Note that all UAE residents travelling abroad from Dubai during the long weekend need to adhere to the current rules and also require permission to return
It’s the final long weekend of the year and if you’re anything like us, your plans are already set to make the most of this five-day break. But if you’re still scouring last-minute ideas, here are five escapes to inspire your plans. Whether you’re looking to head closer to home or further afield, this list should have you covered.
Maldives At the World Travel Awards 2020, Maldives clinched the title for the World’s Leading Destination. Taking home this acclaim for the first time in history, the island nation beat destinations such as Dubai, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Spain and Malaysia. A bucket-list destination for many, travelling to the archipelago is made easier during the pandemic with minimal formalities.
Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa
Book your stay at the Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa, which bagged the prestigious accolade of the Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort at World Travel Awards 2020. Located on the Raa Atoll in the Northern Maldives archipelago, the resort invites guests to experience true luxury, comfort and privacy in the heart of nature.
Seychelles
Another quarantine-free destination (for visitors who arrive with a negative PCR test), Seychelles promises breathtaking oceanside experiences for beach lovers.
Constance Lemuria
For travellers seeking a secluded escape, Constance Lemuria on Seychelles’ Praslin Island is landscaped to coexist with nature, fringed by three white sand beaches – one a turtle nesting site and another voted most beautiful in the world. The property also features the island’s only 18-hole championship golf course along with a PADI dive centre, water sports facilities and tennis courts.
Zanzibar
The idyllic coastal escape on African shores, Zanzibar welcomes tourists with negative PCR test and requires no quarantine on arrival. For a truly magical escape – within a five-hour flight from Dubai – the island combines beachside adventures with warm hospitality.
Mahali Zanzibar
Experience a little piece of paradise with a stay at Mahali Zanzibar, a fairly new resort located on the shores of Paje Beach, where kitesurfers are found in plenty. It’s perfectly positioned in the heart of the island, making it the ideal base to explore Zanzibar further south and north. The hotel also helps you plan your activities on the island, from spice farm and seaweed farm tours to historic discoveries in Stone Town.
Morocco
A colourful, bustling nation that is steeped in history and culture, the sights and sounds of Morocco will ensure any stay is a memorable one. The Red City of Morocco boasts a unique charm thanks to its fascinating blend of old and new, allowing visitors the best of both worlds – with luxurious hotels and high fashion boutiques juxtaposed against ancient souks and intriguing heritage sites.
Jardin Majorelle
Book a truly spectacular stay at Palmeraie Rotana Resort. Nestled on a stunning 230-hectare palm grove, the resort complex features three unique hotels: Hôtel du Golf Rotana, Golf Club Rotana and Palmeraie Palace. Although situated in close proximity to the main square, it feels a world away from the bustle with luxurious surrounds that evoke a sense of relaxation.
Turkey
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
An urban resort at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul is located in the prestigious Sariyer district of the city’s European side. The beautifully-landscaped surrounds allow guests magical views over the Bosphorus as it begins its last curve toward the Black Sea. For an escape ensconced in luxury, look no further than this gorgeous resort that blends local experiences with utmost comfort.