IHG Eid Breaks 2011 1
2 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
where to go With special offers on hotel rooms and an abundance of exciting ideas for where to spend Eid al-Adha, now is the time to book that much needed break with InterContinental Hotel Group.
2 Bahrain History, wildlife and family fun. 3 Egypt Breathtaking historical treasures and rich culture. 6 Jordan Stunning historical monuments and natural charms. 9 Kenya Traditional markets, national parks and natural wonders. 10 Kuwait Designer shopping and old-style souks. 11 Lebanon Nightlife, beaches and incredible ancient sites. 14 Mauritius Sand, sea and al fresco adventures. 15 Oman Natural wonders and outdoor activities aplenty.
The occasion of Eid al-Adha is very much a time for family and friends to enjoy together. At IHG, we know the true value of family life and how precious your shared moments are, so we have devised hotel packages that provide the perfect reason for you to head off together on a journey of discovery over Eid al-Adha, from which you’ll form life-long memories. Over the course of this guide we’ll take you through myriad travel ideas, from finally seeing some of the world’s must-see sights in Egypt, to taking that trip to Lebanon you’ve planned but always put off, and from diving in The Red Sea to driving through wildlife’s Big Five in South Africa. The choice is yours. We simply wish you a very happy Eid al-Adha and the trip of your dreams. Enjoy.
17 Qatar Art, culture and tradition. 18 Saudi Arabia Amazing watersports, unique experiences. 20 South Africa Stunning scenery, wildlife and entertainment aplenty. 21 The UAE Shopping, waterparks and exceptional dining. 24 Where to Stay Fantastic hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 1
Bahrain What to See
To get a sense of how much Bahrain has grown, take a trip to the country’s National Museum in Manama. It’s stocked with a great number of exhibits and artifacts drawn from over six millennia of history – among them a burial mound discovered in the nearby desert that dates to 2800BC. And if a morning’s browsing there awakens the historian in you, be sure to check out some of the country’s still-standing structures from centuries past. Sar City Archeological Site offers a fascinating glimpse of a rediscovered ancient city, whose crumbling stone walls date back to 2300BC. Meanwhile Arad Fort – which was used to fend off foreign invaders – has been lovingly restored to resemble the fortified castle it was in the 15th century. At night it’s illuminated, which makes for a fine sight. Another of Bahrain’s historic attractions well worth capturing on camera is the Tree of Life. It stands alone, green and nourished amid a sea of sand and to this day its source of water remains a mystery. While over in Al Areen you can visit
Inset: Bahrain World Trade Centre.
the excellent Al Areen Nature Reserve, which is home to a varied selection of rare and endangered birds and mammals native to Arabia, among them the once near extinct Arabian Oryx.
What To Do
If you want some adrenalinfuelled family fun, head to The Lost Paradise of Dilmun, a fantastic waterpark that houses myriad slides and aqua rides. It’s good for both young and old, with a stretch of beach that’s perfect for relaxing on and a Kids’ Rain Fortress and Tiny Tots Pool that caters for youngsters aged three and above. It’s also open 10am-9pm over the Eid holiday – ample time in which to tire out the toddlers. Go-karting is another surefire way to entertain
all the family and at Rally World – one of a number of go-kart centres in the Kingdom: Gulf Speed One is equally good – there are karts sized to accommodate all ages. If you’re after more leisurely paced pursuits, there’s a superb Colin Montgomerie-designed golf course at the Royal Golf Club, where anyone holding an official handicap is welcome to play. If you’re still a novice swinger, though, you can try your hand at the 9-hole Academy Course. What to Know Bahrain is famous for its pearls and you can have a go at finding one of your own by enjoying an organised dive with a company like Scuba Master (scubamaster.w).
Eid at InterContinental Regency bahrain
Inset: Arad Fort
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Stay here for the first three days of Eid al-Adha and you can enjoy the comforts of any Standard Single or Double Room at a rate starting from only $160, (subject to 15% Service Charge + 5% Government tax).
egypt
Inset: Giza Pyramids.
What to See
Any visit to Egypt must take in the architectural wonders of its past and in Cairo that means the magnificent Giza Pyramids, the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World. Rising out of the desert, their fascinating form is a sight that whisks onlookers back some 4,000 years – so don’t forget your camera. To further immerse yourself in the country’s rich history, make straight for the heart of Cairo and The Egyptian Museum, home to ancient royal mummies that are sure to amaze adults and little ones alike. And with 120,000 other exhibits under one roof, you can practically while away an entire day in this one venue. If you crave a spot of fresh air, though, make for the Citadel
‘For sightseeing of a different kind, ask your concierge to arrange a short cruise to Pharaoh’s Island’ where you can not only behold this ancient fortress (it dates back to the 1100s) but rolling panoramas of the city itself – trust us, it’s well worth pondering. Art-lovers, meanwhile, should cross the road from the Cairo Opera House to peruse a simply vast collection of 20th and 21st century homegrown art in the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art. With so much to see, the jewel in the museum’s crown is thankfully
placed on the ground floor: the Bride of the Nile, a spellbinding deco bronze sculpture by Mahmoud Mukhtar. For sightseeing of a different kind, ask your concierge to arrange a short cruise to Pharaoh’s Island. Here you’ll stop-and-stare at the island’s enchanting 12th century fortress and find a site rich in historic tales. Our advice? Employ a guide (they’re in plentiful supply here) and you won’t miss a detail. If your camera’s not yet full, the Coloured Canyon is an unmissable sight. Here you’ll discover an alien-like landscape where rock formations of rust-orange and pink-tinged hues snake across the land, creating an unusual path and natural arches for a truly unique afternoon walk. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 3
If you’re after yet more desertbased pictures, make a beeline for the Sahara’s Western Desert where you can pad over stretches of golden sands to see and snap mesmerising oases. Siwa is one of four to tick off your photo checklist – a long, fertile stretch that’s interrupted only by mineral springs, still salty lakes and ripe olive and date trees. The other best sights include Baharia (best reached by road), Dakhla (surprisingly lush and green) and Farafra (both secluded and serene).
