Longing for some winter sun? Why Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is the ultimate destination for some much-needed vitamin D (and our guide to where to stay!)
Ad Feature by British Airways Holidays
A sun-drenched getaway is a perfect antidote to the long, chilly stretch of winter that’s on the horizon.
One holiday destination that offers unlimited winter sun is Dubai, where the glittering skyline, aquamarine waters and picture-postcard beaches give you that summer feeling all year round.
Here we present six Hilton Hotels for every kind of budget that will inject your winter break with some much-needed vitamin D, with a side of stunning swimming pools, panoramic vistas and world-class service.
Picture yourself here at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah
This blissful sunshine is just one easy flight away – British Airways flies direct to Dubai daily from Heathrow.
What’s more, you get complete peace of mind when you book your Hilton hotel getaway with British Airways Holidays, with ATOL protection and deposits from just £60 per person*, paying the remaining balance in as many installments as you like.
Plus, you can enjoy a truly relaxing break with a 24-hour holiday helpline and a 23kg baggage allowance per person.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape for two or a fun-filled family getaway, these are the hotels that will make your dream winter sun holiday a reality.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah (above) is a showstopping hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah has to be one of the most iconic destinations in the world, and the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a showstopper to match. Set on the eastern crescent of the tree-shaped archipelago, the hotel is luxurious and modern, offering sun-soaked serenity by day and the glamour of Dubai nightlife by night.
You can enjoy spellbinding views from the Burj Al Arab to the endless stretch of the Arabian Gulf as you pad barefoot on the 200-metre-long stretch of pristine white beach.
Warm up for an afternoon of sports, from tennis and fishing to parasailing over the glimmering waters of the resort, or swim laps in the peaceful sanctuary of the adults’ only pool.
After a morning spent splashing around in the family pool, leave the little ones at Coco’s Kids Club, where they can enjoy a plethora of brilliant games and crafts, from taking part in a mini-Olympics to learning origami.
Relax by one of the stunning swimming pools (left). Rooms are decorated in a soothing cocktail of turquoise blues and sandy hues (right).
With the youngsters occupied, head out to explore the highlights of downtown Dubai. Once you’re back at the hotel, retreat to the spa, where you’ll find an array of luxurious treatments, including pampering sessions for couples.
Foodies will be in their element, too. Spend an evening at Social which offers an uber-creative menu of Italian cuisine.
When night falls, retire to your room and to a bed that’s cocooned in Egyptian cotton bedsheets. A soothing cocktail of turquoise blues and sandy hues makes for elegant guest rooms that are evocative of the hotel’s idyllic beachside setting. For a truly regal stay, check into the spectacular 1500sqm Royal Suite, one of Dubai’s biggest hotel suites.
Occupying the top floor of the hotel, the suite, which is accessed by a VIP lift and bedecked in rich marble and glossy woods, offers a captivating 360-degree view of the city and the seas beyond.
Book your holiday at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah here.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah’s private beach is fringed by swaying palm trees and lush gardens
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is ideally located in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area, a short hop from the city’s most dazzling landmarks, including Ain Dubai, Dubai Marina and The Palm Jumeirah.
Drink in these gorgeous views from the resort’s private beach, which is fringed by swaying palm trees and lush gardens.
The balconies of the Deluxe and Executive rooms similarly feature awe-inspiring vistas of the famous landmarks that stud the skyline. Plump for the Executive room and you’ll get access to the Executive Lounge for breakfast, afternoon tea, evening tipples and canapes in a serene environment.
Guests share facilities with the nearby Hilton Dubai The Walk, so there are even more experiences to keep you – and your little ones – entertained, from outdoor pools and heavenly spa facilities to the Kidz Paradise kids club and the newly-renovated Games Room.
Escape to the spa for a salt mousse treatment or a sea shell massage, inviting an expert masseuse to soothe your muscles with warmed beach shells.
Certain rooms and suites offer mesmerising views of landmarks such as Ain Dubai – above is a King Studio with a sea view (left). Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (right) is a short hop from the city’s most dazzling landmarks
Next, take to the water for an action-packed afternoon of water sports, including snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.
Hungry? Look forward to inventive takes on Italian classics at Vero; flavourful Thai dishes at Mango Tree Thai Bistro, fresh Canadian lobster cooked straight from the tank at the beachside Wave Breaker bar, and decadent desserts at the Axis Lobby Lounge.
Plus, the Half Board and Full Board Dine Around Offer can be redeemed in eight of the resort’s gourmet restaurants.
