Best staycations in Dubai for every mood
Switch up your scene with the best staycations in Dubai
Need a little reset? Dubai staycations don’t have to be over-the-top. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery — whether it’s the desert, the sea, or a hidden city spot that suddenly feels fresh. Here’s your guide to staycations for every vibe.
Best desert staycation
Bab Al Shams
View this post on Instagram
If you’re after a desert getaway that feels like a whole different world but is still just outside the city, Bab Al Shams is your perfect escape. This resort blends quiet luxury with the untamed beauty of the Arabian desert. At the heart of its wellness offerings, you’ll find a serene spa and hammam, with treatments designed to soothe the soul, complemented by guided yoga and meditation sessions.
You can chill by the infinity pool or float between nourishing rituals and relaxed dining. From refined restaurants to curated outdoor adventures through ROAM Dubai, Bab Al Shams keeps it grounded in both peace and culture — a true sanctuary to reset and recharge.
Location: Bab Al Shams, Al Marmoom Desert, Dubai
Cost: Up to 25% off stays, 30% off dining, and Dhs250 daily resort credit, with rates starting from Dhs900.
Contact: (04) 809 6100 | @babalshamshotel
Best fitness staycation
SIRO
View this post on Instagram
If you’re after a desert getaway that feels like a whole different world but is still just outside the city, Bab Al Shams is your perfect escape. This resort blends quiet luxury with the untamed beauty of the Arabian desert. At the heart of its wellness offerings, you’ll find a serene spa and hammam, with treatments designed to soothe the soul, complemented by guided yoga and meditation sessions.
You can chill by the infinity pool or float between nourishing rituals and relaxed dining. From refined restaurants to curated outdoor adventures through ROAM Dubai, Bab Al Shams keeps it grounded in both peace and culture — a true sanctuary to reset and recharge.
Location: SIRO, One Za’abeel Tower, Zaa’beel Street, Za’abeel 1, Dubai
Cost: GCC Urban Retreat package – 20% off rooms and dining, plus unlimited access to the Garden pool and all SIRO workout classes.
Contact: (04) 666 1717 | @siroonezaabeel
Best beach staycation
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
View this post on Instagram
If a few days by the sea sounds like the ultimate reset, this Mediterranean-inspired resort is hard to top. Soft, sand-colored buildings blend seamlessly with palm-lined gardens and pools, all leading to a private stretch of the Arabian Gulf. The rooms and suites are stylishly elegant, with contemporary Arabian touches — think balconies and loungers made for morning coffee or evening relaxation, all with stunning sea views.
Whether you’re indulging in dinner at some of Dubai’s best spots, sipping drinks at top-tier bars, or unwinding with a couples massage or spa session, this place offers the perfect mix of luxury and peace to help you fully switch off.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2
Contact: (04) 270 7777 | @fsdubai
Best foodie staycation
Atlantis, The Palm
View this post on Instagram
If your perfect staycation is all about incredible food, then Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah is your ultimate destination. The resort’s striking, curvaceous architecture houses 795 rooms, suites, and penthouses, along with 17 restaurants and bars, a 1.2-mile beach, and more than 90 pools. Inside, you’ll find a blend of marble floors, massive fish tanks, and luxury boutiques, creating a spacious, elegant vibe. The rooms, however, offer a calmer feel with soft color palettes and minimalist design, letting the breathtaking views take center stage.
For food lovers, November is a perfect time to visit: Carbone, the famous NYC eatery, has just opened, and the resort is buzzing with chef collaborations and pop-up events across its top restaurants. Expect everything from exclusive tasting menus to new dishes, created by world-renowned chefs like Björn Frantzén, Heston Blumenthal, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Gordon Ramsay. Beyond those star-studded names, there’s a whole culinary world to explore, from Estiatorio Milos to Seafire and the stunning underwater dining at Ossiano. With so many options, Atlantis The Royal is a true foodie playground.
Location: Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: (04) 426 0000 | @atlantisthepalm
Best romantic staycation
One&Only Royal Mirage
View this post on Instagram
For a truly romantic escape, One&Only Royal Mirage offers the ultimate private haven where couples can unwind and reconnect. Nestled along a kilometre of secluded beachfront, with views of Palm Island Bay, the resort is set within 65 acres of lush gardens, just minutes from Dubai Marina. The rooms and suites are spacious and exquisitely designed, providing a peaceful retreat, while the intimate gardens, pool, and private beach set the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Shaded gazebos on the pool deck create serene corners to relax among the palm trees and gentle fountains, with the sound of the Arabian Gulf in the distance. For added privacy, there’s exclusive access to an adults-only pool and beach, as well as a selection of refined restaurants and lounges. This is a true sanctuary for couples looking to escape the world and enjoy some quiet, intimate moments.
Location: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Safouh Second, Dubai Marina
Contact: (0)4 399 9999 | @ooroyalmirage
Best family staycation
Madinat Jumeriah
View this post on Instagram
Souk Madinat Jumeirah has everything you need for a perfect staycation — from hotel rooms with beach and pool access, to cafés, restaurants, entertainment, and shops, all just a stroll away. The resort spans across four distinct hotels: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, so you can choose the vibe that fits your family best.
Wander through the souks for waterfront dining, unwind at the Talise Spa, or dive into TODA for some creative fun. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, it’s a spot where every mood is catered to.
Location: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Sufouh
Contact: (0)4 366 8888 | @madinatjumeirah
