IHG My Weekend_Jan'11 by Hot Media

Your weekend starts here There’s a world of superb weekend breaks out there: allow us to help you pick the perfect one for you... 2 Bahrain Aqua parks and super souks. 4 egypt Designer diving and Red Sea spas. 6 Jordan Chariot races and Wadi Rum sunsets. 8 Kenya Stunning safaris and outdoor adventures. 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. 16 Oman Mountain treks and meeting turtles.

18 Qatar Desert adventures and incredible Islamic art.

t’s so easy to lose sight of your

watching dolphins in Oman,

weekends. In amidst the chores,

catching the sunset over Roman

jobs and lost afternoons spent

ruins in Lebanon or waterparking in

popping in to the office ‘just

Bahrain before you know it.

for a couple of hours’, those two

It’s all so much simpler than you

precious days all too often pass by

might imagine – just flick inside

in an unmemorable flash. We’re

our guide to 11 of the region’s best

here to tell you it doesn’t have to

destinations and start planning

be this way. Just a few hours from

a tailormade break to reconnect

your door lie a wealth of weekend

with the people you love the most,

possibilities – you can be pitching

store up some lovely memories and

down the fairway in Mauritius,

reclaim your weekend.

20 saudi arabia Retail therapy and Madain Saleh. 22 the Uae Hot-air balloons and fantastic golf courses. 24 Choose your hotel Perfect spots to rest your head.

Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com

Bahrain A small and friendly nation filled with cultural and adventurous surprises for the weekend tripper... FOr COUpLes

Mall (excellent for electronics,

Step through the Bab Al Bahrain

thebahrainmall.com) and the

gate in Manama and you’ll find

mighty Seef Mall (stacked with

yourself in the heart of the

good jewellery stores, seef.net).

The Bahrain National Museum is a great place to get an insight into this ancient nation

Manama Souk – a great place

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Ride – up to four people can get on

for couples to spend a leisurely

Kids will adore a day trip to

board and plummet down a chute

morning browsing the stalls, and

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun

to a splash landing. Parents will

picking up trinkets and authentic

(lpodwaterpark.com), a huge

love chilling in the therapeutic spa

knick-knacks to take home,

waterpark filled with exciting

pool while their kids dash about in

stopping off for thick, rich coffees

rides, including the pendulum-

the Rain Fortress, where they can

along the way. If you prefer your

style Boomerango slide, the

soak each other with water hoses,

shopping air conditioned and

near-vertical Speed Slide and the

stand under the gigantic tipping

modern, head over to the Seef

twisting Superbowl. There’s the

water bucket and nip down one of

neighbourhood, where you’ll find a

Paradise River, which you can bob

its mini slides.

clutch of sparkling malls including

along on a tube, through caves

Dana Mall (particularly good for

and waterfalls; the wave pool and

FOr CULtUre

fashion, danamall.net), The Bahrain

sandy beach; and the Family Raft

The Bahrain National Museum in

charming and old-fashioned

BahraiN

Clockwise from far left: Al-Fateh Grand Mosque; Camel tour in desert; Family fun at Lost Paradise of Dilmun; Gulf Speed One.

ALL GOOD THINGS… Though Bahrain comprises 33 separate islands, it is the smallest of the GCC countries. WINTER WONDER November to March is the best time of year to visit, so set off for a winter break and swerve its sultry summers. HISTORY LESSON What’s now Bahrain was once the ancient land of Dilmun, the presumed home of the Garden of Eden. PErfECT DiNNErs

Manama is an excellent place to get

in Manama (gulfspeedone.com)

an insight into this ancient nation,

where you can hire out turbo-

EAT IN

and covers over six millenia of

charged single or twin-engine

history. Here you can learn about

machines to zip around the track

head to La Mosaique Restaurant

Dilmun, the ancient civilisation of

at up to 40 miles per hour, trying

(Crowne Plaza Bahrain 00 973 1 753

legend thought to have been based

to shave seconds off your time and

1122), where you’ll find all manner

in Bahrain, as well as Bahrain’s

beat your friends. And if you fancy

of bites showcased on its sprawling

more recent history. You’ll also

some aquatic action, why not go

buffet tables.

enjoy the hall dedicated to the

wakeboarding, banana-boating,

natural history of the islands,

sailing or waterskiing at the Coral

element at Waves (00 973 1 753

and the beautiful old Koranic

Beach Club on Al Fateh Corniche

1122), where local fisherman deliver

documents that are on display. For

(coralbeachbahrain.com).

