Last-minute summer staycations in the UAE, from an Abu Dhabi island to Hatta's mountains

Summer has been long and hot, but the end is in sight with the Suhail Star set to appear in the sky over the coming weeks, marking the start of a transition to cooler climes.

Until that happens, though, a staycation is one way to lower the temperature thanks to the plethora of luxury hotels across the UAE offering perfectly chilled swimming pools and round-the-clock refreshments. And with the summer typically being low season for tourists, many hotels across the Emirates offer special packages and room rates to those seeking an August-end or September getaway.

Here are 10 staycation deals still bookable this summer, with something for everyone from families and couples, to golfers and fitness fans.

Best for families: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Head to Palm Jumeirah for a mini-getaway filled with sun, sand and sea – plus perfectly chilled swimming pools and plenty of dining inspiration. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah in Dubai's popular Palm West Beach district is offering a summer staycation deal for UAE residents that's perfect for families.

Up to two children under 12 can enjoy an all-inclusive stay when accompanied by two adults, meaning the youngsters will want for nothing. The package includes complimentary buffet breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner for little ones, plus snacks from Gelateria by Cucina, the hotel's authentic Italian ice-cream parlour, unlimited soft drinks, food and ice cream by the pool, plus free access to the children's club. It's available until September 30 and bookable using the code ZJL.

Stays from Dh975 ($265), including taxes and fees

Best for wildlife fans: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts, Abu Dhabi

Reachable via an exclusive boat ride, Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island is home to 11,000 animals, including giraffes, ostriches and Arabian oryx. Families and couples will enjoy a stay at Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, which is open for the first time during the summer season this year.

Nestled in the Arabian Wildlife Park on the western shores of the island, the African lodge-style villas have open terraces and private pools. Activities include 4x4 drives to see the island's wildlife, wadi walks and visits to 20 million-year-old salt domes. Packages include villa accommodation, daily breakfast, early check-in from noon and late checkout until 2pm. Even better, children under 12 stay and dine for free.

Stays from Dh995 per person, per night, excluding taxes and fees

Best for mountain views: JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta

Escape the city and head to the mountains with a summer staycation at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. Set in the Hajar Mountains, this retreat has lush green lawns and quaint chalets, and temperatures here tend to be a smidgen lower than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The resort's 72-hour summer saver offer includes discounted room rates and complimentary breakfast. Check into a deluxe mountain-view room that sleeps up to two adults and two children, and comes with epic views over the surrounding rugged landscape from a private balcony.

Try your hand at archery, head to the indoor recreation centre for billiards and air hockey, or simply chill in the temperature-controlled swimming pool under a faux waterfall. Dogs are also welcome to join – simply book one of the hotel's dedicated pet-friendly rooms.

Stays from Dh474, including taxes and fees

Best for golfers: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Golf enthusiasts not afraid of the heat can make a beeline to Ras Al Khaimah this summer. The recently renovated Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah offers stays that come with unlimited rounds at the adjacent Al Hamra Golf Club, plus complimentary breakfast.

After an early-morning 18 holes, enjoy the resort's three swimming pools where you can choose to head to the adults-only infinity pool to unwind, or up the ante at the children's water adventure area. Dine at your choice of nine restaurants and lounges, including Umi with its modern Japanese cuisine and New York-style steakhouse Lexington Grill and Bar. There are also floodlit golf slots available for those who want to head back to the greens after sundown.

Stays from Dh1,421, including taxes and fees

Best for wellness: Siro One Za'abeel, Dubai

Siro One Za'abeel is famed for its fitness-focused offerings making it the perfect place for UAE residents seeking a stay where wellness is the aim. The summer reset package at this five-star hotel in the heart of Dubai includes a night in a Siro Plus room, where guests can enjoy mediation playlists and cooling mattresses to improve sleep, plus yoga equipment and a Swedish ladder for in-room workouts. There's free access to group fitness classes and to the hotel's sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool.

