IHG Holidays_Apr'11

IHG My Weekend Cover January.indd 1 4/27/2011 10:37:10 AM

crowneplaza.com

Getaway for the weekendStay at one of the UAE’s most exciting destinations

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island is set along Yas Links Abu Dhabi and is just a five minute walk from the exciting Yas Marina Circuit and the new Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park.

Combining this with our stylish rooms and suites, superb fitness and kids club facilities and our delicious variety of dining options overlooking the turquoise Arabian Gulf, we have the perfect ingredients on offer for a memorable weekend getaway.

For bookings and more information, contact us on +971 (0)2 656 3030 email [email protected] or visit www.crowneplaza.com/abudhabi

A B U D H A B I Y A S I S L A N D

Untitled-1 1 4/27/2011 10:58:23 AM

1

Summer fun for all the family...With so many exciting family holiday destinations close by, what could be better than a special offer to visit them?

2 BahrainWater parks and sailing.

4 EgyptAncient wonders revealed.

7 JordanHistorical treasures abound.

11 KenyaMasai markets and hot air balloon rides.

13 KuwaitCool souks and designer- label shopping.

14 LebanonBuzzing nightlife and ancient sites.

16 MauritiusBeautiful beaches, diving and golf.

18 OmanStunning natural beauty.

20 QatarIslamic art and Oryx farms.

21 Saudi ArabiaShopping and The Red Sea.

22 The UAESkiing, shopping and more. 24 Choose your hotelThe perfect base.

With the summer almost upon us, now’s the time to sit back, relax and plan that perfect family holiday. But where to start? Happily, InterContinental Hotels Group have made it easy for you – not only do they have fantastic hotels in all of the region’s most exciting holiday spots, but this summer they’re offering an incredible 25% discount on the price of rooms when you stay for seven nights or more. So what sort of things will you be spending your extra holiday money on? That PADI

course you’ve always fancied so you can really explore the Red Sea? A once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya? How about driving round the world’s best F1 track in Abu Dhabi or a round of eighteen holes at one of Dubai’s outstanding golf courses? In order to help you decide, we’ve compiled the need-to-know recommendations of what to do, see and experience this summer. Which means all you have to do is turn to p24 and choose where to stay for your 25% discount...

Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com

1

IHG MAY (john).indd 1 4/28/2011 10:39:28 AM

1

Summer fun for all the family...With so many exciting family holiday destinations close by, what could be better than a special offer to visit them?

2 BahrainWater parks and sailing.

4 EgyptAncient wonders revealed.

7 JordanHistorical treasures abound.

11 KenyaMasai markets and hot air balloon rides.

13 KuwaitCool souks and designer- label shopping.

14 LebanonBuzzing nightlife and ancient sites.

16 MauritiusBeautiful beaches, diving and golf.

18 OmanStunning natural beauty.

20 QatarIslamic art and Oryx farms.

21 Saudi ArabiaShopping and The Red Sea.

22 The UAESkiing, shopping and more. 24 Choose your hotelThe perfect base.

With the summer almost upon us, now’s the time to sit back, relax and plan that perfect family holiday. But where to start? Happily, InterContinental Hotels Group have made it easy for you – not only do they have fantastic hotels in all of the region’s most exciting holiday spots, but this summer they’re offering an incredible 25% discount on the price of rooms when you stay for seven nights or more. So what sort of things will you be spending your extra holiday money on? That PADI

course you’ve always fancied so you can really explore the Red Sea? A once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya? How about driving round the world’s best F1 track in Abu Dhabi or a round of eighteen holes at one of Dubai’s outstanding golf courses? In order to help you decide, we’ve compiled the need-to-know recommendations of what to do, see and experience this summer. Which means all you have to do is turn to p24 and choose where to stay for your 25% discount...

Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com

1


www.crowneplaza.com

Switch on the Summer.Switch on amazing offers with delicious food promotions and soothing stays.

AED 400 Restaurant vouchers per stay.Kids eat and stay for free.50% bounce back in June in our selected restaurants.Discounts in our selected restaurants as high as the temperature in July.

For more information or bookingsCall: +971 (4) 305 4444

Toll free from UAE: 800 4642 Email: [email protected]

Untitled-2 1 4/27/2011 10:59:24 AM

2

Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

BahrainYour perfect week in...

Start the day with an intriguing sight;

the Tree of Life. Stood in complete

isolation, the green, centuries-old tree

has not a single living plant around it

for miles on end. After, reflect while

laying by the Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s

pool. And if you’re still not feeling

relaxed make for the hotel’s health

club and recline in a bubbling Jacuzzi.

With warm Gulf waters all around

it, the island of Bahrain is perhaps

best explored by sea. Go to

the Bahrain Yacht Club (www.

thebahrainyachtclub.com) and

partake in a family RYA Sailing

Course which will earn you basic

proficiency and the ability to take to

the seas with confidence.

If day six didn’t wear out your

newfound sea legs, why not indulge

in more ocean pursuits before the

off? At the Bahrain Yacht Club

holidayers can also undertake a PADI

diving course but, if that doesn’t float

your boat, why not try windsurfing

lessons or learn how to drive a

powerboat? Fun guaranteed.

Best for kids

‘Spend a leisurely morning with a stroll through the traditional (and equally charming) Manama Souk.’

Day 1The Lost Paradise of Dilmun (www.lpodwaterpark.

com) is a great way to make a splash on your

arrival in Bahrain. The massive waterpark will

be a surefire hit with kids, while you’ll love the

therapeutic spa pool – the ultimate chill-out spot –

leaving them to surge down over-sized slides.

Spend a leisurely morning with a stroll through the

traditional (and equally charming) Manama Souk. If

you have teenagers in tow they’re sure to love the

trinkets that sparkle from each stall and few can

resist the market’s silver jewellery. If you’re after

gifts keep an eye out for authentic knick-knacks.

Day 2

Get pulses racing with a trip to the fantastic Gulf Speed

One, a go-kart track in Manama (www.gulfspeedone.com)

that both girls and boys can enjoy. On arrival you can hire

turbo-charged single or twin-engine machines before taking

off around the track at speeds of up to 65kph. Kids can

compete too, so it’s a family race to the finish line!

Day 3

Manama’s Bahrain National Museum covers over six millenia

of history, making it the ideal place for the whole family to

discover all you-need-to-know about Bahrain’s ancient nation.

Dilmun is one topic of interest – the ancient civilisation of

legend is thought to have been based in Bahrain (as well as

its more recent history) and makes for a fascinating read.

Day 4

2


www.crowneplaza.com

Switch on the Summer.Switch on amazing offers with delicious food promotions and soothing stays.

AED 400 Restaurant vouchers per stay.Kids eat and stay for free.50% bounce back in June in our selected restaurants.Discounts in our selected restaurants as high as the temperature in July.

For more information or bookingsCall: +971 (4) 305 4444

Toll free from UAE: 800 4642 Email: [email protected]

Untitled-2 1 4/27/2011 10:59:24 AM

5

Start off a day in Cairo with a visit to the excellent Egyptian

Museum where your kids will derive great pleasure from

checking out the display of ancient royal mummies. After

seeing a sample of the museum’s 120,000 other exhibits,

take a trip to the Citadel, an ancient fortress dating from

the 1100s, where you can get wonderful views across the

city. Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple

of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market

which sells excellent souvenirs, jewellery and spices – just

don’t forget to haggle – and a spree at The Stars Centre,

which packs in over 600 boutiques.

Day 4

Day 5

‘Plunge into The Red Sea and you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white sands and vibrant coral reefs’

If you’re staying at The Palace Port Ghalib Resort (00

20 65 336 0000) head over to the Wadi Gemal nature

reserve where, in addition to watching ibexes, turtles and

gazelles at play, you’ll be able to get up close to dolphins.

It’s a fascinating place with a great diversity of habitats

which you can explore at leisure. But for a real memorable

experience, take a tour with the Ababde tribespeople, who

will act as your guide. All that walking will have helped you

build a healthy appetite, so once back at the resort head

for dinner at The Olive Restaurant, where a vast, Arabian-

inspired menu suits all tastes.

