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Ideas to beat the summer heat

From European favourites to Asian destinations with a good smattering of Africa thrown into the mix, here are some ideas to fire up your wanderlust this summer

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Get two nights complimentary when you book five nights or more at the Royal Mansour Marrakech

As the mercury soars and school holidays approach, almost everyone starts looking for that much-needed break, whether an adventure-filled holiday or a relaxing spa sojourn. Performance marketing engine Sojern informs TTN that travellers from the Middle East and Africa are looking to take a long weekend off to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with June 22 and 23 making the list of top departure dates searched. According to them, the top short-haul destination for the summer is Istanbul and the top long-haul destination is London.
 

We explore a larger selection of options for your clients.

 

GLENEAGLES, SCOTLAND

Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates. The 850-acre estate epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed. From its world-class golf courses and range of country pursuits – over 20 outdoor activities to choose from – to its programme of annual social events, award-winning spa, renowned bars and restaurants, rich heritage and breath-taking location, Gleneagles is a destination like no other.

The hotel comprises of 232 luxury bedrooms and suites. The new design and refurbishment means there’s even more spaces where guests can mingle, relax and better enjoy the dramatic views of the Perthshire countryside while creating a welcoming environment that feels more akin to a home or a private club than a hotel.

 

Price tag

Rates start from £265 ($345) per night based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.

 

GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND

Switzerland has long been a popular health and wellness tourism destination with Arab/Middle East travellers, and for those needing a new lease of life this summer a visit to the upmarket Alpine village of Gstaad could be just what the doctor ordered.

Combining a unique spa offering La Prairie face, body and anti-ageing treatments and a top clinic specialising in tailor-made aesthetic medicine, Ultima Gstaad offers hammam, swimming pool, six treatment and massage rooms, a detox bar, gym, sauna and indoor and outdoor jacuzzi. The resort offers 11 beautiful suites and six fabulous residences to choose from. A range of summer camps are available to entertain children this summer.

Guests can take advantage of tailor-made treatments of aesthetic medicine through its tie-up with Aesthetics Clinic, set up in 2009 by Dr Xavier Tenorio, a Swiss specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Visitors suffering from tiredness, stress, the effects of a rich diet or pollution can also enlist for treatments.

 

BEIRUT, LEBANON

The Mediterranean city of Beirut is known for its star-studded Eid festive celebrations, concerts and events featuring popular Lebanese and international artists. Located in the heart of the city, Le Gray, Beirut, the exclusive five-star boutique hotel offers an ideal central location for travellers to indulge in luxury.

Le Gray, Beirut is recognised for its outstanding service and world-class dining. Celebrate Eid Al Fitr with your family and friends watching the sunset on the roof at Indigo on the Roof, which is not just known for its breath-taking views but also for its delectable gastronomic specials. For a more casual dining option, try Gordon’s Café, which offers delicious food right in the heart of all the action.

Also open for the warm summer is the hotel’s ultra-chic pool-side lounge, Cherry on the Rooftop, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The award-winning PureGray Health Club & Spa, is perfect for a day of luxurious relaxation and indulgence in treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

 

Price tag

During the Eid period rates start at $430 plus 10 per cent VAT, including breakfast.

 

NAIROBI, KENYA

If you are travelling to Nairobi this Ramadan, Villa Rosa Kempinski is the place to be. The luxury hotel is celebrating the holy month with special iftar and sohour menu.

Guests will enjoy extensive Levantine cuisine at Tamourin Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant, headed by Chef Hany Elkazaz who has created some delicious dishes inspired by Qatari and Middle Eastern specialties. There is lounge soothing entertainment by an Egyptian Oud player, Walid Salama.

Villa Rosa Kempinski receives at least 32 per cent of its guests from the Middle East region annually.

 

Price tag

$15,000 for the four-bedroomed presidential suite for the first night, with the second night costing only $120 and the third night based on the best available rate. Late departure till 4pm. Above rates exclude 25 per cent taxes, and include buffet breakfast served at Cafe Villa Rosa.

 

IBIZA, BALEARIC ISLANDS

Luxury lifestyle hotel, ME Ibiza has reopened for its summer season with a host of events, breath-taking 360-degree views of the island’s coast and white sandy beaches.

Located on a secluded bay near Santa Eulalia on the East coast of the island, ME Ibiza has minimalist Ibiza-inspired interiors with spacious design. The hotel’s ambiance is the perfect balance between serene and vibrant, with guests arriving in style by boat, zodiac, luxurious ME Range Rovers or the private Jet ME.

