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TRAVEL: Stone's throw stays this weekend - 4hrs flying or less

NOW, WE'RE ALL over the place when it comes to the upcoming public holiday this weekend. Some people are saying they're getting Thursday off (because they're lucky), others that it will just be absorbed into their regulation days off. Whatever the case may be, we're not taking any chances in missing an opportunity for a getaway. So here we're covering a few great places to stay, which are either in or lay four hours or fewer from the UAE to give you enough time to enjoy them. Bon voyage!
AWAY
Aegean opulence at this "must-sea"
The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum in Turkey has just opened its doors for the deliciously long European summer season and it is one of those places that constantly demands attention. Villas and suites overlooking the idyllic Paradise Bay are now available and more butlers are on hand to maintain the excellent service. It's so swanky, the top of the range sea-view Royal Suite, for example, has seven rooms, a private garden and swimming pool and is the largest on the Bodrum Peninsula with 533 square metres of space.
How to get there: Turkish Airlines from Dubai to Istanbul is the most frequent and comfortable way to get to the East-meets-West country, then grab an internal flight from there. The national carrier is pretty cost effective too with prices this weekend starting from just over Dhs1500.
It's warm enough to swim, so go!
It's around a pleasant 27 degrees centigrade in Cyprus at the moment, which makes it perfect to explore the island's award-winning beaches.
Konnos Bay, for example, is a 200-metre long stretch of paradise situated 4km east of the popular resort of Ayia Napa and is one of the island's most picturesque spots. It's covered in fine golden sand and provides calm and crystal clear sea waters, sheltered from heavy winds. For more info on all the beaches visit www.visitcyprus.com.
How to get there: We hadn't heard of them before, but on a Skyscanner search, Cypriot airline Cobalt are doing direct return flights from Abu Dhabi to Larnaca from Dhs930 this weekend.
Spring is the perfect time to visit the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, for a day or two
It's an ancient capital, it is bursting at the seams with great hearty food and drinks, the locals are wonderfully welcoming and you can see most of the city in two or so days. Tbilisi is so close (three and a half hours flight time) and yet so different to the Middle East we're continuously surprised more of you haven't gone. It's 'visa on arrival' if you are a UAE resident, no matter what your nationality, and getting around to see the sights including the natural thermal baths is very reasonable. If you want to treat yourself, we can recommend the city's Radisson Blu right in town to rest your weary head in style.
How to get there: FlyDubai gets you there direct in the time mentioned above and perhaps offers some of the 'most frills' for a 'no frills' airline in the world. This weekend fares start from Dhs520 one-way and for that price ask yourself, why not?
A favourite in which to totally relax
If you just need some peace and quiet, anywhere in Sri Lanka is good, but we've come across the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort offering Ayurveda wellness stays. The ayurvedic journeys are supposed to serve up life enhancing, aspirational and transformational experiences encompassing happiness and a healthy balance of body, mind and spirit. Sounds good to us and we'd like to experience the technology blackout the resort can offer every evening. A few nights without a phone. Sounds bliss.
How to get there: The cheapest way you're getting to Colombo direct is with FlyDubai on their two daily flights.
Abroad...well, sort of. It's so close
The 'Butterfly Trail' at Alila Jabal Akhdar is a lovely adventure for families needing some time outdors in the fresh air. It's a 3km fun-filled expedition around the resort. With a scavenger map in hand, set off on a journey of discovery, learning new facts about the mountains and its inhabitants along the way which include 11 species of butterfly and over 40 species of bird. Other activities include 'The Village Walk', the 'Cave Adventure Via Ferrata' and 'Stargazing' and the property doesn't look too bad either, does it? We'd be in that pool in a shot.
How to get there: Fly to Muscat then, in the words of Thelma or Louise, "just drive!" It's a fun road trip.
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Beach sports in RAK are great any time. How about now?
The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island not only offers you an all-inclusive option for your stay - meaning anything you want, provided you're wearing a green wristband, is served up no questions asked - but also puts on some of the best water sport activities in the UAE. You can do everything in their tranquil Marjan Island bay before falling back into your beautiful Bay View room to get changed and head down for dinner. We'd recommend Sanchaya for a spot of Asian cuisine or Vespa, the Italian restaurant. Watching the sun go down over the horizon at the rooftop lounge is also a must.
Desert delights less than an hour's drive out of Dubai
We can never get enough of this one and now it's even better. The Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa has completed its property-wide renovation programme and we can't wait to get inside. Apparently no major improvements were needed, but according to the hotel's sources every change has resulted in a "fresher look and enhanced guest experience." How they can enhance the experience we don't know what with every guest house possessing a private infinity pool from which you can stare at the wildlife on the dunes, but we're willing to see what they've done...purely for research purposes, of course.
The world's tallest is on our doorstep
In Dubai we've had many different 'world's tallest hotels', but this is the latest and it is a doozie. The Gevora Hotel is 75 stories (or 356 metres) high and glistening with gold throughout. How UAE! The rooms are obviously well-appointed and the Le Veyron restaurant is fancy, but we're always going to head to the rooftop pool to enjoy the panoramic views of the sensational skyline for our stay.
See turtles at this capital hotel
The Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas has just opened its doors in Abu Dhabi and here's one of the first peeks. Boasting modern Arabic architecture, there are 327 rooms and four interesting dining options, including the Turtle Bay Bar & Grill restaurant, Sim Sim all-day dining, Sama Lobby Lounge and the refreshing Swim Up Pool Bar. Why is it called the Turtle Bay bar? Because you'll be able to find Hawksbill Turtles, seahorses, dolphins, dugongs swimming nearby.
Unwind at this lovely spa for a night
The Shangri-la is a regular destination for us for its Hoi An Vietnamese restaurant, but this weekend, if we were in the mood to unwind, the property's CHI Spa is where we would choose to do so. It's 'Far East inspired' so you know it's good, right? Actually it is the facility's trimmings we like. They're so chic. It just feels like a top-end experience.
david@khaleejtimes.com