The Westin Golf Resort & Spa - Abu Dhabi

Even though The Westin is set a little way out of the main hustle of Abu Dhabi, it definitely does not dampen a stay. Built around Abu Dhabi Golf Course, The Westin doesnt just suit a golf vay-cay but is also a great location if you are looking to escape from Dubai (or anywhere for that matter). As peaceful as they come, all rooms look out over acres and acres of grass, so if its beach and sand views you are after, this isn't for you. Fitted out with a gym, and two swimming pools - one for lengths and one for relaxing - there is plenty to keep entertained. The 'lounging' outdoor pool also features sun beds which are actually in the water which is much appreciated in these hotter months.

The hotel accommodates 172 rooms, and even the standard rooms are spacious and clean featuring modern furnishing and devices as well as a walk in shower and large deep bath tub! However, the beds are the main highlight of the room! The Westin have there own type of beds named 'Heavenly' beds - the name suiting the product down to a tee! Having not slept 12 hours in probably 2 years, I was out for the count after sinking into this bad boy and struggled to move out of it for the entire weekend. Large, covered in mountains of squishy pillows, topped off with the most comfy mattress I have ever slept on. Purchases of these heavenly beds are available on the website - top of my Christmas list already.

Another thing to note about The Westin is the offers. Currently they have a summer offer going where you pay 600aed for a night and get 600aed to spend on F&B at the hotel - such  a brilliant bargain and a great excuse to get out of town for the night! They are also running golf and spa promotions at the moment. Make sure you stay in the loop and keep checking the website for more fab deals :
http://deals.westin.com/Westin-Abu-Dhabi-Hotel-3401/special-offers?ES=LPS_MENU_LOCALOFFERS_WI_3401_EN_AUH_ME_EAME

The Westin in Abu Dhabi also has 5 restaurants to choose from and a vast in-room dining menu with a selection of healthy options (plus GLUTEN FREE options). Like most in-room dining it is quite expensive and quickly eats into the 600aed credit, however a continental breakfast easily feeds two mouths - its the one off items you need to watch out for.. Cut up carrots and peppers fit to dip in hummus cost a casual 35aed and a small pot of yogurt cost 40aed.. so be sure to check prices before signing any dotted lines.

The staff are friendly and helpful and the weekend was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable without breaking the bank! A great summer escape.

Raddison Blu Hotel - Dibba

A mere 90 minutes from Dubai lies the Raddisson Blu Resort, nestled between Hajjar Dibba mountains and 500 meters of beach. If you are looking for a reasonably priced, relaxed weekend out in the mountains however fancy a swim in the sea too, then this location is perfect.

Hosting 3 pools (including a swim up pool bar - key for the summer months), a variety of both smart and casual restaurants as well as water activities including diving and snorkeling, there is plenty to do and eat whilst you are on your vay cay. It is also extremely kid friendly, with plenty of child activities available so parents get a moment to relax and wind down.

The rooms are reasonably sized and clean with shutter windows looking in from the bedroom to the bathroom. Most rooms also come with a balcony or a terrace which walks straight out on to the pool making it easy to go for a dip when the weather gets hot.

Even thought the hotel has most things you would want from a holiday, please note that it is very much a family resort where kids rule the roost, and even though the rooms are nice and clean, our water smelt like sewage meaning we had to change rooms during the middle of our stay (however they did give us an upgraded so it wasnt too much of a hassle..).

Enjoy a stroll down the beach or go and feast on a selection of delicious (and reasonably cheap!) Arabic food at Al Nokhada where service comes with a smile. Soak up the evening sky at breeze bar under an Arabic style tent and enjoy a cocktail or head down to Spa Zen for a bit of R&R.

View from our room

Be sure to check out the latest deals on offer this summer :)