What to Do
Egypt’s Red Sea is something of a legend among divers and snorkellers who flock to its transparent waters in search of world-class beneath-the-sea adventure. Take the plunge and you’ll flap your flippers among flurries of exotic fish, gentle turtles and – if you’re lucky – playful dolphins. What’s more,
Inset: White Desert.
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Inset: Siwa Oasis.
‘Egypt’s Red Sea is something of a legend among divers and snorkellers’ PADI diving lessons are available for beginners so you can master the art of breathing underwater with a professional before the off. And, when you’re done, there are fine, cotton-white sands for sunworshippers to recline on. If you prefer your sports to take place on dry land, why not try
your hand at sand-boarding? This is an activity best experienced on the sky-skimming dunes of the Western Desert (at up to 300metres in height, the dunes here are some of the largest on the planet), where you’ll take an exhilarating ride down the multiple sandy banks. But be warned: decked out in sandboots, you’ll need plenty of energy to scale the top, though the sheer rush that follows makes the effort well worth it. For a more gentle family day out, go to Wadi Gemal nature reserve (its location is ideal for those staying at InterContinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort) and get up close to its resident dolphins and see the likes of gazelles and ibexes roaming the grounds. But if you have kids with energy to burn, you’ll do well to visit Crazy Water (not far from the Giza pyramids), an aquatic park where the kids can let off steam by shooting down flumes and splashing in a rippling wave pool before drying off with a spell in its play area where sand, slides and tunnels provide ample amusement. In the mood to shop? There’s no better place to do just that
Inset:; The Red Sea.
Inset: InterContinental Cairo Citystars
Eid at InterContinental Cairo Citystars & Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars
Stay seven nights and pay for only five when you book the ‘best flex rate’ available at both of these great hotels. This offer subject to availability, is valid between the 4th-12th November, and includes buffet breakfast and free passes for children to Magic Galaxy & eZone.
than the headturning Khan AliKalili. This mammoth open-air market is a virtual treasure trove of goodies (ideal if you want to snap up souvenirs to take back to loved-ones at home), as well as irresistible jewellery and aromatic, multi-hued spices. If boutiques are more your bag, though, pay a visit to The Stars Centre where no less than 600 shops will pull at your purse strings. After shopping, snorkelling, sandboarding and shooting down flumes, you’ll no doubt be in need of activities of a more pampering kind. The InterContinental Abu Soma Resort in Hurghada (00 20 65 326 0700) is just the place to lay back, relax and rejuvenate. Dip your loins in its huge swimming pool (complete with cave-like shelters kids will love) before reclining on comfy loungers and admiring your surrounds: realms of palm trees sway in the breeze while the Red Sea unravels before you and the sun beats down on your skin. Blissful. And if that isn’t enough to make you feel like you’re on holiday, a stroll down to the hotel’s private sandy beach, or a luxurious treatment in its standout spa is sure to do the trick.
What to Know
Haggling is an age-old tradition in Egypt’s markets, so engage in it even if you are happy to pay full price. Here the cost of almost everything you see is open to negotiation so ask the vendor for his price, (often double what he would actually accept), and start by offering around half the amount you are prepared to pay. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 5
Jordan
Inset: Wadi Rum.
What to See
Make like Indian Jones and head straight for stunning Petra. This valley was once a significant trade route between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba and Leuce. Sheltered by stone, the ancient Bedouin tribes settled here and guarded the passageway, demanding tolls from anyone who wished to pass. The fierce traders built up the area over the years and carved a spectacular labyrinth of households into the rock faces, some of which date back to 100BC and come complete with doorways, bedrooms and windows. These incredible structures were only discovered by the western world in 1812 and remain intact to this day. On a visit here you’ll be awestruck by the soaring Roman 6 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
Treasury, a legacy from the Roman invasion, which appears from inbetween the snaking rocks. The spot is vast so do bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes or spend your money on a camel, horse and cart or horseback ride from one of the Bedouins trading in the area. Another geographical site to behold is the nearby Wadi Rum, where vast sandstone and granite ridges soar above the desert sands creating incredible shapes due to years of erosion from desert springs. The legend has it that this is the spot where Laurence of Arabia once hid and stored his weapons. Here you’ll also find ancient inscriptions, a Nabatean Temple, plus a pictureperfect view of the sun setting beyond. If you’ve still got energy
left, take the kids over to the Red Sand Dunes where they can roll and tumble down its steep face to their hearts’ content. Venture to Jerash (about 50 minutes’ drive from Amman) for the ancient citadel. Here you can enjoy an injection of history while perusing one of the most well maintained Roman sites outside of Italy. It includes the Corinthian Column, Hadrian’s Arch, two large temples, an oval Forum, a long colonnaded street, two amphitheatres, baths and a hippodrome (where they hold real live chariot races, jerashchariots.com), all of which are contained in the city’s ruined walls. While meandering around the 6,500-year-old site you may look twice at toga-clad men (employed to heighten the
Inset: Roman Treasury. Right, top to bottom: Citadel; Hadrian’s Arch.
atmosphere) wander among the ruins and mingle with the tourists. North of Amman you can’t fail to be struck by the abundant greenery in the Ajlun Nature Reserve. Its Mediterranean-like terrain is peppered with oak, pine, pistachio and ripe, wild strawberry trees.