5


4

Day 1

Day 2

EgyptYour perfect week in...

The Red Sea is known throughout the world for its

fantastic snorkelling and diving. Take the plunge and

you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white

sands and vibrant coral reefs bursting with tropical

fish, turtles and sometimes even dolphins. Be sure to

get rash vests for the kids as it will stop their backs

from getting burned in the intense sun. Take PADI

diving lessons if you’re a novice – you’ll start out early

morning in a swimming pool to perfect your underwater

breathing, before heading out to sea with an instructor

in the afternoon.

If your family loves adventure and the great outdoors,

you’ve probably already been on snowboarding and

wakeboarding trips. But have you ever enjoyed the

special thrill of sandboarding? We’re not talking going

down a little hill on a tray – this is serious business: take

your family out to the dunes in the Western Desert,

some of the biggest in the world at up to 300 metres

high, and get them fully kitted out with boards and

boots. You can then spend a day zipping down the

dunes, stopping only to enjoy a barbecue dinner. Given

the lack of chair lifts, it’s pretty exhausting, but also

brilliant fun.

You’ve just flown in and you’re feeling a little weary, so

ease in to your Egyptian trip with a relaxing day at the

InterContinental Abu Soma resort in Hurghada (00 20 65

326 0700). This charming property is set on the idyllic Red

Sea coastline, where hundreds of palm trees are dotted

around the surrounding twin bays and the enormous

free-form swimming pool, complete with cave shelters, is

perfect for a spot of wallowing if your family can’t quite

muster the energy to walk to the private beach. For true

indulgence, the adults in your party should book up a

treatment or two at the hotel’s spa while the children

make new friends at the kids’ club. In the evening, head to

Il Portico for family-pleasing trattoria-style antipasti and

pizzas fresh from the brick oven.

Day 3Fun for kids

4


5

Start off a day in Cairo with a visit to the excellent Egyptian

Museum where your kids will derive great pleasure from

checking out the display of ancient royal mummies. After

seeing a sample of the museum’s 120,000 other exhibits,

take a trip to the Citadel, an ancient fortress dating from

the 1100s, where you can get wonderful views across the

city. Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple

of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market

which sells excellent souvenirs, jewellery and spices – just

don’t forget to haggle – and a spree at The Stars Centre,

which packs in over 600 boutiques.

Day 4

Day 5

‘Plunge into The Red Sea and you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white sands and vibrant coral reefs’

If you’re staying at The Palace Port Ghalib Resort (00

20 65 336 0000) head over to the Wadi Gemal nature

reserve where, in addition to watching ibexes, turtles and

gazelles at play, you’ll be able to get up close to dolphins.

It’s a fascinating place with a great diversity of habitats

which you can explore at leisure. But for a real memorable

experience, take a tour with the Ababde tribespeople, who

will act as your guide. All that walking will have helped you

build a healthy appetite, so once back at the resort head

for dinner at The Olive Restaurant, where a vast, Arabian-

inspired menu suits all tastes.

5


77

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Spend your first day in the Jordanian capital of Amman: as

well as being an excellent base from which to explore the

northwestern parts of the country, the city is filled

with glorious sights in the form of the Roman

amphitheatre and the citadel. Shop-loving families will be

in their element – as well as the souks and street stalls of

the central downtown area (Balad), there are malls galore

(our top recommendation is the excellent City Mall). In

the evening, head for a wonderful family dinner at Indu at

the InterContinental Amman (00 962 6 464 1361) which

features dishes from different Indian regions each month.

It’s time to get out of the city and find a truly unique way

to keep the kids entertained, in the form of a real live

chariot race. Head to the hippodrome at Jerash (about 50

minutes’ drive from Amman) and you can wander around

the 6,500-year-old Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad

legionnaires roam the walkways and mingle with the

tourists. A trumpet blare proclaims the beginning of the

pre-race fight, and Roman soldiers emerge and battle it

out in gladiatorial contests, hurling spears and crossing

swords in a scarily convincing manner. Next, decide which

team to support and watch from the edge of your seat as

four horse-drawn chariots zoom through their seven laps.

Unmissable – see www.jerashchariots.com for details.

What could be more relaxing than bobbing around in the sea

without even having to tread water? Head to the Dead Sea,

the lowest point on Earth, and you and your family can do just

that, due to the exceedingly high salt content of the water. It’s a

bizarre sensation and a hilarious one – your kids will love trying

to dive beneath the surface, and floating along on top. When

evening falls it’s time to indulge yourselves with a carnivorous

family meal – Below 393 at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea

(00 962 5 349 5555) does a great line in soft-as-butter steaks.

Great for

action

‘Amman is a city with glorious sights in the form of the Roman amphitheatre and the citadel’

JordanYour perfect week in...


6

‘Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market’

Day 6To experience something off-the-beaten track during your

stay, why not head to the Sahara’s Western Desert where

you can witness the majesty of an oasis with your family, a

memory you will cherish forever. There are four main oases

to check out: Siwa, Baharia, Farafra and Dakhla. The 80km-

long Siwa is peppered with limestone outcrops, mineral

springs and two salt lakes, and its abundant date and olive

trees make it feel like a real haven. Dakhla is so verdant you

could almost forget you’re in the desert; tranquil Farafra is

ideal for couples seeking solitude; and Baharia is accessible

by road so it’s ideal if you don’t want to make a major

excursion of it.

Day 7If you’re staying at InterContinental Taba Heights, ask your conciege to

help arrange a visit to Pharaoh’s Island. You’ll get there via a short criuse

from the mainland and once disembarked you’ll be able to marvel at

the island’s 12th century fortress. It boasts a fascinating history and

there are expert guides on hand there to detail much of it. If that gives

you a taste for exploration, spend the afternoon at Coloured Canyon,

an extraordinary, other-worldly spot made up of technicoloured rock

formations – perfect for capturing on camera. If, however, you’re staying

in Cairo, round off your holiday at the city’s famous Light & Sound Show

at the pyramids which, though old and a tad clichéd, remains charming.

6


77

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Spend your first day in the Jordanian capital of Amman: as

well as being an excellent base from which to explore the

northwestern parts of the country, the city is filled

with glorious sights in the form of the Roman

amphitheatre and the citadel. Shop-loving families will be

in their element – as well as the souks and street stalls of

the central downtown area (Balad), there are malls galore

(our top recommendation is the excellent City Mall). In

the evening, head for a wonderful family dinner at Indu at

the InterContinental Amman (00 962 6 464 1361) which

features dishes from different Indian regions each month.

It’s time to get out of the city and find a truly unique way

to keep the kids entertained, in the form of a real live

chariot race. Head to the hippodrome at Jerash (about 50

minutes’ drive from Amman) and you can wander around

the 6,500-year-old Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad

legionnaires roam the walkways and mingle with the

tourists. A trumpet blare proclaims the beginning of the

pre-race fight, and Roman soldiers emerge and battle it

out in gladiatorial contests, hurling spears and crossing

swords in a scarily convincing manner. Next, decide which

team to support and watch from the edge of your seat as

four horse-drawn chariots zoom through their seven laps.

Unmissable – see www.jerashchariots.com for details.

What could be more relaxing than bobbing around in the sea

without even having to tread water? Head to the Dead Sea,

the lowest point on Earth, and you and your family can do just

that, due to the exceedingly high salt content of the water. It’s a

bizarre sensation and a hilarious one – your kids will love trying

to dive beneath the surface, and floating along on top. When

evening falls it’s time to indulge yourselves with a carnivorous

family meal – Below 393 at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea

(00 962 5 349 5555) does a great line in soft-as-butter steaks.

Great for

action

‘Amman is a city with glorious sights in the form of the Roman amphitheatre and the citadel’

JordanYour perfect week in...


