Within the UAE
Anantara festive packages
Celebrate the festive season and welcome the New Year in luxury at one of Anantara’s properties across the UAE. Choose between the majestic backdrop of the legendary Liwa Desert at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, the exotic wildlife at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, or join in the revelry at the new urban retreat, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa.
Rooms start at Dhs950 (Eastern Mangroves), Dhs1,600 (Desert Islands), Dhs1,800 (Qasr Al Sarab). Valid December 24 2012. To book, or for more info, see www.gha.com.
Burj Al Arab UAE residents’ offers
Enjoy a suite complete with a complimentary breakfast buffet. Includes full range of Hermès luxury amenities. The offer is open to UAE nationals and residents only – quote ‘UAE Resident’ when booking.
From Dhs3,990 per night in a one-bedroom suite, Dhs6,490 in a two-bedroom suite. Valid until December 22 2012. BAAreservations@jumeirah.com (04 301 7400).
Hilton Dubai’s gourmet getaway
A four-course dinner for two at acclaimed restaurant Table 9 by Nick and Scott, and an overnight stay at the hotel with breakfast included.
Dhs999 (before tax). Sun-Fri sunset-midnight. Valid until November 30 2012. Hilton Dubai Creek (04 227 1111).
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s The X Factor Packages
The Palm Jumeirah hotel, which recently hosted The X Factor, is offering royal and deluxe packages to celebrate. Minimum three-night stay.
From Dhs2,700 per person (royal package), Dhs950 per person (deluxe package). Until November 30. www.jumeirah.com/JumeirahZabeelSaray (04 364 7133).
Pullman Dubai packages
The Mall of the Emirates-based hotel is offering three different packages: the Wellness Break (a three-night stay with access to leisure and fitness facilities, plus a Dhs250 spa voucher); Golf Getaway (three-night stay and play at The Els Club), and Sand and Snow (three-night stay, desert safari and access to Ski Dubai).
From Dhs748 per room per night. Ongoing. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, www.pullman-dubai-malloftheemirates.com (04 377 2000).
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s Festive Escape
Special stay and dine packages in Abu Dhabi. Dhs1,400 (food and accommodation).
Valid on Monday December 24 and December 25. St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, www.stregissaadiyatisland.com/festive (02 498 8888).
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s Friday brunch and stay
An overnight stay with Friday brunch and bubbly for two at Olea, and breakfast the next day. Offering rich tapenades, traditional tomato bread and live cooking stations, the Friday brunch includes fresh seafood and grilled delicacies.
From Dhs1,850 per room per night, double occupancy. Valid until December 1 2012. St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
The Ritz-Carlton’s desert night-golf package
Stay for a minimum of five nights in a Ritz-Carlton club room or suite and play into the night at the floodlit Faldo course, complete with private hotel transfer to Emirates Golf Club, complimentary club rental and access to the Club Lounge.
From Dhs2,450 per room per night, double occupancy. Valid until December 25 2012. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, The Walk at JBR, rc.dxbrz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com (04 399 4000).
Further afield
Christmas Markets of Austria Germany and Switzerland
Shop for seasonal treats on festive streets at European Christmas markets over eight days. See the majestic Ringstrasse and the charming sights of Vienna.
Prices start at Dhs4,885. Departure date: Friday December 7. Email nonairgsa@dnata.com or call 04 316 6671.
Christmas in Paris
An eight-day, glittering stay and sightseeing tour. Expect to see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the festive illuminations on the Champs Élysées.
Starting from Dhs3,330 per person. Departure date: Sunday December 23. Email nonairgsa@dnata.com or call 04 316 6671.
Emirates Holidays’ Eid al-Adha offers
Emirates Holidays is offering a selection of special deals for Eid trips to Germany (Dhs4,230 per person for three nights in a three-star hotel), Thailand (from Dhs3,145 per person; three nights in a three-star hotel), the Seychelles (from Dhs5,004 per person for three nights in a three-star hotel), and Turkey (from Dhs2,845 per person for three nights in a three-star hotel). Accommodation and flights included.
Valid until November 10 2012. www.emiratesholidays.com (800 5252).
Emirates direct flights to Adelaide
The Dubai-based airline is flying to this Australian hub from Thursday November 1 2012. Prices TBD.
For details, see www.emirates.com.
Etihad flight deals to Seychelles
Fly to this island paradise for Dhs2,970 (a saving of at least Dhs1,000) before March 31 2013.
See www.etihad.com.
KLM’s autumn offers to the USA or Canada
Fly to New York for Dhs3,990, Chicago for Dhs4,710, Vancouver for Dhs5,040 or LA for Dhs5,170 – a saving of at least Dhs1,000.
Book before March 31 2013. www.klm.com.
Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam – seven-day cruise
The fully refurbished Costa Victoria has a sleek design and premium facilities.
Prices start at Dhs2,660 per person (saving you 28 percent off full price). Departs December 22 2012. Valid until November 5 2012. gsa@dnata.com (04 316 6671).
Surf Goddess Retreats in Sri Lanka
This seven- to eight-day retreat provides an enchanting setting where ladies can learn how to surf in a positive and supportive environment. There is also ample time to unwind and take time to pamper yourself. Note: there are only seven places on each trip.
Prices start at Dhs9,898 (USD2,695). Trips run from Friday November 23-Friday 30, Sunday December 2-Sunday 9, Friday December 14-Friday 21 2012. See www.surfgoddessretreats.com/srilanka or email srilanka@surfgoddessretreats.com.
The Carlton Penthouse St Moritz
Splash out on this swanky penthouse. The price includes breakfast buffet; dinner; use of the spa, private butler service; drinks from the mini bar; free wifi access and airport shuttle.
Dhs71,312 (for up to six guests). Penthouse opens December 14 2012. Sonnenbergstrasse, Switzerland, en.tschuggen.ch (+41 813 789 999).
