Your weekend starts here
There’s a world of superb weekend breaks out there: allow us to help you pick out the perfect one for you... Contents 2 Africa The Big Five and the Long Drop. 4 Bahrain Aqua parks and super souks. 6 Egypt Designer diving and Red Sea spas. 8 Jordan Chariot races and Wadi Rum sunsets. 10 Kuwait Picture-perfect parks and sky-high views. 12 Lebanon Ski resorts and ancient grottoes. 14 Mauritius Luxury cruises and playing with lion cubs.
It’s so easy to lose sight of your weekends. In amidst the chores, jobs and lost afternoons spent popping in to the office ‘just for a couple of hours’, those two precious days all too often pass by in an unmemorable flash. We’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. Just a few hours from your door lie a wealth of weekend possibilities – you can be pitching down the fairway in
Mauritius, watching dolphins in Oman, catching the sunset over Roman ruins in Lebanon or waterparking in Bahrain before you know it. It’s all so much simpler than you might imagine – just flick inside our guide to 11 of the region’s best destinations and start planning a tailormade break to reconnect with the people you love the most, store up some lovely memories and reclaim your weekend.
16 Oman Mountain treks and meeting turtles. 18 Qatar Theme parks and Islamic art. 20 Saudi Arabia Retail therapy and Madain Saleh. 22 The UAE Desert balloons and top golfing. 24 Choose your hotel Perfect spots to rest your head.
Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com
Bantry Bay, Cape Town, and one of the Big Five. Right: Giraffe Centre, Fresh, abseiling
Africa
Discover the rich, diverse and beautiful land in style, from the coastal paradise that is Cape Town to history rich Nairobi... For couples The northern city of Pretoria iin South Africa s awash with beautiful green spots, perfect for romantic strolls. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a 76-hectare
Kruger National Park is the best place to see the Big Five, with prolific birdlife and fabulous views
urban oasis divided into two parts
2
to Church Square and the Slave Lodge where slaves were made to wait under a ‘slave tree’ while their ‘owners’ attended church. The Lodge is now home to dozens of fascinating artefacts and regular exhibitions – see ziko.org.za for
– a frosty south-facing section and
and lions). Kruger National Park
details. The infamous Robben Island
warmer north-facing area – by a
(krugerpark.co.za) is the best place
(www.robben-island.org.za) where
50-metre-high quartzite outcrop, and
to do it in South Africa, although
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is
between May and September you can
there are game reserves dotted
also a must-visit. If you’re in Nairobi,
head there and enjoy a Garden Picnic
throughout the country. In Kenya,
be sure to check out The National
Concert. There are also some lovely
a real family favourite is the Giraffe
Museum of Kenya, which is chockful
walks in the National Zoological
Centre in Nairobi (www.giraffecenter.
of interesting artefacts, and the
Gardens and nearby Rietvlei Nature
org) where kids can hand-feed or
delightful Watatu Gallery where
Reserve.
even kiss the placid giraffes.
you’ll find traditional Kenyan art.
For families
For culture
For adventure
You simply can’t take your children
Visitors to Cape Town who would
Adrenaline junkies are exceedingly
to Africa and not witness the Big Five
like to find out about South Africa’s
well catered for in South Africa: in
(elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos
turbulent history should pay a trip
fact, you name the white-knuckle
Africa
sport, and you can pretty much
see the pristine valleys and ancient
guarantee the country will offer
rocky gorges in this wonderful area?
it in some form or other. If you’re staying in Cape Town, try your hand
For relaxation
at abseiling (without the arduous
The Western Cape in South Africa
climb beforehand). The Long Drop
is the perfect spot from which to
– the second highest commercial
indulge in some whale-spotting.
abseiling point in the world – is not
As well as Humpback Whales,
for the faint-hearted, with a 112m
best known for their spectacular
drop from Table Mountain and
out-of-water leaping, it’s possible
stunning views of the city. If you’re
to see Southern Rights. The peak
after a lung-busting walk, The
period during which to look for these
Ngong Hills, southwest of Nairobi,
incredible creatures is between
is a superb place for trekking, while
July and October, although smaller
back in South Africa, Tarzan types
species populate the water year-
can swing through treetop canopies
round – try viatour.com, who will get
in Magaliesberg, 90 minutes from
you out on the ocean in search of
Johannesburg and Pretoria. Check
the big beasts. If you’re in Nairobi,
out canopytour.co.za for booking
nothing tops a gentle stroll around
details. What better way is there to
the historical Uhuru Gardens.
LONG ROAD TO PEACE Soweto’s Vilakazi Street is the only road on Earth that houses two Nobel Peace Prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. SCAR TACTICS South Africa has the world’s oldest meteor scar – two billion years old. LEAF NOTES Table Mountain has more plant species than the entire United Kingdom.
Perfect
dinners Eat in The Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank-based Fresh (00 27 11 448 3600) is a fab openplan spot for international food. Eat in See north Indian delicacies being prepared in an open kitchen at Bhandini (00 254 20 320 0000), a sophisticated dining spot at the InterContinental Nairobi. Eat in The Atrium at the Towers (00 27 11 780 5555) in the InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers dishes up simple, tasty dishes like grilled sea bass. Eat out Adventurous Cape Town visitors should check out Ginja (121 Castle Street, 00 27 21 426 2368) where chocolate is an inventive menu.
3
Aerial view of Manama Right, clockwise: waterskiing, Le Bistro,The Tree of Life, the Bab Al Bahrain
Bahrain
A small and friendly nation filled with cultural and adventurous surprises for the weekend tripper...
4
For couples
For families
Step through the Bab Al Bahrain
Kids will adore a day trip to The Lost
gate in Manama and you’ll find
Paradise of Dilmun (lpodwaterpark.
yourself in the heart of the charming
com), a huge waterpark filled
and old-fashioned Manama Souk
with exciting rides, including the
– a great place for couples to spend
pendulum-style Boomerango slide,
a leisurely morning browsing the
the near-vertical Speed Slide and
stalls, and picking up trinkets and
the twisting Superbowl. There’s the
authentic knick-knacks to take
Paradise River, which you can bob
home, stopping off for thick, rich
along on a tube, through caves and
coffees along the way. If you prefer
waterfalls; the wave pool and sandy
your shopping air conditioned and
beach; and the Family Raft Ride – up
modern, head over to the Seef
to four people can get on board and
neighbourhood, where you’ll find a
plummet down a chute to a splash
clutch of sparkling malls including
landing. Parents will love chilling in
Dana Mall (particularly good for
the therapeutic spa pool while their
fashion, danamall.net), The Bahrain
kids dash about in the Rain Fortress,
Mall (excellent for electronics,
where they can soak each other
thebahrainmall.com) and the
with water hoses, stand under the
mighty Seef Mall (stacked with good
gigantic tipping water bucket and nip
jewellery stores, seef.net).
down mini slides.
