Getaway for the weekend Stay 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 reservation@cpyas.com or visit www.crowneplaza.com/abudhabi
crowneplaza.com
A B U D H A B I YA S I S L A N D
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 Bahrain Water parks and sailing. 4 Egypt Ancient wonders revealed. 7 Jordan Historical treasures abound. 11 Kenya Masai markets and hot air balloon rides. 13 Kuwait Cool souks and designerlabel shopping. 14 Lebanon Buzzing nightlife and ancient sites. 16 Mauritius Beautiful beaches, diving and golf. 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...
18 Oman Stunning natural beauty. 20 Qatar Islamic art and Oryx farms. 21 Saudi Arabia Shopping and The Red Sea. 22 The UAE Skiing, shopping and more. 24 Choose your hotel The perfect base.
Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com 1
Best for kids
Your perfect week in...
Bahrain Day 1 The 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.
Day 2
‘Spend a leisurely morning with a stroll through the traditional (and equally charming) Manama Souk.’
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
Day 3
gifts keep an eye out for authentic knick-knacks.
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 4 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 5
2
Day 6
Day 7
Start the day with an intriguing sight;
With warm Gulf waters all around
If day six didn’t wear out your
the Tree of Life. Stood in complete
it, the island of Bahrain is perhaps
newfound sea legs, why not indulge
isolation, the green, centuries-old tree
best explored by sea. Go to
in more ocean pursuits before the
has not a single living plant around it
the Bahrain Yacht Club (www.
off? At the Bahrain Yacht Club
for miles on end. After, reflect while
thebahrainyachtclub.com) and
holidayers can also undertake a PADI
laying by the Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s
partake in a family RYA Sailing
diving course but, if that doesn’t float
pool. And if you’re still not feeling
Course which will earn you basic
your boat, why not try windsurfing
relaxed make for the hotel’s health
proficiency and the ability to take to
lessons or learn how to drive a
club and recline in a bubbling Jacuzzi.
the seas with confidence.
powerboat? Fun guaranteed.
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 bookings Call: +971 (4) 305 4444 Toll free from UAE: 800 4642 Email: reservations@cpdxb.com
www.crowneplaza.com
Your perfect week in...
Egypt
Day 1 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
Day 2
pizzas fresh from the brick oven.
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.
Day 3 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. 4
Fun for kids
Day 4 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, Arabianinspired menu suits all tastes.
‘Plunge into The Red Sea and you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white sands and vibrant coral reefs’ Day 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. 5
Day 6 To 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 80kmlong 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 7
‘Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market’
If 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.
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Your perfect week in...
Jordan
Day 1 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.
‘Amman is a city with glorious sights in the form of the Roman amphitheatre and the citadel’ Day 2 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.
Great for action
Day 3 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.
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Day 4 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.
Day 5 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.
‘Jordan’s best diving is found in Aqaba, where a well-preserved reef makes for excellent scuba action’
8
Day 6 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.
‘Petra is absolutely spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without seeing it’
Day 7 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. 9
Your perfect week in...
Kenya
Best for kids
Day 1 If 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.
‘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 2
For 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 3 Immerse 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
Day 4 For 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 stopand-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.
G ‘ o to Nairobi’s Village Market on a Friday and discover an al fresco market with arts and crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople.’
Day 5 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!
Day 6 Perhaps the best experience of all can be had at Kenya’s
Day 7
tremendous Masai Mara National Reserve. Start in the
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small hours with a hot air balloon ride over the park – the
For more wild sightings, spend an idle day in the sun at
best place from which to drink-in the expansive wilderness
Mida Creek in Watamu. The myriad mangroves which
– and then go on safari. You’ll see all manner of wildlife
surround the water are a bird-watchers paradise with eye-
at play, from ostriches and hyenas to zebras, lions and
catching breeds like the yellow-billed stork and malachite
mighty elephants. If you’re really lucky you may be privy to
kingfisher, to name just two. If you’re feeling active, make
the famous Wildebeest migration, when tens of thousands
for the mouth of the creek – a popular spot for snorkelling
charge the plain in search of water. Breathtaking.
and suba-diving – and see what lays beneath...
Your perfect week in...