9

One of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is absolutely

spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without

seeing it. Best recognised for its role in Indiana Jones, Petra

was entirely carved into the stone of the red-rocked mountains

in 100BC and remained undiscovered by the western world

until 1812. Its fortress-like construction was a smart move, as

it was built on a major trade route passed through by those

travelling between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba and Leuce Come

on the Red Sea, and the area contained a perennial stream

which essentially turned the city into an artificial oasis. It’s an

enormous area to explore so make sure you wear comfortable

walking shoes.

Other examples of historical treasures can be found throughout

the black basalt desert, to the east of Amman. Here you’ll

find myriad desert castles, which are widely considered to be

standing testaments to the birth of Islamic-Arab civilization.

Why these fascinating monuments were built during the

Umayyad Dynasty nobody knows for sure – theories range

from them being centres for agricultural exploitation to serving

as luxury desert retreats for princes – but today they simply

provide a fascinating sight, with many (like the World Heritage

listed Qusayr Amra) containing incredible fresco paintings

which depict scenes of hunting and dancing. Head there early

morning while the temperature is still fairly cool.

Day 6

Day 7

‘Petra is absolutely spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without seeing it’

9


8

Jordan’s best diving is found in Aqaba, where a

well-preserved reef makes for excellent scuba action,

alongside other water sports. Your kids will love

snorkelling their way over the multicoloured banks of

coral, where brightly coloured fish dart about in schools

– once they’re tired out, take them on a sunset cuise or a

glass-bottomed boat ride. And when it comes to dining

you’re spoilt for choice – but at the InterContinental

Aqaba (00 962 3 209 2222) we heartily recommend the

marvellous Lebanese spot, Burj Al Hamam.

Day 4

Day 5

‘Jordan’s best diving is found in Aqaba, where a well-preserved reef makes for excellent scuba action’

You haven’t seen a wadi until you’ve seen Wadi

Rum. Soaring dramatically above the desert sands,

the vast sandstone and granite ridges that flank the

valley have been eroded over thousands of years by

fresh water springs, leading to it becoming a handy

meeting point for caravans and Bedouin tribes,

some of whom inhabit the wadi to this day. The

breathtaking beauty of sunset and sunrise at Wadi

Rum has to be seen to be believed.

8


9

One of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is absolutely

spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without

seeing it. Best recognised for its role in Indiana Jones, Petra

was entirely carved into the stone of the red-rocked mountains

in 100BC and remained undiscovered by the western world

until 1812. Its fortress-like construction was a smart move, as

it was built on a major trade route passed through by those

travelling between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba and Leuce Come

on the Red Sea, and the area contained a perennial stream

which essentially turned the city into an artificial oasis. It’s an

enormous area to explore so make sure you wear comfortable

walking shoes.

Other examples of historical treasures can be found throughout

the black basalt desert, to the east of Amman. Here you’ll

find myriad desert castles, which are widely considered to be

standing testaments to the birth of Islamic-Arab civilization.

Why these fascinating monuments were built during the

Umayyad Dynasty nobody knows for sure – theories range

from them being centres for agricultural exploitation to serving

as luxury desert retreats for princes – but today they simply

provide a fascinating sight, with many (like the World Heritage

listed Qusayr Amra) containing incredible fresco paintings

which depict scenes of hunting and dancing. Head there early

morning while the temperature is still fairly cool.

Day 6

Day 7

‘Petra is absolutely spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without seeing it’

9


11

KenyaYour perfect week in...

Best for kids

‘Make for Nairobi’s enchanting Giraffe Centre, where kids will delight in the chance to feed and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its gentle and beautiful giants.’

Day 1If you have little ones in tow, make for Nairobi’s

enchanting Giraffe Centre (www.giraffecenter.

org) where they’ll delight in the chance to feed

and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its

gentle (and beautiful) giants. As you’re already

in the heart of town, why not feed kids a helping

of culture with a visit to the National Museum

of Kenya? It’s home to a mindboggling array of

artefacts. If art’s more their thing (or yours), next

make for the colourful Watatu Art Gallery, where

classic Kenyan art is on full show – and well worth

a look. And, if they’re still full of energy a walk in

the Ngong Hills (southwest of the city) should tire

them out in time for tea.

Day 2For more animal magic, head for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, (www.

sheldrickwildlifetrust.org) where you can learn all about its black rhino

and elephant conservation programme (they’re known for hand-rearing

rhino orphaned carves). Between 11am and mid-day is the best time to

arrive when resident orphan elephants can be seen up close. (If you really

fall for the big-eared beauties you can even adopt one for your own). But

don’t leave without a look at the trust’s baby rhinos and elephants – truly

adorable. When daylight fades, feed your appetites at InterContinental

Nairobi (00 254 20 320 0000), its Bhandini restaurant is a firm favourite

with families who flock there for its hearty, North Indian cuisine.

Day 3Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture with a trip to Ngomongo Villages

(www.ngomongo.com), a cultural park where you and your family can

learn about nine different rural tribes. There, a homestead native to each

tribe is on show, giving an insight into their daily lives from the crops

they cultivate to the animals they keep (in some cases even crocodiles!)

and the food they eat (why not try some while you’re there?). Best of

all, you can chat to the local tribespeople about their traditions and, if

you’re game, take part in one of the tribe-specific activities – hook-fishing,

pounding rafting or forest-walking, anyone? One day that makes for a

truly memorable experience.

11

IHG MAY (john).indd 11 4/28/2011 10:42:04 AMUntitled-2 1 4/28/2011 11:04:47 AM

11

KenyaYour perfect week in...

Best for kids

‘Make for Nairobi’s enchanting Giraffe Centre, where kids will delight in the chance to feed and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its gentle and beautiful giants.’

Day 1If you have little ones in tow, make for Nairobi’s

enchanting Giraffe Centre (www.giraffecenter.

org) where they’ll delight in the chance to feed

and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its

gentle (and beautiful) giants. As you’re already

in the heart of town, why not feed kids a helping

of culture with a visit to the National Museum

of Kenya? It’s home to a mindboggling array of

artefacts. If art’s more their thing (or yours), next

make for the colourful Watatu Art Gallery, where

classic Kenyan art is on full show – and well worth

a look. And, if they’re still full of energy a walk in

the Ngong Hills (southwest of the city) should tire

them out in time for tea.

Day 2For more animal magic, head for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, (www.

sheldrickwildlifetrust.org) where you can learn all about its black rhino

and elephant conservation programme (they’re known for hand-rearing

rhino orphaned carves). Between 11am and mid-day is the best time to

arrive when resident orphan elephants can be seen up close. (If you really

fall for the big-eared beauties you can even adopt one for your own). But

don’t leave without a look at the trust’s baby rhinos and elephants – truly

adorable. When daylight fades, feed your appetites at InterContinental

Nairobi (00 254 20 320 0000), its Bhandini restaurant is a firm favourite

with families who flock there for its hearty, North Indian cuisine.

Day 3Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture with a trip to Ngomongo Villages

(www.ngomongo.com), a cultural park where you and your family can

learn about nine different rural tribes. There, a homestead native to each

tribe is on show, giving an insight into their daily lives from the crops

they cultivate to the animals they keep (in some cases even crocodiles!)

and the food they eat (why not try some while you’re there?). Best of

all, you can chat to the local tribespeople about their traditions and, if

you’re game, take part in one of the tribe-specific activities – hook-fishing,

pounding rafting or forest-walking, anyone? One day that makes for a

truly memorable experience.

11


13

Day 6

Day 7

If sharks and weird and wonderful sealife appeals to

your kids, take them to the Scientific Centre in Salmiya

(www.tsck.org.kw). Its huge aquarium is home to a

1.5-million-litre tank filled with sea creatures, while the

shark-feeding sessions are not to be missed. IMAX

cinema also shows kid-centric films like Under The Sea.

Take a drive into the desert (ask your concierge to arrange

a guide, or try tour operators www.nuzhatours.com) and

behold honey-coloured dunes as far as the eye can see. But

that’s far from all; the whole family can spend a fantastically

active day of 4x4ing, buggying, camel or horse-riding and

sand-boarding, too. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the

ground, hosts can also arrange a volleyball match and, to

round it off, a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Catch some rays with a stroll along the Corniche. Its 10km

length gives way to beaches, parks and coffee shops and is

a prime location to stop and watch a desert sunset. At night

try Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait’s Centro II (00 965 1 841

000) for fresh-baked pizzas and the creamiest risottos.

