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by Dara Morgan
Fujairah: The Art Of Switching Off, Perfected By the Sea
Should we, the self-appointed ambassadors of work-life balance, tell you once again why taking days off and going on holiday is important? Should we gently remind you that a few days away from the same desk, the same streets, the same coffee mug might boost creativity and motivation by an almost suspicious amount? Or perhaps we should wax lyrical about the therapeutic power of staring at the sea, watching waves come and go, and suddenly realising that most of your problems are, in fact, very small.
Yes. We should. And we will.
Because rest isn’t a reward, it is a requirement. It isn’t something that comes after career, ambition, and daily obligations, but something that quietly keeps them all from falling apart. And because, naturally, we have opinions on where to do it properly.
Today’s recipe for happiness (or at least deep, well-earned contentment) leads east. To Fujairah.
What are your reasons to go to Fujairah?
Put simply: because Fujairah has everything you need for both a quick reset and a full-scale holiday, without trying too hard to impress you.
Point one: There is plenty to do, should you wish to do anything at all
Fujairah is the UAE’s only emirate on the Indian Ocean, and that alone changes the pace. The coastline is more dramatic, the water deeper, and the Hajar Mountains rise sharply behind the shore, giving the landscape a sense of scale that feels cinematic rather than resort-polished.
History and nature sit comfortably side by side here. Fujairah Fort and the ancient Al Bidya Mosque offer a glimpse into the emirate’s past, while nearby Snoopy Island draws snorkellers with coral reefs, colourful marine life, and the occasional turtle gliding past. Inland, wadis carve through the mountains for hiking and exploration, while Madhab Springs Park offers a slower, restorative alternative.
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is ideally positioned for it all — just minutes from Snoopy Island, a short drive to historic landmarks, and perfectly placed between the mountains and the sea — making it easy to explore without ever feeling overcommitted.
In short, Fujairah rewards curiosity without demanding it.
Point two: It also gives you permission to do nothing
Now for the opposite, and arguably more important, reason.
Fujairah excels at doing nothing well. Not the distracted, half-relaxing kind of nothing, but the proper kind that involves quality sleep, good food, and long stretches of time with no agenda beyond deciding whether the sea or the pool looks more inviting.
This is where Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort comes in. Set directly on the shore, with the mountains rising behind it, the resort offers the rare combination of space, scenery, and silence. Days here unfold gently. You wake up in a newly renovated room, light-filled and calm, step onto your balcony, and realise that the view requires absolutely nothing from you.
The rest of the day follows suit. A swim. A slow breakfast. A walk along the beach. Perhaps snorkelling, perhaps scuba diving, perhaps nothing more ambitious than finding a comfortable sun lounger and staying there. It sounds ideal because it is.
Fujairah is the oyster heaven of the UAE
This isn’t a metaphor.
Dibba Oyster Bay, located in the coastal town of Dibba, is one of the region’s most fascinating food stories. Using the clean, nutrient-rich waters of the Indian Ocean, the farm supplies a significant number of oysters to restaurants across the UAE. They are grown locally, harvested fresh, and served with minimal interference, as oysters should be.
You can visit, taste them straight from the source, and decide whether to take some home or enjoy them on the spot. Lemon juice is non-negotiable. Everything else is optional.
What else is there to eat?
Back to Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, which could quite confidently be described as a culinary destination in its own right, even for those visiting just for the day.
Gonu Bar & Grill serves contemporary Turkish cuisine right on the shoreline, with grills, kebabs, and seafood that feel especially appropriate after a day by the water. The setting does much of the talking, particularly in the evening, when the light softens and dinner stretches longer than planned.
Sapore offers Italian comfort done properly, with familiar flavours and a seaside charm that makes lingering feel inevitable rather than indulgent.
Taste takes inspiration from high-end Asian kitchens, bringing together Thai and Indian dishes in a space that feels relaxed yet refined. There is also a licensed bar and the option to dine al fresco during the cooler months, which tends to turn a simple dinner into an occasion.
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Source: marriott.com
Sounds perfect, but what about my family?
We hear you.
Holidays with children are often described as “fun”, which is technically true — but not always restful. This is where Fujairah, and particularly Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, quietly excels.
The Family Club caters specifically to teens and tweens, offering supervised, age-appropriate activities that balance creativity, play, and social connection. It is engaging enough that no one is asking to leave after ten minutes — which means you are free to actually relax.
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Source: marriott.com
Beyond the resort, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort guests enjoy preferential rates at two of Fujairah’s standout attractions. Fujairah Adventure Park, the largest adventure destination in the UAE, spans over 20 hectares of outdoor experiences, including hiking and biking trails, climbing walls, pump tracks, dirt jumps, ziplines, and the country’s tallest giant swing — ideal for energetic family members who prefer adrenaline to screen time.
For underwater explorers, PADI-certified Al Boom Diving Fujairah offers unforgettable marine experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs and curious marine life to atmospheric shipwrecks resting beneath the surface, divers can choose from wreck dives, night dives, and deep-sea adventures led by expert instructors. Whether it is a first dive or a seasoned return to the depths, it is a rare opportunity to see the Indian Ocean from a completely different perspective.
Everyone gets their version of a great holiday. No compromises required.
And here comes the best part
Fujairah is within a two-hour drive from Dubai, and roughly three from Abu Dhabi. No flights. No airports. No queues. No stress before you have even arrived. You leave in the morning and are by the sea before your coffee has gone cold.
And now, the experience is even better.
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort has recently unveiled its newly renovated rooms and suites, refreshed lobby, and reimagined Views restaurant, elevating every moment of the stay. The result is a calmer, more refined atmosphere that reflects the natural beauty of the East Coast while delivering a noticeably elevated resort experience — from arrival to checkout.
A full reset on the Indian Ocean coast, delivered without complication.
Consider this your reminder — and your permission slip.
Already feeling Fujairah calling? The resort’s relaunch offer makes the escape even more tempting, with newly renovated, ocean-facing rooms, daily buffet breakfast, exclusive savings, 20% off dining, and 50% off Spa Al Aqah experiences. With children staying and dining on a complimentary basis, it is an easy yes for families and weekenders alike — all that is left to do is book and let the reset begin. Book your next perfect weekend getaway now.
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