Perfec t d
inners EAT IN Head to Waves at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain (00 973 1 753 1122) for local fish cooked in Lebanese, Thai or Indian style. Eat in Popular Lebanese joint Al Berdaouni, by the poolside of the InterContinental Bahrain, (00 973 1 722 7777) has out-of -this-world mezze. Eat in Every taste is catered for at Le Bistro at the InterContinental Bahrain (00 973 1 722 7777). Expect seriously top-notch American, Arabian, Japanese, Mexican, Mongolian and Italian fare. Eat out Trendy types will love the Italian food at Oliveto (Adliya, 00 973 1 771 6747) – the beef carpaccio is second to none.
Bahrain
Manama Souk is a great place for couples to spend a leisurely morning browsing the stalls
modern Bahrain’s cultural scene, meanwhile, swing by La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art (00 973 1 723 0123), an old building which has been remade as a home for exhibitions from around the world: after you’ve seen the latest collection
banana-boating,
For culture
you can stop off for a treatment at
sailing or waterskiing at the Coral
The Bahrain National Museum
the Centre’s inhouse spa.
Beach Club on Al Fateh Corniche
in Manama is an excellent place
(coralbeachbahrain.com).
to get an insight into this ancient
For adventure
nation, and covers over six millenia
Adrenaline junkies will adore a visit
For relaxation
of history. Here you can learn about
to Gulf Speed One, a go-kart track in
Few Bahraini experiences are as
Dilmun, the ancient civilisation of
Manama (gulfspeedone.com) where
calming or tranquil as taking a trip
legend thought to have been based
you can hire out turbo-charged
out into the desert to see the Tree of
in Bahrain, as well as Bahrain’s
single or twin-engine machines to
Life. It’s so unusual because it
more recent history. You’ll also enjoy
zip around the track at up to 40 miles
stands completely on its own – a
the hall dedicated to the natural
per hour, trying to shave seconds
great, green, centuries-old tree
history of the islands, and the
off your time and beat your friends.
with not a single other living plant
beautiful old Koranic documents
And if you fancy some aquatic
for miles around. Beautiful and
that are on display. For a slice of
action, why not go wakeboarding,
strangely moving.
ROLLING IN THE ISLES Bahrain is actually an amalgamation of 33 separate islands between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. GRAVE SITUATION Five per cent of the land in Bahrain is covered with tombs laid down over centuries of history. WATERED DOWN ‘Bahrain’ is an Arabic word meaning ‘two sources of water’, referring to the country’s sweet water springs and salty sea water. 5
The banks of the Nile and the Cairo skyline, Right: InterContinental Cairo Semiramis and InterContinental Abu Soma
Egypt Thought Egypt was just pyramids and nothing more? Time to think again… For couples You won’t want to miss out on a glorious cruise down the Nile, one of the most eye-opening experiences in the country. But for something more off-the-beaten track, consider
Head to the beautiful resort of Sharm El Sheikh and you’ll experience crystal clear waters
heading to the Sahara’s Western
and save on luggage space by hiring equipment while you’re there. For culture Obviously, Egypt’s most well-known attraction is the pyramids, and they
Desert where you can witness
it’s ideal if you don’t want to have to
are a must-see (as is the Egyptian
the majesty of an oasis with your
make a major excursion of it.
Museum in Cairo) – but there is far
partner, a memory you will cherish
6
getting burned in the intense sun,
more to this fascinating country. Ever
forever. There are four main oases
For familieS
since the downfall of the Byzantine
to check out: Siwa, Baharia, Farafra
The Red Sea is known throughout
Empire in 642AD, Egypt has been
and Dakhla. The 80km-long Siwa
the world for its fantastic snorkelling
an Islamic country and its rich
is dotted with limestone outcrops,
and diving. Head to the beautiful
history of different dynasties has
mineral springs and two salt lakes,
resort of Sharm El Sheikh and you’ll
resulted in an incredible array of
and its abundant date and olive trees
experience crystal clear waters,
mosques, their elegant domes and
make it feel like a real haven. Dakhla
white sands and vibrant coral reefs
cloud-poking minarets peppering
is so verdant you could almost forget
bursting with tropical fish, turtles
the skyline. Many can be found
you’re in the desert; tranquil Farafra
and sometimes even dolphins. Be
within the country’s main seat of
is ideal for couples seeking solitude;
sure to get rash vests for the kids
power, the Citadel, which comprises
and Baharia is accessible by road so
as it will stop their backs from
palaces (now museums) and an
Egypt
impenetrable fortress. In Fustat, the
For relaxation
city which originally stood south of
If the very thought of getting
where Cairo now is, you can visit the
horizontal by a quiet pool, chilled
oldest mosque in Africa which has
juice in hand, sends you into
undergone so many architectural
raptures, make a beeline for the
reinventions it’s now unrecognisable
InterContinental Abu Soma resort in
from its original structure.
Hurghada (00 20 65 326 0700). It’s set on the idyllic Red Sea
For adventure
coastline, where hundreds of
The next item on the agenda of
palm trees are dotted around the
thrill-seekers who’ve already done
surrounding twin bays and the
snowboarding and wakeboarding
enormous free-form swimming
has got to be sandboarding. We’re
pool, complete with cave shelters, is
not talking going down a little hill
perfect for a spot of wallowing if you
on a tray – this is serious business:
can’t quite muster the energy to walk
the dunes in the Western Desert
to the private beach.
are some of the biggest in the
Perfect
dinners EAT IN Head to Il Portico at the InterContinental Abu Soma in Hurghada (00 20 65 326 0700) for authentic trattoria-style antipasti and pizzas from the brick oven. EAT IN The Souq al Hana Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands (00 20 65 336 0000) in Port Ghalib is one of the area’s liveliest dining spots, with interactive cooking stations offering international dishes.
For true indulgence, you should
world at up to 300 metres high, and
book up a treatment or two (we
participants in the sport get fully
recommend the Bangkok Mist,
kitted out with boards and boots.
incorporating Thai massage, coconut
Given the lack of chair lifts, it’s pretty
scrub and coffee body peel) at the
exhausting, but also brilliant fun.
hotel’s spa.
