Off-roading to your hotel
Date: 2015-05-06
We love the outdoors and camping underneath the stars after a day’s off-roading across the UAE’s diverse terrain, but the warmer weather doesn’t have to spoil the fun. The Emirates offer some super hotels along the way to ensure you keep your cool.
Al Ain
The oasis town is worthy of a visit in its own right, but nearby the imposing Jebel Hafeet and Hanging Gardens have great driving spots. The Hatta region is home to the popular Big Red sand dune, a must-do challenge for off-roaders and quad bikers, as well as the Heritage Village and the Hatta Pools in the Hajar Mountains.
Hatta Fort Hotel is a secluded retreat featuring 50 chalet-style suites with patios overlooking the Hajars and tranquil gardens; the hotel also doubles as a popular activity provider, with swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, mini golf, a driving range and archery.
Cost: From Dhs.599
Call: 04 809 9333
Visit: jaresortshotels.com
Dubai
It doesn’t take long to get out the city so don’t let being pushed for time put you off.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa can be found 45 minutes from the city centre. The drive takes you past sweeping sand dunes and the hotel itself has built its authentic desert experience on traditional Arabian heritage. This month, as part of its Great Escape deal, guests can enjoy a line-up of exciting desert experiences, such as a safari by jeep, horse riding and falconry. The Great Escape also includes 25% off food and beverage outlets and spa treatments.
Cost: From Dhs.490 (May to September)
Call: 04 809 6100
Visit: meydanhotels.com
Liwa
A trip to Liwa is one you’ll never forget – it’s one of the few remaining chances to experience unspoiled dunes. Prepare for the most adventurous off-road driving the UAE has to offer alongside some of its most incredible scenery.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
This hotel has a stunning location amid the giant dunes outside Liwa. Designed to resemble an Arabic fort, guests can enjoy a wide range of desert activities before relaxing in oversized bathtubs, dining on gourmet dishes and being pampered in the spa. You can also book the 25-minute Rotana Jet service from Abu Dhabi to Sir Bani Yas island for the ultimate break from city life.
Cost: From Dhs.1,000
Call: 02 886 2088
Visit: qasralsarab.anantara.com
Tilal Liwa Hotel
The traditional Tilal Liwa Hotel promises luxury in the heart of the majestic Rub Al Khali desert, but is still only a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. This haven in the desert is a perfect family retreat with plenty of desert activities for older children, such as kite flying, sand boarding, camel riding and table tennis, as well a fun kids’ club for little ones. The stunning pool has a unique backdrop with an Arabian archway beautifully framing the picturesque desert horizon. Book a special Spring Getaway package and enjoy an overnight stay, breakfast and dinner, exotic fruits and a bottle of bubbly on arrival.
Cost: from Dhs.699
Call: 020 894 6111
Visit: danathotels.com
Northern Emirates
For a full day out or weekend away – one that takes in some of the best driving in the Emirates – why not combine a trip to the mountains around Wadi Bih, near Ras Al Khaimah, with one of the interesting wadi routes on the east coast and bed down in a luxury hotel by night.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Set in a verdant private bay on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, this impressive resort overlooks the Arabian Sea. Sprawled over 1.5 km of white, sandy beach, the hotel also has a spa, fitness club, arguably the best water sports centre in the UAE, seven pools (including one beautifully designed salt-water pool) and a kids’ club. Its 14 eateries and bars include four specialty restaurants to stand a good chance of satisfying everyone’s appetite.
Cost: From Dhs.1,350
Call: 07 228 8844
Visit: hilton.com
East Coast
From Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the east coast can be reached in about three hours. The mountains and beaches are fantastic spots for camping, barbecues and weekend breaks, as well as various other activities. There are some great wadi and mountain routes here, and the area is also renowned for its diving and snorkelling opportunities, particularly around Snoopy Island.
Fujairah
Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah
With its long private beach and modern touches, there is something for everyone here. The whole place is reminiscent of a wonderful Japanese spa, with clean lines and wholesome colours. For a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a spa weekend, the summer suite package is ideal with one, two or three bedroom rooms with complimentary breakfast and dinner.
Cost: From Dhs.799
Call: 09 244 9700
Visit: radissonblu.com
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
Located on an unspoiled beach nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this hotel is a 90-minute drive from Dubai. The resort boasts 218 sea view rooms, a spa, kids’ and teens’ clubs, water sports and diving, along with nine restaurants and bars. The hotel also organises snorkelling and diving trips and has one of the UAE’s largest pools.
Call: 09 244 9000
Visit: lemeridien-alaqah.com
Explorer’s travel tips
If you’re desert driving for the first time, make sure you go with an experienced person – driving on sand requires very different skills to other surfaces. Always take a mobile phone, a first aid kit, plenty of drinking water and wear your seatbelt. It’s also good to travel with friends in a convoy in case you get stuck or break down. You can leave them behind once you’ve checked into your hotel!
