menu options include eggs Benedict and eggs Florentine, avocado toast, chai porridge and acai bowls. Dubai Creek is one of the emirate's historic neighbourhoods. The Creek is a great place for walking and was a vital hub for pearl diving, which was once at the heart of the region's prosperity. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is on the hotel's doorstep if you fancy flamingo spotting, while Dubai Design District – home to restaurants and galleries – is a short drive away. It's worth a trip to get a glimpse at Al Fahidi Fort, home to Dubai Museum, although it is currently closed for renovation and a drive away from the hotel. It is the oldest building in the city, dating from the 1700s. Visit Al Seef to dine, with plenty of restaurants along the creek front, including those serving traditional Emirati cuisine such as Al Fanar. The Courtyard was an unexpected high. Sure, it's not one of those fancy, formal or Michelin-starred restaurants often found in UAE hotels, but it's also a far cry from just a functional space to grab a bite. Instead, it is a warm, relaxed area for hotel guests to unwind, be it over bites, drinks or shisha. The limited service by the pool was perhaps the only inconvenience of the weekend – or a well-needed humbling over one's own laziness. Stay here if you want easy access to Downtown Dubai's must-visits but without feeling in the thick of it all. Make time to visit the surrounding historical sites, which are well worth exploring whether you're a resident or a tourist. Room-only prices start from Dh600; check-in is from 3pm, checkout is until 12pm. This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future
