Travels

5-Star Staycation Spots Loved by Locals

Published

11 months ago

19 June 2025

Sometimes the perfect escape doesn’t require a passport. In a place like the UAE—where world-class luxury is part of everyday life—some of the most memorable escapes are found just minutes from home. Whether it’s a weekend to unplug, a midweek breather, or a milestone celebration, more and more residents are embracing the art of the staycation.

It’s easy to see why. With opulent resorts, serene beaches, and skyline views all within reach, the UAE offers experiences that rival any international destination—without the long-haul flights, airport queues, or time zone fatigue.

This guide curates some of the most beloved 5-star staycation spots that locals consistently return to—for their service, style, and unmistakable sense of retreat.

Here are the standout 5-star staycation spots worth experiencing for yourself:

The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah

Rooted in Sharjah’s cultural fabric, The Chedi Al Bait is more than a hotel—it’s a restored piece of history. With intimate courtyards, handcrafted details, and a spa steeped in ancient wellness traditions, this stay speaks to the senses. It’s a quiet, elegant, and intentional escape.

For those who value depth over display, this is where you go to breathe again.

The Chedi Al Bait

Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai

Coastal refinement in the heart of the city

Set along the shoreline with views of Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Al Naseem offers all the hallmarks of a luxury escape—without leaving the city. Interiors are breezy and modern, the dining is world-class, and the setting blends urban energy with coastal calm.

It’s ideal for couples, families, or professionals seeking sophistication with ease.

Jumeirah Al Naseem

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi

A Retreat Carved Into Silence

Tucked deep within the Liwa desert, Qasr Al Sarab isn’t just a resort—it’s a mirage of refined solitude. Designed to echo ancient Arabian forts, it pairs timeless architecture with modern, discreet service that never oversteps. Come here for stillness, for space, and for sunrises that quietly shift your perspective.

A destination that humbles, then heals.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, Ajman

Minimalist Luxury by the Sea

The Oberoi Al Zorah offers a quieter brand of indulgence. Floor-to-ceiling windows, generous space, and uninterrupted views of the coastline create a sense of calm that feels both rare and restorative.

A stay that invites you to do less—and feel more.

The Oberoi Beach Resort

The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah

Surrounded by a desert reserve and framed by mountains, this resort is a masterclass in balancing privacy and raw natural beauty. Whether you’re in your private villa watching gazelles pass at dawn or enjoying a spa ritual beneath the stars, this is where time slows and moments deepen.

Perfect for reflection, reconnection, and gentle indulgence.

The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert

Conclusion

A staycation isn’t just a break from work or routine—it’s a quiet investment in well-being.

An invitation to breathe deeper, live slower, and reconnect with the spaces we often overlook.

With the level of luxury and hospitality we have access to, there’s no need to cross borders to feel renewed. Some of the finest experiences are right here—designed with care, delivered with excellence, and deeply appreciated by those who know where to look.

So whether it’s a weekend of stillness or celebration, the right place can shift something in you. And these 5-star stays? They’re built for exactly that.

5 Luxury Eid al-Adha Travel Destinations for Dubai Travelers

Published

1 week ago

9 May 2026

Adesina Tosin

Photo Credit: Instagram

Dubai travelers who want to make the most of the Eid al-Adha break often look beyond simple rest, choosing destinations that offer both privacy and a deeper sense of renewal.

Each of these five destinations delivers that experience in its own distinct way .

RxV Wellness Village, Thailand

Photo Credit: Instagram

Chiang Mai has long attracted a certain kind of traveler, one who arrives seeking change and leaves with a noticeably different sense of self. RxV Wellness Village leans into that with Thai herbal therapies, guided yoga, and halal farm-to-table meals that reflect the surrounding landscape . It is a retreat in the original sense of the word. Villas start at approximately AED 3,500 per night, with a six-hour flight from Dubai.

Six Senses Rome, Italy

Photo Credit: Instagram

Six Senses Rome occupies a restored palazzo and manages the difficult trick of feeling ancient and contemporary at the same time. The spa draws from Roman thermal bathing traditions; the rooftop dining overlooks the city’s skyline. Suites with views of the The Colosseum is the kind of landmark guests find themselves talking about for years afterward. Eid packages typically start from around AED 7,000 per night, with a direct flight time of roughly six hours.

Adare Manor, Ireland

Photo Credit: Instagram

Adare Manor sits on a vast County Limerick estate and operates with a quiet seriousness about hospitality that suits a long holiday weekend well. The activities; falconry, championship golf, countryside walks are the sort that fill a day. Halal dining can be arranged in advance for guests observing Eid. Suites begin at approximately AED 5,500 per night, with a roughly seven-hour flight from Dubai.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Photo Credit: Instagram

The Maldives fits Eid the same way it suits almost any escape, stripping everything down to water, sky, and silence, cheval Blanc Randheli adds private overwater villas, dedicated butler service and beach dining setups that the property tailors for Eid celebrations. At four hours from Dubai, it is also the most accessible long-haul option on this list. Villas ranges from AED 13,600–19,200 per night.

