Eid al Fitr: the best escapes for the coming holiday

As we roll further into Ramadan, thoughts are beginning to turn to Eid al Fitr and the upcoming holidays that look set to begin around June 5. That could mean a five-day weekend for some people and this year, public and private holidays are aligned for the first time in years meaning this time-off could be a good opportunity to take a trip.

Whether you fancy a simple staycation, a weekend escape or a longer haul holiday, we’ve gathered some of the best Eid holiday deals from around the world offering everything from a concert on a Maldivian island to a wellness retreat in the mountains of India.

If you are looking for a mini-break in the capital, The St Regis, Abu Dhabi on the Corniche might be a good option. Home to the Remede Spa, Nation Riviera Beach Club and over 200 metres of pristine sand, every room in the hotel also comes with complimentary butler service, meaning you can let someone else take the lead this Eid, and focus on unwinding. Check-in to a superior room or a signature suite this Eid and you’ll get money back by way of restaurant dining credit as well as complimentary breakfast and a late check out. And if you book two rooms, you’ll get the second at half the price.

If you have not had a chance to check out Bluewaters yet then Eid may be a good time to get out there. Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai is offering half price pool access at Neptune Pool and bar this upcoming holiday where you’ll also get private beach access, complimentary water, cold towels and freshly cut coconuts, as well as 25 per cent off all food and beverages. On the other side of the spectrum, if you're trying to impress someone then the Romance Like a Caesar package at Caesar’s Palace Bluewaters Dubai might be worth a look. Stay in a presidential suite with a private butler to take care of your every need and enjoy breakfast in Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, private movie screenings, couple’s spa treatments and lots more.

Staying in Dubai over the holidays? Make your Eid memorable with a night on the historic Queen Elizabeth 2. The whole family can enjoy a Funfair Feast at The Lido restaurant tucking into an international buffet and where live music will ensure a festive atmosphere, little ones can have fun in the play area. Guests staying on the Queen Elizabeth also get complimentary access to Laguna Water Park at nearby La Mer. Once evening falls, take your seat at the Razzle and Dazzle dinner show for a night of first-class entertainment before bedding down in your own historic cabin.

The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah evokes New York glamour fused with coastal vibes less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, making it a good pick for getting out of the big city without having to travel too far. The huge family pool and private beach complete with a water sports centre will keep the entire family happy, while grownups seeking some downtime will love the adults-only infinity pool. This Eid, the half board offer includes a buffet breakfast and dinner at Qasr Al Bahar. One child under 12 can stay free in their parents’ room and children under six eat free while children aged 6 to eleven will dine at half price.

The half board offer starts at Dh1,000 (plus taxes), subject to availability. Find out more at waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Oman’s Chedi Muscat was one of the first luxury resorts in the country and it remains one of the most coveted thanks to gorgeous architecture, beautiful gardens and the fact that it boasts the country’s largest spa. You can get 30 per cent off at the spa and at any of the hotel’s restaurants when you book the Chedi’s seasonal offer. You’ll also get daily breakfast, a complimentary mini bar and a third night free when you book a two-night stay, or a fourth night free when you book for three days. Go for a Club Room to also get return airport limousine transfers, access to the Club Lounge and a host of other perks.

Just an hour’s flight from the UAE, tiny Bahrain is a good choice if you want to leave the country but don’t want to fly too far from home. Stay at the beautiful Merchant House in Manama’s old town and arrive in style courtesy of a Maserati Quattroporte airport transfer. Each suite in the boutique hotel comes with gorgeous interiors from iconic designer and hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray and the art collection is worth checking out, it's filled with pieces from local Bahraini and other regional art. Those looking to soak in the city vibes will love the rooftop restaurant and garden overlooking Bab Al Bahrain souk.

Attend a private concert in the Maldives

Fancy something different this Eid? Escape to Veela Private Island in the Maldives on June 6 to see Lebanese singer and TV personality Dianna Haddad perform at an intimate gig. As well as a complimentary one-way seaplane transfer to Noonu Atoll — the most northern point in the archipelago, all Eid guests who book at least four nights in the island’s private residences will get half-board hosting at Athiri, the resort’s seafood and Japanese restaurant. The ultra-luxe resort also offers plenty of turtle-spotting opportunities and golfing action and the archipelago is just a four-hour flight from the UAE. If you're only staying one night, you can take advantage of a ten per cent Eid discount.

Rates start at $1,815 (Dh6,665) per night and you can book online at www.velaaprivateisland.com

If you’re planning on taking a bit of a longer Eid break and want to make an investment in your well being, you could do worse than a trip to The Atmantan in Pune, Western India. The internationally acclaimed resort is a sprawling blend of modernity and spirituality and offers a whole host of remedies and treatments including Ayurveda, massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, chakra work, balneotherapy and more – all surrounded by 42 acres of lush green valleys and the waters of Mulshi Lake. And this Eid, If you book a stay that’s 10 nights or longer, the Maharashtra resort will pay for your flight for you.

Sunshine, sea, sand and a rambling laid-back vibe await in Goa, just over a three-hour flight from the UAE. Take the family to The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in the south of Goa for an easy mini-break where everyone will be happy. Children will be entertained at the onsite activity centre where they can take part in workshops, games and sports sessions while grownups can enjoy a classic Goan afternoon tea or a pampering session at Jiva Spa.

The Caucasus capital of Tbilisi seems to get more interesting by the day thanks to an evolving nightlife, dining and arts scene. This Eid, Tajawal travel has put together three packages for anyone looking to discover Georgia’s blossoming capital. Budget travellers can go for the bronze option, which includes three nights at the Gallery Palace next to Tbilisi Botanical Gardens. For luxury fans, the gold package includes check-in in at the stunning Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi which has a in indoor pool and spa and is ideally located for sightseeing right beside the city’s historic Freedom Square.

The capital of North Africa’s smallest country comes with a laid-back vibe and a rich history lapped by the cooling waters of the Mediterranean. Less than seven hours from the Emirates, Tunis is filled with Maghreb culture, Unesco-listed relics, historic souks and port-side boats. Check into The Residence Tunis for a wellness-orientated escape designed to leave you feeling restored. Stay for four days and you’ll enjoy a body scrub and bathing session, an ESPA marine body wrap, two massages, an oil body treatment and a coaching session all tailored to your personal wellness needs. You’ll also get airport transfers, an upgrade to a Seaview room and complimentary day trips to clifftop Sidi Bou Said town and Carthage, believed to be the ancient centre of civilisation.