What to Do
Jordan’s larger cities are simply full of Middle Eastern charm, character and jovial locals who’ll say ‘welcome to Jordan’ to the foreigners they pass. Amman, Jordan’s capital, offers dozens of outdoor souks and street stalls in the central downtown area selling everything from traditional garb, to freshly mixed perfumes, fruit and vegetables and antiques. We recommend heading to
‘Any trip to Jordan is incomplete without an obligatory float in the Dead Sea’ Souk Ayyadi’s showroom for beautifully handmade crafts such as embroideries, ceramics, boxes and baskets (find it at Mecca Mall). Also pay a visit to Aqaba’s Green Creations on Al Nahda Street, which has amazing glass jewellery collections inspired and collected by the Red Sea (funds raised go to supporting local women in poverty, greencreationsjo.com). If you’re a fan of cars you should definitely make time for the Royal Automobile Museum in Amman (royalautomuseum.jo).
It’s home to a fleet of stunning vehicles cars owned by the past and present members of Jordan’s royal family. While in Amman, make for Rainbow Street and you’ll find a road lined with bohemian art galleries and shisha cafes. It’s an area which positively buzzes of an evening, when amateur musicians often perform. Any trip to Jordan is of course incomplete without an obligatory float in the Dead Sea. Thought to have healing abilities, due to its high concentration of salt IHG Eid Breaks 2011 7
and minerals, water from the Dead Sea has been collected by thousands of beauty companies across the globe and added to their ointments, while millions of tourists flock here to experience near weightlessness in the water. It must be tried for a laugh-aminute experience your kids will love, as they watch you bobbing about with your feet in the air (just don’t open your eyes in the water or they’ll be stinging for hours). Aqua enthusiasts will also love Jordan’s dive sites, the best of which is in Aqaba, where you’ll spot dozens of marine species in what’s a truly well-preserved site. Other water sports to enjoy while you’re there include snorkelling, or a relaxing sunset cruise in a glass-bottom boat clear enough to count the schools of fish and the sealife below. For on-land thrills, contact the Tropical Desert climbing group (tropicaldeserttrips.com) who claim they can teach you the ‘ropes’ in a matter of days by putting you through your paces on artificial walls.
Eid at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, Jordan Base yourself beside the Dead Sea in a Single or Double room from only $196+ per night. This rate includes buffet breakfast and is available from November 4-12, subject to availability
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Pool
By now you’ll surely be hungry, and a great place to sample tangy tagine and crisp salads is Reem Al Balwadi restaurant at Tlaa al-Ali Jubilee Gardens. Although if you’ve built up an appetite fit for a fabulous steak, try Below 393 at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea. The meat here comes seared to tender perfection.
What to know
Above, top to bottom: Jerash; Salt formations in Dead Sea.
In certain touristy areas, such as Petra, visitors may experience a hard sell from locals trying to part with everything from charm bracelets to postcards and horse rides. The heat and hassle may leave you flustered but don’t fret – they’ll leave without a sale if you stick to your guns. Jordan is very much a bargaining culture, so if you’re not happy with the price offered, then it’s definitely acceptable to negotiate. The only real rule of bartering is that if they come down to your price you must agree to the sale, so start low and avoid getting tricked into paying more than you really want to.
Kenya sea of hot pink in the form of elegant flamingos which ring the lake in their thousands.
What to do
Inset: Langata Giraffe Centre. Below: Masai Mara tribe.
What to see
Drink-in some of Kenya’s most amazing vistas by heading out of Nairobi and towards Naivasha. You simply won’t want to miss the awesome Great Rift Valley where two-kilometre high walls plummet to the valley floor. Breathtaking. If it’s local culture you want to witness firsthand, make for Ngomongo Villages (ngomongo.com) where you’ll see homesteads typical of nine different rural tribes on display, providing an insight into everything from the food they eat, to the animals they keep (look out for crocodiles!) and the crops they grow. But if you do one thing, make it a trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve (maasaimara.com) to see the country’s spellbinding wildlife,
from big cats like the powerful lion to quick hyenas, beautiful zebras and the mighty elephant. You can even choose to float over the park in a hot air balloon and watch them roam below. Another awesome sight can be seen at Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya’s second most visited) where you’ll find a virtual
Nairobi’s magical Langata Giraffe Centre (giraffecenter.org) can’t fail to delight tourists of every age. Here you can pat and feed the neck-craning Rothschild giants who meander quietly around the sanctuary in almost mythical form. Delve further into the Kenyan wilderness with a trek on Mount Kenya where glacial ridges provide a truly unique landscape on which to tread. Professional tour companies can arrange easy or challenging climbs to suit your skillset. Alternatively, make for Watamu Marine National Park (watamu.net) in Malindi. Perched on the Indian Ocean coast, its coral gardens precede a shore ripe for snorkellers where you’ll submerge to find over 600 species of fish. Back on dry land, put your haggling hat on and peruse 150 stores at Nairobi’s Village Market. For souvenirs, there’s no better time to visit than Fridays, when an open-air Masai market, chockfull of arts and crafts made by local tribes people is in full bloom.
What to know
Unsure what to pack? Those heading on safari are advised to bring clothing of neutral tones and avoid white, bright or vividly patterned garments – which attract animals’ attention. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 9
Kuwait ‘With its 360 degree rotating platform, you won’t have to make any awkward maneuvers to get the best snapshots’
Inste: Viewing Spheres.
What to see
View the cityscape from the Viewing Sphere in Sharq’s iconic Kuwait Towers (kuwaittowers. com) where, from 400-feethigh, panoramas literally stretch before your eyes. What’s more, with the Towers’ 360 degree rotating platform, you won’t have to make any awkward maneuvers to get the best snapshots. Another sight to behold is the Grand Mosque – the largest of the city’s 800 mosques. It cost KD14million to construct, can accommodate some 5,000
worshippers in its main hall and bestows a 74-metre high minaret to make your neck crane. Family in tow? There are few more smile-inducing sights than the Scientific Centre (tsck.org. kw). From its sail-shaped façade to the sea life inside, it’s well worth a look – you definitely won’t want to miss its captivating shark-feeding sessions.
