With Eid al-Fitr expected to fall in mid-June (Thursday June 14), it’s the perfect time to have a little adventure abroad and experience a different culture. So we’ve rounded up 12 amazing Eid escapes for you to make the most of the long weekend.
1 Discover the rich heritage of Alila Fort Bishangarh, India
Looking for a getaway for the family steeped in history and culture? Tucked away in Northern India is the Alia Fort Bishangarh, a 230-year-old warrior fortress that’s now been turned into a luxury resort. Showcasing the grand architecture of Jaipur Gharana – influenced by both the Mughals and the British – it also boasts a panoramic view of the rustic and impressive Rajasthani landscape. Perfect for families, kids below 12 get to stay for free, and your visit will also include breakfast, three-course lunch or dinner at Amarsar, afternoon movies with popcorn and a historical photo tour of the fort.
What to do: Alila offers its visitors a taste of the rural life at QR162, where they can try a hand at household chores such as milking a buffalo or goat, and cooking in the rasoi – traditional kitchen. For QR216, people can stroll the streets of Bishangarh and explore its local traditions in the resort’s exclusive tour. There is also an indoor kids club, face painting, treasure hunts and plenty of movies to watch in the afternoon. Parents, if you’re after something more relaxing head to the spa. Guests are given QR54 of credit from the hotel to use on their trip, so spend the day relaxing at the property if you like.
Details: Flight time, six hours and 55 minutes (with a stop in Delhi). Return flights from QR4,463 (with Jet Airways and Indigo). Hotel: Alili Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, Northern India. From Dhs854 per night. Until July 31. www.alilahotels.com.
Looking for a getaway for the family steeped in history and culture? Tucked away in Northern India is the Alia Fort Bishangarh, a 230-year-old warrior fortress that’s now been turned into a luxury resort. Showcasing the grand architecture of Jaipur Gharana – influenced by both the Mughals and the British – it also boasts a panoramic view of the rustic and impressive Rajasthani landscape. Perfect for families, kids below 12 get to stay for free, and your visit will also include breakfast, three-course lunch or dinner at Amarsar, afternoon movies with popcorn and a historical photo tour of the fort.
What to do: Alila offers its visitors a taste of the rural life at QR162, where they can try a hand at household chores such as milking a buffalo or goat, and cooking in the rasoi – traditional kitchen. For QR216, people can stroll the streets of Bishangarh and explore its local traditions in the resort’s exclusive tour. There is also an indoor kids club, face painting, treasure hunts and plenty of movies to watch in the afternoon. Parents, if you’re after something more relaxing head to the spa. Guests are given QR54 of credit from the hotel to use on their trip, so spend the day relaxing at the property if you like.
Details: Flight time, six hours and 55 minutes (with a stop in Delhi). Return flights from QR4,463 (with Jet Airways and Indigo). Hotel: Alili Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, Northern India. From Dhs854 per night. Until July 31. www.alilahotels.com.
2 Educate yourself with the historical sights of Georgia
At the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Russia and the Middle East, lies Georgia. And with Eid around the corner, there’s no better time to get acquainted with Georgia’s rich history. Have their hearty breakfasts and take in the days by yourself. There are several guided tours to Kakheti or Mtskhet and this is something to consider. Don’t miss out on exploring Tbilisi first, with its sulphur baths, mosques and Glass Bridge of Peace. The place is full of ancient stone towers and villages, along with medieval-like old buildings and museums. Stay at Rooms Hotel (also in Kazbegi) or The Grove Design Hotel, all in Tbilisi City, to experience Georgia at its best. While it may be rich in culture and history, don’t be fooled by the country’s old style as the city has a modern vibe, too. Food is delicious and wallet-friendly, with Georgia’s signature dish of chicken dumplings along with pimento cheese sure to please. With temperatures going as low as 18°C, you may want to bring a jacket. It may not actually be cold, but it may well be a shock to the system when coming from the searing heat of Doha.
What to do: Prepare for a jam-packed trip, as you wouldn’t want to miss seeing a load of what the country has to offer. Take it gently on the first day, with some exploration around Tbilisi, including Rustaveli Avenue, Liberty Square and the stunning Glass Bridge of Peace, which stretches 150m across Kura River and is designed to look like a marine animal, to admire. Then, take off to Kakheti or Mtskheta (or neither, if you want a day to yourself). The former is a mountainous province you can enjoy nature in, while in Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, you can walk along the ancient streets towards the stunning Aragvi river. There is also an ancient fortress just outside the city, too.