Zaiter Fida, Lebanon

Photo Credit: Instagram

At under an hour’s regional flight from Dubai, Lebanon is the easy choice here. Zaiter Fida makes a case for it beyond convenience. Zaiter Fida makes a case for it beyond convenience.

For travelers who prioritize depth of experience over distance, it delivers exactly that. Rooms start from approximately AED 740–1,400 per night.

5 Luxe Escapes Beyond Dubai

Published

9 months ago

19 August 2025

Dubai is incredible, no doubt, it’s a city of luxury. But sometimes, it’s good to step out and see the world beyond. Leaving the comfort of your own city gives you perspective, a fresh outlook, and a reminder of how life moves elsewhere. It’s not just about escaping Dubai, it helps you experience the world and return with new eyes.

here are five destinations I’d personally recommend for a quick, luxe escape.

Muscat, Oman

Muscat

If you are looking for a calm environment, Muscat is the place to go — just an hour away by plane. If you want to get away from the city for a bit, Muscat is perfect. The beaches are gorgeous, the resorts sit on cliffs with insane views, and everything just feels slower and calmer. The Chedi Muscat is great, right on the water. Honestly, it’s exactly what you need for a weekend to just chill and recharge.

Maldives

Sometimes, luxury is defined by nothing but the sound of waves beneath your villa. The Maldives offers that — and more. Direct flights from Dubai make it easier than ever to trade skyscrapers for endless turquoise horizons. Whether it’s a private pool villa at Soneva Jani or stargazing in your own bubble dome, it’s indulgence at its finest.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia

Wake up to hot air balloons rising over honey-colored valleys — Cappadocia is as magical as it looks on Instagram, only better in person. You can stay in a cave hotel for that unique mix of history and modern luxury. And yes, the Turkish breakfast spreads alone are worth the trip.

Seychelles

Seychelles

If you want to disappear into nature, head to Seychelles. White sandy beaches, thick green forests, and resorts that feel completely private. North Island and Six Senses Zil Pasyon are the spots everyone talks about, it’s totally secluded, super chill, and honestly, just paradise.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini

Picture this: blue domes, crisp white houses, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Santorini is perfect for couples—or anyone chasing that picture-perfect escape.

Conclusion

These are wonderful destinations to explore if you want a change of scenery beyond Dubai, places where you can relax, recharge, and see the world from a fresh perspective.

Tracee Ellis Ross: A Solo Traveler’s Inspiration

Published

9 months ago

14 August 2025

Join Tracee Ellis Ross as she explores the world on her own terms, inspiring solo travelers to follow their hearts and embrace the beauty of self-discovery

In a world where far too many people just want to be comfortable and stay put in familiar territories, Tracee Ellis Ross has not only made the bold choice of solo traveling but has made it so inspiring for people to see.

It has become the cornerstone of both her personal and professional life and through her series “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross” which is streamed on “therokuchannel” on Instagram, she shares a world of discovery, the beauty of the unknown and the joy of following one’s heart.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee took her first solo trip when she was 25 years old and according to her “something clicked!” It became her opportunity to see herself in the world, immerse herself in the beauty of different places and love her own company. As she put it:

“I’m responsible for my own happiness. Join me as I follow my heart, go to beautiful places and enjoy my own company.”

Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross

In her new series, Tracee takes us on solo trips to different destinations including Morocco, Mexico, Spain and other countries. In the show, she shares her personal experiences from the glamorous to the obstacles and even the embarrassing moments of travelling through countries.

This is not just about glamorous travelling, it’s also about being and enjoying each moment and embracing all the experiences that come with solo travel.

Tips for Aspiring Solo Travelers

Through Tracee’s travelling expenditures, here are a few advice you should hold unto especially if you’re looking to begin solo travelling:

Start Small: It takes confidence to leave your comfort zone to places you’ve never been too. Build that confidence by starting small. Attend a dinner event or other occasions alone.

Know Your Purpose: Tracee travels to see new places, follow her heart and immerse herself in new cultures. What is your purpose? Self discovery? Adventure? Relaxation?

Prioritize Safety: Ensure you research destinations extensively. Make sure that whatever you do, you stay safe and informed about your intended destination.

Empowerment Through Exploration

For Tracee, solo travel is more than just experiencing new cultures or visiting new places, it is deeply personal to her, a means of self empowerment and expression and she encouraged as many to step out of their comfort zones and explore the freedom that lies in travelling by yourself.

So whether you’ve never travelled before or you’re an experienced solo traveler, Tracee Ellis Ross’s journey is a reminder that this world is yours to explore and you should explore it however you want to!