Sharjah:If you are a UAE resident struggling to find a summer getaway because you think you have covered almost everything the nation has to offer, you are in for a big surprise. These summer staycations designed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in and around Sharjah will acquaint you to the real UAE – in all its glory.   

Desire a luxury escape with a twist of local heritage? Or seeking intimate encounters with the country’s diverse natural landscape? The bouquet of staycation packages from Shurooq during Eid Al Adha and the rest of summer will fulfill these needs, and more.

The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah, managed by GHM Hotels, and at Shurooq’s three eco-retreats – Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Mysk Al Badayer Retreat and Mysk Al Faya Retreat – all developed under the Sharjah Collection brand, and managed by ‘Mysk by Shaza’, are perfect for a lively long weekend, a day’s stay, and also offer the option of booking a room, a tent, or even the entire retreat.

Staycation destinations

Located in the heart of an ambitious historical refurbishment project, The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah combines the best of modern comforts and amenities with indulgent spas, gastronomic cuisines, and offers a fascinating glimpse into history and culture. This five-star luxury resort was named as the UAE’s most luxurious hotel in 2019 and offers exclusive ‘Home away from home’ packages to pamper guests and provide the perfect ease-of-mind experience. 

The ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand’s Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Mysk Al Badayer Retreat and Mysk Al Faya Retreat, are all endowed with their own distinctive allure.

Set on the east coast of Sharjah, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat is a natural hospitality property that awakens the soul, encouraging guests to slow down and blend in with Kalba’s rich nature and biodiversity. The eco-retreat opens out to the Al Qurm Nature Reserve, famed for its rich biodiverse ecosystem of mangrove forests and rare species of birds, turtles, fish and deer. Staycation packages here start from AED 999 upwards, to deals that include spa treatments, in-tent BBQ, and more, valid until end of September 2020.

Rising out of the enchanting dunes that surround it and nestled at the foothills of sandy mountains, Mysk Al Faya Retreat is where guests can explore the majestic Mleiha desert and partake in adventurous and thrilling experiences provided by Shurooq’s Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism. From saltwater pool access for ladies only from AED 500 plus, Al Faya Retreat’s staycation deals offer individual rooms for AED 1,199 upwards and even the choice to ‘own’ the five-room retreat for AED 2,500.

Guests and residents can also choose to experience traditional Arabian hospitality at Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, a tranquil desert stop set against the sweeping dunes of the famous Al Badayer desert in Sharjah. From room rates starting from AED 320 and tent rates from AED 1,100 upwards, Al Badayer Retreat offers all the comforts of modernity including an indoor pool and health club and is the perfect getaway for dune bashing enthusiasts and those seeking experiential desert adventures.

To make guest experiences even more valuable, Mysk Al Faya Retreat and The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah will offer complimentary tickets to to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Al Noor Island, Al Montazah Parks and City Sightseeing Sharjah. This offer is available for a maximum of 2 adults + 2 children (per room, per stay) for a limited period. The tickets are not transferrable or redeemable for cash.

According to Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq, “Public health safety continues to be our foremost priority as we welcome guests. To instill confidence among visitors to our destinations, Shurooq will ensure the effective implementation of health and safety protocols that offer the highest levels of protection for all our guests, residents and staff.”

He added: “Our extensive precautionary and preventive measures, in line with the UAE government’s guidelines, will address all the safety concerns of our guests, and help create a positive and welcoming environment as we take the first steps towards a return to normalcy.”

To know more, and for reservations on The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah, residents can contact +971 6 502 5555 or email [email protected], and for bookings on any of Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection eco-retreats, residents can visit https://myskhotels.com/en/sharjah-collection-hotels/.