What To Pack For A Weekend Getaway (And Where To Stay)

5 min read

While summer escapes usually involve far-flung trips across the globe, this year we are embracing the beautiful destinations on our doorstep (and braving Arabia’s scorching summer). From secluded spots far from the city to havens that let you hide within it, the Emirates is the perfect place for a luxury staycation. With a long weekend on the agenda — and a mini break on our minds — we have compiled a wardrobe of cool silhouettes and beachy extras made for a getaway to the coast, desert, city or even the mountains. 

Beachfront Bohemia 

Swimsuit, Palm at Moda Operandi | Sunglasses, Linda Farrow at Matches Fashion | Sandals, Chloé at Farfetch | Pareo, Faithfull The Brand at Moda Operandi 

Plan a long weekend lounging at a luxury coastal resort and soak up some rays in a seventies palette of burnt orange, sepia and amber. When it comes to one-piece swimsuits, opt for brights hues that border on neon and pair with wedges for touch of poolside glamour. Don’t be afraid to make a statement, the beach is the place where anything goes.

Bvlgari Resort Dubai

Where to stay… For a dose of beachside luxury, book a stay at Bvlgari Resort Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira or One&Only The Palm, and expect a blissful Eid escape to look back on in years to come.

Chic In The City 

weekend getaway

Shirt, Kristina Fidelskaya | Earrings, Jil Sander at Matches Fashion | Shoes, Bottega Veneta at Mytheresa | Culottes, The Row at Matches Fashion

If you’re planning a staycation that involves glittering skyscrapers, rooftop pools and fancy fine dining in the heart of the city, consider flowing silhouettes and mix and match separates in elegant tones of crisp white, clotted cream and irresistible ivory; keeping it cool and classy look.

weekend getaway

Address Sky View Hotel

Where to stay… Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city at Grosvenor House Dubai, the Address Sky View Hotel or The Abu Dhabi Edition. 

Desert Dreamer 

weekend getaway

Kaftan, Gucci at Mytheresa | Headband, Loewe Paula’s Ibiza at Matches Fashion | Bag, Marni at Farfetch | Mules, Malone Souliers at Ounass

Heading into the dunes? Pack lightweight kaftans and easy-to-throw-on dresses in earthy tones that mirror your surroundings. Opt for slip-on flats  that can be flung off when walking in the sand and quirky, artisan accessories. When night falls, switch to silk kaftans in dreamy sunset hues.

weekend getaway

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Where to stay… Check into a private villa at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, watch the cinematic sunset at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa or take a trip to the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, set in the Al Wadi nature reserve.

Haute In The Hills 

Dress, at Altuzarra at Matches Fashion | Swimsuit, Palm at Moda Operandi | Sandals, Dior

Run away to the hills (Fujairah’s Hajar Mountains) and embrace one of the UAE’s lesser-known, yet simply breathtaking landscapes. What to wear in the mountains? Embrace the haute hippie mood with laid-back dresses for sunrise strolls, tie-dye sandals and smocked swimwear in every shade of blue, the perfect palette for cooling off.

Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

Where to stay…Seek adventures in the shadow of mountains or sit back and enjoy the view at the Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort, JA Hatta Fort Hotel or Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

Read Next: MOJEH takes a luxury island staycay in Abu Dhabi 

Main Image: Valentino Resort 2021, captured by Pierpaolo Piccioli