fresh fare daily. find it in the

a slice of modern Bahrain’s cultural

Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

scene, meanwhile, swing by La

FOr reLaxatiOn

Fontaine Centre of Contemporary

Few Bahraini experiences are as

at Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s newest

Art (00 973 1 723 0123), an old

calming or tranquil as taking a trip

eatery, Spices (00 973 1 753 1122).

building which has been remade as

out into the desert to see the Tree

a home for exhibitions from around

of Life. It’s so unusual because it

the world.

stands completely on its own – a

for family-friendly meals,

seafood-lovers will be in their

savour traditional indian dishes

EAT OUT Carnivores can get their meat fix at

great, green, centuries-old tree

Seef’s Butcher Shop & Grill (00

FOr adventUre

with not a single other living plant

973 1 717 2300), which serves up the

Adrenaline junkies will adore a visit

for miles around. Beautiful and

tastiest of tenderloins.

to Gulf Speed One, a go-kart track

strangely moving. 3

Egypt

Thought egypt was just pyramids and nothing more? Time to think again…

FOr COUpLes

almost forget you’re in the desert;

intense sun, and save on luggage

You won’t want to miss out on

tranquil Farafra is ideal for couples

space by hiring equipment while

a glorious cruise down the Nile,

seeking solitude; and Baharia is

you’re there.

one of the most eye-opening

accessible by road so it’s ideal if

experiences in the country. But for

you don’t want to have to make a

FOr CULtUre

something more off-the-beaten

major excursion of it.

Obviously, Egypt’s most wellknown attraction is the pyramids,

track, consider heading to the Sahara’s Western Desert where

FOr FaMiLies

and they are a must-see (as is the

you can witness the majesty of an

The Red Sea is known throughout

Egyptian Museum in Cairo) – but

oasis with your partner, a memory

the world for its fantastic

there is far more to this fascinating

you will cherish forever. There

snorkelling and diving. Head to the

country. Ever since the downfall of

are four main oases to check out:

beautiful resort of Sharm El Sheikh

the Byzantine Empire in 642AD,

Siwa, Baharia, Farafra and Dakhla.

and you’ll experience crystal clear

Egypt has been an Islamic country

The 80km-long Siwa is dotted

waters, white sands and vibrant

and its rich history of different

with limestone outcrops, mineral

coral reefs bursting with tropical

dynasties has resulted in an

springs and two salt lakes, and

fish, turtles and sometimes even

incredible array of mosques, their

its abundant date and olive trees

dolphins. Be sure to get rash vests

elegant domes and cloud-poking

make it feel like a real haven.

for the kids as it will stop their

minarets peppering the skyline.

Dakhla is so verdant you could

backs from getting burned in the

Many can be found within the

TOP TIP it’s customary to tip for services in Egypt, even if it’s for the pressing of a button in a lift – so have loose coins at the ready. SIZE MATTERS Egypt stretches over 1 million square kilometers – around the size of france and Germany combined. HARD LIVING ancient Egyptians used to sleep on pillows made of stone.

EGYPT Opposite page, left to right: Felucca on the Nile; Snorkelling at Sharm El Sheikh. This page, clockwise from left: Giza’s pyramids; Room at InterContinental Cairo, Cairo Citadel.

country’s main seat of power,

FOr reLaxatiOn

the Citadel, which comprises

If the very thought of getting

palaces (now museums) and an

horizontal by a quiet pool, chilled

impenetrable fortress. In Fustat,

juice in hand, sends you into

the city which originally stood

raptures, make a beeline for the

then enjoy an after-dinner shisha

south of where Cairo now is, you

InterContinental Abu Soma resort

pipe at Tannour (00 20 65 326

can visit the oldest mosque in

in Hurghada (00 20 65 326 0700).

