SHORT-HAUL: Zero or short-flight only
The UAE is the perfect jumping off point to some of the Middle East’s most alluring destinations. For stress-free travel, forgo a flight and head to Ras Al Khaimah for the ultimate adventure, where hikes and hot-air balloon flights meet camping and mountain-top retreats. Stay at Bear Grylls Explorer Camp for the action, Anantara Mina Al Arab for flamingos and eco-luxury or The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi for desert seclusion. Liwa Desert will give you all the space you’ll need to recharge your batteries, with Anantara Qasr Al Sarab the go-to for Arabian escapism. If you don’t mind a drive, jump in the car and head to Muscat (approx. 4.5 hours – but don’t forget to check your insurance), where a stay at either Six Senses Zighy Bay or The Chedi will give you a taste of Oman’s rich history, culture and rugged coastline. Or, book a flight and nip over to The Red Sea on Saudi’s west coast for aquatic adventure on Shura Island or luxury redefined at Shebara. While you’ve got Saudi in your sights, AlUla is magical in the spring. Soak up millions of years’ worth of history at Hegra, Jabal Ikmah and Dadan, enjoy nature with a wildlife safari or stargaze in one of AlUla’s dark sky parks. Dar Tantora The House Hotel will place you in the beating heart of Old Town, where the spirit of AlUla comes alive.
MEDIUM-HAUL: Under six hours
To flex your air miles or sense of adventure, there’s plenty of sea, city and culture in Zanzibar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In Zanzibar, stay in Stone Town for a walk through history, food markets and Freddie Mercury or head to the coast for a restorative a stay at Kizikula. Take your pick in Sri Lanka. Sleep amidst history in Galle at Galle Fort Hotel, enjoy sustainability and serenity at Tri Lanka, or trace the country’s tea trails at Resplendent Ceylon. If you’re looking for a bucket-list Eid escape, Kenya could be it. Fly into Nairobi and stay at Giraffe Manor with its resident herd of Rothschild giraffes, then spend a few days at Solio Lodge in your own private conservancy spotting black and white rhino, zebra, lions, cheetah and more. The Maldives needs little introduction – with endless sea, sky and seclusion. If you’re travelling with kids, Hard Rock Hotel will keep them entertained, or to hideaway altogether, Soneva Fushi is the last word in barefoot luxury. If a city escape is more your thing, Tbilisi is perfect for a short break. Monograph in Freedom Hotel places you within walking distance of restaurants, sites, shopping and the cable car at Rike Park. Or, if you have time to head out the city, Lopota Lake Resort has a lake with pedalos, horse riding, a chateau and winery, multiple pools, and more. One last one for your list… Istanbul. Sip coffee as you stroll the cobbled streets, haggle away an afternoon in the Grand Bazaar, cruise the Bosphorus, try a Turkish hammam, then visit Hagia Sohpia and the Blue Mosque. Stay at The Peninsula to lap up the best views.
LONGER-HAUL: Over six hours
If the journey is all part of the adventure, then the world is your oyster. Bali is always a good idea, especially if you’re looking to hit the reset button. Visit Ubud for culture, nature and yoga, Uluwatu for sea and surfing, and Seminyak or Canggu for easy, breezy beach living. Mauritius is arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the world – home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, botanical gardens, beaches, lagoons and even an underwater waterfall. LUX* Belle Mare on the east coast is the perfect family hideaway. As for Thailand, it’s a beautiful mix of urban chaos (hello Bangkok), white sand beaches in the South and mist-covered mountains in the north – and so much more. For a perennial favourite, head to Phuket and stay at COMO Point Yamu. If Europe is calling, Monte-Carlo in spring beats the crowds. Stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the Prince’s Palace, take in a performance at Opéra-Garnier Monte-Carlo, eat at Em Sherif and stay at the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Easing into better weather, London should be lovely over Eid. Base yourself in the West End if you want the best shopping, art, parks, culture and cuisine on your doorstep. Charlotte Street Hotel always brings the good vibes. One last destination to mull over this Eid: Italy. A beautiful country from top to tip of the boot, head to Venice for canals, art and opera; Tuscany for rolling countryside, vineyards and rustic food; the Dolomites for outdoor adventure; and Rome or Florence for art, art and more art. Stay at Rome Cavalieri or Il Salviatino respectively for the best views over the two cities.