PRODUCT PLACEMENT Many items we now consider essential – including keys, scissors, toothbrushes and deodorant – were invented by the Ancient Egyptians, as were the 24-hour system and 365-day calendar. SNOOZE HEADLINES Some Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone. PYRAMID SCHEME About 15 per cent of the Great Pyramid of Cheops is made from sand from an entirely different area of Egypt - but noone knows why.
EAT IN Those seeking extravagant French fare should head to The Grill at the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis (00 20 2 2 795 7171), with its fab Nile views. EAT OUT For a trendy, relaxed vibe, head to Cedars (42 Geziret Al Arab Street, 00 20 2 3347 2537), an al fresco Cairo spot with grand Lebanese food – the grilled lamb is a favourite.
7
The Treasury at Petra. Right: Crowne Plaza Resort Petra, The Dead Sea, Wadi Rum
Jordan
Perfec t d
From chariot racing and ancient ruins to boutique shopping, Jordan has something for everyone... For couples
com). Head to the hippodrome
The Jordanian capital of Amman is
at Jerash (about 50 minutes’
a must-visit for couples: as well as
drive from Amman) and you can
being an excellent base from which
wander around the 6,500-year-old
to explore the northwestern parts
Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad
of the country, the city is filled with
legionnaires roam the walkways and
history in the form of the Roman
mingle with the tourists. A trumpet
amphitheatre and the citadel.
blare proclaims the beginning of
Shopaholic couples will be in their
the pre-race fight, and Roman
element - as well as the souks and
soldiers emerge and battle it out in
street stalls of the central downtown
gladiatorial contests, hurling spears
area (Balad), there are malls galore
and crossing swords in a scarily
(our top recommendation is the
convincing manner. Next, decide
excellent City Mall).
which team to support and watch from the edge of your seat as four
For families
horse-drawn chariots zoom through
Looking for a truly unique way to
their seven laps. Unmissable.
keep the kids entertained? Few
8
mini-holidaymakers would turn
For culture
their noses up at watching a real
One of the new seven wonders of the
live chariot race (jerashchariots.
world, Petra is absolutely
inners EAT IN The very finest steak is the name of the game at Below 393 at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea (00 962 5 349 5555). EAT IN For unrivalled views of the towering cliffs, eat on the terrace at The Basin at the Crowne Plaza Resort Petra (00 962 3 215 6266). EAT IN Indu at the InterContinental Amman (00 962 6 464 1361) takes guests back to colonial India and features dishes from different regions each month. EAT OUT Fakhr El Din (Jabal Amman, 2nd circle, 00962 6 465 2399) is set in a 1950s Amman home, with an enormous garden in which diners can enjoy Lebanese fare.
Jordan
At Jerash, togaclad legionnaires roam the walkways and mingle with the tourists
city into an artificial oasis. It’s an enormous area to explore so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. For adventure You haven’t seen a wadi until
then you can also lie
spectacular; a trip to Jordan would
you’ve seen Wadi Rum. Soaring
beneath more stars than you would
be incomplete without seeing it. Best
dramatically above the desert sands,
have thought could possibly exist in
recognised for its role in Indiana
the vast sandstone and granite
one sky.
Jones, Petra was entirely carved
ridges that flank the valley have been
into the stone of the red-rocked
eroded over thousands of years by
For relaxation
mountains in 100BCE and remained
fresh water springs, leading to the
What could be more relaxing than
undiscovered by the western
wadi becoming a handy meeting
bobbing around in the sea without
world until 1812. Its fortress-like
point for caravans and Bedouin
even having to tread water? Head
construction was a smart move, as
tribes, some of whom inhabit the
to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on
it was built on a major trade route
wadi to this day. The breathtaking
Earth, and you can do just that, due
passed through by those travelling
beauty of sunset and sunrise at Wadi
to the exceedingly high salt content
between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba
Rum has to be seen to be believed,
of the water. It’s a bizarre sensation
and Leuce Come on the Red Sea,
so make the most of your trip by
and one to do now – environmental
and the area contained a perennial
camping overnight (wadirumsunset.
groups have warned that it may have
stream which essentially turned the
com offers good overnight trips) –
disappeared by 2050.
FINE PHILLY Amman was called Philadelphia in Ancient Roman times. ANCIENT WONDER The Ain Ghazal site in Jordan is believed to have first been inhabited over 9,000 years ago. MEAL DEAL In Jordan it is widely considered polite to refuse an offer of a meal three times before finally accepting. 9
Kuwait Towers. Right: Al Noukhaza, Souk Sharq, Rib Eye Steakhouse, view towards Kuwait City
Kuwait
Embark on a journey of discovery in Kuwait, a country packed with exciting things to see and do... For couples Kuwait boasts a first-class shopping scene, with lavish malls where couples can immerse themselves in some serious weekend browsing. Marina Mall and Souk Sharq, both
To get an overview of Kuwait City, head to the Kuwait Towers and climb up to the Viewing Sphere
on the Gulf Road, are good starting
kid-centric films like ‘Under The Sea’, ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ and ‘3D Bugs’. Your children will also love the ‘Discovery Place’ section, where visitors play with interactive exhibits which showcase scientific ideas and
points. Follow up with a trip to The
you’ll find the likes of Evisu, Seven
principles. In between hands-on play
Avenues (the-avenues.com), Kuwait’s
For All Mankind and Antik Denim.
and talks from special ‘Explainers’,
biggest mall, a high-ceilinged,
For a more traditional retail session,
there are computerised puppet
futuristically designed, palm-dotted
meanwhile, you should hit the Souk
shows each day, which bring home
space with dozens of designer
Al Mubarakiya, which is particularly
environmental messages to children.
brands. Round off your visit with a
good for gold jewellery.
