Dubai may bill itself as bigger and better than anywhere else, but in reality it is quite small – albeit ever-changing.
To encourage repeat visitors to the emirate, why not suggest they combine Dubai with a stay at one of the many exciting resorts just a short drive away.
There is a resort and an experience to suit all types of client in locations such as Ras Al Khaimah, Oman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi – and of course Dubai itself.
For a girlie break: The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah
Why: In a nutshell – the spa, the pristine beach, the yummy food and the gorgeous villas. Groups of up to six girls can all muck into together in one of the Cove Rotana’s three-bedroom villas. A private plunge pool on the terrace is the perfect spot to sip champagne while admiring the views.
When it’s time for pampering the spa has an extensive list of treatments. Massages are also available on the beach under a linen-swathed canopy. More girlie indulgences are on offer in any of the six restaurants or bars. The tiramisu served at the Italian-themed Basilico is to die for.
What’s more: Two outdoor pools, fitness club, water and beach sports, Flipper’s Kids’ Club and baby-sitting service. There are 204 rooms and 76 one, two and three-bed villas.
Driving time from Dubai: One hour.
Sample product: A three-night stay at the five-star Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, in March 2010 leads in at £499 per person with Gold Medal Travel. This is based on bed and breakfast and includes return flights, transfers and taxes. 0844 493 4444, goldmedal.co.uk
For adventure seekers: Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai
Why: With the Hajar Mountains as a backdrop and within a short exhilarating drive to the rolling red Hatta dunes, the Hatta Fort is the perfect base for some desert adventure.
Travelling in a four-by-four, expect a bumpy ride as you scale the dunes then plunge down the other side and make a splash through the wadis – or riverbeds. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in a rock pool.
What’s more: This four-star hotel has 54 deluxe chalets, two restaurants, two bars, two pools, a gym, children’s playground, clay-pigeon shooting, mountain biking and beauty salon.
Driving time from Dubai: One hour.
Sample product: A five-night stay at the Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai, in March 2010 leads in at £1,068 per person with Elite Vacations. This is based on bed and breakfast for two people sharing a deluxe chalet, and includes return flights, transfers and taxes. 01707 371000, elitevacations.com
For romance: Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman
Why: Privacy, pampering and peace are what couples can expect at the ultra-luxurious Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay in Oman’s Musandam Peninsula.
Arrive at the hotel either via speedboat or paraglider, then check in to one of the 82 private villas, each complete with butler service and pool. If that’s not enough to get couples in the mood, then there’s always the renowned Six Senses Spa or a candlelit dinner on the beach – the perfect spot to ‘pop the question’.
What’s more: Two restaurants have memorable settings on the mile-long Zighy Beach and on a hilltop overlooking the bay. Couples can watch the sun set from a private speedboat on the waters of Haffa Bay or enjoy a dhow cruise around the fjords to see schools of dolphins.
Driving time from Dubai: Two and a half hours.
Sample product: A seven-night stay at the Six Senses Zighy Bay in March 2010 leads in at £2,805 per person with Kuoni. This is based on bed and breakfast and includes return flights, transfers and taxes. 01306 747008, kuoni.co.uk
For nature lovers: Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
Why? The island of Sir Bani Yas, just off the Abu Dhabi coast, is home not only to the five-star Desert Islands Resort and Spa but also to some of Arabia’s rare wildlife.
This conservation park is a breeding ground to free-roaming gazelles, cheetahs, hyena and most notably the Arabian Oryx. This beautiful antelope is now extinct in the wild, but Sir Bani Yas is the birthplace of around 500 Arabian Oryx – many released into the wild. Visitors can enjoy activities such as nature drives or kayaking through mangrove-filled waters.
What’s more: There are 44 rooms – some on the beach – the Anantara Spa offering an inventive menu of spa rituals, four bars and restaurants, a fitness centre, kids’ club, library, tennis court and infinity pool.
Driving time from Dubai: Three hours, including boat or air transfers.
Sample product: A four-night stay at the Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, in March 2010 leads in at £1,200 per person with Sunset Faraway Holidays. This is based on bed and breakfast in a deluxe sea view room, and includes return flights, transfers and taxes, plus one buffet dinner for two and a choice of two activities including wildlife viewing, kayaking and snorkelling. 020 8774 7100, sunset.co.uk
For families: Hotel JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa, Fujairah
Why:Hotel JAL Fujairah has one of the best kids’ clubs in the region. The Kodomo Kids Club cares for children from two years old and up offering a variety of art and craft activities. Babysitters can be hired.
For those aged seven and older, the games room is the place to hang out, providing Playstations, the latest movies and challenging them to table tennis and air-hockey contests. These facilities are free for guests staying at the hotel.
What’s more: There are 257 rooms and 34 suites, a Zen spa, a fitness centre, swimming pool, PADI diving centre, five restaurants – serving from Japanese and Thai to Mediterranean and Arabic – and two bars.
Driving time from Dubai: Ninety minutes.
Sample product: A one-night stay at the JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa, Fujairah, in March 2010 leads in at £87 per person per night with Superbreak. This is based on bed and breakfast for two sharing. 0871 221 2828, superbreak.com
