RAS AL KHAIMAH

BM Hotels & Resorts

Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate, home to rocky mountains, sandy beaches and the gorgeous properties of BM Hotels & Resorts. Guests can expect family chalets, a sprawling private beach and swimming pools, evening performances by the resident entertainers and the all-dining restaurant and renovated bars. If you have a furry four-legged family member, bring them along as the resort is pet-friendly and can stay in the Deluxe Chalet. For any stays now until September 30, you will enjoy up to 20 per cent discount during weekends and up to 30 per cent during weekdays.

Book via bmhotelsresorts.com

InterContinental

Ras Al Khaimah

Head on over with loved ones to InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa and enjoy the special offer on a night’s stay in a seafront villa. On booking this room category, you will receive half off on the second villa of the same type. Additionally, there’s complimentary access to the fitness centre, whirlpool and sauna while young ones can have fun at the kids’ club and teens club where a number of programmes are taking place.

Book via icrasalkhaimah.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

For a starting price of Dhs1,400, the ultra all-inclusive staycation in a beachfront room at this resort in Ras Al Khaimah comes with a lot of perks. It includes unlimited food and bites around the clock at 13 of the resort’s restaurants and bars, in-room dining (selected hours), free minibar, and a free upgrade to the next room category. Additionally, you can enjoy 20 per cent off on spa treats and non-motorised watersports and 10 per cent off on motorised watersports. Children below 12 go free and you can enjoy a late checkout at 2pm.

Book via hilton.com

The mystical and ancient land of AlUla has quickly become a bucket list destination. Just a three-hour flight away from Dubai, touching down in AlUla will have you instantly feeling like you’re on another planet. With dreamy desert retreats, full of natural wonders to remote lands waiting to be explored, as well as unmatched wellness offerings where you can get away from it all while getting back to yourself, it’s must-see for any travel-lover.

Diamonds in the sky

PRICE: FROM SAR350

If you’re coming from the fast-paced life of the UAE, chances are you’re estranged from stars. AlUla’s remote Mars-like terrain and dark night sky is lit up by the Milky Way. Discover what lies beyond the night sky with a magical guided stargazing tour followed by a fireside dinner under the stars. husaak.trekksoft.com

Saudi Arabia

Words: Tamara Wright

Rise and shine

PRICE: FROM SAR700

The best way to explore Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, is to hop on a vintage Land Rover with a local Rawi as your guide. The sunrise tour sets off at 6am and takes visitors through five monumental sites over two hours, including the most famous Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza and Hegra’s highest point, Jabal Ithlib. tickets.experiencealula.com

Cool under the shade of palm trees

PRICE: FROM SAR35

Take a slow and serene stroll through the peaceful oasis, a lush haven bursting with flora and fauna that has provided life to AlUla for thousands of years. Where millions of date palms shade a layer of citrus trees above the thriving moringa branches. tickets.experiencealula.com

A taste of history

Travel back in time and explore the unmissable ancient old town of AlUla as you twist along ancient alleyways. Stroll the outdoor market, say yes to Arabic coffee, and get a taste of Saudi Arabian fine dining cuisine at 800-year-old restaurant Suhail. What to try? The sweet potato soup, pumpkin salad, and lamb kabsah come highly recommended. experiencealula.com

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Summer healing

Relax and restore through ancient healing practices at Habitas’ Thuraya Wellness. From yoga and mindfulness to date seed body scrubs and herbal aromatherapy, Thuraya focuses on centuries-old practices to help clear the path to self-discovery and awaken focus on both our physical and energetic bodies.

ourhabitas.com/alula/wellness

Sanctuary for the senses

PRICE: SAR2,081 PER NIGHT banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula

At first glance, it’s easy to miss the Banyan Tree AlUla, hidden in a neat enclave in Ashar Valley and blending in seamlessly to the surroundings. Located a 45-minute drive from AlUla airport, this wonderful, luxurious resort is the perfect base to make the most of the myriad activities on offer and an instantly relaxing spot to retreat after a day of adventure.