What to do
In the city, few fashion followers will be able to resist the plethora of glamorous shopping malls
Eid at Holiday Inn Kuwait Downtown
where you can browse goods to tickle every fancy. From the Marina Mall and the Souk Sharq (both on the Gulf Road) to Kuwait’s biggest mall of all – The Avenues (the-avenues. com) – there’s plenty of places to welcome your credit card. For a more active excursion, head to the desert and indulge in all manner of sand-based pursuits (try nuzahatours.com), from zipping along in 4x4s or dune-buggies to an amble ride atop a horse or camel. Such organised excursions end with a barbecue under a star-lit sky. You can cool off at Kuwait City’s Ice Skating Rink. where you can put blades to ice and glide across an Olympic-sized stadium that’s home to the official Kuwaiti Falcons ice hockey team.
What to know
Kuwaiti cuisine is a fusion of Indian, Persian, Mediterranean and Najdi cuisine, with the national dish being ‘machboos’ – mutton, or often chicken, placed over an expanse of hot and flavoursome rice.
Take advantage of the special room rate of just $142+ for any stay from November 4-11. This rate is subject to availability at time of booking.
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Lebanon
Inset: Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut.
What to see
Ancient sights are plentiful in Lebanon and the city of Baalbeck – also known as Sun City – is one the most important Roman sites the Middle East, making it an impressive spot to start your cultural journey. Here you can absorb extravagant temples and colossal columns – while little ones can race around monuments that look as though they were plucked straight from a fairytale. An equally beautiful sight to behold is Jeita Grotto (jeitagrotto. com). You’ll need to travel 15 miles outside of Beirut to reach them, but the cab fare is well worth it: extraordinary
stalactites and stalagmites create a honeycomb-like network of caves and you can penetrate the heart of the grotto’s two main connecting limestone caves by hopping aboard a toy-like train – which should amuse any younger members of your party. While you’re outside Beirut, take a cruise along the coastline to Byblos. Dating back some 7,000 years, it’s said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet. Today you can spend an idle afternoon marvelling at its miraculously intact remains and walk around the Crusader Castle (built by crusaders in the 12th century),
‘Ancient sights are plentiful in Lebanon and the city of Baalbeck is one the most important Roman sites in the Middle East’
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Inset: Pigeon Rock.
Inset: Mosque.
or even head to the top and make like the king or queen of the roost. If you’re not worn out from all that sightseeing, there are yet more Roman ruins to behold at Tyre (so precious it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site) where mosaic-lined streets form the prettiest of paths to history. Most notable is a Roman hippodrome, where you can sit and try to imagine its original scene as a setting for Roman chariot racing, watched by some 20,000 ecstatic spectators. To get off the beaten track, the Sursock Museum is a fabulous sight to behold – particularly as night falls and it’s vibrant stained glass windows are illuminated in all their refined glory. Once owned by one of Lebanon’s most 12 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
‘Dating back some 7,000 years, Byblos is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet’ esteemed dynasties, the Sursock family, its Lebanese-Italian architecture is truly magnificent. Step inside and you’ll find equally grandiose designs, from marble floors to Oriental-style rooms and sparkling Turkish silver. When you leave, be sure to take a turn around the neighbourhood – the museum takes pride of place amid Ottoman and French Mandate era mansions which
makes for a charming end to the day.
What to do
Start off in the capital Beirut, where there’s an abundance of activities at your fingertips. Its neighbourhoods alone make for interesting and atmospheric walks, so take a camera and spend a morning exploring the areas of Verdun, Hamra and Achrafieh. For French architecture, make for the Downtown area where picturesque 19th centurystyle buildings can be found punctuated with boutiques and bigger brand name stores. While you’re there make time to stop off on Maarad Street; lined with vibrant street side cafes it’s an
atmospheric setting in which to break for a bite and sit back and admire the locals. If it’s beach-time you crave, you’re in luck in Lebanon. To lay your towels on the country’s finest sands, head out of the city and take off along the coastline where you’ll discover hidden gems. Damour is simply beautiful: banana groves stand ripe and bold and lead you down toward the glistening sea where you can seek cool retreat from the country’s excellent (but at times hot) weather. What’s more, there are plenty of shoreside eateries where you can feed your appetite on authentic, traditional fare. Those keen to stay beside the sea should head back to the beach and learn how to dive.
Thanks to experts like Lebanon Divers (lebanondivers.com) all the family can learn the tricks of the trade in preparation for awesome shipwrecks which lay untouched off the Beirut coast. Delve beneath the sea’s surface and you’ll discover another (underwater) world, where ancient Roman ruins, submarines and flagships lay deserted on the ocean bed. When the day’s over, seek sustenance in nearby Pigeon Rocks (you’ll find it in the Rawcheh district) and sup a hot beverage or bite as you reflect on the rippling waters before you. Trade the beach for Lebanon’s greener side; rolling countryside. Here you can turn your hand at all manner of action-packed activities in the open air. Guide to
Lebanon (guidetolebanon.com) can arrange off-road expeditions in All Terrain Vehicles for the adventurers among you, while wannabe pilots can soar across the country in a biplane. But one of the most exhilarating ways to spend an afternoon has to be rafting down the Orontes river. Head from Beirut to Hermel and up to six of you can don life jackets and helmets before going head-to-head with rapids and whirring waterfalls – and get thoroughly drenched in the process. (It’s very good fun, too.) The less adventurous, meanwhile, can enjoy skimming along the waters when the pace slows down and drink-in the idyllic countryside which passes you by. If your kids want yet more water-based fun, a trip to Waves Aqua Park (find it in Mar Roukoz, wavespark.net) is sure to satisfy their lust for laughs. A wave pool will take them on a sea-like ride, flumes provide fast-paced fun – try racing one another on the four-lane racing slide – while the lazy river is the way to wind down after all that water-fuelled excitement.