Day 1
Kuwait The Rib Eye Steakhouse
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.
Day 2 Take 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.
Day 3 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 4 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.
Best for kids
Day 5 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 7 Day 6
Take a drive into the desert (ask your concierge to arrange a guide, or try tour operators www.nuzhatours.com) and
If sharks and weird and wonderful sealife appeals to
behold honey-coloured dunes as far as the eye can see. But
your kids, take them to the Scientific Centre in Salmiya
that’s far from all; the whole family can spend a fantastically
(www.tsck.org.kw). Its huge aquarium is home to a
active day of 4x4ing, buggying, camel or horse-riding and
1.5-million-litre tank filled with sea creatures, while the
sand-boarding, too. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the
shark-feeding sessions are not to be missed. IMAX
ground, hosts can also arrange a volleyball match and, to
cinema also shows kid-centric films like Under The Sea.
round it off, a barbecue dinner under the stars. 13
Your perfect week in...
Lebanon Day 1 Your 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 2 Spend 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
Best for adults
Day 4 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 JulyAugust) 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. Bhandini
‘Baalbeck is a great place to visit with kids, who can race around the movie-setlike ancient temples and monuments’ Day 5 It’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
Day 6
beautiful Damour, where the beach tapers down from banana groves to the sea. Here you’ll find
Having two extra days gives you a chance to make the most of the
multiple cafes and restaurants to retreat to
country’s myriad adventure activities with your family. Why not go
once the sun slips away for the night. Another
offroad in an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in Faraya or take a biplane over
great place is Tyre, where there are also ancient
the countryside? (Both can be arranged through www.guidetolebanon.
sites (the Roman Hippodrome is splendid) with
com). Another great option if you have teenaged children is to take
mosaic-lined streets.
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 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. 15
Best for kids
Your perfect week in...
Mauritius Day 1 Mauritius 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
‘I n the morning, take a bird’s eye view of Mauritius via a helicopter tour for up to four people’
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).
Day 2 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.
Day 3 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. 16
Gre at for natu re
Day 4 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 wellthought-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
‘Flic en Flac is arguably the best public beach on the island’
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.
Day 5 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
Day 6
fusion food at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius
With your extra two days, you’ve got the time to explore
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) in a modern space
some of the intriguing satellite islands which ring
that looks out to a beautiful beach.
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.
Day 7 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. 17
Your perfect week in...
Oman Day 1
Start 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.
‘At Snake Canyon you can tip-toe across spine-tingling high wires, suspended up to 100feet above ground-level’
Our tip? Book a table on its idyllic terrace – a truly lovely spot to while away the evening.
Day 2 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.
Day 3 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. 18
Day 4 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.
‘Oman is home to some truly breathtaking dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area’
Day 5 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
Day 6
offer fully-crewed, soft-carpeted dhows for private hire, led by professional local sailors. Be sure to snap the Musandam
Spend an entire sunlit day at sea scuba-diving or
Peninsula’s mountain ranges as you sail – arguably one of the
snorkelling. Oman is home to some truly breathtaking
finest natural sights in the Gulf.
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 7 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).
19
Your perfect week in...
Qatar Day 1
Kick 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.
Day 2
‘Qatar’s deep-sea fishing is brilliant fun and you may even hook yourself a whopper...’ Day 3
With its wide open waters Qatar presents
Make for the Museum of Islamic Art (www.mia.org.qa)
plentiful opportunities for family adventures. Hire
in Doha. Regarded as the most content-rich museum in
a boat from Regatta Sailing Academy (www.
Arabia, it makes for a seriously fascinating morning. On
regattasailingacademy.com – those in-the-know can
arrival you’ll be struck by its exterior, but its real gems can
sail it themselves or head out with an expert – and go
be seen inside; over three centuries’ of Islamic art. What’s
deep sea-fishing; it’s brilliant fun.
more, entrance is free.
