Spring into your break with these getaways, UAE!

The best getaways to consider for spring break.

Can you believe it has been almost six whole weeks since the last school break? How do students and teachers manage? Under such obviously stressful conditions it is no wonder that a month and a half on deserves a fortnight or so off, right? We're joking of course. When have we ever turned down an opportunity to take advantage of the UAE's central global position and thirst for adventure? The more chances to head off on a voyage the merrier we say, and if peak travel season is dictated by school holidays, bring them on! There are still a few last-minute deals to be had and many new horizons waiting to be explored.
Here are just a few of them for you and your family to take in now you have the time.
Outdoor adventures in Musandam
It's very much off the beaten track, but only two hours from Dubai. A vist to Musandam's jewel, Zighy Bay, never disappoints when taking in the rugged mountains of Al Hajar, the calm azure waters of the fjords or the scenic descent on to the mile-long white sandy beach. Such scenery means mountain biking and hiking are as popular as rock diving and cruises. Enjoy the magnificence of the dramatic and stark coastline and jump into the crystal-clear waters to meet friendly turtles and stingrays and snorkel in a big overhead cave along the coast of Sanat. It's all here.
It's a jungle paradise up North
Coming from the hustle and bustle we experience in the UAE, it's increasingly popular to get back to basics on holiday (obviously with a touch of luxury. We are all pampered princes and princesses, after all!). We want a place where we can get away from everything and reconnect with what it is we hold dear. A place where that is eminently possible, for a price, is the North Island, Seychelles. One of the world's most exclusive resorts, North Island is an eco-friendly private island paradise nestled deep in the Indian Ocean focusing on, what they call, 'barefoot luxury'. It possesses all the natural wonder of a Robinson Crusoe adventure glazed with seven-star resort trimmings. If you need to ask how much a night's stay is, you can't afford it, but if money is no object, do it!
London calling for Easter treats
Some would say a bunny movie is the perfect Easter accompaniment, so this is wonderful. To tie in with the release of the film, Peter Rabbit and his furry friends have descended on London's Kew Gardens for a hopping extravaganza. Visits to Kew will include trips to Mr McGregor's shed to see how he grows his plants, DIY bunny ear workshops, storytelling sessions and Peter Rabbit fancy dress- all included with the standard admission price. Just over 20 minutes away, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is ideally placed to rest your weary head and take in the city's sights during your stay too.
Spring in two continents 
Bathed in the soft early spring sunlight, Istanbul is one of those cities where one or two trips are never enough to take in everything. Straddling Europe and Asia, it's massive and full of quaint districts in which you can find any number of surprises. The boutique Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is placed in one of those unconventional winding streets, full of vintage charm, yet still conveniently close to the major sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Grand Bazaar. Turkish Airlines currently have some great deals for a quick stop off and rooms at this hotel start from just over Dhs1100 per night.
Closer to home, so you don't need to go too far
Nestled between the glistening shores of the Indian Ocean and the Hajar mountain range, the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa is simply a fun-filled family getaway right on our doorstep. Swaying palms, picturesque water features, lush green gardens and a sandy beach, what more could you want? Oh, a deal? Well, hotels.com is now offering a rate of Dhs1155 per room per night.
A great deal to Georgia
We've recently got into online flight and hotel booking site tajawal and there are some great offers around, notably to Tbilisi in Georgia. Right now for Dhs1668 you can stay in the city for three days and two nights including breakfast, flights, transfers and taxes.
The lake district?
No, we're talking the beautiful Italian lakes where the prestigious Grand Hotel Tremezzo has just reopened its doors. If you're looking for a royal experience, 2018 has also witnessed the opening of the Villa Sola Cabiati. The historic villa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful residences on the shores of Lake Como and is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Built in the 16th century, the villa features frescoed rooms, ornate stucco work and vast arabesque gardens and can house 12 guests with a daily à la carte breakfast, 24-hour butler service, a dedicated chambermaid and housekeeper, two heated outdoor swimming pools, high speed WiFi, and laundry, as well as a private dock for boats. A destination fit for royalty indeed!
Book Jordan today or tomorrow for big savings  
Soak up the ancient magic and healing qualities of Jordan's Dead Sea and explore beautiful landscapes with a three-night trip to Jordan for a bargain price. Stay at the five-star Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea with breakfast included, a complimentary upgrade to the next available room category and a 25 per cent discount at the tranquil spa for Dhs2399 per person as long as you book by March 26. The package is available on dnatatravel.com and includes flights on Royal Jordanian Airlines. You can call 800 DNATA (36282) or visit your nearest dnata Travel outlet to take advantage of the package.
This historic centre is just an hour's flight away
The historic coastal town of Salalah is home to the frankincense tree and is often referred to as the 'perfume capital of Arabia'. What's more, it welcomes the official start of frankincense season every April when harvesting commences. The Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, the region's first luxury private pool villa resort, is a great base for exploring the 'Land of Frankincense', and much more. We love the neighbouring Al Baleed Archaeological Park, just a short walk away. This 60 hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site features ancient ruins belonging to the 12th century trading port of Zafar, where frankincense was shipped across the sea to India and beyond.
Enter the biosphere here
The Dusit Thani Maldives offers its customary Thai hospitality within the eco-wonder that is the Maldives. Encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360-degree living house reef, and turquoise lagoon, the resort is situated on the 16-hectare Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll - the Maldives' only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The resort has played a leading role in driving sustainable development within the Maldivian community including introducing a state-of-the-art composting machine on the island (contributing to the environmental protection of Mudhdhoo) and raising awareness among the hotel guests on the importance of turtle conservation. There's also a wishing tree in place of a well, where you can make a wish and hang it on a branch for a charitable donation of Dhs18, which benefits all these projects.
david@khaleejtimes.com