Courtesy of La Ville
Eid Al-Adha is just around the corner. This year’s Holy holiday is predicted to fall on either Tuesday, August 21 or the following day, meaning that we can expect an extra day or two out of the office. For those who have used up all of their remaining vacation days or are seeking a quick holiday before September rolls around, the upcoming extended weekend presents the perfect opportunity to escape. From destinations close to home to far-flung locales, below, we round up eight getaways to block book for the Eid Al-Adha long weekend now.
La Ville, Dubai
Situated in the bustling City Walk district, La Ville is an all-new boutique hotel that presents a prime location and unrivaled service. The surrounding streets are overflowing with cafés, high-end shops, eateries, and a cinema, just in case you tire of sunbathing at the hotel’s sprawling, rooftop infinity pool. The food is top-notch too— Graze specializes in tantalizing prime-cut steaks and seafood, while the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Chival, ensures that breakfast, lunch, and dinners are prepared using fresh, organically sourced ingredients. When it comes to the rooms, highly modern decor provides a cozy atmosphere, while amenities include the La Ville Relaxation Suites, a tranquil escape within the boutique property where guests can choose from an array of facials and massages. marriot.com
Courtesy of Le Meridien Al Aqah.
Le Meridien Al Aqah, Fujairah
This all-inclusive beach resort literally has it all. Situated 4 miles from Fujairah’s abandoned Wadi Stone Village, Le Meridien Al Aqah is perfect for those planning a vacation with the whole family, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure. Set in front of the Indian Ocean, this beachfront property features over 200 rooms, all with a private terrace. Travelers will find everything from a salon, where guests can get their hair braided or nails manicured, to child care services where your little ones will be in good hands while you enjoy a spa treatment. Separate kids and teen clubs offer plenty of activities, from pizza-making competitions, face-painting, and gaming to an on-site arcade. Meanwhile, adventure-seekers looking to get their adrenaline pumping will relish in the array of water sport activities the resort has to offer, including scuba diving and fly fishing at the ubiquitous Snoopy Island, which is a five-minute drive from the property. lemeridien-alaqah.com
The Royal Suite. Courtesy of the Ritz Carlton, DIFC.
Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai
There are few people not familiar with the Ritz-Carlton name, and the ultra-luxe hotels managed by the group. Situated in the center of Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton’s prime DIFC location is no more than a 15-minute Uber from The Dubai Mall, City Walk, the historical neighborhood of Al Bastakiya, and the airport, for instance. Surrounded by a plethora of galleries on its doorstep, the hotel is an art lover’s haven— even the lobby is decorated with paintings and sculptures on loan from the Opera Gallery. The 341-room hotel boasts a high-end spa as well as seven different restaurants to pick and choose from, leaving you spoiled for options. Expect excellent service from the moment you enter the property until checkout. Each room is equipped with plush beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and marble bathrooms lined with Asprey bath products. The best room is undoubtedly the opulent royal suite, a 2,368-square-foot space that features ultra-cozy king beds outfitted with feather duvets, a powder room, jacuzzi, and fully-equipped kitchen complete with a separate dining room. ritzcarlton.com
Courtesy of Four Seasons, Cairo at The First Residence: Royal Suite Bathroom
Four Seasons Hotel, Cairo
A palatial sanctuary of hospitality in the heart of Cairo, this Four Seasons hotel boasts stunning views of the pyramids, botanical gardens, and zoological gardens. Located on the west bank of the Nile, in the Giza District, the boutique hotel is an hour’s drive from the Great Pyramids, and is ideal for those looking to explore the historical city. Meanwhile, located on the highest floor, the Royal Suite is a state-of-the-art living area that redefines luxury. The penthouse suite boasts a private dining area that can host up to 10 guests, as well a master bedroom that showcases a bespoke walk-in closet. It also comes with a 52-inch LCD satellite television, iMac computer, DVD player, and Bose music system, ensuring you can leave all your tech equipment at home. The suite also boasts three marble bathrooms with steam showers, 22-inch LCD TV screens, and complimentary Bvlgari amenities, allowing guests to enjoy a spa-worthy experience in the privacy of their own room. With 24-hour staff available at your beck and call, you can be sure you’ll want for nothing during your stay. fourseasons.com
Courtesy of Le Fouquet
Hotel Le Fouquet, Paris
Just off the faned Jardin des Tuileries sits Hotel Le Fouquet, which was revamped last year by Jacques Garcia and Edouard François, 11 years after first opening. The surrounding streets are filled with boutiques and cafés conveniently located within close walking proximity to Armani, Bvlgari, and Hermès, making Le Fouquet popular among fashion week alums. The best room is the palatial 210-square-metre presidential suite. Its grand dining area is ideal for evening parties, where guests can marvel at the bird’s-eye view of the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower. The theme is certainly lavish, with gold paneling complementing rich mahogany woods. The show-stopping design element is the sliding mirror doors, which open to reveal a striking black granite bathroom where you can enjoy a spa-inspired experience in the privacy of your own suite. hotelsbarriere.com
Courtesy of The Residence
The Residence, Tunis
Upon arrival to the five-star beachfront hotel, guests are welcomed with a refreshing glass of cold mint tea and a warm, orange blossom-scented towel. A 30-minute drive away from Tunis, the charming hideout is situated where Carthage once ruled, along an unspoiled stretch of the glistening azure Mediterranean Sea. Those seeking to seriously let go and unwind will find recluse in the hotel’s Thalasso Spa, a beauty sanctuary devoted to wellness. Guests can treat themselves to an array of relaxing treatments from the spa’s menu, including personalized facials and body treatments that harness the powers of Tunisia’s indigenous plants. Try a soothing hammam after a rejuvenating dip in the getaway’s warm, seawater swimming pool. cenizaro.com
Courtesy of The Oberoi.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Ajman
Those seeking to escape the bustle of the city life will find serenity in the peaceful surroundings of the Oberoi Beach Resort. Set in the protected nature reserve of Al Zorah, the luxury resort is framed with lush mangroves, green olive trees, and a clear ocean. The private resort features spacious rooms and suites with their own terraces, as well as standalone villas equipped with pools, for those seeking ultimate privacy. When not dining on an international cuisine in one of the two restaurants, you can enjoy the gentle ocean breeze at one of the longest pools the region has to offer or explore the protected lagoon, which boasts almost 60 species of birds, including the native pink flamingos. oberoihotels.com
The Sky Pool on the 52nd Floor at the Shangri-La Hotel in London’s iconic building, the Shard. Courtesy of Shangri-La, London
Shangri-La Hotel, London at The Shard
From the 34th to the 52nd floor of the iconic Shard building by Renzo Piano, you’ll find The Shangri-La’s first London destination. From the infinity pool located on the 52nd level to The London Suite that oozes timeless elegance, this is a go-to spot for those wanting to experience the edgy and cool UK capital. If you need a high luxury city break in one of the most buzzing cities in the world, this is your home-from-home destination. With Spitalfields Market a stone’s throw from the reception to London’s premium shopping areas a mere taxi cab ride away, you’ll be spoilt for choice between West End, skyline-gazing, or visiting Harrods. Choices, choices! shangri-la.com
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