What to know
When flagging down a street taxi, be sure to negotiate a fixed price before your journey begins, as this will help avoid an argument on arrival at your destination. You can spot official town taxis by their red license plates (which also have an official tariff) but bear in mind that you’ll pay a surcharge after 10pm. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 13
mauritius
Inset: Beach. Below: Chamarel Waterfall.
What to See
The beautiful island of Mauritius is a fantastic place to head if you love the great outdoors. To see it in all its glory, take a helicopter tour through Air Mauritius (airmauritius.com), which whizzes you over the lush terrain, powder-white sands and crystal clear waters below. Mauritius is a relatively small island so the tour can take as little as 15 minutes to complete, while there’s room onboard for four people. If you’d rather see the island’s attractions up close, your hotel concierge will be able to arrange a trip with a local tour operator, who’ll show you the likes of geological wonder Earth of Chamarel. Here, volcanic rock has eroded and weathered over the millennia, producing an amazing array of multi-hued sands. While in this area you’ll also get to see the Chamarel waterfall, which drops some 83 meters. 14 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden – more commonly referred to by locals as Pamplemousses’ Garden – is a 37-acre plot that’s teaming with rolling hills, tranquil lakes and tropical plants. It’s a lovely place to stroll around and if you’re with kids they’ll simply love the deer enclosure. If you’re keen to learn of Mauritius’ past, spend a morning at L’Aventure du Sucre (The Adventure of Sugar). Mauritius was built on the sweet stuff and this museum takes you through the whole history of the island, while it also offers entertainment for little ones in the form of sugar-themed games. Though if that proves of little interest to them, they’ll certainly like the abundance of sugar-based treats on sale in the museum shop.
What To Do
There are ample outdoor
activities to enjoy in Mauritius. A good place to start is at Le Waterpark, where children of all ages are catered for. It offers chutes, a lazy river and fairground rides. Ask your concierge to arrange a boat trip and you’ll get to see wild dolphins leaping at the side of your vessel and enjoy spectacular snorkelling and diving opportunities. While if you’d rather stay on dry land, check out the surrounding jungle terrain on the back of a horse or from the seat of a quad bike. In fact, if the thrill of quad biking is more your thing, you may also dare to hang from the zip lines – two-kilometre-long cables that straddle the jungle in the south of the island from 30 metres high.
What to Know
Mauritius is home to the world’s second oldest race course and you can book what’s a fantastic day at the races through your hotel concierge.
Inset: InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort.
oman
Inset: Oasis.
What to See
Start by soaking up some Middle Eastern charm in Oman’s captivating capital of Muscat. Must-see sights of interest include the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which contains the second largest hand woven carpet in the world and is encased by distinctive domed architecture. After a cultural fix, awaken your other senses with vibrant colours and smells at the renowned Muttrah Souk where perfumers sell mixtures of lotions and potions such as Frankincense from traditional open sacks.
In fact, the markets present virtual treasure troves of unique pieces of hand-carved furniture or silver and gold jewellery, so rummage hard and you could take home something priceless. Just outside of Muscat – an hour from the centre – lays Nizwa Fort. This historic structure was erected over 500 years ago to guard the coast from invaders and is a fascinating example of architecture from that period. Along the coast, the pretty Musandam peninsular offers hop-aboard authentic dhow trips where passengers can spot wild
dolphins leaping, turtles coming to the surface for air and a variety of tropical fish. Take a dhow trip in the south of the country and you can also go island hopping. Stop off at Masirah Island for awe-inspiring sand dunes and various species of turtles, who lay their eggs on the beach, or the Daymaniyat Islands – 16 kilometres off the Batinah coast – which offer bio-treasures and a huge variety of bird life.
What to Do
If you’re staying in the south of Oman and looking for adventure,
Eid at crowne plaza muscat
Book to stay in a Standard City View Room and you’ll enjoy the special rate of $208 per night. This price is subject to availability and any applicable taxes. Offer is valid from November 6-12.
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‘The brand new Royal Opera House, Muscat, is currently the talk of the town. It shows ballets, concerts and opera’ head for Snake Canyon for an adrenalin-fuelled tightrope walk across high wires set 100 feet from the ground. Other outdoor pursuits to enjoy in this area include quad-biking, sandboarding, offshore sailing, mountain biking through what’s rugged countryside or catching uncrowded waves during a surfing session. Canyoning, freshwater swimming and hiking, which can be done at a level to suit your ability and fitness, are also good fun and a great way to enjoy your surrounds. If you’re looking for some family fun in Muscat, why not try your hand at paintballing? Visit Xtreme Sports and you’ll get to shoot your way around a state-of-the-art paintball course. Younger children, meanwhile, will love the eerie Al Hoota Cave; based at the base of Jabal Shams, it’s also the highest point in the whole of Eastern Arabia. It’s a spectacular natural attraction – one of the world’s largest cave systems – which you can explore on foot along well-lit pathways, seeing huge stalactites and stalagmites as you pass on through. Another activity that you’re bound to enjoy in Oman is diving, and enthusiasts flock here from year to year to spy incredible marine life. Friendly white tip 16 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
Inset: Crowne Plaza Muscat.
reef sharks, whale sharks and pilot whales are often spotted off of the coast. Ask your hotel concierge for details of diving excursions or visit omandiving. com for further details. After a day of excitement wind down with a feast of Persian treats at Shiraz restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Muscat (00 968 2466 0660). Here you can indulge in tasty, traditional food on an idyllic al fresco terrace surrounded by date palms and colourful parrots. But, the recently opened Royal Opera House, Muscat, is still the talk of the town. Well worth a visit for the iconic fortress–like building alone, it shows elegant ballets, music
concerts and, of course, operas. Upcoming performers include Placido Domingo, Franco Zeffirelli, Reneee Fleming, Yo-yo Ma, Wynton Marsallis and the American Ballet Theatre.