ME by Meliá hotels are known for their rooftop spaces and ME Ibiza is no exception. The roof terrace is a destination in itself, with a Skin Inc Spa offering revitalising treatments against the spectacular seafront views. Guests can soak up the atmosphere from the restaurant serving top Mediterranean cuisine, the cocktail bar or lounge on VIP daybeds, which frame the infinity-style pool.

ME Ibiza has 205 rooms, including 29 ME+ suites, with some offering a private Jacuzzi and swimming pools, as well as the ultra-luxurious Suite ME.

 

Price tag

ME Ibiza’s summer season runs until October 15 and rates start from $265 per room in low season.

 

MUSANDAM, OMAN

Six Senses Zighy Bay has unveiled its latest luxury experience for guests –a beautifully restored classic Omani Dhow called Dhahab, a 27m seafaring vessel capable of cruising the spectacular Musandam fjords at a comfortable 10 knots.

Developed by Six Senses Zighy Bay, the vessel has a relaxed yet luxurious feel accommodating up to six guests in three well-appointed cabins (one king and two twins). The experience is perfect for families or groups of friends seeking a mini getaway, with a central air-conditioned saloon, two sun decks, multiple dining areas and a large open galley.

Offering a three-day two-night tailor-made itinerary, Dhahab explores from Zighy Bay up the coast of Musandam past remote fishing villages, secluded bays bursting with marine life to rests in few private bays surrounded by spectacular rugged mountains.

Time aboard can be spent kayaking, fishing, beach combing, swimming or relaxing, there are options for cooking classes with the chef, diving or even having a spa therapist aboard. This beautiful vessel is equipped with kayaks, fishing and diving equipment, butler service and a chef to prepare all your meals in an open central galley as well as a speedboat for additional exploration. Evenings can be enjoyed with stunning meals, followed by an on-board cinema or simply stargazing the night away.

 

Price tag

Six Senses Zighy Bay offers three-day, two-night bespoke itinerary priced at $22,000.

 

ROME, ITALY

Ever since the Hassler opened its doors in 1893, the hotel has commanded one of the most exclusive views in the world over the churches, domes and rooftops of the eternal city. Set theatrically at the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome, next to the magnificent 16th-century Trinità dei Monti church, it is within walking distance of the abundant greenery of Villa Borghese gardens, Via Veneto, Via Condotti, and the city’s most fashionable boutiques.

Rome is a city where the ancient and modern overlap seamlessly, and is home to a small number of world-famous hotels. Royalty, celebrities, diplomats, writers and business leaders alike all discover the perfect combination of sophisticated luxury, attentive service and unique location in the Hassler.

The Hassler is owned by president and general manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of the famous Swiss hotelier family who became co-owners of the hotel with the Hasslers in the 1920s. With 92 rooms - among them 13 suites, the Hassler reflects classic and elegant ambience with contemporary elements for a perfect balance between the past and the future.

 

Price tag

A three-night family stay at the Hassler Roma, will set you back by Double Deluxe €3,527 ($3,945) for two double deluxe rooms, buffet breakfast, special gift for the children in room upon arrival, milk and cookies for the children before bedtime and ice cream for four served in Salone Eva or Palm Court Garden.

 

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Royal Mansour Marrakech, a haven of luxury and privacy in the heart of the Moroccan city, has launched Le Jardin – lush gardens and new outdoor pool.

Each of the Royal Mansour’s 53 private riads, ranging from one to four bedrooms, is uniquely decorated and lavishly appointed to showcase the very best of Moroccan craftsmanship. The private riads are hidden amongst winding alleyways and lush landscaped gardens, while the new contemporary Poolside Pavilions nestled among the palm trees offer guests the ultimate privacy, comfort and shade while lounging by the pool. 

Guests can enjoy a choice of four restaurants offering Moroccan, French fine-dining, Asian and casual cuisine, all under the supervision of three star Michelin star Chef, Yannick Alléno. In addition, the award-winning Royal Mansour Spa offers traditional Moroccan hamman experiences and a wide range of other luxurious treatments to soothe and pamper the guest’s body and mind using products from marocMaroc, Sisley and Dr Haushcka.

Guests can explore the bustling souks and the famous sights of Marrakech including the Jemaa el Fna Square and La Koutoubia Mosque, by foot, horse-drawn carriage or vintage sidecar. Excursions to explore the Atlas Mountains or the chic coastal town of Essaouria can also be arranged and are just a short distance away.

 

Price tag

Prices start from €1,150 ($1,290) for a one-night stay in a superior one-bedroom riad, including daily breakfast, fast-track service upon arrival and departure at Marrakech Airport, private transfers from and to Marrakech Airport. Guests will enjoy two complimentary nights when booking five nights or more in one of Royal Mansour’s ultra-exclusive riads, for stays from June 1 to August 31, 2017.

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