Details: Flight time, three hours, 10 minutes. Flights from QR3,366, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: From QR3,000 (twin room for four nights), www.roomshotel.com. From QR1,600 (per person, four nights), www.tg-hotel.com.
At the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Russia and the Middle East, lies Georgia. And with Eid around the corner, there’s no better time to get acquainted with Georgia’s rich history. Have their hearty breakfasts and take in the days by yourself. There are several guided tours to Kakheti or Mtskhet and this is something to consider. Don’t miss out on exploring Tbilisi first, with its sulphur baths, mosques and Glass Bridge of Peace. The place is full of ancient stone towers and villages, along with medieval-like old buildings and museums. Stay at Rooms Hotel (also in Kazbegi) or The Grove Design Hotel, all in Tbilisi City, to experience Georgia at its best. While it may be rich in culture and history, don’t be fooled by the country’s old style as the city has a modern vibe, too. Food is delicious and wallet-friendly, with Georgia’s signature dish of chicken dumplings along with pimento cheese sure to please. With temperatures going as low as 18°C, you may want to bring a jacket. It may not actually be cold, but it may well be a shock to the system when coming from the searing heat of Doha.
What to do: Prepare for a jam-packed trip, as you wouldn’t want to miss seeing a load of what the country has to offer. Take it gently on the first day, with some exploration around Tbilisi, including Rustaveli Avenue, Liberty Square and the stunning Glass Bridge of Peace, which stretches 150m across Kura River and is designed to look like a marine animal, to admire. Then, take off to Kakheti or Mtskheta (or neither, if you want a day to yourself). The former is a mountainous province you can enjoy nature in, while in Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, you can walk along the ancient streets towards the stunning Aragvi river. There is also an ancient fortress just outside the city, too.
Details: Flight time, three hours, 10 minutes. Flights from QR3,366, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: From QR3,000 (twin room for four nights), www.roomshotel.com. From QR1,600 (per person, four nights), www.tg-hotel.com.
3 Enjoy a mix of cultures in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Located in the South of Vietnam along the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a fast-growing tourist destination known for its long, sweeping beaches, rich coral reefs, fresh seafood, pearl farms, and dense, tropical rainforest. Made up of 28 islands, most of which are uninhabited, expect unspoilt beaches to enjoy. Brand-new hotel Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort overlooks the stunning Bai Truong beach, AKA Long Beach, which stretches for 20km along the coast. Half the island is a protected national park, too, so expect plenty of beautiful plants, flowers and wildlife close to the hotel.
What to do: Guests can easily arrange to visit popular local attractions such as Phu Quoc National Park, part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which takes up around 50 percent of the island, the secluded Bai Sao beach, the quirky Dinh Cau night market featuring fresh seafood and plenty of shopping, along with various historical landmarks. Although, if you fancy just chilling at the hotel, that’s possible too, and the cuisine is worth a try, with the kitchens serving Thai and Vietnamese dishes that puts a spin on street food favourites from both countries.
Details: Return fights from QR4,100 with Qatar Airways to Bangkok. Flight time, seven hours. Bangkok to Phu Quoc is a one hour, 45 minute flight. From Dhs887 per person return).
Hotel: From QR400 per night. July 14-18. www.dusit.com/dusitprincess/moonrisebeachresort.
Located in the South of Vietnam along the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a fast-growing tourist destination known for its long, sweeping beaches, rich coral reefs, fresh seafood, pearl farms, and dense, tropical rainforest. Made up of 28 islands, most of which are uninhabited, expect unspoilt beaches to enjoy. Brand-new hotel Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort overlooks the stunning Bai Truong beach, AKA Long Beach, which stretches for 20km along the coast. Half the island is a protected national park, too, so expect plenty of beautiful plants, flowers and wildlife close to the hotel.
What to do: Guests can easily arrange to visit popular local attractions such as Phu Quoc National Park, part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which takes up around 50 percent of the island, the secluded Bai Sao beach, the quirky Dinh Cau night market featuring fresh seafood and plenty of shopping, along with various historical landmarks. Although, if you fancy just chilling at the hotel, that’s possible too, and the cuisine is worth a try, with the kitchens serving Thai and Vietnamese dishes that puts a spin on street food favourites from both countries.
