If you haven’t made plans for the upcoming UAE National Day weekend yet, there’s still time to slip away for a quick reset. Whether you’re craving desert stillness, island tranquillity, or a stylish urban retreat, these destinations offer curated comfort only a short flight, or even a short drive, from the UAE

The Chedi Muscat, Oman

Chedi Muscat is a serene, design-driven escape. Surrounded by manicured gardens and a picturesque beach, the resort brings together 162 rooms and villas shaped by Omani architecture and subtle Asian influences. It remains one of Oman’s most iconic beach hotels, beloved for its understated sophistication and sense of balance.

Guests can drift between three swimming pools, while the Balinese-inspired spa and 700-square-metre health club offer abundant ways to unwind. Six dining destinations serve flavours from across the region and beyond, creating a seamless blend of culture, gastronomy, and relaxation. For those seeking an elegant, restorative weekend, The Chedi remains one of the region’s most timeless choices.

Bab Al Shams, UAE

Just a short drive outside of Dubai, Bab Al Shams welcomes guests with its signature blend of desert tranquillity and refined comfort, an ideal choice for those who prefer a winter retreat without the travel. As the dunes cool and the sky softens into its seasonal glow, the resort unveils a collection of experiences that celebrate the spirit of the desert. Enjoy relaxed lunches at Zala, and starlit evenings at Anwā. The resort’s renewed energy makes it perfect for couples, families, and groups looking to reconnect. The perfect pick for last-minute plans. 

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

A short flight away from the UAE, and you’ll find Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa. Located on the shores of the picturesque Paje Beach, the resort redefines “silent luxury”. As a Relais & Châteaux property and Tanzania’s first recipient of the Michelin Key distinction, the resort excels in crafting deeply personal experiences shaped by space, privacy, and connection to nature.

Each villa is a sanctuary of Swahili-inspired architecture with stone walls, handcrafted wooden details, and breezy thatched roofs. The Beachfront One-Bedroom Villas are especially impressive, offering private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct access to pristine sands, all attended by a dedicated butler. Lush gardens, ocean breezes, and an atmosphere of uninterrupted calm create a retreat ideal for guests seeking an escape that feels soulful, intentional, and effortlessly luxurious.

SLS The Red Sea Resort, Saudi Arabia

On Shura Island, the recently opened SLS The Red Sea brings its unmistakable blend of theatrical flair and vibrant energy to one of the region’s most anticipated destinations. The brand new resort offers 150 rooms, suites, and statement villas, including 15 signature pool villas for privacy seekers. 

Five dynamic dining concepts headline the experience, from London favourite Seabird to the theatrical Floating World and the much-loved Fi’lia, debuting in Saudi Arabia. Days revolve around the resort’s lively pool scene, invigorating spa rituals at Ciel Spa, and an outdoor cinema that comes alive under the stars. Now with direct flights from the UAE to Red Sea Resort, this luxury destination is a short journey away. 

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Spread across three private islands, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is the definition of Maldivian indulgence. The resort offers some of the largest private villas in the region, each with sweeping decks, infinity pools, and direct ocean access. Whether it’s overwater serenity or beachfront seclusion, every space is crafted with barefoot luxury in mind.

Dining stretches across 11 venues, including treetop restaurants, oceanfront grills, and romantic underground wine cellars. The spa’s wellness journeys invite deep restoration, while private sandbank picnics and sunset cruises offer unforgettable moments framed by the Indian Ocean. 

The Merchant House, Bahrain

In the heart of Manama’s revived downtown, The Merchant House has reimagined the boutique hotel experience with creativity at its core. As Bahrain’s first five-star boutique property, it features 46 art-filled suites styled like private residences, complete with kitchens, generous living spaces, and curated collections of contemporary artworks.

The rooftop Indigo Terrace is one of Bahrain’s most celebrated restaurants, serving Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine with effortless charm. Downstairs, The Library offers over 1,000 books and a refined afternoon tea ritual, while Café Gray welcomes guests with casual elegance. Ideal for travellers craving a stylish city escape.

Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah

Accessible only by private boat, Kingfisher Retreat offers one of the UAE’s most unique nature-driven escapes. A tented sanctuary set beside Kalba’s mangroves and mountains. Each of the 40 one- to four-bedroom tents comes with its own plunge pool, expansive deck, and sweeping views of the sea or rugged landscape.

Perfect for active travellers, the retreat offers mangrove kayaking, wildlife spotting, archery, cycling, and guided treks that reveal Kalba’s rich biodiversity. Ideal for those seeking something different. 

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius

Set along the protected shores of Turtle Bay, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius blends Mauritian warmth with the brand’s signature elegance. Villas and pavilions offer privacy and ocean views, while subtropical gardens wrap guests in a sense of timeless serenity.

The perfect escape for those craving wellness rituals, experience Hatha Yoga, T’ai Chi, guided nature walks or restorative treatments at the Oberoi Spa. Creative experiences, include painting sessions and sculpture workshops, while dining ranges from slow-cooked feasts at The Herb Trail to relaxed evenings at The Bar with live music and sea breezes. For travellers seeking renewal, beauty, and gentle discovery.