You may also be lucky enough to
few hours in Villa Moda in Shuwaikh,
10
– and an IMAX cinema showing
be there on a day when the Starlab
Kuwait City (villa-moda.com). This
For families
Planetarium is in action: it’s an
super-modern spot is split into ten
The Scientific Centre in Salmiya
entertaining and inspiring experience
glass-lined ‘aquaria’, each dedicated
(tsck.org.kw) is a wonderful place
for adults and kids alike.
to specific brands – including high-
to take kids. There’s an extensive
end names like Prada, Yves Saint-
aquarium with a 1.5 million litre tank
For culture
Laurent and Gucci – with a couple of
filled with exotic sealife – don’t miss
To get an overview of Kuwait City,
multi-brand areas thrown in where
the regular shark-feeding sessions
head to the iconic Kuwait Towers in
KUWAIT
Perfect d
Sharq, and climb up to the Viewing
but highly fun game of Soap Football
Sphere in the first tower, where you
– you play a regular game of soccer
can get 400-foot-high vistas of the
but on a highly slippy surface covered
city and have a cold drink as the
in soap suds. They also have go-
platform rotates around, giving you
karts on offer plus, naturally, some
a 360-degree perspective on this
high-speed water slides, and wave
hyper-modern city. If you’re hungry
pools. It’s a brilliant place to go for a
you can enjoy a bite to eat in the
day of activities in the sun.
restaurant in the lower sphere – perhaps after watching the sun set
For relaxation
over the city. You’ll also want to visit
Take a stroll and catch some sun in
the National Museum on Arabian
the beautifully-maintained Kuwait
Gulf Street in Safat, Kuwait City,
Municipal Gardens in Fahd Al-Salem
which is home to a treasure trove
Street. You’ll also love the relaxed
of Islamic art from the Al-Sabah
Kuwait Musical Fountain on the
collection, alongside displays on
First Ring Road, a light and water
more recent Kuwaiti history.
spectacular, featuring scores of spouting water jets, which kicks into
For adventure
action from 6pm each night. Another
For some serious action to get your
restful way to spend an afternoon is
heart racing, sign up for a game or
to pay a visit to the Zoological Park
two of paintball at Kuwait Aqua Park
on Airport Road, home to 129 bird
(aquaparkkuwait.com). The aqua
species plus tigers, lions, giraffes,
park is also home to the little-known
zebras and other exotic creatures.
inners Eat in The Rib Eye Steakhouse (00 965 2 576 0000), in the Holiday Inn Kuwait, has a comforting mountain lodge-style ambience and thick, juicy steaks with all the saucy trimmings. Eat in If it’s Japanese cuisine you’re after, make a beeline straight for the Crowne Plaza Kuwait’s Sakura (00 965 474 2000), which dishes up beautiful sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki. Eat in Head to Il Centro at the Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait (00 965 1 841 000) for fantastic pizzas, hearty pastas and wonderfully creamy risottos. Eat out The Royal Mughlai (00 965 3 914 100, Fahaheel Makka Street) specialises in authentic-as-it-comes North Indian food.
HIP CHOC ‘Let’s Roll’, a track from Kuwaiti hip hop act Army Of One, was used for a Snickers ad in 2007. SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL Kuwait is one of the smallest countries in the world, with only around 18,000 square kilometres of land. AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH Kuwaiti Zed ‘Zeddy’ Al Refai was the first Arab to climb Mount Everest in 2003, and is the 46th person in the world to have climbed the highest summits of each of the world’s seven continents. 11
Tyre and the Khalil Gibran Museum. Right: Beiteddine Palace, InterContinental Mzaar, skiing
Lebanon
From the Mediterranean shoreline to the snowcapped hillsides, you’ll love this country...
beautifully lit throughout. Couples
At Tyre you’ll find mosaic-lined streets, ancient public baths and a huge hippodrome
will love taking a boating cruise
of which have lovely architecture
through these ancient caverns -
and great shopping.
For couples Just 15 miles outside of Beirut you’ll find the extraordinary Jeita Grotto, an underground network of caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and
town to perform. If you’re looking for a more active break, then your kids will love swimming and sandcastling on the beaches which ring the Lebanese coast – the one at Tyre is particularly fine. For culture
don’t forget your camera. Another
12
across the globe descend on the
great day trip is to Bcharre, near the
For families
When it comes to culture you’re
Kadisha Valley, where you’ll find an
Out in the Bekaa valley you’ll find
absolutely spoiled for choice. There’s
ancient grove of age-old cedar trees
Baalbeck, a great place to visit
the ancient town of Byblos, just
as well as the splendid Al-Omari
with kids, who can race around the
along the coast from Beirut, where
Mosque and the Gibran Tomb and
film set-like ancient temples and
you can spend the day marvelling
Museum, where you can find out
monuments to their hearts’ content.
at the wonderfully intact Roman
about the life and works of the much-
And if you happen to be in the
ruins, before heading down to the
loved Lebanese philosopher and
country during the Baalbeck festival
shorefront for some barbecued
artist Khalil Gibran. You’ll also have
(baalbeck.org.lb) in the summertime
fish, freshly caught a stone’s throw
a great time wandering around the
(usually in July-August) then you’ll be
away. Then there’s the exquisitely
neighbourhoods of Beirut – check
in for fun, as hundreds of big-name
preserved sites at Tyre, where there
out Verdun, Hamra and Achrafieh, all
singers, dancers and artists from
are mosaic-lined streets, ancient
Lebanon
public baths and a huge hippodrome.
For relaxation
The palace at Beiteddine to the
Beirut is a walkable city,
south of Beirut is also wonderful, a
particularly in the centre. The new
beautiful 18th century mix of Arabic
heart is the Downtown area, where
and Italian architectural styles.
you can saunter around admiring the wonderful 19th century French-
For adventure
inspired architecture, popping in and
Lebanon has long been famed as the
out of the boutique stores which line
place where you can hit the beach in
the boulevards.
the morning and ski in the afternoon.
The real joy, though, is in snagging
The skiing is wonderful – up in the
a seat at one of the roadside cafés
mountains outside Beirut you’ll
on the pedestrianised Maarad
find a series of excellent resorts,
Street, and settling in for an evening
including Mzaar, The Cedars and
of flavoured shisha, outstanding
Bakish. Once you’ve tackled some
food and people-watching. Another
Lebanese red runs, you might like
great place for shopping is the town
to head over to the coastline down
of Tripoli, where you can meander
from Tyre, where you can head out
among the souks and pick up
on scuba-diving trips and explore
gorgeous Lebanese sweets and
sunken ruins of ancient cities.
olive oil.
NAME GAME ‘Lebanon’ is the oldest name of any nation in the world, having been in existence for over four millenia non-stop. HEAD LETTERS The world’s first alphabet was created in the Lebanese city of Byblos. EXPAT FACT There are more Lebanese people living outside of Lebanon than in the country itself.
Perfect
Eat in dinners There’s a lovely mix of Thai, Japanese and Chinese food on offer at the pan-Asian WOK W.O.K. restaurant at the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut (00 961 1 369 100). Eat in Up in the mountains at the InterContinental Mzaar (00 961 9 340 100), you’ll find the marvellously authentic Al Hor Tent, where you’ll enjoy superb Labanese food. Eat in For bird’s eye views and delicious Lebanese food, head to Top 21 at the Crowne Plaza Beirut (00 961 1 754 755). Eat out Fish-lovers adore Salmontini. (Ashrafieh, 00 961 1 337999), a restaurant dedicated to serving salmon in all its different forms.