Details: Return fights from QR4,100 with Qatar Airways to Bangkok. Flight time, seven hours. Bangkok to Phu Quoc is a one hour, 45 minute flight. From Dhs887 per person return).
Hotel: From QR400 per night. July 14-18. www.dusit.com/dusitprincess/moonrisebeachresort.
4 Experience the land of fire in Baku, Azerbaijan
The last place you want to go to escape the sizzling heat in Doha is a place labelled the “Land of Fire”, but temperatures in June are in the pleasant mid-twenties in Baku. Being the capital and biggest city in Azerbaijan, Baku is a beautiful place to explore. It sits right along the Caspian Sea, and is filled with plenty of high peaks for the trekkers out there, including the great Caucacus Mountains. Take a stroll just outside the city limits and you’ll find mud volcanoes, along with rural villages. If you’re looking for a place that blends ancient historical attractions, stunning 21st century buildings and lush greenery, Baku is the place for you.
What to do: Azerbaijan puts on a big festival for Eid, celebrating it with roasted lamb and giving meals to the community, so make sure you tag along with the festivities. Aside from that, visit Fountain Square and the Maiden’s Tower, believed to date back to the 12th century. There’s also the chance to see a village in the mountains named Xinaluq, offering stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Caucasus mountains.
Details: Flight time, two hours, 50 minutes. Flights from QR3,250, www.azal.az/en.
Hotel: QR2,760 (per person). July 14-16. www.escape-travels.com.
The last place you want to go to escape the sizzling heat in Doha is a place labelled the “Land of Fire”, but temperatures in June are in the pleasant mid-twenties in Baku. Being the capital and biggest city in Azerbaijan, Baku is a beautiful place to explore. It sits right along the Caspian Sea, and is filled with plenty of high peaks for the trekkers out there, including the great Caucacus Mountains. Take a stroll just outside the city limits and you’ll find mud volcanoes, along with rural villages. If you’re looking for a place that blends ancient historical attractions, stunning 21st century buildings and lush greenery, Baku is the place for you.
What to do: Azerbaijan puts on a big festival for Eid, celebrating it with roasted lamb and giving meals to the community, so make sure you tag along with the festivities. Aside from that, visit Fountain Square and the Maiden’s Tower, believed to date back to the 12th century. There’s also the chance to see a village in the mountains named Xinaluq, offering stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Caucasus mountains.
Details: Flight time, two hours, 50 minutes. Flights from QR3,250, www.azal.az/en.
Hotel: QR2,760 (per person). July 14-16. www.escape-travels.com.
5 Explore the wondrous sights of Jordan
Taking place over three days, this is an exceptional Eid trip to one of the Middle East’s most historic countries with Escape Travels. Get ready for some sightseeing as you explore thousand-year-old ruins of Roman architecture throughout Amman, the capital of Jordan, and the lost city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Your trip will include two nights stay at the Toledo Hotel with all meals included, transport to all the locations, a tour guide at all the attractions and an exquisite buffet and day passes to a private beach at a five star resort near the Dead Sea. You’ll come back from this Eid trip with a wealth of history under your belt and with a bunch of selfies floating in the Dead Sea.
What to do: This trip has been planned from beginning to end, so no need to worry about what needs to be done next. You’ll start off exploring the historically rich ruins in the largest city in Jordon on day one, full of Roman monuments and collapsed buildings to rummage around. The next day, you’ll be able to put a large tick on the list of wonders of the world to see, as you’ll get to delve into Petra, the ancient Nabatean city, known for its tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs. Lastly, you’ll discover the lowest point on earth which also harbours the Dead Sea, the perfect place to whip out a book to read while you float along the surface.
Details: Flight time, three hours, 15 minutes.Flights from QR2,900, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: QR2,550 (twin and double sharing room). June 14-16. www.escape-travels.com.
Taking place over three days, this is an exceptional Eid trip to one of the Middle East’s most historic countries with Escape Travels. Get ready for some sightseeing as you explore thousand-year-old ruins of Roman architecture throughout Amman, the capital of Jordan, and the lost city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Your trip will include two nights stay at the Toledo Hotel with all meals included, transport to all the locations, a tour guide at all the attractions and an exquisite buffet and day passes to a private beach at a five star resort near the Dead Sea. You’ll come back from this Eid trip with a wealth of history under your belt and with a bunch of selfies floating in the Dead Sea.
