From a city break to recharge those batteries to a European family adventure.
You may not be able to afford a Kochi break, but with the difficult summer month coming to a close, here’s a perfect chance to getaway this Eid Al Fitr to recharge those batteries and indulge in a little relaxation as the mercury outside continues to rise.
City break
For those looking to enjoy a city-break during Eid Al Fitr, The
Ritz-Carlton, DIFC is offering an indulgent three-night getaway in a
Deluxe Room, including a daily breakfast buffet in French Brasserie Can
Can.
Guests will receive a complimentary dinner in the hotel’s majestic
Majlis, where a ‘Chef’s choice’ family sharing menu will be served,
consisting of specially selected Arabic dishes, created by the hotel’s
team of talented Arabic chefs.
Also included in the package is one complimentary 50-minute massage and
one 25-minute facial per stay, which along with a late check-out time of
6pm, means guests will leave feeling fully revitalised and ready to
begin the busy season.
Package starts Dh1,425++ per room per night (minimum of three nights). Call: 04 372 2222
Local island indulgence
A beachfront tent with live entertainment and Whirling Derwishs to
mesmerise you, the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is an ideal escape
for those yearning for an island indulgence without boarding a flight.
Abu Dhabi’s Mediterranean-inspired haven offers travel connoisseurs and
UAE families alike a unique three-night getaway for the upcoming Eid
Al-Fitr celebrations.
In addition to the fervent performances of the Tanoura dancer and belly
dancer, the guests can also enjoy the soothing compositions by the
Arabic Duo on the violin, Oud and Kanoon, surrounded by the beautiful
sea breeze and sounds of the Arabian Gulf at resort’s exclusive
beachfront tent, which will also serve a sumptuous a la carte menu.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s Eid Al-Fitr package starts from
Dh3,200 and includes three nights’ accommodation, daily buffet breakfast
for two and one dinner for two on any selected day at Olea. Call: 02
498 8888
GCC getaway
Considering a three-day break doesn’t give you much time to plan an
elaborate holiday, why not just board a flight to a weekend escape
somewhere in the GCC for pampering and relaxation.
Cool down this Eid at the only Thalassa Sea and Spa in the GCC. For
those wondering, thalassotherapy allows you to take care of your body,
offering lasting protection through a comprehensive approach that
combines therapy, sports activities and a healthy diet through the use
of seawater and aquatic plants.
This Eid, make the most of the Thalassa Escape and Luxury Room
Overlooking the Sea packages and be introduced to two new treatments –
Pressotherapy and the Aqua bike – at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq.
Enjoy the new treatments with the Thalassa Escape, which includes a
lunch buffet at Saraya (beverages not included), a 30-minute Atlantic
scrub affusion shower and much more for just Dh1,000. Call: +97317636363
Asian delight
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is already a top attraction for
Gulf-based families planning Eid vacations said Dubai-based tourism
officials from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Gulf families are finalising plans for Eid holidays, which fall just
before the start of the academic school year,” said Mohamed Hafez
Marican, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa, STB. “Singapore
offers a multi-ethnic twist on Eid Al-Fitr, and Gardens by the Bay is a
sight that visitors will not want to miss out on.”
Gardens by the Bay spans an impressive 101 hectares and is nestled in
the heart of Singapore’s new downtown, near the Marina Bay Sands.
The super park showcases 18, massive steel ‘supertrees’ that shoot up
through the foliage, illuminating Singapore’s sparkling skyline.
The billion-dollar Gardens exhibit more than 220,000 plants from every
continent except Antarctica, with 163,000 plants of more than 200
species of bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and tropical climbing flowers.
Also don’t miss out on the Flower Dome, featuring flora from the
Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions, allowing nature lovers
to get up close and personal with plant species like baobabs, indigenous
to Madagascar, bottle trees, olive trees and date palms.
After taking in the one-of-a-kind green and educational experience, Gulf
families who may have already visited the Harry Potter Exhibition at
lushly green Mount Faber will want return for a joyride in one of
Singapore Cable Car’s Angry Birds cabins.
The city-state has already received more than 14,000 visitors from the
UAE for the first quarter of 2012, an 18 per cent increase compared to
the same period in 2011. Earlier this summer, STB predicted a 20 per
cent spike in the number of Gulf visitors to Singapore.
So act now before you miss out on the fun.
Spanish spectacle for the family
With Emirates launching flights to Barcelona from July, now is the time
to jet away an extend your Eid break by a few extra days for a delayed
summer holiday.
Dotted with the eccentric Art-Nouveau creations of famous Spanish
architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona boasts a bohemian and eclectic vibe.
The city’s cobbled streets are lined with spectacular gothic
cathedrals, Renaissance mansions and art galleries and the famed Spanish
zest for life is engrained in the everyday, allowing for a truly
authentic Spanish travel experience.
Emirates Holidays have dealings starting from Dh5,385 per person based
on a four-night stay in a three-star hotel, including breakfast, return
Economy flights, private car transfers and room tax and service charges.
If you have extra days, extend the holiday to zip down on Seville grand tour.
Gran Meliá Colón, located in the heart of the Andalusian capital, is a
five-minute walk from the main sights and shopping areas, including
Sierpes, Tetuán, Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza Nueva.
From 650€ (tax included) based on a minimum of two nights in a Superior
Room for two adults and one child, including a breakfast buffet, games
console and children’s treats upon arrival, this a deal you shouldn’t
miss. Call: 800 5252 and +349 5450 5599
Romance under the stars
Known as the land of sugar and smiles, Mauritius is a spectacular
natural wonder boasting crystal clear lagoons, endless coral reefs,
sandy white beaches and stretches of sugar cane plantations.
Accommodation ranges from lavish resorts to intimate and relaxed boutique hotels with various activities to suit all.
Explore the lively waterfront of Port Louis for handmade souvenirs, take
in the breathtaking views from Black River Gorges National Park or get
your heart pumping with a host of water sports.
Emirates Holidays has options that start from Dh6,379 per person based
on a four-night stay in a three-star hotel with breakfast and dinner,
return Economy flights, private car transfers and room tax and service
charges. Call: 800 5252.
Cool Ramadan in the Gold Coast
With those of you looking to plan their holidays from the last week of
Ramadan itself couldn’t get a better escapade than the Gold Coast,
Australia.
With a long history of welcoming Middle Eastern visitors and a large
resident community, facilities for Muslims in Gold Coast, Australia keep
getting better every year.
Aside from shopping and nature tours in the Tamborine Mountains, those
fasting will be at ease as the Gold Coast Islamic Centre in Arundel
welcomes tourists during the holy month, especially for Juma’a prayers.
The Centre will run its usual Rakaat Taraaweeh Salaat in which the
entire Qur’an is completed over the course of the blessed month.
Iftaar is a warm, communal affair every evening, with food from various ethnic communities being served.
For those looking to adhere to their faith during Ramadan there are many
facilities: the city has a host of halal butchers and halal restaurants
for Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food – even pizzas.
Many hotels employ special chefs to cater to their guests from the
Middle East and many malls and theme parks offer prayer rooms. Given
sufficient notice, hotels often go out of their way to accommodate
special requests and the GCC visitor is sure to feel pampered and
carefully attended to.
Like last year, the government will be setting up an evening Ramadan
Lounge, this time at the brand new Hilton Surfer’s Paradise.
A joint initiative of Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism and the
Hilton, the lounge will be manned by Arabic speaking staff, open through
the Ramadan month and serve a variety of iftar foods and shisha.
All GCC nationals can take advantage of obtaining an Australian visas online and within 48 hours.
By Bindu Suresh Rai