0700) – interContinental abu

Africa which has undergone so

It’s set on the idyllic Red Sea

soma resort’s fantastic Lebanese

many architectural reinventions

coastline, where hundreds of

restaurant.

it’s now unrecognisable from its

palm trees are dotted around the

original structure. FOr adventUre The next item on the agenda of thrill-seekers who’ve already done

The dunes in the Western Desert are some of the biggest in the world at up to 300 metres high

PErfECT DiNNErs EAT IN Tuck into an à la carte menu

for fabulous international cuisine (rustled up in live cooking stations), book a table at Souq Al Hana Restaurant (00 20 65 336 0000) at Crowne Plaza sahara Oasis in Port Ghalib. Grab a light bite at The Pool

snowboarding and wakeboarding

surrounding twin bays and the

has got to be sandboarding. We’re

enormous free-form swimming

Deck (interContinental The Palace

not talking going down a little hill

pool, complete with cave shelters,

Port Ghalib resort, 00 20 65 336

on a tray – this is serious business:

is perfect for a spot of wallowing if

0000) and drink in fine views of the

the dunes in the Western Desert

you can’t quite muster the energy

red sea as you eat.

are some of the biggest in the

to walk to the private beach.

world at up to 300 metres high,

For true indulgence, you should

EAT OUT

and participants in the sport get

book up a treatment or two (we

a huge helping of atmosphere

fully kitted out with boards and

recommend the Bangkok Mist,

is served up with siwan dishes

boots. Given the lack of chair lifts,

incorporating Thai massage,

at Bab Inshal (Midal el souq,

it’s pretty exhausting, but also

coconut scrub and coffee body

siwan, 00 46 460 1499). it

brilliant fun.

peel) at the hotel’s spa.

overlooks the ruins of shali. 5

Jordan

From chariot racing and ancient ruins to boutique shopping, Jordan has something for everyone... FOr COUpLes

at Jerash (about 50 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The Jordanian capital of Amman is

drive from Amman) and you can

a must-visit for couples: as well as

wander around the 6,500-year-old

being an excellent base from which

Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad

to explore the northwestern parts

legionnaires roam the walkways and

of the country, the city is filled with

mingle with the tourists. A trumpet

history in the form of the Roman

blare proclaims the beginning of

amphitheatre and the citadel.

the pre-race fight, and Roman

Shopaholic couples will be in their

soldiers emerge and battle it out in

element â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as the souks and

gladiatorial contests, hurling spears

street stalls of the central downtown

and crossing swords in a scarily

area (Balad), there are malls galore

convincing manner. Next, decide

(our top recommendation is the

which team to support and watch

excellent City Mall).

from the edge of your seat as four horse-drawn chariots zoom through

FOr FaMiLies

their seven laps. Unmissable.

Looking for a truly unique way to keep the kids entertained? Few

FOr CULtUre

mini-holidaymakers would turn

One of the new seven wonders of

their noses up at watching a real

the world, Petra is absolutely

live chariot race (jerashchariots.

spectacular; a trip to Jordan would

com). Head to the hippodrome

be incomplete without seeing

JOrDaN Opposite page, top to bottom: Stunning Petra; Floating on the Dead Sea; Petra’s tombs. This page, clockwise from left: Salt formations at the Red Sea; King Hussein’s Mosque; Natural arch in Wadi Rum.

SNOW BUSINESS it might be the desert, but even the sandiest terrains dip to chillier climes in winter – snow has known to settle in amman. OH BROTHER Jordan was known as Philadelphia in ancient times, meaning ‘City of Brotherly Love’. FEELING LOW Jordan’s Dead sea is the lowest point on the planet. it. Best recognised for its role in

granite ridges that flank the valley

Indiana Jones, Petra was entirely

have been eroded over thousands

carved into the stone of the red-

of years by fresh water springs,

rocked mountains in 100BCE and

leading to the wadi becoming a

remained undiscovered by the

handy meeting point for caravans

western world until 1812. Its fortress-

and Bedouin tribes, some of whom

like construction was a smart move,

inhabit the wadi to this day. The

as it was built on a major trade route

breathtaking beauty of sunset and

passed through by those travelling

sunrise at Wadi Rum has to be seen

between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba

to be believed, so make the most

at Below 393 (holiday inn resort

and Leuce Come on the Red Sea,

of your trip by camping overnight

Dead sea, 00 962 5 349 5555).