What to do: This trip has been planned from beginning to end, so no need to worry about what needs to be done next. You’ll start off exploring the historically rich ruins in the largest city in Jordon on day one, full of Roman monuments and collapsed buildings to rummage around. The next day, you’ll be able to put a large tick on the list of wonders of the world to see, as you’ll get to delve into Petra, the ancient Nabatean city, known for its tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs. Lastly, you’ll discover the lowest point on earth which also harbours the Dead Sea, the perfect place to whip out a book to read while you float along the surface.
Details: Flight time, three hours, 15 minutes.Flights from QR2,900, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: QR2,550 (twin and double sharing room). June 14-16. www.escape-travels.com.
6 Get on track with some elephants in Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka
What better way to celebrate Eid abroad than with some elephants in Sri Lanka? As soon as you land on this trip, you should head straight to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage to hang out with the lumbering beasts before going on to Kandy. Sri Lanka is steeped in culture, showcasing everything from the traditional dance routines of Kandyan dancing to fire walking. Don’t forget to go all the way to Colombo, the capital of the country, where you can check out the malls and a few sights.
What to do: Feast your eyes on the huge yet gentle creatures at the elephant orphanage, where you’ll be able to watch the caretakers feed, bathe and play with the elephants. The place is a breeding ground for wild Asian elephants that opened in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants, and today has the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. Afterwards, stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens to see some beautiful greenery, and head over to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a century-old place hidden in the rock. On the final day, you can head over to Colombo and get the chance to visit popular places such as the busy Fort District, the colourful Pettah bazaar, beautifully smelling Cinnamon Gardens, Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park.
Details: Flight time, five hours, 15 minutes.Flights ifrom QR2,100, www.qatarairways.com. QR1,660 (via Oman), www.omanair.com.
Hotel: QR624 per person (twin room at Cinnamon Red Colombo Hotel). June 14-18.
What better way to celebrate Eid abroad than with some elephants in Sri Lanka? As soon as you land on this trip, you should head straight to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage to hang out with the lumbering beasts before going on to Kandy. Sri Lanka is steeped in culture, showcasing everything from the traditional dance routines of Kandyan dancing to fire walking. Don’t forget to go all the way to Colombo, the capital of the country, where you can check out the malls and a few sights.
What to do: Feast your eyes on the huge yet gentle creatures at the elephant orphanage, where you’ll be able to watch the caretakers feed, bathe and play with the elephants. The place is a breeding ground for wild Asian elephants that opened in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants, and today has the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. Afterwards, stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens to see some beautiful greenery, and head over to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a century-old place hidden in the rock. On the final day, you can head over to Colombo and get the chance to visit popular places such as the busy Fort District, the colourful Pettah bazaar, beautifully smelling Cinnamon Gardens, Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park.
Details: Flight time, five hours, 15 minutes.Flights ifrom QR2,100, www.qatarairways.com. QR1,660 (via Oman), www.omanair.com.
Hotel: QR624 per person (twin room at Cinnamon Red Colombo Hotel). June 14-18.
7 Head south of the equator to tropical Seminyak, Bali
Brimming with beautiful vegetation and greenery, Bali is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. And plenty of sandy beaches to chill out on, too. This Indonesian island isn’t all about sun, sand and scrumptious street eats, though, as tucked away in the southern end of the country are luxurious resorts, high-end shopping and spas that are guaranteed to help you unwind. Seminyak is one of the most popular tourist spots in Indonesia, and as a special treat for this time of year, Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa has recently relaunched after a refurbishment and has some offers on to celebrate. Book for four nights and get a fifth free, inckluding breakfast and afternoon tea. You’ll also get a transfer to or from the airport. Check the luxury hotel’s website for more offers.
What to do: You may not want to leave the resort, with its spacious pool area featuring an infinity pool to watch the sunset in. If you love food, then try the Balinese dishes in the Sanje restaurant and Satan restaurant, and you can relax at the luxurious Kahyangan Spa, too. If you do happen to venture out, the resort is located next to some of Bali’s top destinations, including aquapark Waterbom Bali and Bali Zoo, which is home to more than 350 types of animals and tropical birds. Feeling even more adventurous? Head towards the historic site of Uluwatu, perched right on a cliff in the Bukit peninsula, or meet the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest. It may be a bit of a journey (and pretty expensive as well), but it will be worth it (we hope).
