Nine of the best Eid escapes from Dubai this year
Whether you fancy relaxing on a beach or exploring a bustling city…
Eid is fast approaching, and although we don’t yet know whether it will be a long weekend, we’re already dreaming of an Eid escape. Whether you’re looking to zen out on a pristine beach, or explore a bustling city, there’s plenty of deals running to mark long weekend at the end of the Holy Month.
Here are nine of the best Eid escapes from Dubai.
Baku, Azerbaijan
The deal: If you’re looking for a city escape with a mix of culture and pampering, then head to the capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku. The largest city on the Caspan Sea is home to more than two million people and at 28 metres below sea level, is the lowest lying capital city in the world. It’s regarded as a relatively safe, affordabl destination and you can spend three nights in a five star hotel here and enjoy a guided tour of the city, return flights, airport tranfers and a hamman experience, honey massage and facial.
Price: Starting from Dhs1,749 per person, including return flights (you can depart from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah).
While you’re there: At the centre of Baku lies its famous, medieval walled old City, a Unesco World Heritage Site. And make sure you check out the palace complex, mosques and the iconic Maiden Tower, a 12th century monument that houses a museum that tells the story of Baku, and how it’s evolved over the centuries.
Tbilisi, Georgia
The deal: This four-day, three nights package includes return flights with Air Arabia from Sharjah to Georgia, accommodation at Ameri Plaza Hotel and return airport transfer, as well as a half-day tour of Tbilisi and a trip to Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, along with a visit to Jvari Monastery, a Unesco World Heritage site that sits on a rocky mountaintop and dates back to the sixth century.
Price: The Best Of Georgia package is Dhs2,270.46 per person.
While you’re there: Visit the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre or wander through the Old Town, exploring its many art shops and bars.
Amman, Jordan
The deal: Jordan’s capital city of Amman is steeped in centuries of history, from the ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins to the striking Temple of Hercules. The latter is a series of pillars that archaeologists believe were part of a temple that was never finished when built in AD162 to AD166. A deal with Dnata Travel allows you to make the most of your time here – not only do you get return flights with FlyDubai and a three-night stay in a five-star hotel, but it also includes a tour of the Dead Sea and if you book a Grand Room at the Grand Hyatt, you’ll get an extra 15 per cent discount off your room rate and a free upgrade.
Price: Dhs3049 per person, valid June 8 to 15.
While you’re there: Amman boasts Islamic architecture spanning from ancient times to the modern age. Go see the King Hussein Mosque – the Ottoman-style construction was rebuilt in 1932 over the site of an ancient mosque from AD640.
Baros, Maldives
The deal: The ultimate island resort for laid back luxury and romance, Baros is situated in the central southern part of North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the country’s international airport. Both Emirates and FlyDubai operate direct routes and couples can take advantage of a Wellness Experience package that offers return airport transfer by speedboat (excluding flights), a one-hour yoga session on a secluded sandbank, breakfast in your villa, a couples’ massage, a 105-minute healing shirodhara (where liquid is poured on your head) and abhyanga oil massage and teppanyaki dinner.
Price: From Dhs3,300 per night for two people in a deluxe villa, excluding flights
While you’re there: Go snorkeling or diving. The island is surrounded by one of the best house-reefs in the Indian Ocean and is filled with coral, turtles, sharks and rays.
Zighy Bay, Oman
The deal: Six Senses Zighy Bay have put together the ultimate package catering to larger groups and families. Stay on your own private island resort with your own beach and 60-foot infinity pool with up to eight adults and four kids this Eid. The villa features multiple living areas and is fitted with a kitchen and staffed with a personal chef and guest experience maker, who is on call 24 hours a day. The package also includes the choice of a speedboat or paraglide arrival into the resort and return transfer to the airport, daily breakfast, laundry service, a one-hour signature massage for each guest, access to steam, sauna and ice cave as well as a one-hour fitness or yoga session. For those who want to be more active, you can make use of non-motorised water sports, tennis and beach volleyball. You can also go on a private sunset dhow cruise with canapes, a barbecue dinner with private chef in your villa, and you’ll get a departure gift when you leave.
Price: Dhs48,845 per night excluding flights. It works out to Dhs6,105 if the price is split between the eight adults.
While you’re there: Just stay in the resort and enjoy all the amenities it has to offer
Niyama Private Islands, Maldives
The deal: Two islands of pristine white sand surrounded by aqua blue ocean make up Niyama Private Islands – and if you book your stay on niyama.com, you get 40 per cent off the room rate, plus you’ll receive a daily breakfast and buffet dinner for two adults and two kids (aged 11 or younger) and a 60-minute massage fro two at Drift Spa. If you get bored of lazing on the beach all day, the resort has a range of water sports including scuba diving and jet-skiing.
Price: From Dhs2,500 per night
While you’re there: Kayak around the little islands, or if you fancy something a little more active, have a go at surfing
Kalutara, Sri Lanka
The deal: Located just one hour from the capital of Colombo, Kalutara is convenient for those of you looking for a short weekend break. Situated on a secluded beachfront, the Anantara Kalutara is picturesque and overlooks the Kalu Ganga river and Indian Ocean. Stay two nights in a premier room with a garden view and you’ll get the third night free. The deal also includes breakfast daily and return flights with FlyDubai from Dubai.
Price: Dhs2,150 per person, valid between June 15 to 18.
While you’re there: Cycle or tuk-tuk your way around famous landmarks of Kalutara, from the impressive stupa of the Kalutara Bodhiya temple and Richmond Castle to the Thudgala Waterfall. See if you can spot a pale bellied flower pecker, the country’s smallest bird, while at the waterfall.
Madhya Pradesh, India
The deal: Known as the famed land of The Jungle Book, Madya Pradesh is home to more than 25 sanctuaries, ten national parks and six tiger reserves and is an ideal getaway for adventure travellers and wildlife enthusiasts. I4utravels are offering a package including return flights, full board meals, transfers and excursions to Pench National Park, Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.
Price: Deluxe packages are available from Dhs1,500 per day per couple, luxury packages from Dhs5,000 per day per couple. The trip can be based on an eight-day, nine night trip or customised.
While you’re there: Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world. Go here for your chance to catch a glimpse of the majestic moggy up close and personal.
i4utravels.com
Yerevan, Armenia
The deal: Armenia’s capital Yerevan is steeped in history, thank sin part to its Soviet-style architecture and has also become the ideal destination for foodies and culture vultures. This three days/two nights package includes return flights with Air Arabia from Sharjah, accommodation at Silachi Hotel Yerevan and return airport transfer as well as a full sightseeing tour where a professional guide will take you to the main attractions of the city – including the Mother Armenia Monument (a statue in Victory Park built in 1967) and President’s House.
Price: The Best of Armenia package is from Dhs2,565.52 per person.
While you’re there: Check out The History Museum of Armenia – it has a collection of over 400,000 objects and is arguably the best museum if you want to learn more about the city. It features archaeology and modern history departments.
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