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29 March 2024

Take off for a 48-hour weekend escape

Banhrain's Al Areen Palace Resort and Spa is the perfect weekend hideaway to escape the daily grind. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai

The mercury is soaring. The workload is stressing. And the summer holiday season is drawing to a premature end with the holy month of Ramadan less than three weeks away.

If there ever was a time to pack those bags and board a flight for a quick weekend getaway, this is it.

And don’t fret if you can’t wing that extra day off. Emirates 24|7 brings you some of the best summer deals to recharge those batteries, all under 48 hours. So simply hop on for the ride and have a great weekend.

Manama, Bahrain

The neighbouring nation does not exactly top the list for a relaxing weekend getaway, but if its isolation you are desperately seeking then the Al Areen Palace Resort and Spa on the south of the island is the perfect hideaway to hole up for a relaxing weekend.

The five-star luxury resort promises one of the Middle East’s largest spas with 12 pavilions, each nestled within its own private garden sanctuary.

The Hydrothermal Garden is the kicker, with its Ice Igloo, Rain mist showers and aqua jet seats for full body relaxation.

The place is nowhere near being budget friendly, with a two-night weekend stay starting at Dh6,000 for a Deluxe pool villa. However, you make up for it in the cheap airfare which starts at Dh525 return on Bahrain Air.

Cairo, Egypt

There’s something for everyone in the land of history and mystique, with the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx – the only surviving members of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World – providing a glimpse into a cultural heritage that dates back to pharaohic times.

A trip to the ‘Mother of all Cities’, as sometimes Cairo is fondly known, is incomplete without visiting the many riches that can be admired in the Heliopolis and the Egyptian Museum – including the solid gold death mask of boy King Tutankhamen.  

For those taken in by Cairo’s charisma can opt for direct departures on Emirates, starting at Dh2,077. Our top choice in hotel is the Ramses Hilton, with a two-night stay starting at Dh1,600.

Salalah, Oman

For most of us living in Dubai, a regular trip to Muscat features on our agendas ever so often.

So this weekend, why not try something different than your usual haunt of the Omani capital city; its national carrier is offering bargain packages to Salalah for the monsoon season, as part of the city’s tourism festival.

Some of the attractions in Salalah include the blowhole at Mughsayl, the natural springs at Ain Homran, the Tawi Attir sinkhole, ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s famed palace at Samhurram and the historic sites at Mirbat.

All-inclusive packages with Oman Air Holidays start at Dh1,549.

Istanbul, Turkey

Once the cradle of the Ottoman Empire, today Istanbul is a bustling city that preserves all the old world charm of Asia, while adapting the modern approach of it’s European neighbours.

A two-day trip in Istanbul can result in a complete schedule, but it still provides you plenty of opportunity to visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, purchase a few trinkets in the old souq, and even visit the ancient Topkapi Palace during the day.

Your nights can be spent taking in a cultural dinner theatre or clubbing at many of the local hot spots.

Also, a trip to the city is incomplete without sailing the Bosphorous River, which splits Turkey across the two continents of Asia and Europe.

But remember to pack a light jacket along for the journey, as autumn in Istanbul borders on the chilly.

Airfare starts at Dh3,000 on Turkish Airlines and Emirates. Hotel packages for two nights start at Dh740 at the Topkapi Interistanbul.

Goa, India

Whether it’s partying at Paradiso nightclub or soaking up the sun on Baga Beach, Goa is the perfect weekend retreat for anyone looking to take a chill pill from Dubai’s soaring heat.

Be warned though, monsoon clouds have approached the Konkan coast, so your holiday could be a wet one.

Don’t fret though, cause the hustle and bustle of its various flea markets will ensure you are never bored or far away from a bargain.

A special note to all you foodies, do not miss out on the opportunity to dine at two speciality restaurants tucked away in the dark alleyways of the city, with After Seven and Posh offering five-star dining experiences at four-star prices.

Grab Air Arabia for the ideal connection, with airfares started at Dh1,100. Our hotel recommendation is Estrela Do Mar beach resort, which lands you smack on Baga Beach with rooms starting at Dh200 per night.

- All prices and packages are valid for travel between August 4 and August 8. Hotel deals available on Octopustravel.com. All prices are subject to change.