Some trips begin months in advance. Others start the moment you realise your Emirates ID can take you somewhere extraordinary, with nothing but a spontaneous booking and a packed suitcase.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the countries that make for a seamless getaway, and the places that make the journey worthwhile. So plan your outfits, take an everything shower and begin your luxury escape.

Visa-Free Destinations

Montenegro

Land meets sea beautifully in this Balkan country where you can see the mountains from the beach. Skip the capital city for one of many picturesque towns and a day trip to Sveti Stefan. We’d recommend the Chedi Luštica Bay Hotel in the heart of Tivat for a 5-star experience or the Dukley Hotel & Resort in Budva for easy access to the old town and bustling nightlife.

Our cannot-miss? The cable car in Kotor up to Forza Kuk for an unbelievable view of the sunset, great beats, cocktails and fine dining.

Georgia

Located at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, this region is famously deemed the birthplace of wine. Make Tbilisi your hub at the Blue Fox Hotel or Unfound Door before you take in the heritage. We endorse a premier wine tour that will traverse Kakheti, Badiauri and Sighnaghi. The experience includes a variety of reds, cheese and bread tastings, and stops at local heritage sites. End your days with a luxury soak in one of the capital’s bathhouses to relax and rejuvenate.

Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 islands in Africa, Seychelles is home to numerous beaches, rainforests, coral reefs, nature reserves, and rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. For the ultimate luxury escape, sail the inner islands on a catered private catamaran, charter a private helicopter for aerial island views, and stay at elite resorts like Anantara Maia Villas or Six Senses Zil Pasyon. 

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is famous for its mosques and mausoleums, but it also hosts the Silk Road, an ancient trade route between the Mediterranean and China. Visit the Registan Square in Samarkand to see the renowned turquoise domes and mosaic-tiled architecture, head to Bukhara for its UNESCO-recognised bazaars and get on a private train across the Kyzylkum Desert to take in the sights in style.

Stay in the old town at Mercure or Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace for a first-class experience.

Armenia

Just south of Georgia is this land of faith and stone, influenced in several facets by its long history of invaders. Spend your time in the capital city of Yerevan at The Alexander, flitting between views of dramatic mountains and trips to monasteries in the day before swinging moods for evenings filled with jazz, brandy tasting and authentic lavash.

Visa on Arrival Destinations

Azerbaijan

The ‘Land of Fire’ overlooks the Caspian Sea for an unreal rooftop dining ambience when you visit this transcontinental destination. Tour the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center, then explore the Old City, Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shirvanshahs. Finish at a hammam after stopping by Nizami Street for local artisan crafts and designer goods.

Plant yourself at the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons in Baku for the ultimate luxury escape, complete with waterfront views, world-class dining and understated charm.

Mauritius

Check into icons of island luxury like One&Only Le Saint Géran for regional opulence or Constance Prince Maurice for luxury suites on stilts over the water. Take in the turquoise lagoons and eastern coastline on a private sunset catamaran cruise. Stop at Macondé Viewpoint, witness the illusion of the underwater waterfall off the coast of Le Morne, then take in an upscale tasting menu near Grand Baie. End with a visit to Île aux Cerfs, where powder-soft sands and clear waters create the ultimate tropical day trip.

Cambodia

This historic Southeast Asian country is home to a massive stone temple named Angkor Wat, a royal palace and market in Phnom Penh and island beaches at Koh Rong perfect for snorkelling and kayaking. Start at Amansara Resort before transferring to Shinta Mani Wild in the Cardamom Rainforest via zip-line for an unforgettable glamping experience. 

Nepal

A land of ancient temples, snow-capped peaks and spiritual serenity, Nepal offers a soul-stirring escape just a short journey from the UAE. Opt for refined retreats like Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu or panoramic Himalayan views at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Wander through the UNESCO-listed streets and temples, take a sunrise flight over Mount Everest and explore the region’s tranquil lakeside charm.

Rich in culinary heritage, their handmade momo (dumplings) and comforting thukpa soup are absolute musts.