13
Mauritius’ beautiful coastline and a White Sands cruiser. Right: Noble House, Tamarina golf course, the pink pigeon
Mauritius
This is the Indian Ocean’s most exquisite island: get set for turquoise waters and heart-tugging scenery... For Couples Mauritius offers postcard-perfect views around every corner and the best place to drink in its charms is from the deck of an outsized catamaran. You can hire one of
Cruise across the island’s colourful waters, past striking mountain ranges and jungle terrain
these from White Sand Tours
14
glass-bottomed boat - arrange this through Fragawills (fragawills.com) to see fantastically-hued tropical fish dart below your feet. For Culture Sugar cane has long been a chief
(whitesandtours.com), crew
if you share a love for the great
driver of the Mauritian economy
included, for a private cruise across
outdoors. Start out at the Casela
and the sweet stuff is ingrained
the island’s colourful waters, gliding
Nature Park (caselayemen.mu),
in the very fabric of the country.
past striking mountain ranges and
where you can watch or even touch
As such, L’Aventure Du Sucre
jungle terrain. If you’re looking for a
lion and cheetah cubs in their
(aventuredusucre.com) is a great
little romance, make sure you book
enclosure, before hitting the super
place to go if you want to swot up on
your cruise to depart just before
chutes at Le Waterpark (maurinet.
the history of the island. You’ll learn
sunset, so you can watch the sun slip
com/waterpark), a small but always
of epidemics and refineries, slavery
into the ocean as its rays take a last
fun affair where, chutes aside,
and sugar booms in a well-thought-
dance atop the water.
adults can squeeze themselves into
out and surprisingly entertaining
rubber rings and float along a lazy
museum for kids and adults alike.
For Families
river while kids can clamber aboard
Another attraction providing an
There’s a whole heap of great family
a pirate ship complete with water-
overview of the island’s past – largely
activities in Mauritius, especially
firing cannons. Finally, hop aboard a
through old maps, paintings and
Mauritius
etchings – is The Blue Penny Stamp
which is suspended 30 feet above
Museum. You’ll find it next to Le
a river? You can book both of these
Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, and
adventures through White Sand
it houses two of the most famous
Tours (whitesandtours.com). To
and expensive stamps in the world,
keep your adrenaline up, climb onto
the Penny Stamps. The stamps were
a quad bike and speed through the
originally issued in Mauritius then
mountains at Domaine de l’Etoile,
bought back after they had left the
also with White Sands: expect to see
island’s shores for the princely sum
deer, wild boar and monkeys.
of $2 million. For Relaxation For Adventure
Mauritius is awash with golf courses
Take a bird’s eye view of this beautiful
where you can swing your stress
island via a helicopter tour. The
away. Head to the fine, mountain-
choppers seat up to four people and
flanked fairways at the Tamarina
there are various helipads dotted
Golf Estate (tamarina.mu) – the first
around the island where you can
course on the island unattached
hop aboard. The tour takes only 15
to a hotel – which is wonderfully
minutes, but in that time you’ll see
welcoming to visitors and a real joy to
mountains, jungles and beautiful
play. And when you’ve got your round
swathes of coastline. If that isn’t
in you might like to take a ten-minute
enough to satisfy your head for
drive to Flic en Flac, and kick back
heights, how about a heart-racing
on what’s arguably the best public
walk along a cable-thin wire,
beach on the island.
DEAD AS A DODO Mauritius is the birthplace and final resting ground of the famous flightless bird. IN THE PINK Keep your eyes to the sky and you might just see a pink pigeon. These gorgeous birds are only found in Mauritius. TALK THE TALK Mauritius has two national languages, English and French.
Perfect
dinners Eat in Indulge in fine Asian fusion food at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) in a modern space that looks out to a beautiful beach. Eat In You can sample truly fantastic seafood in Mauritius, and Segala at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) has some of the very best of it. Our advice? Get the soft-as-apillow lobster. Eat In Modern Indian dishes are perfectly turned out at the garden-side Veda at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200). Eat out Ask for a table on the pretty terrace at Le Pescatore (Route Cotiere, Trou-Aux-Biches 00 230 265 6337) where you’ll enjoy grilled fresh fish.
15
The dramatic Omani coastline. Right: kitesurfing, trekking, The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental
Oman
Rich in history and culture and replete with stunning scenery, Oman is waiting to be explored... FOR COUPLES Stunning scenery abounds in Oman making it ripe for romance. If you’re looking for something to truly tug at the heartstrings, cruise the country’s fjords. Muscat Diving and Adventure
Another eye-opener is the extraordinary sight of giant turtles nesting on the beaches
Centre (holiday-in-oman.com) has
in the whole of Eastern Arabia where you’ll find the must-see Al Hoota Cave. FOR CULTURE About an hour’s drive from Muscat
fully crewed, soft-carpeted dhows
where wild dolphins leap in and out
is Nizwa Fort, which is often cited
available for private hire so you can
of the ocean. It’s a fantastic spectacle
as the Sultanate’s finest historical
sail off into the sunset. Your route
and one that everyone in the family
destination. It was built over 500
will be flanked by the mountains that
will enjoy. Another eye-opener is the
centuries ago to protect Oman’s
make up the Musandam Peninsula
extraordinary sight of giant turtles
coastline from potential invaders but
– arguably nature’s finest offering
nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Jinz
these days it attracts only tourists,
to the GCC. Another fun thing for
- an estimated 30,000 turtles do this
keen to see a building renowned for
couples to do is to try their hand at
each year during the winter months.
its architectural ingenuity. One thing
haggling at Muttrah Souk, where you can bag yourself a silver bargain.
16
Jabal Shams – the highest point
Family fun of a more adrenalin-
you’ll want to buy while in Oman
fuelled nature can be found at
is Frankincense - the country’s
Xtreme Sports (xtremesportsoman.
signature scent. Salalah’s Old Souq,
FOR FAMILIES
com) in Muscat, where you’ll find a
where Frankincense is still sold from
Head to the Musandam, hop aboard
state-of-the-art paintball ground.
open sacks, is probably the best
a dhow and it will take you out to
Or how about a visit to the foot of the
place to buy it, though you’re also
oman
Perfect dinners
likely to find it in Muscat’s famous
but if we had to recommend just
Muttrah Souk. And while in Muscat
one thing it would be the deep sea
you simply must visit the visually
fishing. It’s brilliant.
stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the real gem in the capital
FOR RELAXATION
city’s crown.
