For UK jetsetters, the UAE – in particular Dubai but also the increasingly popular emirates of Ajman, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah – has emerged in the last ten years as one of our favourite holiday destinations.
The combination of mid-haul flights, year-round sunshine, family attractions, top shopping, beautiful beaches and fab food has put the UAE on the map for Middle East holidays. Luxury is affordable here too. With five-star hotels being the norm, top quality accommodation is available at great prices in a range of board basis options. And flights are included on all packages with Kenwood Travel. So what’s the catch?
Well, there isn’t one as such. But it does pay to know your options. Savvy UAE holidaymakers are benefitting from a handy bit of advice designed to get the most for your money. Kenwood Travel Middle East Manager Stuart Armsby explains.
“We offer our Middle East hotels in a range of meal plans, because we know some clients like to remain flexible and keep their options open in terms of where they dine while on holiday in the UAE. The dining scene is world-famous in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with multiple Michelin-star restaurants and foodie hotspots popping up, so we find some customers book room-only or B&B to enable them to experience the range of cuisine available. But having said that, the food available in-resort is fabulous too. So depending on your style and budget, we often recommend our customers go for one of our all-inclusive plans or free half board deals. The reason? Eating and drinking out can be expensive in the UAE, so a more complete meal plan is the most cost-effective way to get the most out of your stay.”
Sound advice from the man who knows the Middle East like the back of his hand. With All Inclusive in the Middle East such a great value travel option right now, and with all that amazing food available in the hotels themselves, we thought we’d take a look at some of our favourites, starting with the latest address to grace Palm Island’s prestigious west side.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah | DUBAI
The hotel
The stylish world of FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai is a wellness wish list with all boxes ticked. Boutique spas, state-of-the-art studio fitness, five pools, decadent dining and jaw-dropping skyline views set the scene for an indulgent escape. Live life, live five.
The plan
FIVE Palm Jumeirah’s all-inclusive luxury package turns luxury up to eleven. Kick back with Balearic beats from resident DJs, relax with cooling sundowners beside the 80-metre social pool and savour superb food at fine dining venues, all safe in the knowledge there will be no surprises at checkout. The FIVE all-inclusive package includes: Unlimited food and drink; access to five swimming pools: The social pool, kid’s pool, hydrotherapy pool and the two penthouse pools; private beach access; a range of meals & drinks at the following fine dining restaurants: Maiden Shanghai, Quattro Passi, BLVD on One, Delisserie and The Pool Bar; High FIVE kids club access; 24-hour gym access. Chargeable Services: In-room dining; shisha; car rental service; chauffeur service; local & international calls; laundry service; motorised water-sports; babysitting; spa treatments.
What you save by booking now with Kenwood Travel: 50%
Food with a view: all-inclusive dining at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Rixos Bab Al Bahr | RAS AL KHAIMAH
The hotel
With its white-sand private beach and distinctive ‘Aztec pyramid’ style architecture , Rixos Bab Al Bahr’s exteriors are eye-catching enough. Step inside for spas, eight amazing restaurants, stylish rooms with rain showers and sweeping ocean or pool views. All-out luxury complete with unique activities to guarantee a memorable stay.
The plan
All-inclusive in the Middle East doesn’t get much better than this; almost everything in included with the Rixos Bab Al Bahr Ultra All Inclusive plan. From nightly entertainment to a vast range of dining options including Seven Heights, Toast ‘n Burger, Aisha, Cup ‘n Go, Mojito Bar, Cigar Bar, Meat Point, Fish Bone, Aja, L’Olivo, Lalezar, Su Pool bar and more. Plus guests get free use of the daily restocked mini-bar; Turkish Hamman, sauna, steam room & pool access; access to Rixy Club and Teen’s Republic; high speed wifi throughout the resort and much more. Reservations for the a la carte restaurants are required. Services not included are in-room dining; spa treatments; local and international calls; laundry service; photographs; mini-market; fresh juice at the bars; shisha and cigars; car rental; shops; Dubai bus transfers; excursions & tour packages; medical services; babysitting & children’s parties; water sports & beach cabanas.