Day 1

Day 5

Get to grips with your surroundings by whisking the

entire family to the iconic Kuwait Towers in Sharq. There

you can climb up to the first tower’s Viewing Sphere and

stand in awe of 400-foot-high vistas, revealing the entire

city. In fact, the viewing platform rotates so getting a

360-degree of this hyper-modern city couldn’t be easier.

The Rib Eye Steakhouse

Best for kids

KuwaitYour perfect week in...

Get your family’s hearts’ racing with an outdoor game of paintball

at Kuwait Aqua Park (www.aquaparkkuwait.com); just the thing

for active kids of all ages. After all that running around you’ll all be

in need of a satisfying bite, so make reservations at Holiday Inn

Kuwait’s Rib Eye Steakhouse (00 965 2 576 0000) for juicy steaks.

Day 4

Glamorous malls provide an epic spot to shop, whatever your taste.

Indulge in some serious browsing at Marina Mall and Souk Sharq

(you’ll find both along the Gulf Road) and, if that doesn’t feed your

shopping fancy, make next for The Avenues (www.the-avenues.

com), Kuwait’s biggest mall.

Day 3

Day 2Take a walk on the wild side by spending a day at the

Zoological Park. Located on Airport Road, the sprawling

park is home to all manner of creatures (and some 129

species of bird) including mighty lions and tigers, gentle

giraffes and zebras.

13

EXTEND THE SKY

‘Go to Nairobi’s Village Market on a Friday and discover an al fresco market with arts and crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople.’


12

It would be a shame to leave without a momento from

your stay – so how about a shopping trip to snag some

souvenirs? Nairobi’s Village Market is the place to visit

– home to over 150 stores it also has water slides and

bowling to keep kids occupied. Go there on a Friday and

you’ll discover an al fresco Masai market with art and

crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople. But

whatever you buy, be prepared to haggle for it!

Perhaps the best experience of all can be had at Kenya’s

tremendous Masai Mara National Reserve. Start in the

small hours with a hot air balloon ride over the park – the

best place from which to drink-in the expansive wilderness

– and then go on safari. You’ll see all manner of wildlife

at play, from ostriches and hyenas to zebras, lions and

mighty elephants. If you’re really lucky you may be privy to

the famous Wildebeest migration, when tens of thousands

charge the plain in search of water. Breathtaking.

For more wild sightings, spend an idle day in the sun at

Mida Creek in Watamu. The myriad mangroves which

surround the water are a bird-watchers paradise with eye-

catching breeds like the yellow-billed stork and malachite

kingfisher, to name just two. If you’re feeling active, make

for the mouth of the creek – a popular spot for snorkelling

and suba-diving – and see what lays beneath...

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 4For some truly mesmerising sights (and fantastic

photos), take a road trip out of Nairobi, towards

Naivasha. There you’ll come face to face with some of

the world’s most amazing vistas. Don’t miss Great Rift

Valley, where two-kilometre-high walls descend

to a rich valley floor, dotted with volcanoes; a real stop-

and-stare sight. Go accompanied by a guide and you

can head out into the countryside for an active hike.

Afterwards you’ll be in need of dinner, so book a table

at The Signature Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Nairobi

(00 254 20 274 6000), where you can tuck into tasty

grills of steak and juicy seafood.


12


13

Day 6

Day 7

If sharks and weird and wonderful sealife appeals to

your kids, take them to the Scientific Centre in Salmiya

(www.tsck.org.kw). Its huge aquarium is home to a

1.5-million-litre tank filled with sea creatures, while the

shark-feeding sessions are not to be missed. IMAX

cinema also shows kid-centric films like Under The Sea.

Take a drive into the desert (ask your concierge to arrange

a guide, or try tour operators www.nuzhatours.com) and

behold honey-coloured dunes as far as the eye can see. But

that’s far from all; the whole family can spend a fantastically

active day of 4x4ing, buggying, camel or horse-riding and

sand-boarding, too. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the

ground, hosts can also arrange a volleyball match and, to

round it off, a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Catch some rays with a stroll along the Corniche. Its 10km

length gives way to beaches, parks and coffee shops and is

a prime location to stop and watch a desert sunset. At night

try Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait’s Centro II (00 965 1 841

000) for fresh-baked pizzas and the creamiest risottos.

Day 1

Day 5

Get to grips with your surroundings by whisking the

entire family to the iconic Kuwait Towers in Sharq. There

you can climb up to the first tower’s Viewing Sphere and

stand in awe of 400-foot-high vistas, revealing the entire

city. In fact, the viewing platform rotates so getting a

360-degree of this hyper-modern city couldn’t be easier.

The Rib Eye Steakhouse

Best for kids

KuwaitYour perfect week in...

Get your family’s hearts’ racing with an outdoor game of paintball

at Kuwait Aqua Park (www.aquaparkkuwait.com); just the thing

for active kids of all ages. After all that running around you’ll all be

in need of a satisfying bite, so make reservations at Holiday Inn

Kuwait’s Rib Eye Steakhouse (00 965 2 576 0000) for juicy steaks.

Day 4

Glamorous malls provide an epic spot to shop, whatever your taste.

Indulge in some serious browsing at Marina Mall and Souk Sharq

(you’ll find both along the Gulf Road) and, if that doesn’t feed your

shopping fancy, make next for The Avenues (www.the-avenues.

com), Kuwait’s biggest mall.

Day 3

Day 2Take a walk on the wild side by spending a day at the

Zoological Park. Located on Airport Road, the sprawling

park is home to all manner of creatures (and some 129

species of bird) including mighty lions and tigers, gentle

giraffes and zebras.

13

EXTEND THE SKY



15

If you want to cement your place in their good books, take your

kids to Waves Aqua Park in Mar Roukoz (www.wavespark.net).

They’ll love it here for its brilliant wave pool, two kilometres

of flumes (including a fantastic four lane racing slide) and

winding lazy river. If you manage to tear them away from their

aqua adventure, another big family favourite is Jeita Grotto.

Comprised of two interconnected lage-old limestone caves

which you can explore – a little train takes you to its heart – to

take in some truly magical natural sights, including the world’s

largest stalactite.

Having two extra days gives you a chance to make the most of the

country’s myriad adventure activities with your family. Why not go

offroad in an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in Faraya or take a biplane over

the countryside? (Both can be arranged through www.guidetolebanon.

com). Another great option if you have teenaged children is to take

an easy trip from Beirut to Hermel to go rafting on the Orontes river:

join up with a group of six or seven people, put on your lifejackets

and helmets and head 10 kilometres downstream through rapids and

waterfalls – when the pace slows down you’ll be able to take in the

attractive countryside all around.

Day 7

Day 6

Day 5It’s time to make the most of Lebanon’s

excellent weather with a day at the beach.

There are a few beach clubs in Beirut, but

they tend not to be that good – you’re better

off getting out of the city and exploring the

coastline yourself. Your kids will love the

beautiful Damour, where the beach tapers down

from banana groves to the sea. Here you’ll find

multiple cafes and restaurants to retreat to

once the sun slips away for the night. Another

great place is Tyre, where there are also ancient

sites (the Roman Hippodrome is splendid) with

mosaic-lined streets.

Today starts off with a road trip through the attractive

Lebanese countryside – hire a car and point it in the

direction of the Bekaa Valley, where you’ll find the ancient

city of Baalbeck. It’s a great place to visit with kids, who

can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and

monuments to their hearts’ content. And if you happen

to be in the country during the Baalbeck festival (www.

baalbeck.org.lb) in the summertime (usually in July-

August) then you’ll be in for fun, as hundreds of big-name

singers, dancers and artists from across the globe descend

on the town to perform.