Details: Flight time, ten hours. Flights from QR5,300, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: QR2,980 per night for a one bedroom pool villa. Between June 14 and 19. theseminyak.com.
Brimming with beautiful vegetation and greenery, Bali is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. And plenty of sandy beaches to chill out on, too. This Indonesian island isn’t all about sun, sand and scrumptious street eats, though, as tucked away in the southern end of the country are luxurious resorts, high-end shopping and spas that are guaranteed to help you unwind. Seminyak is one of the most popular tourist spots in Indonesia, and as a special treat for this time of year, Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa has recently relaunched after a refurbishment and has some offers on to celebrate. Book for four nights and get a fifth free, inckluding breakfast and afternoon tea. You’ll also get a transfer to or from the airport. Check the luxury hotel’s website for more offers.
What to do: You may not want to leave the resort, with its spacious pool area featuring an infinity pool to watch the sunset in. If you love food, then try the Balinese dishes in the Sanje restaurant and Satan restaurant, and you can relax at the luxurious Kahyangan Spa, too. If you do happen to venture out, the resort is located next to some of Bali’s top destinations, including aquapark Waterbom Bali and Bali Zoo, which is home to more than 350 types of animals and tropical birds. Feeling even more adventurous? Head towards the historic site of Uluwatu, perched right on a cliff in the Bukit peninsula, or meet the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest. It may be a bit of a journey (and pretty expensive as well), but it will be worth it (we hope).
Details: Flight time, ten hours. Flights from QR5,300, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: QR2,980 per night for a one bedroom pool villa. Between June 14 and 19. theseminyak.com.
8 Jump across the pond to Salalah, Oman
When we think of Oman, Muscat immediately comes to our minds, purely because of its lush mountains by the sea and in the deserts. But what about the country’s second largest and most fun to say city, Salalah? If you love fruit and veg, including coconuts and bananas, it’s a top place to visit seeing as the region’s temperatures are perfect for growing them. Eid couldn’t be more of a perfect time to go, and there are so many deals for long weekend retreats. Stay two nights at Hotel Al Jabal for just QR400, and add to that flights for approximately QR1,275.
What to do: The city is full of souks, such as the Al Husn Souk spread over a number of different alleyways. Expect a load of frankincense filling your nose with each turn. If you can’t get enough of that, The Frankincense Land Museum will give you quite a few more exotic scents, along with stories of the city’s maritime history and role in the spice trade. If you’re aching for a bit of rain, stay a little longer and you may catch a glimpse of Khareef, Oman’s monsoon.
Details: Flight time, one hour, 35 minutes.Flights from QR1,275, www.omanair.com.
Hotel: Hotel Al Jabal. QR400 per person for two nights. Ongoing. www.aljabalhotel.com.
When we think of Oman, Muscat immediately comes to our minds, purely because of its lush mountains by the sea and in the deserts. But what about the country’s second largest and most fun to say city, Salalah? If you love fruit and veg, including coconuts and bananas, it’s a top place to visit seeing as the region’s temperatures are perfect for growing them. Eid couldn’t be more of a perfect time to go, and there are so many deals for long weekend retreats. Stay two nights at Hotel Al Jabal for just QR400, and add to that flights for approximately QR1,275.
What to do: The city is full of souks, such as the Al Husn Souk spread over a number of different alleyways. Expect a load of frankincense filling your nose with each turn. If you can’t get enough of that, The Frankincense Land Museum will give you quite a few more exotic scents, along with stories of the city’s maritime history and role in the spice trade. If you’re aching for a bit of rain, stay a little longer and you may catch a glimpse of Khareef, Oman’s monsoon.
Details: Flight time, one hour, 35 minutes.Flights from QR1,275, www.omanair.com.
Hotel: Hotel Al Jabal. QR400 per person for two nights. Ongoing. www.aljabalhotel.com.
9 Snap a picture of the tropical island of Zanzibar
For picture-perfect views, Zanibar is the one. Holidaymakers can stay at the five-star Sea Cliff Resort and Spa, tucked away in the Northern-West coast of Zanzibar. The resort is enclosed in a sea of emerald green palm trees, and is perched right along the Indian Ocean. And the Sea Cliff resort offers its guests the only golf course on the island. There is also the Mali Spa, complimentary horse riding on the beach and bikes for people to explore their surroundings at their leisure. Just 25 minutes from the hotel is the historically rich Stone Town and plenty of fishing villages along the golden beaches.
