Travel time
2 hour 45 minutes(UAQ); 3 hours (RAK)
Hot hotel deals
Khatt Springs Hotel and Spa: Relax at this Ras Al Khaimah retreat and enjoy the nearby natural springs (see no.5 must do). Pay just Dhs399 and your fellow guest can stay for free, plus the rate includes breakfast and a 30-minute head and neck, back or foot massage.
07 244 8777; www.khatthotel.com
Cove Rotana: This village-esque resort that sprawls out into the turquoise Gulf in Ras Al Khaimah is offering special summer rates of Dhs600++ during the weekend or Dhs400++ in the week for a classic room. Plus you can take advantage of the 25 per cent off watersports and 20 per cent off selected spa treatments, both until the end of August.
07 206 6000; www.rotana.com/property-31.htm
Banyan Tree Al Wadi: Stay at this drop-dead gorgeous retreat before September 30 2010, and enjoy an extra night free for every two nights’ stay, plus use of the UAE’s only hydrotherapy spa circuit, breakfast, welcome drinks and a complimentary activity of your choice, with wildlife treks, falconry, archery and more on offer.
07 206 7777; www.banyantree.com/en/al_wadi
Flamingo Beach Resort: If scooting out to nearby Umm Al Quwain islands for fishing, seeing flamingos, glass-bottom boat rides or crab hunting appeals to you, head here. You’ll also be saving Dhs200 if you’re booking a room this summer; rates are down from Dhs570 to Dhs370.
06 765 0000; www.flamingoresort.ae
Five must dos
1 Dreamland: Enjoy a retro splash at Dreamland Aquapark. It’s a bit shabby round the edges, but that just adds to its charm – as does the swim-up licensed bar.
Umm Al Quwain-Ras Al Khaimah Road (06 768 1888; www.dreamlanduae.com)
2 UAQ Aeroclub: Learn how to fly planes or fall out of them. A tandem skydive costs Dhs1,000 for an exhilarating freefall over lagoons and desert.
Umm Al Quwain-Ras Al Khaimah Road (06 768 1447; uaqaeroclub.com)
3 RAK Shooting Club: You can try out shotgun shooting at static targets or offload a rifle at a flying clay pigeon or two.
Khuzan Road, near Ruler’s Palace (07 236 3622)
4 Emirates Motorplex: You can watch quad biking, drag racing and motor cross across the Motorplex’s five tracks and skid pan – or even rent a track out yourself to join in the fun.
Umm Al Quwain-Ras Al Khaimah Road (06 768 1166; www.motorplex.ae)
5 Khatt Springs: These natural springs create pools of warm water that are rich in sodium carbonate and said to lower blood pressure and aid relaxation.
Al Jazeera Road, near Khatt Springs Resort (07 244 8777)