What to Know
The easiest way to see Oman’s geographical wonders and desert nature (including foxes, gazelles, Arabian leopards and oryxs) is by car. You can rent vehicles at great prices so opt for a 4x4 (so you don’t get caught in the sand) then set off on a journey of discovery, snaking through mountains and along Oman’s picturesque coastline. Omancar. net can arrange to deliver cars to your preferred location.
qatar What to Do
Inset: Doha’a corniche.
What to See
Doha’s Corniche is incredibly atmospheric in the morning time and an idyllic spot for a stroll. Do so and you’ll eventually arrive at a dhow port (by the Balhambar building) where you can catch a scenic ride across the bay. Next, make a trip with your family to see Qatar’s national animal, the Arabian oryx. These desert creatures were once on the verge of extinction but due to the repopulation schemes and conservation initiatives of international wildlife federations the oryx now has a healthy population in the region. Net Tours (nettours.com.qa) organises trips to an animal sanctuary where you can see the oryx and
learn about flora and fauna native to Doha. The same trip will also drop in at a nearby camel farm where you can see the humpbacked beasts chewing away in all their glory. Qatar is filled with outstanding natural sights, including the UNESCO world heritage site Khor el Daid, otherwise known as ‘The Inland Sea’. The same area offers other extraordinary geographic phenomenons, including gigantic sand dunes, and Gulf Adventures (gulf-adventures.com) runs tours to see all them all. It’s a particularly good area to visit at night, when you can lay out a blanket and gaze up at one of the most stunning starlit skies you’ll ever see.
A fun afternoon activity is a family jaunt to Circusland at Landmark Mall. Here your kids will be amused by fairground rides such as carousels, roundabouts and dodgems, plus a selection of arcade games. Jungle Zone, an indoor theme park close by, is another good bet to keep young ones entertained for a few hours at least. Housing some extremely rare artifacts from the Arabian world, the excellent Museum of Islamic Art (mia.org.qa) is the place to head to learn of over three centuries of Islamic culture and history. Better still is the fact that entry is completely free. Adventure seekers should hire a boat from the Regatta Sailing Academy (regattasailingacademy. com), where experienced sailors are free to take to the sea and captain their own vessel. Further adventures can be had during a spot of haggling at Souq Waqif, the perfect place for souvenirs and glittering Arabian charms or ornaments. There’s also an oriental spice market here, where powders are sold in cute boxes that make for perfect gifts.
What to Know
There are a number of great shisha cafes along Doha’s Corniche, but for somewhere unique try Al Bandar restaurant on Al Corniche Street. It’s housed in a dhow-like structure.
Eid at InterContinental doha
Book to stay here for the first three days of Eid and you can stay in a Superior Single BB from $288 or a Superior Double from $316. What’s more, add a $82 supplement to upgrade to a Club Room or $220 to upgrade to a suite. Rates subject to availability.
IHG Eid Breaks 2011 17
saudi Arabia Inset: Traditional architecture in Jeddah.
What To See
Head to Jeddah and you’ll want to survey your surroundings on foot, taking a stroll along its famous (and very long) corniche to watch daily life unfold. To see the best of it, get up with the sun – around 5am – and head to the city’s frenetic fish market, where you’ll see myriad catches from the Red Sea (hammerhead sharks included). Wherever you are stood along the corniche you’ll be able to see the world’s tallest fountain in action as it shoots water a distance of some 800 feet up in the air – it always makes a great backdrop to a photograph. Close by is the city’s Floating Mosque, one of Jeddah’s most sacred sites and so named for how it juts out from the corniche and into the 18 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
‘Jeddah has a rich history and a walk amid its coral-clad houses is a must’ sea, giving the impression that it sits atop the water. Jeddah has a rich history and a walk amid its old coralclad houses is a must. Though most standing examples of this traditional building technique have succumbed to the elements over time, the restored Naseef House, once home to a powerful trading family, remains a fantastic building. Likewise, Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilization is definitely worth making time for. It boasts close to 300 rooms
which house treasures from Saudi’s past; rare coins, artworks and Islamic manuscripts among them. Abdul Rauf Hasan Khalil Museum is another building filled with treasures well worth browsing – over 18,000 of them in fact, which help inform you of Jeddah’s past. Al Khobar’s corniche, meanwhile, is every bit as vibrant as Jeddah’s, acting as a meeting place for all ages, and if you take a drive along the King Fahd Causeway you can stop off at the tower halfway along it – the view from the top of it takes in a beautiful expanse of sea. The city is also home to the Heritage Village, which is arguably the finest traditional museum in Saudi Arabia. Here you can glean a fascinating insight into Islamic
Inset: Quad bikinng. Top: King Fahd Fountain.
history and Bedouin culture at large. It even houses artifacts that date to the Stone Age.