Nurse a pint of Guinness at the charming McGettigan’s Irish bar or head to Trader Vic’s for live entertainment and to try the bar’s signature drink – a fresh and fruity Mai Tai.
As night draws in, glide up to the rooftop Pure Sky Lounge to see the glittering Ain Dubai observation wheel lighting up against the starry sky.
Book your holiday at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah here.
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City is one of the largest Hiltons in the region with over 1,000 magnificent rooms
You’re right in the centre of things at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, which sits on the banks of the city’s canal.
It’s one of the largest Hiltons in the region, with over 1,000 magnificent rooms that are decorated with the utmost taste – many even come with freestanding bathtubs for an added touch of luxury.
The hotel sits near the city’s landmarks such as the innovative Museum of the Future, Dubai Waterfall, the verdant sanctuary of Safa Park and Dubai Mall, and offers mesmerising views of Dubai’s iconic skyline – choose a Deluxe King with Scenic View room to wake up to a magical panorama of the Burj Khalifa.
Such gorgeous views can also be admired from the hotel’s rooftop pools, as you swim laps and feel the sun warm your shoulders.
Little ones will love the rooftop pools and the kids club at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
You’ll be spoilt for choice when lunchtime calls, with 24 restaurants and lounges to choose from – sample American classics with a twist at Ribs and Brews gastropub, nourishing superfoods at The Market and share plates at the chic, outdoor Firefly lounge.
Travel back in time to 1950s America and pull up a stool at the retro diner on the 44th floor, where you’ll find a poolside bar and an uber-stylish cocktail lounge that’s decorated with chessboard floor tiles, quirky artwork and jazzy low red seating. Plus, it’s home to the highest bowling alley in the world.
For a truly unforgettable experience, drop your little ones off at the kids club and settle in for the hotel’s ‘La Perle by Dragone’ – a world-class water-themed show at the nearby Dragone theatre.
Book your holiday at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City here.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
The regal Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah takes its design cues from the palaces of the Arabian Peninsula
Perched between the ultramarine blue of the Arabian Gulf and the mighty Al-Hajar Mountains, the palatial Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a jewel on the UAE coastline. Little more than an hour’s drive from Dubai, it lies on a 350-metre stretch of unspoilt private beach in the Al Hamra village near the historic city of Ras Al Khaimah.
The trusted Waldorf service shines here – all of your needs will be catered to with the personal concierge service.
The breathtaking property takes its design cues from the palaces of the Arabian Peninsula – expect opulent archways, a mesmerising glass domed ceiling and furnishings of the highest quality. This sumptuous decor is carried through to the expansive guest rooms and suites, which are adorned in a rich gold-and-blue colour scheme.
For an uber-elevated experience, book into the decadent King Tower Suite and invite a Fragrance Master to fill your room with carefully curated scents during the turndown service.
If you like your holidays with a pinch of fitness, the resort adjoins the Al Hamra Golf Club, the 18-hole championship golf course where the golfers can practice their swing on stunning fairways that weave through open-water lagoons. Or, gear up for a match on one of the hotel’s two flood-lit tennis courts.
Nestle into the opulent surrounds of the Camelia Lounge for a traditional Waldorf Astoria high tea (left). Above is a beautiful King Premier Room (right) with a sea view, adorned in a rich gold-and-blue colour scheme
A light-filled space with silk walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and an underwater theme, you’ll feel instantly soothed when you step into the Waldorf Astoria Spa for a signature treatment. Afterwards, nestle into the opulent surrounds of the Camelia Lounge for a traditional Waldorf Astoria high tea.
You can have peace of mind that the little ones will be equally entertained, dividing their time between the playground, shaded swimming pool and the supervised kids club.
When dinnertime arrives, try local delicacies at Qasr Al Bahar, tuck into steak at Lexington Grill & Bar, or savour Teppanyaki at the Japanese restaurant UMI, before watching the sun go down with an expertly crafted tipple at the Sunset Beach Club & Lounge.
If you can prise yourself away from the hotel, Ras Al Khaimah offers a wealth of fascinating sites for history buffs and plenty for nature lovers too.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the coast on a micro-flight with the Jazeera Aviation Club, or climb aboard a traditional dhow vessel for a sailing trip to the jagged coastline of the Musandam Peninsula – keep your eyes peeled as you glide through the surf, as you’re in with a good chance of spotting dolphins.
Book your holiday at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah here.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, pictured, offers a stylish blend of traditional Arabian and contemporary furnishings
The breathtaking Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort is perched along one of the region’s longest beaches, staring out into the blue of the Persian Gulf.
