Eid Al Fitr holiday destinations you shouldn't miss

Here's the only round-up of festivities, concerts, activities and travel deals you need

WE'RE ALL LOOKING forward to the upcoming break. It's hot and sticky out there and all we can think of is sitting back and relaxing by a pool or the sea somewhere and enjoying a well-earned rest. It's the age-old dilemma when you live in the UAE, though.
Do you stick with the ample choice of hotels and resorts we've got here or do you chance your arm and try and bag a last-minute deal abroad? Perhaps you want a new stamp in your passport? Perhaps you just want to travel half an hour up the road?
Well, as usual we've got you covered. Here we bring you the best deals from across the emirates and a few longer-haul picks and the best way to get there...just in case the urge to move takes you!

Stay and check in today

Got the location
Most of The Address Hotels across Dubai are offering 10 per cent off the best available Eid rate plus free breakfasts if you stay between June 25 and June 28. Our favourite is The Address Dubai Marina, but, as you're well aware, there are many to choose from.
Party central
Always one to throw one of the best times Dubai has to offer, the Rixos Palm Jumeirah is one of our absolute top picks. We love the all-in deals, the ambience and the characters you find. Plus, it's one of those places you could spend contained in all weekend and never get bored. Hours can be wasted by the pool alone having a drink and a shisha. Summer rates are going for about Dhs900 including breakfast, but we'd go for a Dhs350 upgrade to the all-in package. It's worth it.
An idyllic spot
It's a quiet area, but full of things to do. The Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi is as good a hotel as you'll find and it's slap bang close to everything you may wish to see over the Eid weekend if you've never stayed in the capital before. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is obviously a particular highlight. For the first day of Eid you can get a deluxe room starting from Dhs850.
Mont pleasant
The Fairmont the Palm has a whole host of offers to make you feel welcome including the best of them all - a Summer Half-Board package for Dhs585 per night. For that you get a deluxe room, complimentary buffet breakfast followed by either lunch or dinner, access to the Fairmont Falcons Kids' Club for two hours per child and shuttle bus service to the malls.
Where now?
This is a new one on us, but it looks wonderful and they have a deal on which makes it all the more appealing to go and explore. The Jumeirah Al Naseem on Jumeirah Beach will give you a room this Eid from Dhs1,800 per night, staying for a minimum of two nights. This includes breakfast AND lunch or dinner in over 60 restaurants including the new seafood joint Rockfish.
Just desert
An old favourite, the Tilal Liwa Hotel always offers as much serenity as it does value. It's one of the most peaceful places in the emirates, surrounded by the Rub Khali Desert and dunes. Rates start from Dhs599 and for that we're making it out top sandy retreat.
Swim when you're winning

We're so impressed with Ajman. We mean, we always have been, but recently there have been a host of new openings to write home about. There's the new fine-dining restaurant Thanani and now The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah. Perhaps the stand-out element is the hotel's spa facilities, sunrise yoga classes and 85-metre pool. Make sure you've got plenty of energy before taking the plunge.
Downtown adventure
We've not been to the Manzil Downtown lately, but we know people who have and they say it serves up same warm, Arabic-inspired hospitality it always has. This Eid you can experience it for a bit less. A 10 per cent discount awaits if you book for the holiday and that includes breakfast.
Seef and sound
From Dhs850, Al Seef Resort & Spa lets you delve into the magic of the Andalusian era with the resort's architectural design. If architecture doesn't take your fancy, then just enjoy the five-star amenities, PLUS nip across to the accompanying mall for some fun.

Ocean colour scene
30 per cent off rooms, 20 per cent of spas and 15 per cent off dining, you can't say fairer than that and that is exactly what the JA Ocean View Hotel is offering. Everyone loves this JBR property, centred right in the hustle and bustle.  
Go and let the good times flow
Turkish delight
A hop, step and a jump away, Turkey is lovely this time of year. Bodrum is very similar to the Greek islands, situated only a few miles away. Paradise Bay is home to the  Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum and if you use the resort's Discover Bodrum offer you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, a private boat trip and a host of other treats. It's pricey, but all-in-all it's one of those things that if you can do, you'd kick yourself if you didn't.
Best way to get there: Turkish Airlines flies absolutely everywhere and has three daily flights from Dubai to Istanbul and back again.
 
Say, is that The Seychelles?
The Hilton Seychelles has launched a package for families in time for Eid holidays. The 'I, Sea, You' offers free bookings for children, spa treatments, a sunset cruise, Arabic pastries and shisha across the island. We would go for the snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and a nature walk through the island's jungle though.
Best way to get there: Emirates Airlines has two flights every day.

Head down to China town
It's a bit further but The Excelsior, Hong Kong has unveiled a new package and a new range of suites in its prime location hotel. Take up the Excelsior Suite offer and you're entitled to a load of money off various parts of your stay including 20 per cent off at all restaurants and 10 per cent off room service.
Best way to get there: Cathay Pacific has some SERIOUSLY good deals right now. We found a return flight from Dubai for Dhs2,800.

Just next door
Enjoy the region's coolest climate and the lush greens mountains. Experience Salalah's monsoon season locally called Khareef. While you're there, the Salalah Rotana is your best bet for accommodation.
Best way to get there: Fly Dubai, Oman Air, Air Arabia...take your pick! You can get there any time.
London calling
It really is only six hours away on a good day, so a four-day break isn't out of the question.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is undergoing one of the most extensive renovations in its 115-year history and has recently revealed the first part of the comprehensive multimillion-pound restoration for you to enjoy this Eid.
Best way to get there: British Airways is as regular as clockwork on this route and provides the quickest way to land and get into the centre of town.
david@khaleejtimes.com


 

Just desert - Tilal Liwa

Swim when you're winning - Al Zorah, Ajman

Seef and sound - Abu Dhabi

Just next door - Salalah