Staying here for the summer? Here’s how to make the best of it…

In years to come, it’s unlikely that summer 2020 will be remembered as a bumper year for travel.

As the world continues to endure and recover from the coronavirus pandemic, many borders remain closed, and budgets have been reprioritised.

So why not take this opportunity to journey inward. We’re not getting spiritual (although a little bit of meditation never hurts), we’re advocating the exploration of our beautiful Abu Dhabi.

Rediscovering what makes it such a popular hotspot for tourists around the world. And best of all, some of the deals available right now are amongst the best we’ve seen in a long time.

All rates are exclusive of tax and applicable surcharges. Please be aware blackout dates may apply. Anybody travelling to Abu Dhabi from outside the emirate is currently required to provide a negative Covid test, or book DPI laser screening at the border.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi

The deal: This swanky five-star property is offering 35 per cent off room rates on bookings all the way up to March 2021. Breakfast is included as standard and after discount, prices start at an incredibly reasonable Dhs293.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, book before September 30, 2020. abudhabi.intercontinental.com 

The Abu Dhabi Edition

 

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The deal: Edition Escape focuses on the pursuit of chill — an overnight stay in a Deluxe Marina Room, with breakfast and dinner at Alba Terrace, a ‘zen bath’ set up, yoga and an exclusive Hammammii spa gift. Prices from Dhs800 for a double room.

Marina Al Bateen, until Augist 31. Tel: (02) 208 0000,

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

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The deal: Ultimate Staycation — enjoy up to 40 per cent off the best available room rates, which start from Dhs860. That’s not all either – the offer includes a hearty breakfast and 20 per cent off food and beverages at some of the resort’s amazing restaurants.

Saadiyat Island, book by July 31, for stays up to September 30. Tel: (02) 811 4342. jumeirah.com

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

The deal: There’s also up to 40 per cent off the best available room rates at this Jumeirah property too. Bed and breakfast Prices start from Dhs510 (with half board rates from Dhs700). As a bonus, there’s  20 per cent off food and beverages at some of the resort’s awesome dining experiences.

Etihad Towers, West Corniche, book by July 31, for stays up to September 30. Tel: (02) 811 5555

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl

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The deal: The Kids R On Us staycation package includes a free stay for kids, half-board which means you get breakfast as well as lunch or dinner included; kids under 12 stay and eat free; kids between 16 and 12 get 50 per cent off dining; kids get unlimited ice cream; there’s an early check in time (10am) where available; and late check out (6pm) again, where available. Rates for this deal start at around Dhs550 per room  — that’s based on two adults, and one child under 12.

West Corniche, Corniche Rd. Tel: (02) 510 1234, @grandhyattabudhabi  

Shangri-La Abu Dhabi

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The deal: This beautiful five-star stunner is offering a guaranteed room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, 20 per cent of all food and beverages, early check-in (10am) and late check-out (3pm) for its summer staycation guests. Prices start at around Dhs530 per room per night. In-house restaurant, Shang Palace also has some fantastic weekday deals on unlimited dim sum (Dhs123).

Khor Al Maqta, Qaryat al Beri. Tel: (02) 509 8888, shangri-la.com

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

The deal(s): Swanky resort, Rosewood has more than one summer staycation offer on the books. Our picks of the bunch are the resident pack which has 10 per cent discount on room rates, a free breakfast, Dhs100 credit for f&b as well as early check-in and late check-out. Their suite bundle offers the same add-ons with a 30 per cent discount on suites and Dhs184 credit for refreshments.

Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 813 5550, rosewoodhotels.com

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

 

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The Deal: This hotel is blessed with dreamy vacay viewss of Lulu Island and the Arabian Gulf. Which, thanks to Accor’s Loyalty Program, ‘Accor Live Limitless’ can now be enjoyed with a 50 per cent discount on all stays. And for those booking Club Rooms (or any room categories above) can enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and aperitifs at Parmigiana restaurant for free. All you need to do is invest a few short minutes to sign up with Accor Live Limitless.

Corniche Road East Capital Plaza Complex. Tel: (02) 813 7777

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

The Deal: Also part of the Accor Group, you can get 50 per cent off stays at this luxe creek-side property by signing up to the Accor Live Limitless programme. That means room rates from Dhs330 (including breakfast) with an additional 20 per cent off food and beverage in the hotel.

Khor Al Maqta. Tel: (02) 654 3333, @fairmontbabalbahr

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

 

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The deal: The hotel’s ‘Come As A Guest, Leave As Family’ promotion offers rates that start at just Dhs399, with breakfast and a further Dhs200 as credit to spend on food and beverages. Which is already incredibly good value, but there’s more. You’ll also be entered into a draw to win a luxury holiday in the Maldives or Thailand, unlock access to the Dusit Gold programme which features outstanding exclusive benefits, and kids under 12 eat for free.

Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road). Tel: (02) 698 8888, dusit.com

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

The Deal: Guests to this ultra-plush all-inclusive desert island resort can get 20 per cent off the best available rate, and there’s no extra charge for booking the resort’s a la carte restaurants for your evening meal. This deal is valid through the Eid Al Adha period but does require a minium of two nights’ stay. And we’re more than ok with that.

Saadiyat Island. Offer must be booked directly with hotel tel: (02) 492 2222

Images: Provided/Instagram