Day 4 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 5
20
Day 6
Day 7
Pick up a present or two for loved-ones
Travel out of town with Gulf
Doha is home to a superb
back home with a more authentic
Adventures (www.gulf-adventures.
championship course at Doha
shopping trip at Souq Waqif. The
com) to see one of the country’s most
Golf Club (www.dohagolfclub.
market is bubbling with barters and
striking natural features, Khor el Daid
com) – home of the Qatar Masters.
you can snap up a bargain in the form
or ‘The Inland Sea’. This expanse of
What better place to spend a day
of glittering Indian or Arabian trinkets.
eerily still water is flanked by soaring
perfecting your swing? After a day
Look out for the Oriental spices, too,
sand dunes, providing a truly unique
on the course make your way to
which come in pretty presentation
spot for a picnic and an awesome
InterContinental Doha’s (00 974
boxes (great for gifts).
location to see the stars at night.
484 4444) famous Fish Market.
Your perfect week in...
Saudi Arabia Day 1 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.
Day 2 Balad Souk is the perfect place for the whole family
‘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’ Day 3
to soak-up a flavour of pre-oil Saudi Arabia. But, you’ll
Fancy a shopping spree? You’re in luck. Saudi Arabia
need to hone your haggling skills to land the best-priced
takes its shopping very seriously and, as such, it’s a
buys. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the historic
hot-bed of modern stores and stroll-worthy areas.
buildings constucted from coral – they provide a real sense
Tahlia Street, in the heart of Jeddah, offers the best
of history.
retail therapy in town with a bountiful boulevard lined with the likes of Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani.
Day 4 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, waterskiing 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.
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Unpolluted waters, exotic flurries of
Like golf? Then you’ll love to swing
Don’t waste your final day; rise and
fish and beautiful coral makes Jeddah
your way around one of the Kingdom’s
shine in the early hours (at 5am, to
a must-go destination for diving and
best courses at Durrah Golf Club,
be precise) and you can experience
snorkelling. Head to the hotel’s dive
just 40 kilometres north of Jeddah in
a great slice of daily life; the
centre where you and your family
Durrat Al Arus. The nine-hole course
morning catch auction at Jeddah’s
can get kitted out with flippers and
can prove quite a challenge whatever
frenetic fish market. There, the Red
masks before making for the ocean.
your handicap, but if you want a real
Sea’s riches are laid out for all to see
Don’t forget your underwater camera
test of your golf skills, make for the
and, on a good day, there can be up
– you’ll be able to capture fantastic
Sand and Oil course by King Abdulaziz
to 50 species, from squid and parrot
memories of your trip.
International Airport.
fish to hammerhead sharks. 21
Your perfect week in...
The UAE Day 1 Start 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-
‘Don’t leave Fujairah without snorkelling by Snoopy Rock it’s simply excellent’
boating, kayaking and more while you soak up the sunshine with a nice cold drink at your side...
Day 2 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.
Day 3 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
Day 4 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 fairgroundstyle rides.
Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, a nature reserve where your kids will come face to face with white lions and tigers’ Day 5 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.
Best for adults
Day 6 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.
Day 7 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). 23
Choose your hotel... Bahrain (80000 880) Crowne Plaza Bahrain
Crowne Plaza Beirut Holiday Inn - Dunes
Egypt (0800 44 333 220) InterContinental Abu Soma Resort InterContinental Cairo Citystars InterContinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort InterContinental Taba Heights Resort Semiramis InterContinental Cairo Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port Ghalib Resort Crowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port Ghalib Resort Holiday Inn Citystars Cairo
MaUritiUS (0800 999 136) InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balacalava Fort
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 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) Le Vendòme InterContinental Beirut InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort & Spa Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut 24
oMan (0800 97 1234) InterContinental Muscat Crowne Plaza Muscat Crowne 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 Madinah Dar Al Iman InterContinental Madinah InterContinental Al Jubail InterContinental Al Khobar InterContinental Jeddah InterContinental Riyadh InterContinental Taif Crowne Plaza Jeddah Holiday Inn Minhal Riyadh Holiday Inn Najran Holiday Inn Olaya Riyadh Holiday Inn Yanbu Holiday Inn Hafr Al Batin 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 Abu Dhabi Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha Holiday Inn Downtown Dubai Holiday 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
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.
For further information and bookings please contact your travel agent or the hotel directly at intercontinentalabudhabi.com, or call +971 2 6666888
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