A stylish blend of traditional Arabian and contemporary furnishings, the resort boasts spacious rooms with balconies and terraces as well as exclusive villas, which are mere footsteps away from the hotel’s pools or the seafront.
If you opt for the Dine Around accommodation you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at a wealth of high-end restaurants, serving Lebanese cuisine, Asian fusion dishes, Latin-Caribbean feasts and more – though it’s worth noting that this plan is separate from the all-inclusive offering.
A favourite with families, youngsters can spend hours whizzing down the water slides in the kids’ pool or exploring the outdoor playground of the Treehouse kids club. Meanwhile, teen club Hide has everything from karaoke and video games to a nail bar – ensuring kids of all ages are entertained.
In the mood for pampering? Float between an array of turquoise swimming pools, from the serene adults-only pool to the rejuvenating outdoor salt pool, or retreat to the Arabian-style spa to unwind in the traditional Hamman and the Himalayan salt treatment room.
A favourite with families, the hotel offers a wealth of activities from catamaran experiences to kayaking
Sporty types will also love the wealth of activities on offer, including mellow yoga classes, rigorous boxing sessions, and unforgettable catamaran experiences. Go kayaking and savour views of the city skyline, landscaped gardens, and the Arabian Sea as you paddle.
While the stunning setting offers amazing views, it also has the potential for adventure. If you’re feeling brave, go on a day trip to the Al-Hajar mountains to try out Jais Flight, which holds the Guinness World Record as the longest zipline in the world. You’ll bomb through ravines, soaring peaks and echoing canyons at exhilarating speeds of between 120 kph and 150 kph.
Alternatively, race through the mountains on the Jais Sledder, an eight-minute ride that wheels through 1,840 metres of bends and curves, showcasing jaw-dropping scenery throughout.
If you’d prefer a more leisurely day out, play a round of golf at the picturesque 18-hole Tower Links Golf Club or pay a visit to the fascinating Suwaidi Pearls Farm, which cultivates the Gulf pearl oyster.
Book your holiday at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort here.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
A family-friendly haven, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island offers sun-soaked adventure for both the young and the young at heart
A family-friendly haven, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island offers sun-soaked adventure for both the young and the young at heart. Less than a one-hour drive from Dubai International Airport, the retreat lies on a gorgeous 650-metre private beach on Marjan Island, a coral-shaped archipelago that’s set in the vivid blue of the Persian Gulf in Ras Al Khaimah.
Fancy a dip? There are no fewer than seven spectacular swimming pools, including an indoor pool, a tranquil floating sea pool and two brilliant kids’ pools for the little ones to splash around in.
Youngsters can let their imaginations run free in the pirate-themed aqua zone – a brilliant water playground that’s chock-a-block with water slides and sprinklers – and the kids club. Adults get their own blast of fun with the floating Tarzan boat water park, three waterslides, two diving platforms and a nerve-jangling rope swing.
Bay Club rooms (left) have a decidedly cool, contemporary feel with bright pops of colour. Youngsters can also let their imaginations run free in the hotel’s water park (right)
If you’re seeking a more laid-back jaunt, slip into the Jouri Rose Spa to try the signature Arabian Rose Ritual, a rejuvenating combination of exfoliation, massage, and a calming body wrap. Next, get out and explore the locale – you’re a stone’s throw from the endless entertainment of the Al Hamra Mall.
When you’ve worked up an appetite back at the resort, head for a rich Turkish and Lebanese feast at Meze or for hearty Italian fare, prepared with the freshest of ingredients, at Vespa. As night falls, make your way to the rooftop bar for a nightcap under the blanket of stars, looking out to the Arabian Gulf.
Then it’s back to your spacious room – most of which feature a private balcony or terrace – for a peaceful night’s sleep. Sleek shades of cream and blue embellish the hotel’s standard guest rooms, while the Deluxe and Bay Club rooms have a decidedly cool, contemporary feel with bright pops of colour. Want direct access to the beach? Plump for a Bay Club room and the sandy shore will be on your doorstep.
Book your holiday at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island here.
Discover the best of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah with British Airways Holidays and Hilton hotels
To make your holiday all the more special, upgrade to the luxury of a Club World cabin.
Enjoy access to private lounges, dedicated check-in and priority boarding, and once you climb on board the plane, slip into comfy seats that slot into lie-flat beds and take your pick from the divine food and drink offerings.
*T&Cs apply. Deposit balance due 7 weeks in advance for long haul. Travel restrictions may apply.
British Airways Holidays are ATOL-protected, with low deposits and a 24-hour helpline. Find your ideal place to stay and book your holiday at ba.com/hilton
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