Day 4

‘Baalbeck is a great place to visit with kids, who can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and monuments’

Bhandini

Best for

adults

15


14

LebanonYour perfect week in...

Day 1Your trip begins in Beirut, where you and your family will have

a great time wandering around the different neighbourhoods

– check out Verdun, Hamra and Achrafieh in particular. The

new heart is the Downtown area, where you can saunter

around admiring the wonderful 19th-century, French-inspired

architecture and pop in and out of the boutique and big

name stores which line the boulevards. The real joy, though,

is in snagging a seat at one of the roadside cafés on Maarad

Street, and settling in for an afternoon of people-watching. In

the evening, make reservations for a family dinner at Top 21 at

the Crowne Plaza Beirut (00 961 1 754 755).

Day 2Spend the morning at the palace at Beiteddine to the south

of Beirut, a beautiful 18th-century mix of Arabic and Italian

architectural styles. Then in the afternoon, make your way to

the ancient town of Byblos, just along the coast from Beirut,

where you and your family can spend the afternoon marvelling

at the wonderfully intact Roman ruins, before heading down

to the shorefront for some freshly-caught, barbecued fish,

just a stone’s throw away. Alternatively, spend the afternoon

at the extraordinary Jeita Grotto, 15 miles outside of Beirut,

an underground network of caves filled with stalactites and

stalagmites and beautifully lit throughout.

Day 3

Back in Beirut, head out in the morning for a trip on the Beirut Balloon,

based on Allenby Street – up to 30 passengers at a time go up in this

sky-scraping beauty which takes you 300 metres up in the air for fantastic

vistas over the city. If your family know how to dive, take them out under

the water in the afternon with a scuba session courtesy of Lebanon

Divers (www.lebanondivers.com). The shores off Beirut have an incredible

number of shipwrecks – including freighters, submarines and flagships

– as well as ancient Roman and Phoenician ruins. Finish the day with a

sunset coffee at an al fresco café at Pigeon Rocks in the Rawcheh district,

overlooking the waterfront.

14


15

If you want to cement your place in their good books, take your

kids to Waves Aqua Park in Mar Roukoz (www.wavespark.net).

They’ll love it here for its brilliant wave pool, two kilometres

of flumes (including a fantastic four lane racing slide) and

winding lazy river. If you manage to tear them away from their

aqua adventure, another big family favourite is Jeita Grotto.

Comprised of two interconnected lage-old limestone caves

which you can explore – a little train takes you to its heart – to

take in some truly magical natural sights, including the world’s

largest stalactite.

Having two extra days gives you a chance to make the most of the

country’s myriad adventure activities with your family. Why not go

offroad in an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in Faraya or take a biplane over

the countryside? (Both can be arranged through www.guidetolebanon.

com). Another great option if you have teenaged children is to take

an easy trip from Beirut to Hermel to go rafting on the Orontes river:

join up with a group of six or seven people, put on your lifejackets

and helmets and head 10 kilometres downstream through rapids and

waterfalls – when the pace slows down you’ll be able to take in the

attractive countryside all around.

Day 7

Day 6

Day 5It’s time to make the most of Lebanon’s

excellent weather with a day at the beach.

There are a few beach clubs in Beirut, but

they tend not to be that good – you’re better

off getting out of the city and exploring the

coastline yourself. Your kids will love the

beautiful Damour, where the beach tapers down

from banana groves to the sea. Here you’ll find

multiple cafes and restaurants to retreat to

once the sun slips away for the night. Another

great place is Tyre, where there are also ancient

sites (the Roman Hippodrome is splendid) with

mosaic-lined streets.

Today starts off with a road trip through the attractive

Lebanese countryside – hire a car and point it in the

direction of the Bekaa Valley, where you’ll find the ancient

city of Baalbeck. It’s a great place to visit with kids, who

can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and

monuments to their hearts’ content. And if you happen

to be in the country during the Baalbeck festival (www.

baalbeck.org.lb) in the summertime (usually in July-

August) then you’ll be in for fun, as hundreds of big-name

singers, dancers and artists from across the globe descend

on the town to perform.

Day 4

‘Baalbeck is a great place to visit with kids, who can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and monuments’

Bhandini

Best for

adults

15


17

Mauritius is awash with excellent golf courses. Head to the

fine, mountain-flanked fairways at the Tamarina Golf Estate

(www.tamarina.mu) – the first course on the island

unattached to a hotel – which is wonderfully welcoming to

visitors and a real joy to play. And when you’ve got your

round in you might like to take a ten-minute drive to Flic en

Flac, and kick back on what’s arguably the best public beach

on the island. In the evening, indulge in some fine Asian

fusion food at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius

Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) in a modern space

that looks out to a beautiful beach.

With your extra two days, you’ve got the time to explore

some of the intriguing satellite islands which ring

Mauritius, which can be visited as part of a wider fishing,

diving or pleasure-cruising trip. Off the north coast you’ll

find Coin de Mire, which is an amazing spot for diving and

snorkelling, While off the east coast is Ile Aux Aigrettes,

an unspoilt island which is becoming popular with eco

tourists for its incredible birdlife.

If you want to head home truly rested we recommend

you spend the first few hours of your final day in the

beautiful Angsana Spa at InterContinental Mauritius

Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200). Once suitably

relaxed – massages here are the best on the island –

spend the afternoon soaking up the sun before having the

hotel arrange a private table on the beach for a goodbye

dinner beneath the stars. Bliss.

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

‘Flic en Flac is arguably the best public beach on the island’

It’s time to show the kids a little bit of the island’s history at

L’Aventure Du Sucre (www.aventuredusucre.com), a museum

devoted to sugar, the island’s chief export. You’ll learn of

epidemics and refineries, slavery and sugar booms in a well-

thought-out and surprisingly entertaining museum for kids

and adults alike. Another attraction providing an overview

of the island’s past – largely through old maps, paintings,

etchings and the like – is The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.

You’ll find it next to Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, and it

houses two of the most famous and expensive stamps in the

world, the Penny Stamps. The stamps were originally issued

in Mauritius then bought back after they had left the island’s

shores for the princely sum of $2 million. In the evening,

book a table at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius

Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) and savour their

outstanding Asian dishes.

17


16

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

MauritiusMauritius is a wonderful place for a family holiday,

especially if you share a love for the great outdoors.

Start out at the Casela Nature Park (www.casela

yemen.mu), where you can watch or even touch lion

and cheetah cubs in their enclosure, before hitting the

super chutes at Le Waterpark (www.maurinet.com/

waterpark), a small but always fun affair where, chutes

aside, adults can squeeze themselves into rubber rings

and bob along a lazy river while kids can clamber

aboard a pirate ship complete with water-firing

cannons. When evening falls, enjoy a brilliant family

dinner in the garden-side Indian restaurant Veda at the

InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort (00

230 261 1200).

Your perfect week in...

‘In the morning, take a bird’s eye view of Mauritius via a helicopter tour for up to four people’

In the morning, take a bird’s eye view of Mauritius via a helicopter

tour for up to four people. The tour takes only 15 minutes, but

in that time you’ll see mountains, jungles and beautiful swathes

of coastline. If that isn’t enough to satisfy your head for heights,

how about a heart-racing walk along a cable-thin wire, which is

suspended 30 feet above a river? You can book both of these

adventures through White Sand Tours (www.whitesandtours.

com). To keep your adrenaline up in the afternoon, climb onto

a quad bike and speed through the mountains at Domaine

de l’Etoile, also with White Sands, where you can expect to

encounter deer, wild boar and monkeys.

This tropical island offers postcard-perfect views around every

corner and the best place for you and your family to drink-in

its charms is from the deck of an outsized catamaran. You can

hire one of these from White Sand Tours (www.whitesandtours.

com), crew included, for a private cruise across the island’s

colourful waters, gliding past striking mountain ranges and

jungle terrain. If you’re looking for a really eye-opening

experience make sure you book your cruise to depart just

before sunset, so you can watch the sun slip into the ocean as

its rays take a last dance atop the water.