What to do: Head over to Stone Town, the older part of Zanzibar, and take a stroll through the winding alleyways of the town to embrace the historical culture of the place. From its elaborately carved and huge Zanzibar doors to discovering the local food bazaars such as the sprawling Darajani Market, you could walk around the town for days. If you make your way to Prison Island, not only will you find a chilling history, but giant tortoises. There are also fruit plantations to visit and try freshly picked treats. Or, just sit and chill on the beach. Get a snapshot of Zanzibar’s history with a visit to Livingstone’s House, where British explorer Dr David Livingstone lived before commencing his last journey into the interior of Africa.
Details: Flight time, six hours. 50 minutes.Flights from QR4,000, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa. QR1,320 (double room, including breakfast and dinner). June 14-16. www.seacliffzanzibar.com.
For picture-perfect views, Zanibar is the one. Holidaymakers can stay at the five-star Sea Cliff Resort and Spa, tucked away in the Northern-West coast of Zanzibar. The resort is enclosed in a sea of emerald green palm trees, and is perched right along the Indian Ocean. And the Sea Cliff resort offers its guests the only golf course on the island. There is also the Mali Spa, complimentary horse riding on the beach and bikes for people to explore their surroundings at their leisure. Just 25 minutes from the hotel is the historically rich Stone Town and plenty of fishing villages along the golden beaches.
What to do: Head over to Stone Town, the older part of Zanzibar, and take a stroll through the winding alleyways of the town to embrace the historical culture of the place. From its elaborately carved and huge Zanzibar doors to discovering the local food bazaars such as the sprawling Darajani Market, you could walk around the town for days. If you make your way to Prison Island, not only will you find a chilling history, but giant tortoises. There are also fruit plantations to visit and try freshly picked treats. Or, just sit and chill on the beach. Get a snapshot of Zanzibar’s history with a visit to Livingstone’s House, where British explorer Dr David Livingstone lived before commencing his last journey into the interior of Africa.
Details: Flight time, six hours. 50 minutes.Flights from QR4,000, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa. QR1,320 (double room, including breakfast and dinner). June 14-16. www.seacliffzanzibar.com.
10 Soak up the sun on a private island in Baros, Maldives
Picture this: walking along the white sands of a peaceful island back to your overwater or beachside villa, and diving into beautifully clear blue sea. Hop on a plane for a mere four hours and head to the Maldives. With its sprawling aquatic life and stunning scenery of the big blue sea, this is a perfect Eid escape for beach lovers, especially with Baros Resort’s special offer. The deal includes a stay at either the beach villa or the overwater villa, with a daily breakfast of your choice and dinner in Lime restaurant.
What to do: It may be a small island, but you’ll find plenty to do, aside from soaking up the sun on the beach. Try your hand at a fishing by twilight experience, where you can catch your own dinner and learn the traditional Maldivian method of fishing using nothing but your hands and a line. The package also includes a guided nature walk and a marine biology presentation to learn about the fish. Leave time for plenty of snorkelling, too.
Details: Flight time five hours. Flights from QR3,400, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: Baros Resort. QR3,650 (per night beach villa), QR5,500 (per night overwater villa). June 14-20. www.baros.com.
Picture this: walking along the white sands of a peaceful island back to your overwater or beachside villa, and diving into beautifully clear blue sea. Hop on a plane for a mere four hours and head to the Maldives. With its sprawling aquatic life and stunning scenery of the big blue sea, this is a perfect Eid escape for beach lovers, especially with Baros Resort’s special offer. The deal includes a stay at either the beach villa or the overwater villa, with a daily breakfast of your choice and dinner in Lime restaurant.
What to do: It may be a small island, but you’ll find plenty to do, aside from soaking up the sun on the beach. Try your hand at a fishing by twilight experience, where you can catch your own dinner and learn the traditional Maldivian method of fishing using nothing but your hands and a line. The package also includes a guided nature walk and a marine biology presentation to learn about the fish. Leave time for plenty of snorkelling, too.
Details: Flight time five hours. Flights from QR3,400, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: Baros Resort. QR3,650 (per night beach villa), QR5,500 (per night overwater villa). June 14-20. www.baros.com.
