What if your perfect weekend had already been planned for you? Imagine checking into one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic beachfront hotels at 10 am, leaving the stress of the week behind, and spending the next two days enjoying unlimited brunch, wellness sessions, family activities, beach time and luxury, all without leaving the city.
That was exactly the experience enjoyed by almost 180 guests as The Weekend Club by SECRET returned to Bab Al Qasr Hotel on 25 and 26 July for another unforgettable weekend.
Designed to be much more than a traditional staycation, The Weekend Club brings together luxury hospitality, carefully curated experiences, wellness, entertainment and local businesses to create one immersive weekend where guests simply arrive and enjoy.
The weekend began the moment guests arrived
Unlike a typical hotel stay, Weekend Club guests enjoyed an exclusive early check-in from 10 am, giving them a full day to explore everything Bab Al Qasr had to offer.
After collecting their Weekend Club wristbands and welcome refreshments, families immediately immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere created throughout the hotel.
Children headed straight to the hugely popular clay workshops hosted by PurePlay Events, while parents explored local brands including J & SA Studio, discovered upcoming wellness programmes with The Hype Club Official, booked treatments with Ayana Spa, learned about adventures with Sea Hero Watersports, and registered for the following morning’s yoga session with Open Circle Yoga.
Even the youngest visitors had something to enjoy, with Boom Baby Classes entertaining babies and toddlers through engaging sensory play sessions.
Rather than rushing between activities, guests spent the afternoon discovering experiences at their own pace, creating the relaxed atmosphere that has become the signature of The Weekend Club.
A brunch that became the heart of the weekend
If there was one moment everyone looked forward to, it was Saturday’s spectacular brunch at Artisan Kitchen.
The extensive international buffet celebrated flavours from around the world, with an impressive selection of fresh seafood, sushi, grilled meats, Mediterranean favourites, Asian specialities, handcrafted pizzas, vibrant salads and an irresistible dessert station.
One of the biggest highlights was the collection of live cooking stations, where chefs prepared everything from perfectly cooked eggs and freshly made pasta to signature dishes made to order, adding theatre to an already exceptional dining experience.
Guests paired every course with unlimited house beverages, while live entertainment created an atmosphere that encouraged everyone to slow down, reconnect and truly enjoy the afternoon.
More than just a meal, brunch became the social heart of the weekend, where families, couples and friends gathered together to celebrate, laugh and create lasting memories whilst enjoying live entertainment by Scott Beaton.
Keeping the celebrations going
As brunch came to an end, the celebrations simply moved indoors to Rose Lounge, where guests continued the afternoon with complimentary beverages in a lively yet relaxed setting.
The atmosphere continued to build as DJ Brent Anthony took over, filling the lounge with music that kept guests together long after brunch had finished. It was the perfect transition from a leisurely afternoon into an energetic evening without ever needing to leave the hotel.
A Sunday dedicated to wellness
Sunday morning offered a completely different pace. Guests welcomed the day with a sunrise yoga session led by Open Circle Yoga, followed by an energising HIIT workout hosted by The Hype Club Official, before rewarding themselves with another exceptional dining experience.
Breakfast at Artisan Kitchen featured an impressive spread of international favourites, including freshly prepared omelettes, eggs Benedict, Mediterranean dishes, South Indian classics, pancakes, waffles, artisan pastries, seasonal fruit and much more.
With no rush to leave, guests made the most of their 2 pm late checkout, spending the remainder of the day relaxing by the private beach, unwinding beside the swimming pool or enjoying watersports before heading home refreshed.
More than a staycation
What makes The Weekend Club by SECRET different is that it transforms a hotel stay into a complete lifestyle experience.
Every edition is carefully curated around one simple idea: bringing together Abu Dhabi’s best hotels, outstanding food, wellness experiences, family entertainment, local businesses and exclusive partner activations in one unforgettable weekend.
Whether guests choose to spend their time discovering new experiences, relaxing by the beach, enjoying exceptional dining or simply reconnecting with family and friends, every detail is designed to help them switch off from everyday life while discovering something new.
Judging by the smiles throughout the weekend and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, this edition delivered exactly that.
Missed this one? Don’t miss the next.
If you couldn’t join us this time, don’t worry. The Weekend Club by SECRET is only just getting started.
Each edition is released to a limited number of guests, giving members exclusive access to carefully curated staycations at some of the UAE’s most exciting hotels before bookings open to the public.
By joining The Weekend Club by SECRET Exclusive List, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming destinations, receive priority booking, unlock exclusive hotel offers and gain access to experiences available only to Weekend Club members.
The first two editions have already shown just how quickly these weekends can become the city’s most talked-about staycations.
The only question is…
Will we see you at the next Weekend Club?