What to Do
You can’t come to Jeddah without taking advantage of its major natural attraction – The Red Sea. Speak to the concierge at your hotel and they’ll happily arrange a dive or snorkel. The water here is both clear and chockfull of vibrant coloured fish and coral, so be sure to pack your waterproof camera to capture memories of your underwater voyage. If you’d rather have your fun on the water, there’s a long list of watersports – which includes family activities like banana boating – that you can participate in. Again, your hotel
Inset: Crowne Grill.
will be able to help organise your activity of choice. The Al Balad area of Jeddah is home to the region’s oldest surviving souk, and it’s somewhere that you can soak up the flavour of pre-oil Saudi Arabia. This being the oldest souk its patrons are well versed in the art of haggling, so be sure to have your wits about you when you spot something you’d like to buy. If you like your shops more modern – and a lot more Rodeo Drive – then head to Tahlia Street. It offers the best retail therapy in town, with a bountiful boulevard lined with the likes of Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani. Shopping in Al Khobar means a trip to Al Rashed, the biggest mall in Saudi Arabia. But if you
want to get the best out of Al Khobar’s desert surrounds, take a quad bike out to the dunes or embark on a desert safari – both of which your hotel concierge can help organise. In Al Jubail, you’ll find a town blessed with a number of great beaches and beautifully kept parks - perfect for a family picnic over Eid. If you’re looking for somewhere special to dine in Jeddah, try the Crowne Grill at the Crowne Plaza Jeddah for all manner of grilled fish and meats - including camel and ostrich.
What to Know
If you’re holidaying in Jeddah then be sure to eat out at one of the seafood restaurants that line its corniche. Fish plucked fresh from the Red Sea is hard to beat. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 19
SOUTH AFRICA (sharkcagediving.co.za) amid great white sharks. South Africa is also home to some glorious golf courses, including Lost City – where you’ll be met by the sight of crocodiles on your approach to the 13th hole – which resides inside theme park Sun City, an activity centre filled with water rides, nightclubs, shows and spas (sun-city-south-africa.com).
What to know
Inset: Table Mountain
What to See
If you’re holidaying in Johannesburg with the family, pay a visit to Gold Reef City, which was one of the richest gold mines in the world. The sight it occupies now incorporates a theme park, so once you’ve acquired knowledge of the city’s mining past via a fascinating underground mine tour, you can enjoy myraid entertainments. There are also plenty of museums in the city well worth seeing; the Apartheid Museum being particulary poignant. Pretoria’s main attraction this time of year is its collection of verdant parks and gardens. The months of October and November are stunning times to visit as the purple jacaranda trees shed their flowers creating a bright pavement of petals. Durban, the country’s capital, is a very cosmopolitan city and you can venture through Grey Street 20 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
taking in the sights and sounds of a hybrid of Indian, Japanese, European, Middle Eastern and African influences from Mosques to markets and even an Indian business district. Cape Town is where you’ll see South Africa’s most famous sight – that of Table Mountain, so named because of its distinctive flat top. And if you want to see wildlife but won’t venture into the bush, head to Inverdoorn Game Reserve (capetownsafaris.com), just outside of Cape Town. If, however, you have time, it’s certainly well worth visiting Kruger National Park to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.
What to Do
In South Africa you can do everything and anything, from riding on the back of an Ostrich (cangoostrich.co.za) to riding on a rollercoaster (ratanga. co.za) and even cage diving
South Africa is a beautiful country which you’ll want to explore, but before doing so always seek advice from your hotel concierge about where to go, especially if you’re staying in one of the country’s big cities. If you’re planning on adding a safari to your trip, make sure to pack malaria tablets and some mosquito repellent, and remember to cover up around dusk and dawn. It’s also advisable to take some hand sanitiser to use post-game drive.
The UAE ‘A great place for kids to see wildlife is Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort. Here they’ll spy rare white lions and tigers’
Inset: Yas Marina Circuit.
What To See
The UAE is home to some of the most incredible man-made structures on earth. One of them, the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, offers At the Top, an observation platform which you’ll reach via a super-fast lift. From here you get to see the whole of Dubai below, including the other man-made structure of real note, Palm Jumeirah. If
you’d rather sightsee away from the crowds, why not take to the skies? Seawings (seawings.com) offers airborne tours of the city that last around 40 minutes and take in all of the major sights. Or if that seems far too fast a pace in which to get your bearings, you can always take the family on an exciting and fascinating balloon ride. Balloon Adventures (ballooning.ae) will take you high
into the sky and over terracotta sand dunes, from where your kids will be able to have fun picking out the desert wildlife below. Another great place for little ones to see wildlife is Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (awpr.ae). It’s home to indigenous species from the Gulf region, as well as animals drawn from further afield: the most impressive of which are undoubtedly the rare white lions and tigers. If you’d rather browse water-based creatures, visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, housed within The Dubai Mall. Here you can peer through the world’s largest viewing panel at over 33,000 aquatic creatures – the graceful stingrays included – or walk through an all-glass tunnel where you’ll come face-toface (quite literally) with sharks. If that appeals, you can also go diving in a cage that’s lowered into the tank so you can swim amongst them. Upstairs in the Underwater Zoo, you’ll get to see everything from penguins to a giant octopus and a tank full of frenzied Piranha. Plus, you can pet outsized snakes and spiders. As such, this area is simply brilliant for kids. IHG Eid Breaks 2011 21
‘Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City is quite simply the UAE’s best restaurant’ Dubai is well known for its modern marvels, but if you want a glimpse of its past then you should definitely fit in a stroll around the Bastakiya area of the city. This is old Dubai and the district has numerous examples of old-style houses replete with wind towers, while it’s also home to a great number of galleries and cafes. When down this way it’s well worth taking an abra ride down the creek, watching the produce-laden boats sail in and out as you do so. Whether you visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi or both, buying a ticket for the Big Bus city tour is a good idea as it’ll stop in on all the key attractions.