Al Ain
The oasis town is worthy of a visit in its own right, but nearby the imposing Jebel Hafeet and Hanging Gardens have great driving spots. The Hatta region is home to the popular Big Red sand dune, a must-do challenge for off-roaders and quad bikers, as well as the Heritage Village and the Hatta Pools in the Hajar Mountains.
Hatta Fort Hotel is a secluded retreat featuring 50 chalet-style suites with patios overlooking the Hajars and tranquil gardens; the hotel also doubles as a popular activity provider, with swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, mini golf, a driving range and archery.
Cost: From Dhs.599
Call: 04 809 9333
Visit: jaresortshotels.com
Dubai
It doesn’t take long to get out the city so don’t let being pushed for time put you off.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa can be found 45 minutes from the city centre. The drive takes you past sweeping sand dunes and the hotel itself has built its authentic desert experience on traditional Arabian heritage. This month, as part of its Great Escape deal, guests can enjoy a line-up of exciting desert experiences, such as a safari by jeep, horse riding and falconry. The Great Escape also includes 25% off food and beverage outlets and spa treatments.
Cost: From Dhs.490 (May to September)
Call: 04 809 6100
Visit: meydanhotels.com
Liwa
A trip to Liwa is one you’ll never forget – it’s one of the few remaining chances to experience unspoiled dunes. Prepare for the most adventurous off-road driving the UAE has to offer alongside some of its most incredible scenery.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
This hotel has a stunning location amid the giant dunes outside Liwa. Designed to resemble an Arabic fort, guests can enjoy a wide range of desert activities before relaxing in oversized bathtubs, dining on gourmet dishes and being pampered in the spa. You can also book the 25-minute Rotana Jet service from Abu Dhabi to Sir Bani Yas island for the ultimate break from city life.
Cost: From Dhs.1,000
Call: 02 886 2088
Visit: qasralsarab.anantara.com
Tilal Liwa Hotel
The traditional Tilal Liwa Hotel promises luxury in the heart of the majestic Rub Al Khali desert, but is still only a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. This haven in the desert is a perfect family retreat with plenty of desert activities for older children, such as kite flying, sand boarding, camel riding and table tennis, as well a fun kids’ club for little ones. The stunning pool has a unique backdrop with an Arabian archway beautifully framing the picturesque desert horizon. Book a special Spring Getaway package and enjoy an overnight stay, breakfast and dinner, exotic fruits and a bottle of bubbly on arrival.
Cost: from Dhs.699
Call: 020 894 6111
Visit: danathotels.com
Northern Emirates
For a full day out or weekend away – one that takes in some of the best driving in the Emirates – why not combine a trip to the mountains around Wadi Bih, near Ras Al Khaimah, with one of the interesting wadi routes on the east coast and bed down in a luxury hotel by night.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Set in a verdant private bay on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, this impressive resort overlooks the Arabian Sea. Sprawled over 1.5 km of white, sandy beach, the hotel also has a spa, fitness club, arguably the best water sports centre in the UAE, seven pools (including one beautifully designed salt-water pool) and a kids’ club. Its 14 eateries and bars include four specialty restaurants to stand a good chance of satisfying everyone’s appetite.
Cost: From Dhs.1,350
Call: 07 228 8844
Visit: hilton.com
East Coast
From Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the east coast can be reached in about three hours. The mountains and beaches are fantastic spots for camping, barbecues and weekend breaks, as well as various other activities. There are some great wadi and mountain routes here, and the area is also renowned for its diving and snorkelling opportunities, particularly around Snoopy Island.
Fujairah
Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah
With its long private beach and modern touches, there is something for everyone here. The whole place is reminiscent of a wonderful Japanese spa, with clean lines and wholesome colours. For a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a spa weekend, the summer suite package is ideal with one, two or three bedroom rooms with complimentary breakfast and dinner.
Cost: From Dhs.799
Call: 09 244 9700
Visit: radissonblu.com
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
Located on an unspoiled beach nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this hotel is a 90-minute drive from Dubai. The resort boasts 218 sea view rooms, a spa, kids’ and teens’ clubs, water sports and diving, along with nine restaurants and bars. The hotel also organises snorkelling and diving trips and has one of the UAE’s largest pools.
Call: 09 244 9000
Visit: lemeridien-alaqah.com
Explorer’s travel tips
If you’re desert driving for the first time, make sure you go with an experienced person – driving on sand requires very different skills to other surfaces. Always take a mobile phone, a first aid kit, plenty of drinking water and wear your seatbelt. It’s also good to travel with friends in a convoy in case you get stuck or break down. You can leave them behind once you’ve checked into your hotel!