In summertime Salalah, in the south of Oman, is the envy of the Gulf. Its
FOR ADVENTURE
high-peaked Qara Mountains draw
The list of outdoor pursuits on offer
light rain showers which bring
in Oman reads as long as your arm.
a green-tinged landscape and a
If you like your adventures to be
temperature that’s an average 10-15
death-defying, head out to Snake
degrees lower than it is in other
Canyon where you can tip-toe across
GCC countries. As such, thousands
hair-raisingly high wires which hang
of people descend on Salalah each
100ft above the ground, or have a go
summer to enjoy cooler climes and
at canyoning – a mixture of trekking,
the multiple celebrations which mark
climbing and quite often swimming:
the season. If you’re a seasoned
see holiday-in-oman.com for
scuba-diver, Oman has some super
booking details. Through the same
dive spots for you to enjoy, not
website you can also book to go
least in the Musandam area where
quad-biking, sailing or – one of our
underwater visibility during the
personal favourites – sand-boarding
summer is good and sightings of
amid huge dunes. Mountain biking
dolphins and turtles are common.
is also popular in Oman, thanks to
Check out musandamdiving.com for
ever-changing under-tyre terrain,
further details.
MAKES SCENTS Frankincense trees grow in the wild in Oman. MONEY TALK Oman’s currency, the Rial, is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 2.6 dollars to 1 Rial. IT’S A DATE Omani palm trees are so highly valued that a list is kept of who owns each one.
EAT IN Make reservations at Senor Pico at the InterContinental Muscat (00 968 2468 0000), a lively Mexican restaurant that’s fantastic fun for families.
EAT IN China Mood at Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat (00 968 2479 9666) offers lip-smackingly delicious food. Don’t place an order in China Mood without including dim sum, which are a particular speciality of this mighty-fine eatery. EAT IN Enjoy superb traditional food and a warm Iranian welcome at the ever-popular Siraz Persian restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Muscat (00 968 2466 0660). Wise diners will grab themselves a seat on the lovely terrace where they can while away a relaxed evening. EAT OUT Turkish House (Dohat Al Adab St, Muscat, 00 968 2448 8071) is something of a hidden gem in Muscat. It offers no-frills, cheap-as-chips, delicious grilled fish and wonderful home-cooked breads. Try the meaty fresh hammour or excellent kingfish.
17
Doha and the Arabian Oryx. Right: Doha Corniche, The Museum of Islamic Art, the Fish Market restaurant, desert driving
You can arrange a visit to the Oryx sanctuaries where these graceful animals live
(00 974 487 6333) offers rides, games and an activity zone for toddlers. Across town, Jungle Zone (00 974 469 4848) is an indoor theme park with enough rides to keep the kids at fever pitch for a few hours. For something more sedate, how about locking horns with Qatar’s national animal, the Arabian Oryx?
Qatar
This bi-horned creature was once hunted to the point of extinction, but
Immerse yourself in the cultural charms of a country that’s shaken off its sleepy tag to become an internationally acclaimed holiday hotspot...
having been rescued by international
For Couples
of its location there are no roads
to manage its population. You can
If you’re in town as a couple you’ll
leading to The Inland Sea, so your
arrange a visit to the sanctuaries
want to experience something
best bet is to book up a private tour
where these graceful animals live
memorable and in Qatar that means
through one of the many operators
by booking through Net Tours
taking a trip to see a truly striking
who offer trips there: try Gulf
(nettours.com.qa).
natural feature. Khor el Daid, or
Adventures (gulf-adventures.com).
favour in Qatar, which became the first country to set up breeding farms
For Culture
The Inland Sea, is a huge expanse
18
protection agencies, the Oryx found
of eerily still water surrounded by
For Families
Doha is Qatar’s capital and home
nothing but gargantuan sand dunes.
If it’s no-holds-barred fun you’re
to what’s undoubtedly the most
As such, it’s a terrific spot to throw
after there are a couple of quick and
fascinating and content-rich
down a blanket for a picnic. Because
easy options in Doha: Circusland
museum in Arabia, The Museum
Qatar
TWIN TOWN Doha is twinned with Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. FOOTBALL LEGENDS To mark the opening of its sports academy, Aspire, Qatar flew in Pele and Maradonna. NEWS OF THE WORLD Qatar is home to the highly successful Al Jazeera news network. of Islamic Art (mia.org.qa). Its
adventures.com for booking details).
reputation has reached so far that
Alternatively, you could take to
the New York Times hailed Doha as
the seas to either hook yourself a
‘the’ cultural destination of 2009,
whopper – the deep sea fishing is
in recognition of the museum’s
excellent – or simply sail across
impact since opening. The building’s
Doha’s West Bay in a boat hired
exterior alone is enough to have
from the Regatta Sailing Academy
you reaching for your camera – the
(regattasailingacademy.com).
multi-angular creation was dreamt up by a world-renowned architect –
For Relaxation
but the real gems are inside, where
Take a stroll along Doha’s lengthy,
over three centuries’ worth of Islamic
palm tree-lined Corniche until you
art is housed. Providing there isn’t
arrive at a cluster of dhow boats by
an exhibition on at the time of your
the Balhambar building. You can
visit, which may charge for viewing,
cruise across the bay on one of these
entrance and guided tours are free.
dhows – as always, the price and length of your journey is negotiable
For Adventure
– before hopping off for a seaside
Given its abundance of sand-
shisha. If retail therapy is more your
swept land and open water there
bag, visit the designer label-driven
are adventures aplenty to be had
Villaggio Mall. Meanwhile, golfers
in Qatar. You can head out early
may wish to follow in the footsteps of
afternoon to the desert in a 4x4,
the game’s biggest names by playing
racing up and over dunes, before
The Championship Course at the
strapping on a desert-ski to surf
Doha Golf Club (dohagolfclub.com) –
down them instead (visit gulf-
home of the Qatar Masters.
Perfect dinners
EAT IN At Za Moda at the InterContinental Doha (00 974 484 4444), modern flair meets tradition in Qatar’s finest Italian joint, where the pastas never fail to hit the spot. EAT IN Satisfy the most ferocious appetite with sizzling steaks and flavoursome fajitas at family favourite Paloma at the InterContinental Doha (00 974 484 4444). EAT IN It’s all about the ocean at the renowned Fish Market at the InterContinental Doha (00 974 484 4444). Dine al fresco to feel the sea breeze while you slice into the grilled fresh fish caught in nearby waters that very morning. EAT OUT Choose from a vast menu of Japanese, Thai and Chinese dishes at Soy in the Souk Waqif but don’t dare miss the sushi - it’s superb.