What to Do
You’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do in the UAE so it’s more a question of where to begin. We suggest making the most of the glorious November weather and taking the family to one of Dubai’s famous waterparks. Aquaventure is great for all ages but particularly for older children. Here you can shoot down a near vertical slide and on through a tunnel that’s surrounded by sharks. Over at Wild Wadi (wild-wadi. 22 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
Inset: Balloon ride. Right, clockwise from top: Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire; Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi; Palm Jumeirah.
ae) meanwhile, Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon has been designed specifically for tiny tots. It offers over 100 aqua activities, including seven slides and water guns and a huge bucket that empties its fill of water on whoever’s stood below. Parents, meanwhile, can rent out a cabana for the day which makes for a very relaxing base. If making such a splash puts you in the mood for more fastpaced fun, you should make your way to Yas Marina Circuit (yasmarinacircuit) in Abu Dhabi – home of the annual F1 Grand Prix. Here you can take a spin around the same track driven by the likes of Sebastian Vettel, and do so in an Aston Martin G4. Or if you really want the full racing driver experience, opt for a
single-seater thoroughbred racing car – it’s guaranteed to raise your hair along with your heart rate. A similar on-track experience can be had at the Dubai Autodrome (dubaiautodrome.com). The UAE is blessed with some outstanding golf courses and if you’re here over Eid the weather will be perfect for fitting in a round or two. Al Badia Golf Club (albadiagolfclub.ae) is one of the best and offers the added bonus of housing steakhouse Terra Firma in its club house – the meat it serves makes it one the finest steakhouses in the city. Another course well worth playing on in Dubai is Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (dubaigolf.com). It might be old by Dubai standards but it’s rarely been bettered. If you’re in
Abu Dhabi, the one must-play is the exceptional links course on Yas Island (yasisland.ae). Once you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, it’s time to head inside. And for family fun you should definitely head to Ski Dubai (skidxb.com). Even if you’ve never strapped on skis before, there’s a great play area for kids which they’re sure to love. All warm clothing is provided on arrival, so don’t fret if you haven’t packed anything suitable for snow. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is
now home to the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World (ferrariworldabudhabi.com) where visitors can get to ride the planet’s fastest rollercoaster. It also boasts a novel driving school for kids, at which they can get behind the wheel of a scaled-down 430 GT Spider – just try getting them back into your family saloon afterwards. Back in Dubai, youngsters will also adore the excellent KidZania, a huge edutainment centre in The Dubai Mall. It’s a real world in miniature
where kids can play at being firefighters, chefs, mechanics and more and be paid for their hard work in a currency called KidZos. Fantastic shopping is arguably Dubai’s most famous indoor attraction. The city has branches of some the world’s biggest stores – Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols – and The Dubai Mall, which has over one thousand stores that range from high-end to high street. If you’re one for a bargain, try The Outlet which you’ll find at plaza level, Jumeirah Beach Residence. It stocks past-season clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue and always has brilliant bargains. Round off any day in Dubai with a meal at Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City – quite simply the UAE’s best restaurant.
What to Know
Dubai is known as the City of Gold, but if you want to shop for it, best avoid the hustle and bustle of the city’s famous Gold Souk and head instead to the airconditioned (and purpose-built) Gold & Diamond Park, which you’ll find not far from Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road. It houses a huge number of small shops selling precious metals, stones and gems, while haggling is almost compulsory.
Eid at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Stay in a Superior Suite for $196 per night, subject to availability. Offer includes a breakfast buffet for two adults in Jing Asia restaurant. Children under 6 years of age eat for free, while those aged 6-12 years recieve a 50% discount. Rate is valid from November 5-8.
IHG Eid Breaks 2011 23
where to stay Saudi Arabia (800 89 71 456)
Inset: InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort.
Bahrain (80000 880)
Crowne Plaza Bahrain InterContinental Regency Bahrain
Egypt (0800 44 333 220)
InterContinental Abu Soma Resort InterContinental Cairo Citystars InterContinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort InterContinenta Taba Heights Resort Semiramis InterContinental Cairo Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port Ghalib Resort Crowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port Ghalib Resort Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars
Jordan (0800 22 666)
InterContinental Aqaba Resort InterContinental Jordan Crowne Plaza Resort Petra Crowne Plaza Amman Holiday Inn Amman Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, Jordan
Kenya (0800 999 136) InterContinental Nairobi 24 IHG Eid Breaks 2011
KUWAIT (2473 2100 Ext. 6233)
Crowne Plaza Kuwait Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait Holiday Inn Kuwait
Lebanon (01) 426 801 ASK AT&T OPERATOR TO CONNECT (866 866 7556)
Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut Le Vendòme InterContinental Beirut InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort & Spa Crowne Plaza Beirut Holiday Inn Dunes – Beirut
Mauritius (0800 999 136)
InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort
Oman (0800 97 1234)
InterContinental Muscat Crowne Plaza Muscat Crowne Plaza Sohar Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah
Qatar (00800 97 1234) InterContinental Doha
InterContinental Jeddah InterContinental Riyadh Al Ahsa InterContinental Dar Al Hijra InterContinental Madinah Dar Al Iman InterContinental Madinah Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental Makkah InterContinental Al Jubail InterContinental Al Khobar InterContinental Taif Crowne Plaza Jeddah Crowne Plaza Riyadh Minhal Holiday Inn Najran Holiday Inn Riyadh Olaya Holiday Inn Yanbu Holiday Inn Riyadh-Izdihar Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Qasr Holiday Inn Al Khobar Holiday Inn Resort Half Moon Bay Holiday Inn Jeddah-Al Salam Holiday Inn Al Khobar – Corniche
UAE (800 4642)
InterContinental Abu Dhabi InterContinental Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza Dubai Crowne Plaza Dubai - Deira Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha Holiday Inn Downtown Dubai Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport Holiday Inn Sharjah Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park Holiday Inn Express DubaiJumeirah
Zambia (0800 999 136) InterContinental Lusaka
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26 IHG Eid Breaks 2011