What immediately sets Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort apart from other staycation destinations – aside from the contemporary, light-filled architecture in keeping with the neighbouring Louvre Abu Dhabi and Frank Gehry’s design for the Guggenheim – is that on check-in, we’re immediately offered our own water bottles to use and refill during our stay to eliminate single-use plastic, setting the tone for a sustainable few days ahead.

And with good reason, as Saadiyat Island boasts 59 square kilometers of protected marine reserve on our doorstep and is home to the endangered Hawksbill turtles, with up to 10 different turtle nests found on the beach. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort also overlooks the Arabian Gulf which has the largest population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins on the planet, and the second largest population of dugong – distant cousins of manatees – in the world.

An impressively imposing, airy atrium leads to 216 sanitised rooms and 76 suites plus eight villas with their own private pool, two Presidential Abu Dhabi Suites and four Saadiyat Suites at the top of the resort affording breath-taking views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

At closer inspection, the stark, white interiors reveal nuanced clues to their surroundings – kissed by the most subtle of Arabic geometry coming through in discreet motifs, statement screens and medallion floor tiles with a Middle Eastern flavour, and adorned with touches of turquoise that bring the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea from the outside in.

While the infinity sand pools – that bring the shoreline even closer – look enticing, it’s the peaceful, pristine stretch of fine white sandy beach found just over the dunes with uninterrupted views of the city skyline comfortably in the distance that’s Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island’s true jewel, and quite frankly so blissful, it’s too good a secret to share.

With our dream summer plans out of reach of most, take a moment to breathe and be transported to another level of escape, a paradise just a negative PCR test away – that will leave you wondering why you never came sooner. And whatever you do, don’t forget your refillable water bottle.

Our friends at the Jumeirah Group are wowing Emirates ID holders with a series of irresistible staycation packages to help us fall back in love with the UAE as vacation destination. Participating hotels include: Jumeirah Beach Hotel; Jumeirah Al Naseem; Jumeirah Al Qasr; Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf; Jumeirah Mina A’Salam; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; Jumeirah Creekside Hotel; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and Zabeel House The Greens by Jumeirah; but to harness the holiday spirit in its truest sense head to Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi.

The Ultimate Staycation with breakfast and half board options which include with up to 40 percent savings on room rates, daily complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant, early check–in and late check-out is subject to availability, Dhs100 credit for food and beverages (upon showing a valid PCR or laser-based DPI tests performed outside of Abu Dhabi), and a Dhs150 spa voucher redeemable until 30 September.

My advice? Take your Dhs100 food and beverage credit and spend a sun-soaked afternoon at Mare Mare, an exquisite poolside concept that celebrates the coastal flavours of Italy, with a raw seafood bar as its centerpiece. Savor the Salmone Marinato – citrus-cured salmon served with frisée lettuce and pink pepper; don’t miss the Insalata di Polpo – the ubiquitous octopus salad with potato and olives; be wowed by the most generous serving of Cotolleta de Vitella alla Milanese Abu Dhabi’s ever seen.

Not relaxing enough? Not a problem. You can also combine your stay with two hours of treatment time thanks to the Stay and Spa package. Choose from massage, skincare and beauty treatments, plus a complimentary breakfast buffet for two at White restaurant, access to Bodyism Wellness Centre facilities with an exclusive rate, Dhs100 to spend on food and beverages (upon showing your negative laser-based DPI tests taken outside Abu Dhabi) and late check-out until 4pm subject to availability. And thanks to the Suite Sensation package, guests can enjoy three nights for the price of two, daily complimentary breakfast, access to Bodyism fitness centre, spa, the pool and private beach, and Jumeirah One Members can enjoy an extra 20 per cent off spa and dining – so your credit card can take a holiday, too. Just keep it a secret.

Find Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort at Al Sa’Diyat, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 (0)2 811 4555 for reservations or visit jumeirah. com/ultimatestaycation