19
The old town in Jeddah and the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh.Right: Madain Saleh, The FIsh Market and Al Faisaliah Tower
Saudi Arabia The Kingdom has a lot to offer to visitors, from ancient cities to hyper-modern malls... For couples Take your better half on a shopping trip to the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh (kingdomcentre.com.sa), where you’ll find Al Mamlaka Mall, a fourstorey retail haven. Work your way
In the Balad souk in Jeddah, eye candy comes in the form of lovely old buildings fashioned from coral
up through the floors, popping in to
20
the country, where you can check out exotic animals including kangaroos, elephants, monkeys, leopards and crocodiles. For culture You can get a real flavour of the ‘old’,
the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Paul
For families
pre-oil Saudi Arabia in the Balad
Smith, Moschino, Ralph Lauren and
The centre of family life in Jeddah
souk in Jeddah, where haggling is
Salvatore Ferragamo. When you hit
is the sweeping Corniche, which
the order of the day and where eye
the top floor you’ll have to go your
is filled with activity throughout
candy comes in the form of lovely old
separate ways – the entire floor is a
the week. It offers glorious views
buildings fashioned from coral. In
dedicated ‘Ladies’ Kingdom’ where
out over the Red Sea, and a prime
Riyadh there’s Al Musmak Castle, a
the fairer sex can do some serious
position to check out the majestic
highly impressive 19th-century site
shopping at the huge range of stores,
King Fahd’s Fountain, the tallest in
that’s associated with the founding of
which include Gucci, Loewe, Mont
the world, which reaches a height
the country. While you’re in Riyadh,
Blanc and Dior. In Jeddah you’ll find
of over 800 feet – it’s particularly
you mustn’t miss out on a visit to
Tahlia Street, a boulevard at the
impressive at night when it’s lit by
The National Museum, a huge and
heart of the city that’s filled with big
multicoloured spotlights. For a fun
fascinating attraction where you
designer stores including Versace,
family day out in Riyadh there’s the
can find out about prehistoric man
Prada and Giorgio Armani.
Riyadh National Zoo, the largest in
in the Arabian Peninsula, ancient
Saudi Arabia
Perfect
Arab kingdoms and civilisations, the
you can spend a fascinating day there
pre-Islamic era and Islamic history.
scrabbling along narrow passes and
There are also halls devoted to more
uncovering glorious sights around
recent history, including the story of
each corner. The best thing is that
the discovery of oil – it’s a fascinating
unlike Petra it’s not overrun with
place to take a crash course in the
tourists – so you don’t have to fight
region’s history.
for the best photo opportunities.
For adventure
For relaxation
If you love water sports you’ll adore
For soul-soothing, jaw-dropping
Jeddah. This is the place for sailing,
views, head to the viewing platform
fishing, jet-skiing and more in the
at Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh,
lovely warm waters of the Red Sea.
where you can take in incredible
Diving is also particularly popular
city-wide vistas. The InterContinental
here, thanks to the unpolluted
Riyadh’s nine-hole grass golf course
waters and the extraordinary coral
is a lovely place to relax and unwind
and exotic fish. For an adventurous
in the tranquil settings. Meanwhile,
trip out of town, you must organise
out of town, you can take a trip out to
a visit to Madain Saleh, an ancient
Wadi Hadramawt, a valley lined with
city which draws comparisons with
beautiful, lush oases, where you can
Petra in Jordan. Like Petra, it has
connect with the desert and enjoy
been carved into the living rock, and
some 4x4 fun.
WHAT A DISH The national dish of Saudi Arabia is Kabsa, a delicious spiced rice dish served with chicken, lamb or goat mixed with tomatoes and pine nuts. SWEET SURPRISE Saudi Arabians consume an enormous amount of honey – and Saudi Arabian honey is some of the tastiest in the world. BLADE RUNNERS The Kingdom’s traditional dance is the ‘ardha’, which involves men dancing with swords while a poet sings verses.
dinners EAT IN Swing by the Fish Market at the InterContinental Jeddah (00 966 2 661 1800) where you can select super-fresh fish and seafood from a big iced display, have it cooked to your requirements, choosing marinade, sauce and cooking style and enjoy it looking at great views over the Red Sea. EAT IN The Pavilion Restaurant at the InterContinental Riyadh (00 966 1 465 5000) is a lovely place for a long-drawn-out dinner with your family. They offer first rate themed evenings (the Seafood night on Thursdays is particularly good) alongside a top à la carte menu: make sure to get a seat on the terrace. EAT IN Hit the Marrakesh restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Al Khobar (00 966 3 889 7840) for noteperfect Moroccan food – the tagines are out of this world. EAT OUT For authentic Italian food and atmosphere, try Maggiano’s on Tahliyah Street in Jeddah, opposite the Tahliyah Centre. Their pizzas and steaks are particularly excellent.
21
As you rise into the air the beauty of the surroundings will take your breath away
on a tour around the Palm Jumeirah, offering unique perspectives on wellknown landmarks. For families As well as the myriad beaches on the tranquil coastline, there are two
Golf and ballooning over the desert. Right: Yas Island Circuit, Wild Wadi, Chamas Brazilian Churrascaria, Aquaventure
fantastic water parks in the region. Aquaventure is best for adrenaline
The UAE
There’s a reason this country’s such a sought-after holiday spot: here are some of its biggest attractions...
junkies, with a near-vertical slide which plunges through a sharkinfested lagoon, while Wild Wadi offers plenty for tots and teens. If snow’s more your bag, take the gang to Ski Dubai (skidxb.com), which
22
For Couples
surroundings will take your breath
boasts the world’s first indoor black
There is plenty for couples to do in
away as camels and gazelles roam
run as well as tobogganing. For
the UAE: two great options are hot
the terracotta dunes, broken only by
something a lot more tranquil, take
air ballooning in the desert and a
the odd oasis. Water babies will be
a trip to Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi,
sunset boat trip. If you opt for the
happier surveying the city from the
where there’s an abundance of
former, you will be collected from
luxury of a yacht: there are plenty of
fantastic amenities and lush green
your city base by Balloon Adventures
operators but we can recommend
spaces to revel in.