Best for kids

Great for

nature

16


17

Mauritius is awash with excellent golf courses. Head to the

fine, mountain-flanked fairways at the Tamarina Golf Estate

(www.tamarina.mu) – the first course on the island

unattached to a hotel – which is wonderfully welcoming to

visitors and a real joy to play. And when you’ve got your

round in you might like to take a ten-minute drive to Flic en

Flac, and kick back on what’s arguably the best public beach

on the island. In the evening, indulge in some fine Asian

fusion food at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius

Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) in a modern space

that looks out to a beautiful beach.

With your extra two days, you’ve got the time to explore

some of the intriguing satellite islands which ring

Mauritius, which can be visited as part of a wider fishing,

diving or pleasure-cruising trip. Off the north coast you’ll

find Coin de Mire, which is an amazing spot for diving and

snorkelling, While off the east coast is Ile Aux Aigrettes,

an unspoilt island which is becoming popular with eco

tourists for its incredible birdlife.

If you want to head home truly rested we recommend

you spend the first few hours of your final day in the

beautiful Angsana Spa at InterContinental Mauritius

Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200). Once suitably

relaxed – massages here are the best on the island –

spend the afternoon soaking up the sun before having the

hotel arrange a private table on the beach for a goodbye

dinner beneath the stars. Bliss.

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

‘Flic en Flac is arguably the best public beach on the island’

It’s time to show the kids a little bit of the island’s history at

L’Aventure Du Sucre (www.aventuredusucre.com), a museum

devoted to sugar, the island’s chief export. You’ll learn of

epidemics and refineries, slavery and sugar booms in a well-

thought-out and surprisingly entertaining museum for kids

and adults alike. Another attraction providing an overview

of the island’s past – largely through old maps, paintings,

etchings and the like – is The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.

You’ll find it next to Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, and it

houses two of the most famous and expensive stamps in the

world, the Penny Stamps. The stamps were originally issued

in Mauritius then bought back after they had left the island’s

shores for the princely sum of $2 million. In the evening,

book a table at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius

Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) and savour their

outstanding Asian dishes.

17


19

Fill your camera with snapshots of Oman’s awe-inspiring

scenery. A great way to soak them up is while travelling on

the coast, so book a day cruising the country’s fjords. You

can head out on a big family adventure via Muscat Diving

and Adventure Centre (www.holiday-in-oman.com) who

offer fully-crewed, soft-carpeted dhows for private hire, led

by professional local sailors. Be sure to snap the Musandam

Peninsula’s mountain ranges as you sail – arguably one of the

finest natural sights in the Gulf.

Round off your final day in Oman with a standout family meal

and spend hours reminiscing about your favourite experiences

over a great feed. Señor Pico at the InterContinental Muscat

(00 968 2468 0000) is a lively Mexican restaurant that’s

sure to serve as a fitting finale to your stay (as well as some

seriously tasty food).

Spend an entire sunlit day at sea scuba-diving or

snorkelling. Oman is home to some truly breathtaking

dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area

where countless quaint bays provide gentle, clear

waters and overall underwater visibility is notoriously

good. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself

swimming among turtles while you’re there – a

heart-warming experience. For more details visit the

website www.musandamdiving.com

Day 4

Day 5

Day 7

Day 6

‘Oman is home to some truly breathtaking dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area’

If you still haven’t had your adrenalin fix, Muscat’s

Xtreme Sports (www.xtremesportsoman.com)

should do the trick. Go there for a playful morning

at its state-of-the-art paintball ground and after

wash off the paint and take a trip to the foot of the

Jabal Shams – the highest point in the whole of

Eastern Arabia. Once there you can test your nerve

by entering Al Hoota Cave, a spooky spot that kids

will love. After a day of excitement wind down with

a big family feed at the ever-popuar Al Ghazal at

InterContinental Muscat (00 968 24 680000) – it has

a menu of homely food guaranteed to appease all.

19


18

Day 3

OmanYour perfect week in...

The Sultanate’s finest historic destination is widely

regarded as Nizwa Fort. To get there, take an hour’s

drive out of Muscat and behold the its ancient

form, built over 500 years ago to protect Oman’s

coastline from potential invaders. Luckily, these

days it only attracts tourists after a glimpse of

its architectural ingenuity. Afterwards, spend the

afternoon in Musandam where you can hop aboard

an authentic dhow and set sail in Omani waters.

Ask the captain to take you out to where wild

dolphins leap in and out of the ocean, a fantastic

spectacle you’ll all enjoy.

Ready for an adventure? You’re in luck; Oman is a hot-bed of

activities for all tastes. Thrill-seekers should spend the day at

Snake Canyon where you can tip-toe across spine-tingling

high wires suspended up to 100feet above ground-level. If

that doesn’t tick your activity box, have a go at canyoning

– a mixture of trekking, climbing and swimming (visit www.

holiday-in-oman.com). Through the same website you can also

arrange less daunting pursits, like quad-biking, sailing or even

sand-boarding amid mammoth dunes. Alternative you can get

pedalling with a popular moutain-biking excursion.

‘At Snake Canyon you can tip-toe across spine-tingling high wires, suspended up to 100feet above ground-level’

Day 1Start your break in the heart of Oman; the

intriguing old capital of Muscat. The jewel in

the city’s crown has to be the stunning Sultan

Qaboos Grand Mosque, a spellbinding start to

the day. Next be sure to visit Muttrah Souk where

Frankincense, the nation’s signature scent, is still

sold from open sacks. If you’re after a keepsake,

the souk’s also known for its beautiful silver goods.

Come nightfall, make for Siraz Persian restaurant

at the Crowne Plaza Muscat (00 968 2466 0660)

where you can feast upon tasty, traditional food.

Our tip? Book a table on its idyllic terrace – a truly

lovely spot to while away the evening. Day 2

18


19

Fill your camera with snapshots of Oman’s awe-inspiring

scenery. A great way to soak them up is while travelling on

the coast, so book a day cruising the country’s fjords. You

can head out on a big family adventure via Muscat Diving

and Adventure Centre (www.holiday-in-oman.com) who

offer fully-crewed, soft-carpeted dhows for private hire, led

by professional local sailors. Be sure to snap the Musandam

Peninsula’s mountain ranges as you sail – arguably one of the

finest natural sights in the Gulf.

Round off your final day in Oman with a standout family meal

and spend hours reminiscing about your favourite experiences

over a great feed. Señor Pico at the InterContinental Muscat

(00 968 2468 0000) is a lively Mexican restaurant that’s

sure to serve as a fitting finale to your stay (as well as some

seriously tasty food).

Spend an entire sunlit day at sea scuba-diving or

snorkelling. Oman is home to some truly breathtaking

dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area

where countless quaint bays provide gentle, clear

waters and overall underwater visibility is notoriously

good. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself

swimming among turtles while you’re there – a

heart-warming experience. For more details visit the

website www.musandamdiving.com

Day 4

Day 5

Day 7

Day 6

‘Oman is home to some truly breathtaking dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area’

If you still haven’t had your adrenalin fix, Muscat’s

Xtreme Sports (www.xtremesportsoman.com)

should do the trick. Go there for a playful morning

at its state-of-the-art paintball ground and after

wash off the paint and take a trip to the foot of the

Jabal Shams – the highest point in the whole of

Eastern Arabia. Once there you can test your nerve

by entering Al Hoota Cave, a spooky spot that kids

will love. After a day of excitement wind down with

a big family feed at the ever-popuar Al Ghazal at

InterContinental Muscat (00 968 24 680000) – it has

a menu of homely food guaranteed to appease all.

19


21

Day 1

Day 2Day 3

In Saudi’s second city of Jeddah you’ll be welcomed by

friendly locals and blessed with fine weather even in

summer, thanks to an ever-present, cooling sea breeze.

The sweeping Corniche is the place to head to become

quickly acquainted with the city and it’s there that you’ll

see the world’s tallest fountain (800 feet) in action.

