Life
by Alice Holtham-Pargin
1 min ago
*Adds to travel bucket list*
If you’re thinking about jetting off for a mini-break, you don’t have to go to far-flung destinations for a hotel stay with endless wow-factor. In fact, right on the doorstep of the UAE there are some seriously awe-inspiring resorts just waiting to be discovered.
And no – these aren’t AI images: Just 7 dreamy resorts ideal for short-haul trips from the UAE.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
This unique resort nestled in a private bay in the Musandam peninsula in Oman is the perfect escape for retreating somewhere worlds away from city life. Rooted in Six Senses’ wellness-driven DNA, the resort is laid out like a traditional Omani village, laced with luxury touches. Think villas with private pools, a spa that serves as a healing wellness sanctuary inspired by local traditions, and experiences that range from private dining by the sea or atop or a mountain to paragliding or scuba diving.
Room rates from AED3,786. sixsenses.com
Shebara, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
One of the world’s most exciting tourism destinations lies just three hours via direct flight from Dubai. In Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, a growing-number of luxury island and desert resorts are becoming total Instagram fodder, with their dazzling villas, gourmet dining options, and focus on sustainable luxury tourism. The crowning jewel is Shebara, a futuristically-designed resort where guests stay in spaceship-like villas on the beachfront or over shimmering azure waters. Bucket list experiences include snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and rejuvenating wellness experiences at the beautiful spa.
Room rates from Dhs9,105. shebara.sa
Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Qatar
From humble beginnings as a community-driven event in Tulum, Mexico, Habitas has paved the way for a new genre of experiential hotel rooted in connection and community. The brand’s expansion across the Middle East first saw the introduction of a duo of Saudi hotels, and now you can also find the boho-luxe hospitality brand in Qatar, an hour flight and then an hour drive from Dubai. Here in a remote part of the desert, Our Habitas Ras Abrouq weaves local creativity and soul into a resort of gorgeous villas with private pools, a stretching swimming pool and farm-to-table dining.
Room rates from AED2,328. ourhabitas.com
Memories Aicha Wadi Rum, Jordan
From historic Petra to incredible diving in Aqaba and the foodie capital of Amman, Jordan is a great destination for a long weekend from Dubai. Located just three hours away from the UAE, if you’re looking to live like you’ve travelled to another planet, the flame-hued Wadi Rum in Jordan’s south is where to go. Also known as ‘the valley of the moon’ this dramatic desert landscape spans 280 square miles, and is home to a handful of luxury camps that make you feel like you’re living on Mars. Check-in to Memories Aicha for dome tents with panoramic views in a secluded valley, where experiences include jeep tours, Bedouin-inspired dinners, and horse riding.
Room rates from AED1,295. mlc.jo
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
While it might be located in the heart of bustling Jaipur, a three-hour, short-haul flight from Dubai, this former aristocratic palace turned five-star hotel is set in 18 acres of landscaped gardens, so you still feel worlds away from the city. Adorned in feminine shades of cream and pink, it’s a pretty backdrop for a regal stay that allows you to explore the rich cultural and culinary scenes of Jaipur. The hotel itself, part of Taj Hotels, features an inviting outdoor pool, garden pursuits and dining that ranges from grand afternoon teas to romantic private dinners. While on the doorstep, guests can discover the breathtaking architecture of local forts, palaces and the historic bazaar’s.
Room rates from AED5,525. tajhotels.com
Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
The historic AlUla desert is a destination of diverse natural heritage, packed with fascinating historical and archeological sites. For Centuries it’s served as historic and important meeting point, and now just a three-hour flight from Dubai, it’s more accessible than ever for fans of history, culture and luxury hospitality. Stay at Banyan Tree AlUla for Bedouin-inspired luxury, where you can take a dip in the rock pool carved between the mountains, enjoy wellness treatments inspired by timeless local practices, and journey off-site for helicopter tours, jeep drives, art-led tours, and fascinating heritage walks led by expert guides.
Room rates from AED 2,645. banyantree.com
Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
For those looking to embrace the great outdoors, the mountainous backdrop of Alila Jabal Akhdar is the luxe retreat your travel lust list needs. Perched 2,000 meters above sea level and accessible via a 2-hour drive from Muscat (a 40-minute flight form Dubai) this sensational mountain retreat pairs five-star luxury with jaw-dropping nature. Fans of exhilarating experiences can look forward to rock climbing or scenic hikes, while those looking to drop-and-flop can enjoy a jaw-dropping pool and pampering wellness experiences.
Room rates from Dhs2,865. alilahotels.com
Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
A first-of-its-kind boutique eco-lodge, this hidden retreat is found at the bottom of Wadi Dana on Jordan’s west coast. What it lacks in accessibility (it’s found a 20-minute drive from the nearest road) it makes up for in off-grid wow-factor, with 26 individually-designed guest rooms, a restaurant serving local Arabic flavours, and a panoramic rooftop terrace that gazes over the stretching desert. You can spend days exploring the vast local scenery with hikes and mountain biking, or immerse in the local culture with cooking classes, stargazing, or spending days with residents to learn more about the fascinating way of life for locals.
Room rates from AED780. @feynanecolodge
Lead image: Banyan Tree, @adelina.pestritu, Our Habitas More