What you save by booking now with Kenwood Travel: 17%
Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort | AJMAN
The hotel
Boasting gourmet restaurants, rooms that reach new heights of luxury, and a soothing spa poised to re-balance body & soul, this charming hotel suits those looking to experience a low-rise, low tempo alternative to Dubai, with the reassurance of convenient airport transfers: Dubai is only 30 minutes away.
The Plan
All-inclusive guests at Ajman Saray can look forward to the following benefits: breakfast, lunch and dinner at Vista restaurant; credits towards meals at Safi Seafood Restaurants, Mejhana Arabic Restaurant and Bab al Bahr Beach Bar & Grill; a selection of house beverages including Johnnie Walker Red Label; wine by the glass and more. Please note that your All Inclusive privileges start from 3pm on arrival and end at 12 noon on the day of departure. During Ramadan, guests can enjoy credits towards pool & beach snacks; Bab Al Bahr, and the Ramadan Tent after Iftar from 9.30pm. During Ramadan, alcohol will only be served from 11am until 9pm in the comfort of your room, and from 9pm to 11pm in Bab Al Bahr. The mini bar is not included for the All Inclusive package.
What you save by booking now with Kenwood Travel: 35% (Kenwood exclusive) | 25% massage discount | 25% watersports discount.
It’s all included at Ajman Saray, even the sunsets.
Le Meridian Al Aqah Beach Resort | FUJAIRAH
The hotel
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is awash with contemporary luxury touches and chic design motifs. R&R in the Arabian sun is served by a 230 metre stretch of a pristine beach. There’s a secluded feel, yet it’s close to the action being only 90 minutes from Dubai. A great option for all-inclusive in the Middle East.
The Plan
Standard All Inclusive & All Inclusive Gold: Buffet style breakfast, lunch & dinner at Views Restaurant. A la carte restaurant bookings (except in room dining and tea & dates) are entitled to an allowance of AED 70 per adult for lunch and AED 100 per adult for dinner. Standard All Inclusive includes regular pouring brands and All-inclusive Gold offers everything available on the standard package, plus a huge selection of premium spirits, cocktails and lagers. Dine Around All Inclusive: Buffet or a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner plus standard pouring brand drinks at any restaurant. Regular pouring spirits include gin (Marlborough), tequila (Don Angel), whisky (Johnnie Walker “Red Label”), brandy (3 Barrels), vodka (Rostov) and rum (white – Cabana; dark – Captain Morgan).
What you save by booking now with Kenwood Travel: 40% (Kenwood exclusive)
Rixos the Palm Dubai
The hotel
On the eastern frond of Dubai’s iconic The Palm Jumeirah island, Rixos The Palm Dubai is an elegantly modern family hotel with a broad private beach and an excellent spa, plus the popular new Ultra All Inclusive option.
The plan
The Ultra All Inclusive package at Rixos takes luxury in Dubai to a whole other level. Enjoy a limitless selection of local and global food and over 70 international branded beverages from all restaurants and bars, plus free use of your daily re-stocked mini-bar (Maxi-bar is chargeable). The plan covers over ten restaurants including Kenwood favourites A la Turca and L’OLIVO, and also provides water taxis to Dubai Marina, shuttle bus to Dubai Mall, non-motorised water sports and more.
What you save by booking now with Kenwood Travel: 50%
All-inclusive in the Middle East: lunch by the pool at Rixos the Palm Dubai
JA Palm Tree Court | DUBAI
The hotel
An ideal option for all-inclusive holidays in Dubai. At once romantic and family-friendly, this contemporary-luxury hotel features spacious, low-rise suites and a pretty, palm-studded beach plus a dive school, refreshing pools and exciting children’s entertainment.
The Plan
The comprehensive all-inclusive plan at JA Palm Tree Court covers guests for all meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between snacks at all 15 restaurants & bars; all drinks including soft drinks, international branded wine, beer, spirits and cocktails during meals, without meals and around the pool and in the bars.
What you save by booking now with Kenwood Travel: Up to 45%
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