11 Take a break in Seychelles
With sun-soaked beaches, granite cliffs, green forests and stunning ocean, the Seychelles is a must visit. Being the world’s only granite island in mid-oceans and having 115 small islands placed throughout the region, it is beautiful, especially Anse Intendance in Mahe, where you should travel to. If you want another hideaway in one of the coral and granite islands of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an ideal beach escape for those who crave some privacy.
What to do: Being right by countless beaches, you should definitely try a host of water-based activities, including parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and diving. The place is also a haven for foodies, where you can try Seychelles creole cuisine, influenced by African, Chinese, French and Indian flavours. You can look forward to a platter of seafood from local restaurants, with coconut curries topped with a mixture of spices. If you’re looking for relaxation, look no further.
Details: Flight time, five hours. Flights from QR3,715, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: Anse Intendance. QR3,194 (apartment with a double bed for four nights). June 14-18. www.thequadrant.sc.
With sun-soaked beaches, granite cliffs, green forests and stunning ocean, the Seychelles is a must visit. Being the world’s only granite island in mid-oceans and having 115 small islands placed throughout the region, it is beautiful, especially Anse Intendance in Mahe, where you should travel to. If you want another hideaway in one of the coral and granite islands of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an ideal beach escape for those who crave some privacy.
What to do: Being right by countless beaches, you should definitely try a host of water-based activities, including parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and diving. The place is also a haven for foodies, where you can try Seychelles creole cuisine, influenced by African, Chinese, French and Indian flavours. You can look forward to a platter of seafood from local restaurants, with coconut curries topped with a mixture of spices. If you’re looking for relaxation, look no further.
Details: Flight time, five hours. Flights from QR3,715, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel: Anse Intendance. QR3,194 (apartment with a double bed for four nights). June 14-18. www.thequadrant.sc.
12 Travel to adventure at Disneyland Hong Kong
From the towering skyline overlooking the Kowloon Bay to the brilliant bargaining to be done throughout the city’s street markets, Hong Kong has loads to see and do. Besides exploring Hong Kong and Macau, you should not miss the chance to experience rides and meet the characters at Hong Kong’s Disneyland.
What to do: A four-day trip will be jam-packed so make sure to fuel up with a delicious breakfast buffet like the one at the Reginal Oriental. As soon as you land, you’ll start a guided tour, kicking off by visiting the statue of Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee at the Avenue of Stars. Snap some pictures of Victoria Harbour, and then it’s on over to Victoria Peak to view the city’s skyline. Hong Kong is also a top foodie destination, so don’t miss out on street food at Mongkok. Macau can be visited the next day, with a tour of the city including historical sites and Fisherman’s Wharf, which showcases some of the best dining and activities in the city. Day three means Disneyland. Split up into seven theme parks, Tomorrowland and the popular Grizzly Gulch rollercoaster is sure to please all ages. Say hi to Mickey from us.
Details: Flight time, eight hours. Flights from QR4,736, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotels: Butterfly Hotels. From QR1,700 (for four nights). Jun 14-18. www.butterflyhk.com.
From the towering skyline overlooking the Kowloon Bay to the brilliant bargaining to be done throughout the city’s street markets, Hong Kong has loads to see and do. Besides exploring Hong Kong and Macau, you should not miss the chance to experience rides and meet the characters at Hong Kong’s Disneyland.
What to do: A four-day trip will be jam-packed so make sure to fuel up with a delicious breakfast buffet like the one at the Reginal Oriental. As soon as you land, you’ll start a guided tour, kicking off by visiting the statue of Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee at the Avenue of Stars. Snap some pictures of Victoria Harbour, and then it’s on over to Victoria Peak to view the city’s skyline. Hong Kong is also a top foodie destination, so don’t miss out on street food at Mongkok. Macau can be visited the next day, with a tour of the city including historical sites and Fisherman’s Wharf, which showcases some of the best dining and activities in the city. Day three means Disneyland. Split up into seven theme parks, Tomorrowland and the popular Grizzly Gulch rollercoaster is sure to please all ages. Say hi to Mickey from us.
Details: Flight time, eight hours. Flights from QR4,736, www.qatarairways.com.
Hotels: Butterfly Hotels. From QR1,700 (for four nights). Jun 14-18. www.butterflyhk.com.
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