Balad Souk is the perfect place for the whole family

to soak-up a flavour of pre-oil Saudi Arabia. But, you’ll

need to hone your haggling skills to land the best-priced

buys. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the historic

buildings constucted from coral – they provide a real sense

of history.

Fancy a shopping spree? You’re in luck. Saudi Arabia

takes its shopping very seriously and, as such, it’s a

hot-bed of modern stores and stroll-worthy areas.

Tahlia Street, in the heart of Jeddah, offers the best

retail therapy in town with a bountiful boulevard lined

with the likes of Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani.

‘When you’re ready for a bite make a beeline for the Fish Market at the InterContinental Jeddah, where all ages can appreciate its fresh seafood’

Saudi ArabiaYour perfect week in...

Unpolluted waters, exotic flurries of

fish and beautiful coral makes Jeddah

a must-go destination for diving and

snorkelling. Head to the hotel’s dive

centre where you and your family

can get kitted out with flippers and

masks before making for the ocean.

Don’t forget your underwater camera

– you’ll be able to capture fantastic

memories of your trip.

Like golf? Then you’ll love to swing

your way around one of the Kingdom’s

best courses at Durrah Golf Club,

just 40 kilometres north of Jeddah in

Durrat Al Arus. The nine-hole course

can prove quite a challenge whatever

your handicap, but if you want a real

test of your golf skills, make for the

Sand and Oil course by King Abdulaziz

International Airport.

Day 4

Day 7

If your kids are real water babies, they’re

in for a treat: Jeddah’s biggest family

attraction is its watersports. Sailing,

banana-boating, jet-skiing, paragliding,

windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, water-

skiing and even more are all at your

disposal in the warm and clear waters

of the Red Sea. To get started, see

InterContinental Jeddah’s leisure team

who’ll be happy to arrange the pursuit

of your choice.

Don’t waste your final day; rise and

shine in the early hours (at 5am, to

be precise) and you can experience

a great slice of daily life; the

morning catch auction at Jeddah’s

frenetic fish market. There, the Red

Sea’s riches are laid out for all to see

and, on a good day, there can be up

to 50 species, from squid and parrot

fish to hammerhead sharks.

Day 5 Day 6

21


20

Day 1

Day 3

QatarKick off your stay with a stroll along Doha’s Corniche

to soak-up the local atmosphere. On arriving at its

cluster of dhow boats (by the Balhambar building)

take a step off dry land and cruise across the bay. In

the afternoon, take the kids to Circusland (00 974 487

6333), where they can make the most of rides and

games, or head to Jungle Zone (00 974 469 4848),

an indoor theme park chockfull of rides.


‘Qatar’s deep-sea fishing is brilliant fun and you may even hook yourself a whopper...’

Make for the Museum of Islamic Art (www.mia.org.qa)

in Doha. Regarded as the most content-rich museum in

Arabia, it makes for a seriously fascinating morning. On

arrival you’ll be struck by its exterior, but its real gems can

be seen inside; over three centuries’ of Islamic art. What’s

more, entrance is free.

With its wide open waters Qatar presents

plentiful opportunities for family adventures. Hire

a boat from Regatta Sailing Academy (www.

regattasailingacademy.com – those in-the-know can

sail it themselves or head out with an expert – and go

deep sea-fishing; it’s brilliant fun.

Pick up a present or two for loved-ones

back home with a more authentic

shopping trip at Souq Waqif. The

market is bubbling with barters and

you can snap up a bargain in the form

of glittering Indian or Arabian trinkets.

Look out for the Oriental spices, too,

which come in pretty presentation

boxes (great for gifts).

Doha is home to a superb

championship course at Doha

Golf Club (www.dohagolfclub.

com) – home of the Qatar Masters.

What better place to spend a day

perfecting your swing? After a day

on the course make your way to

InterContinental Doha’s (00 974

484 4444) famous Fish Market.

Travel out of town with Gulf

Adventures (www.gulf-adventures.

com) to see one of the country’s most

striking natural features, Khor el Daid

or ‘The Inland Sea’. This expanse of

eerily still water is flanked by soaring

sand dunes, providing a truly unique

spot for a picnic and an awesome

location to see the stars at night.

Day 4

Day 5 Day 7Day 6

Take your kids to get to know the Arabian Oryx – Qatar’s

national animal. The bi-horned creature was once hunted to

the point of extinction before being rescued by international

protection agencies and finding favour in Qatar; the first

country to set up breeding farms and manage its population.

Spend a morning with the graceful animals at a sanctuary,

which you can book through Net Tours (www.nettours.

com.qa). Afterwards you can get a glimpse of another local

animal with a visit to a camel farm just outside Doha., before

making your way back to Paloma at the InterContinental Doha

(00 974 484 4444) for a juicy steak or flavoursome fajitas.

Day 2

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21

Day 1

Day 2Day 3

In Saudi’s second city of Jeddah you’ll be welcomed by

friendly locals and blessed with fine weather even in

summer, thanks to an ever-present, cooling sea breeze.

The sweeping Corniche is the place to head to become

quickly acquainted with the city and it’s there that you’ll

see the world’s tallest fountain (800 feet) in action.

Balad Souk is the perfect place for the whole family

to soak-up a flavour of pre-oil Saudi Arabia. But, you’ll

need to hone your haggling skills to land the best-priced

buys. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the historic

buildings constucted from coral – they provide a real sense

of history.

Fancy a shopping spree? You’re in luck. Saudi Arabia

takes its shopping very seriously and, as such, it’s a

hot-bed of modern stores and stroll-worthy areas.

Tahlia Street, in the heart of Jeddah, offers the best

retail therapy in town with a bountiful boulevard lined

with the likes of Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani.

‘When you’re ready for a bite make a beeline for the Fish Market at the InterContinental Jeddah, where all ages can appreciate its fresh seafood’

Saudi ArabiaYour perfect week in...

Unpolluted waters, exotic flurries of

fish and beautiful coral makes Jeddah

a must-go destination for diving and

snorkelling. Head to the hotel’s dive

centre where you and your family

can get kitted out with flippers and

masks before making for the ocean.

Don’t forget your underwater camera

– you’ll be able to capture fantastic

memories of your trip.

Like golf? Then you’ll love to swing

your way around one of the Kingdom’s

best courses at Durrah Golf Club,

just 40 kilometres north of Jeddah in

Durrat Al Arus. The nine-hole course

can prove quite a challenge whatever

your handicap, but if you want a real

test of your golf skills, make for the

Sand and Oil course by King Abdulaziz

International Airport.

Day 4

Day 7

If your kids are real water babies, they’re

in for a treat: Jeddah’s biggest family

attraction is its watersports. Sailing,

banana-boating, jet-skiing, paragliding,

windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, water-

skiing and even more are all at your

disposal in the warm and clear waters

of the Red Sea. To get started, see

InterContinental Jeddah’s leisure team

who’ll be happy to arrange the pursuit

of your choice.

Don’t waste your final day; rise and

shine in the early hours (at 5am, to

be precise) and you can experience

a great slice of daily life; the

morning catch auction at Jeddah’s

frenetic fish market. There, the Red

Sea’s riches are laid out for all to see

and, on a good day, there can be up

to 50 species, from squid and parrot

fish to hammerhead sharks.

Day 5 Day 6

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23

In the morning, take your family out to explore Abu Dhabi’s

natural side from the perspective of a kayak. The land

surrounding the UAE capital is riddled with mangroves which

play host to crabs, fish and birds, and Noukhada Adventure

Company (www.noukhada.ae) will take you out on a fun

guided tour as well as loaning fishing equipment if you want

to land some dinner. In the afternoon, it’s time for a round of

golf at the wonderful Abu Dhabi Golf Club, before a family

dinner at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s (00 971 2 666 6888)

simply brilliant Chamas, a Brazilian Churrascaria.Day 6

Day 7

Day 4

Day 5

Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, a nature reserve where your kids will come face to face with white lions and tigers’

Take a day trip to Fujairah, on the UAE’s east coast, and go

canyoning in Wadi Wurrayah. Hire a guide to show your family

the best and most entertaining route (try www.adventure.

ae). Water levels in the wadi will vary depending on the time

of year but if there has been recent rainfall, your kids will love

wading waist-deep through pools. Don’t leave Fujairah without

snorkelling by Snoopy Rock – it’s simply excellent.