(ballooning.ae) and taken into the
Dusail (dusail.com), a husband-
desert first thing in the morning,
and-wife venture with just a few
For culture
before sunrise. As you rise into the
immaculate boats. They set off from
Ignore those who say that the UAE
air the astounding beauty of the
Dubai Marina and take passengers
is devoid of culture – there’s plenty,
UAE
TALL TALE The Burj Dubai is the world’s tallest building, standing at 818m. MAKING TRACKS Abu Dhabi is home to the most expensive race track in the world. GET THE HUMP A popular sport in Dubai is camel racing, with camels ridden by robotic jockeys. you’ve just got to know where to look.
of year but if there has been recent
Abu Dhabi is awash with cultural
rainfall, you will wade waist-deep
charms, not least the Cultural
through pools, scramble up steep
Foundation (visit www.adach.
rocky ridges and observe indigenous
ae) which hosts some wonderful
wildlife. If you’ve still got energy
exhibitions as well as staging plays
at the end, stop in Fujairah and do
and musical performances. In Dubai,
some snorkelling off Snoopy Rock.
have a wander around the galleries in the Bastakiya area, then hop in
For relaxation
a taxi to Dubai Heritage Village,
A fantastic way to get back to nature
where people demonstrate Emirati
and forget life’s stresses and strains
artistic traditions. Sharjah is great for
is to explore Abu Dhabi’s natural side
museums – the Science, Calligraphy,
from the perspective of a kayak.
Natural History, Maritime and
The land surrounding the UAE
Heritage Museums are all good,
capital is riddled with mangroves
as are the aquarium and Discovery
which play host to crabs, fish and
Centre (sharjahmuseums.ae).
birds, and Noukhada Adventure Company (noukhada.ae) will take
For adventure
you out on a guided tour as well as
For some active fun, head to Fujairah
loaning fishing equipment if you want
and go canyoning in Wadi Wurrayah.
to land some dinner. Land lubbers
You can either do this yourself or,
may be better served by a soothing
perhaps more advisedly, hire a
round of golf at Al Badia Golf Club
guide to show you the best route (try
at the InterContinental Dubai
adventure.ae). Water levels in the
Festival City (albadiagolfclub.ae), a
wadi will vary depending on the time
magnificent course by the Creek.
Perfect dinners
EAT IN Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire (00 971 4 701 1111) at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City has been voted the best restaurant in Dubai. Its cuisine is best described as ‘experimental gastronomy’, and the dishes can sound crazy – but they work. EAT IN Chamas Brazilian Churrascaria (00 971 2 666 6888), at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, dishes up delicious hunks of barbecued meat and is great fun to boot. Eat in Novices and connoisseurs alike will delight in the South Indian offerings from the tandoori clay oven at Tanjore (00 971 3 768 6686) at the InterContinental Al Ain Resort. Eat out If you’re in Sharjah, don’t miss Bait al Mandy (00 971 6 528 1798) which dishes up authentic Yemen fare.
23
Choose your hotel...
24
Bahrain (80000 880)
Suites Beirut
OR Tambo Airport
InterContinental Regency Bahrain
Crowne Plaza Beirut
InterContinental Johannesburg
Crowne Plaza Bahrain
Holiday Inn - Dunes
Sandton Towers
Egypt (0800 44 333 220)
Mauritius (0800 999 136)
Crowne Plaza Johannesburg -
InterContinental Abu Soma
InterContinental Mauritius Resort
The Rosebank
InterContinental Cairo Citystars
Balacalava Fort
Holiday Inn Express Cape Town
InterContinental Hurghada Resort
Oman (0800 97 1234)
City Centre
InterContinental The Palace Port
Al Bustan Palace InterContinental
Holiday Inn Express Sandton -
Ghalib Resort
Muscat
Woodmead
InterContinental Taba Heights Resort
InterContinental Muscat
Holiday Inn Express Pretoria -
Semiramis InterContinental Cairo
Crowne Plaza Muscat
Sunny Park
InterContinental Residence Suites
Crowne Plaza Sohar
Tanzania (0800 999 136)
Cairo Citystars
Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah
Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam
Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port
Holiday Inn Muscat Al Madinah
City Centre
Ghalib Resort
Qatar (0800 97 1234)
UAE (800 4642)
Crowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port
InterContinental Doha
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Ghalib Resort
Saudi Arabia (800 89 71 456)
InterContinental Al Ain Resort
Holiday Inn Citystars Cairo
Al Ahsa InterContinental
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Holiday Inn Resort Safaga Palace
Dar Al Hijra
InterContinental Residence Suites
Staybridge Suites Cairo CityStars
InterContinental Madinah
Dubai Festival City
Ghana (0800 999 136)
Dar Al Iman
Crowne Plaza Dubai
Holiday Inn Accra
InterContinental Madinah
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
Jordan (0800 22 666)
InterContinental Abha
Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
InterContinental Aqaba
InterContinental Al Jubail
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
InterContinental Jordan
InterContinental Al Khobar
Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha
Crowne Plaza Resort Petra
InterContinental Jeddah
Holiday Inn Downtown Dubai
Crowne Plaza Amman
InterContinental Riyadh
Holiday Inn Sharjah
Holiday Inn Amman
InterContinental Taif
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi - Al Dana
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, Jordan
Crowne Plaza Jeddah
Holiday Inn Express Dubai
Kenya (0800 999 136)
Minhal Holiday Inn Riyadh
Internet City
InterContinental Nairobi
Najran Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park
Holiday Inn Nairobi
Olaya Holiday Inn Riyadh
Holiday Inn Express Dubai-Jumeirah
KUWAIT (2473 2100 Ext. 6233)
Radhwa Holiday Inn Yanbu
Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi
Crowne Plaza Kuwait
Hafr Al Batin Holiday Inn
Yas Island
Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait
Holiday Inn Riyadh-Izdihar
Yemen (0800 999 136)
Holiday Inn Kuwait
Airport Road
Holiday Inn Mukalla
Lebanon (01) 426 801 ASK AT&T
Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Qasr
Zambia (0800 999 136)
OPERATOR TO CONNECT 866 866
Holiday Inn Al Khobar
InterContinental Lusaka
7556)
Half Moon Bay Holiday Inn Resort
Zimbabwe (0800 999 136)
InterContinental Le Vend么me Beirut
Jeddah-Al Salam Holiday Inn
Crowne Plaza Harare Monomotapa
InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon
Holiday Inn Al Khobar - Corniche
Holiday Inn Bulawayo
Mountain Resort & Spa
South Africa (0800 999 136)
Holiday Inn Harare
InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut
Holiday Inn Sandton-Rivonia Road
Holiday Inn Mutare
InterContinental Residence
InterContinental Johannesburg
Holiday Inn Express Beitbridge