UAE residents have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. With a nine-day break predicted for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday on the horizon, and a four-day break subsequently touted for Eid Al Adha in June, there’s plenty of time for a rejuvenating escape.
And luckily, thanks to the UAE’s central location, an exotic destination is never too far within reach. In fact, in less than five hours, you could be sunbathing on a beach in sunny Sri Lanka or exploring ancient ruins in Jordan’s mythical Petra.
Below, GRAZIA rounds up five exciting destinations less than five hours away from the UAE – and a guide to luxurious places to stay while you’re there.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
An idyllic beach paradise only four hours way from the UAE, Sri Lanka offers a fascinating blend of island lifestyle, vibrant culture, and ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions. With an abundance of cultural sites to see, captivating natural beauty to explore, colourful festivals and flavourful cuisine, the oceanic country is truly a treat for the senses. Signature activities include a trip to a tea-plantation, whale spotting, or a majestic elephant ride in the jungle.
Where to stay: Granbell Hotel Colombo
This luxury hotel offers impeccable interiors with natural surroundings and unhindered views of the island’s azure waters. With easy access to trendy restaurants, shopping malls, and popular Sri Lankan attractions, the Granbell Hotel Colombo is everything you need for a rejuvenating escape.
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Visit: granbellhotel.lk
Petra, Jordan
A mythical getaway filled with ancient history and whimsical charm, Jordan makes for a cultural trip to remember. It’s archaeological city, Petra, boasts majestic pink-tinted sandstone mountains intricately carved with tombs and temples that still stand in tact today. Known as the ‘Rose City’, visitors can explore symbolic sites such as The Treasury, The Monestary and Al-Siq, or marvel in the magical atmosphere as the city lights up at night.
Where to stay: Mövenpick Resort Petra
As one of the most prestigious resorts in the city, Mövenpick Resort Petra offers an authentic Jordanian experience combined with the comfort of a luxury setting. From outstanding facilities to its regal, Middle Eastern design offering many Insta-worthy photo opps, this dreamy escape will definitely check all your weekend getaway requirements.
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Visit: movenpick-resort-petra.h-rez.com
The Maldives
This stunning archipelago is truly every vacationer’s dream. Just a four-hour flight from the UAE, last-minute holiday makers from the region can still look forward to luxury water villas, lavish beach days, endless activities and impeccable hospitality. Offering the ultimate privacy and sophistication, the Maldives is the perfect destination to reinvigorate during the Eid break.
Where to stay: Joali Being
The resort, located on Bodufushi Island in Raa Atoll, Maldives, is known for its 360-degree approach to transformative wellness experience, as was exemplified in the GRAZIA Retreat last year. It’s the ultimate getaway for sun, sand and sea, as well as wellness. Offering a hybrid of healing and restorative practices, to fitness and wellbeing experts alongside unique transformative spaces like hydrotherapy, movement and sound healing treatments.
Muscat, Oman
A popular getaway for UAE residents, the Omani capital is known for its slow-paced life, natural beauty, and plentiful activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling Seeb Souk – particularly vibrant during Eid festivities – relax on the shore at the pristine Shati Al Qurum beach, or explore the many cultural attractions including the Royal Opera House, Al Jalali Fort, or Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque.
Where to stay: Kepinski Hotel Muscat
With over six kilometres of stunning coastline, this stunning beach resort offers luxury rooms, state-of-the-art facilities, and 11 delicious culinary venues to indulge in.
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Visit: kepinski.com
Istanbul, Turkey
Lying at a crossroads between two continents, the spectacular city of Istanbul boasts centuries of tradition, history and culture. A seamless blend of nature and city life, visitors can absorb the serene atmosphere, fantastic food or amazing landmarks including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, or scout unique finds at the iconic Grand Bazaar.
Where to stay: Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
Known as “Pearl of the Bosphorus”, this historic mansion offers impeccable views of the Bosphorus Strait and incorporates age-old architectural features from former Ottoman Empire buildings. Located in the prestigious Sariyer district of Istanbul, the hotel infuses wellness, community, sustainability, and design with a touch of fun and quirkiness.
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Visit: sixsenses.com