Make your last day a sporting one. Start off with an

early round at Al Badia Golf Club (www.albadiagolfclub.

ae), a magnificent course by the Creek. And then drive

down Sheikh Zayed Road to Yas Marina Circuit (www.

yasmarinacircuit.com), where you can swap your car for

an Aston Martin GT4 (sadly, it’s not a permanent trade),

and enjoy a hair-raising spin around the awesome F1 track

here. End with a fantastic family meal at Stills in Crowne

Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (971 2 656 3000).

Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (www.awpr.ae), a nature

reserve where your kids will come face to face with indigenous

species from across the Gulf as well as animals from further

afield, including white lions and tigers. And while you’re in Al

Ain, don’t miss a trip to Hili Fun City, a heritage-focused theme

park with a carnival atmosphere where your kids will race

around enjoying the rollercoaster, laser dome and fairground-

style rides.

Best for

adults

23


22

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

The UAEStart your family trip off with a bird’s eye view of

the country, courtesy of a fun and fascinating hot

air balloon ride. You and your kids will be collected

from your city base by Balloon Adventures (www.

ballooning.ae) and taken into the desert first thing in

the morning, before sunrise. As you rise into the air

the astounding beauty of the surroundings will take

your breath away as your kids compete to spot the

camels and gazelles that leap about the terracotta

dunes. In the afternoon, head to a Dubai beach – there

are numerous excellent beach clubs which are geared

up to cater for families, and where you’ll find great

watersports. Your kids will get involved with banana-

boating, kayaking and more while you soak up the

sunshine with a nice cold drink at your side...


‘Don’t leave Fujairah without snorkelling by Snoopy Rock - it’s simply excellent’

As well as the myriad beaches on the tranquil coastline, there are two fantastic

water parks in Dubai. Aquaventure is best for older kids, with a near-vertical slide

which plunges through a shark-infested lagoon, while Wild Wadi offers plenty for

tots and teens. If snow’s your family’s bag, head to Ski Dubai (www.skidxb.com),

which boasts the world’s first indoor black run as well as tobogganing. Finish

the day with dinner at the Crowne Plaza Dubai (00 971 4 331 1111). If you’re in the

mood for fun, book a seat at the teppanyaki table in Sakura and watch the chefs

cook up a storm. The food here is excellent.

As you’re surrounded by sea, take the chance to get your

family out onto the ocean and survey the City of Gold from the

luxury of a yacht: there are plenty of operators who’ll take you

out to sea, but we can recommend Dusail (www.dusail.com),

a husband-and-wife venture with just a few immaculate boats.

They set off from Dubai Marina and take visitors on a tour

around the Palm Jumeirah, and the other manmade islands

that dot the ocean close to shore. You’ll have an exhilarating,

splash-happy trip which your children will adore.

22


23

In the morning, take your family out to explore Abu Dhabi’s

natural side from the perspective of a kayak. The land

surrounding the UAE capital is riddled with mangroves which

play host to crabs, fish and birds, and Noukhada Adventure

Company (www.noukhada.ae) will take you out on a fun

guided tour as well as loaning fishing equipment if you want

to land some dinner. In the afternoon, it’s time for a round of

golf at the wonderful Abu Dhabi Golf Club, before a family

dinner at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s (00 971 2 666 6888)

simply brilliant Chamas, a Brazilian Churrascaria.Day 6

Day 7

Day 4

Day 5

Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, a nature reserve where your kids will come face to face with white lions and tigers’

Take a day trip to Fujairah, on the UAE’s east coast, and go

canyoning in Wadi Wurrayah. Hire a guide to show your family

the best and most entertaining route (try www.adventure.

ae). Water levels in the wadi will vary depending on the time

of year but if there has been recent rainfall, your kids will love

wading waist-deep through pools. Don’t leave Fujairah without

snorkelling by Snoopy Rock – it’s simply excellent.

Make your last day a sporting one. Start off with an

early round at Al Badia Golf Club (www.albadiagolfclub.

ae), a magnificent course by the Creek. And then drive

down Sheikh Zayed Road to Yas Marina Circuit (www.

yasmarinacircuit.com), where you can swap your car for

an Aston Martin GT4 (sadly, it’s not a permanent trade),

and enjoy a hair-raising spin around the awesome F1 track

here. End with a fantastic family meal at Stills in Crowne

Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (971 2 656 3000).

Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (www.awpr.ae), a nature

reserve where your kids will come face to face with indigenous

species from across the Gulf as well as animals from further

afield, including white lions and tigers. And while you’re in Al

Ain, don’t miss a trip to Hili Fun City, a heritage-focused theme

park with a carnival atmosphere where your kids will race

around enjoying the rollercoaster, laser dome and fairground-

style rides.

Best for

adults

23


Untitled-11 1 3/28/2011 5:34:29 PM

24

Bahrain (80000 880)Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Egypt (0800 44 333 220)InterContinental Abu Soma ResortInterContinental Cairo Citystars InterContinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort InterContinental Taba Heights ResortSemiramis InterContinental Cairo Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port Ghalib ResortCrowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port Ghalib ResortHoliday Inn Citystars Cairo

Jordan (0800 22 666)InterContinental Aqaba Resort InterContinental Jordan Crowne Plaza Resort PetraCrowne Plaza AmmanHoliday Inn Amman Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, Jordan

KEnya (0800 999 136)InterContinental Nairobi

KUWait (2473 2100 Ext. 6233)Crowne Plaza KuwaitHoliday Inn Downtown Kuwait Holiday Inn Kuwait

LEBanon (01) 426 801 aSK at&t opErator to ConnECt (866 866 7556)Le Vendòme InterContinental BeirutInterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort & Spa Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut

Crowne Plaza BeirutHoliday Inn - Dunes

MaUritiUS (0800 999 136)InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balacalava Fort

oMan (0800 97 1234) InterContinental Muscat Crowne Plaza MuscatCrowne Plaza Sohar Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah

Qatar (00800 97 1234)InterContinental Doha

SaUdi araBia (800 89 71 456)Al Ahsa InterContinental Dar Al Hijra InterContinental MadinahDar Al Iman InterContinental MadinahInterContinental Al Jubail InterContinental Al Khobar InterContinental Jeddah InterContinental Riyadh InterContinental Taif Crowne Plaza JeddahHoliday Inn Minhal Riyadh Holiday Inn NajranHoliday Inn Olaya Riyadh Holiday Inn Yanbu Holiday Inn Hafr Al BatinHoliday Inn Riyadh-Izdihar Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Qasr Holiday Inn Al KhobarHoliday Inn Resort Half Moon BayHoliday Inn Jeddah-Al Salam Holiday Inn Al Khobar – Corniche

UaE (800 4642)InterContinental Abu Dhabi InterContinental

Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza DubaiCrowne Plaza Abu DhabiCrowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha Holiday Inn Downtown DubaiHoliday Inn Sharjah Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park Holiday Inn Express Dubai-Jumeirah

ZaMBia (0800 999 136) InterContinental Lusaka

Choose your hotel...

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Untitled-11 1 3/28/2011 5:34:29 PM

A Very Suite Offer frOm interCOntinentAl Abu DhAbi.

Get a lot more out of your next trip to Abu Dhabi with our exclusive Suite Promotion for GCC residents and citizens. For every night you book a suite, you will also be given a complimentary deluxe connecting room for the same night. You will also receive a voucher worth AED 200 to spend at nearby Marina Mall including free transportation in our shuttle bus!

Offer valid till 31st October 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

In over 170 locations across the globe including Cairo • aMMaN • Beirut • DuBai

For further information and bookings please contact your travel agent or the hotel directly at intercontinentalabudhabi.com, or call +971 2 6666888

Untitled-2 1 4/27/2011 11:00:14 AM

IHG Holidays_Apr'11

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