Travellers can also request a complimentary body composition analysis and try the hotel's jet-lag recovery programme, which uses vibroacoustic therapy by Welnamis to relax the mind, and compression therapy to enhance blood flow and ease fatigue. There's also complimentary breakfast at Arrazuna, plus daily protein shakes at Refuel Bar. Guests can make the most of their visit with early check-in and late checkout, and when it comes to dining out, there's 20 per off at all One Za'abeel restaurants.

Stays from Dh980, excluding taxes and fees

Best for shoppers: Dubai Festival City

Many people escape the summer heat by heading to one of the country's many malls, so why not combine that with a staycation? InterContinental Dubai Festival City’s Shop, Stay and Savour summer package offers exactly that with 25 per cent off room rates, complimentary breakfast and dinner, a Dh100 spa voucher to spend at Spa InterContinental and a voucher booklet that can be used at multiple stores in the adjacent Dubai Festival City Mall.

Parents wanting to shop can drop children at the Planet Trekkers Kid’s Club where they can enjoy rock-climbing, arts and crafts and more.

Stays from Dh580, excluding taxes and fees

Best for thrill-seekers: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi

Nestled at the very tip of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is one of the city's most recognisable hotels. The regal waterfront hotel has a private beach, marina, manicured gardens and two huge swimming pools where you'll find waterslides and a lazy river.

Until September 30, guests booking a stay at the palatial hotel will also receive free tickets to some of Abu Dhabi's top theme parks including Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, SeaWorld or WarnerBros World. Turn up the action with a visit to the parks, with complimentary limousine transfers between the resort and Yas Island. Summer stays also include daily breakfast for two adults and two children at Vendome, and access to the resort's children's club.

Stays from Dh2,550, excluding taxes and fees

Best for a seaside stay: Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa

The UAE’s only eastern coast emirate is always popular for staycations thanks to its mountain backdrop and slightly cooler climes, and it's no different in summertime. Head to the waterfront Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, a great pick for anyone wanting to escape city life and enjoy ocean views.

With lush gardens and towering palm trees, the family-friendly haven has two swimming pools, a luxury spa and Flipper’s Club where children are well supervised. It’s perfectly located for snorkelling, watersports and scuba-diving. The summer offer includes 15 per cent off room rates, dining discounts for children and a complimentary extra bed for children – you just need to sign up to the Rotana membership programme.

Stays from Dh518, members-only, excluding taxes and fees

Best for a desert adventure: Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah

Make the most of UAE’s desert location with a stay at Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah. About an hour from the city, the resort is inspired by an Arabian castle and rooms are filled with traditional Emirati artefacts. Set against the dunes close to Sharjah's southern border, Al Badayer Retreat offers tented accommodation, each of which comes with powerful air-conditioning and a chilled plunge pool – perfect for summer stays.

The resort has two restaurants or you can opt to dine in-suite, while there's also an indoor pool for when you need to really escape the sunshine. Summer packages include an archery session or a camel ride, plus breakfast for up to two adults and two children below six. Fat bikes are available, their wide tyres giving them greater traction in the desert, and guests can get their photo taken holding a falcon, the UAE's national bird.

Stays cost Dh1,499, including taxes and fees

Best for a weekend stay: voco Dubai The Palm

Make the most of a last-minute staycation by heading to voco Dubai The Palm, where a 30-hour hotel stay is on the cards. Available to book on weekends until August 31, the deal includes early check-in at noon, and late checkout until 6pm so that you can indulge in all that's on offer at Palm West Beach.

Right on the promenade, the hotel has a private beach and a rooftop pool that's perfect for sundowners. It's also where you'll find Maison Mathis, one of Dubai's most popular home-grown restaurants. Join the IHG One Rewards Members programme before or during your stay, and you'll get 25 per cent off when dining at the European-inspired eatery.

Stays from Dh450, including taxes and fees