The breathtaking beauty of sunset and sunrise at Wadi Rum has to be seen to be truly believed

(wadirumsunset.com offers good

PErfECT DiNNErs EAT IN Enjoy succulent steaks and some beautifully prepared local dishes

Munch on Mezzas with friends

overnight trips) – then you can also

at Al Halaby Restaurant (Crowne

lie beneath more stars than you

Plaza ammam 00 962 6 551 0001) –

would have thought could possibly

it’s the first aleppo restaurant

exist in one sky.

in ammam.

stream which essentially turned the

FOr reLaxatiOn

bite, head to The Atrium

city into an artificial oasis. It’s an

What could be more relaxing than

(interContinental Jordan, 00 962

enormous area to explore so

bobbing around in the sea without

6 464 1361) and help yourself to its

make sure you wear comfortable

even having to tread water? Head

splendidly lavish buffet.

walking shoes.

to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on

if you’re looking for a relaxing

and the area contained a perennial

Earth, and you can do just that, due

EAT OUT

FOr adventUre

to the exceedingly high salt content

Mezze and meat awaits you at

You haven’t seen a wadi until

of the water. It’s a bizarre sensation

Fakhr El-Din (40 Taha hussein

you’ve seen Wadi Rum. Soaring

and one to do now – environmental

st, Jebel ammam), an enjoyably

dramatically above the desert

groups have warned that it may

authentic spot housed inside a

sands, the vast sandstone and

have disappeared by 2050.

1950s-style Jordanian villa. 7

Kenya From the bush to the beach, this enchanting east African country is a sight to behold… If it’s art you crave, take a trip to the charming Watatu Gallery for its traditional Kenyan art

FOr COUpLes

fail to be amazed by Kenya’s

Kenya’s stunning surrounds are

spellbinding wildlife and Tsavao

perhaps best experienced with

National Park – the largest park

a loved-one – and there’s an

in Kenya – is just one place in

abundance of breathtaking parks

which to spy proud lions, ambling

through which to take a gentile

elephants and sleek leopards.

and Museum (blixencoffeegarden.

stroll. Though its name may not

If you have smaller children in

co.ke) and is set within picturesque

conjure up romance, Hell’s Gate

tow, head to the Giraffe Centre in

gardens – the perfect place

National Park (www.kws.org)

Nairobi (www.giraffecenter.org)

in which to ponder its history.

reveals spectacular sights of

where they can feed the gentle

Another must-visit is the famous

natural beauty. Experience them

giants by hand, or even plant a

National Museum of Kenya

together on foot – or hire bicycles

kiss on the placid creatures. For

(museums.or.ke), a venue that’s

– and behold dramatic hills and

a more colourful sight, admire

simply brimming with enchanting

gorges; you can even spend a night

the pretty pinks on show at Lake

African artefacts. If it’s art you

under the stars at its camp site.

Nakuru National Park – it’s famed

crave, however, take a trip to

Alternatively, leave dry land behind

for its fluorescent flamingos which

the charming Watatu Gallery

and take to the Kenyan skies with a

line the lake’s borders in their

(gallerywatatu.com) and meander

hot air balloon ride over the Masia

thousands.

between its eye-catching works of traditional Kenyan art.

Mara. And if that doesn’t tug at the heart strings, there’s a whole host

FOr CULtUre

of pristine Indian Ocean beaches

If you’ve ever read Karen Blixen’s

FOr adventUre

where you can while away giddy

Out of Africa, you simply must visit

The great outdoors doesn’t get

days in the African sun.

the farmhouse where she took

much better – or more beautiful –

up residence from 1914 to 1931.

than the African wilderness, which

FOr FaMiLies

The colonial-style abode is now

means the more adventurous

Whatever your age, visitors can’t

known as Karen Blixen’s House

among you are in for a treat. Its

KENYa Opposite page: Clockwise from left to right: Mount Kilimanjaro; Pink flamingo at Nakuru National Park. This page, clockwise from left: Rift Valley; Giraffe Centre; InterContinental Nairobi.

RAINY DAYS Kenya’s rain season takes place from april to June when it can fall heavily for days at a time. JUNGLE BOOK Visit between June and september and you’ll see the annual migration of wilderbeast, which makes for a truly spectacular sight. THREE TONGUES English and swahili are Kenya’s two official languages, while Maa is spoken by the Maasai tribes.

PErfECT DiNNErs EAT IN What better place to dine than in the open-air? Do so on the romantic terrace of La Prugna D’Oro (00 254 20 320 0000) – interContinental

world class safaris are the best way

FOr reLaxatiOn

Nairobi’s italian restaurant. its

to get painstakingly close to some

Swap Kenya’s more enduring

risotto Con Zucca is a must-try.

of the most powerful animals on

treks for a gentle stroll through

the planet; just take your pick from

the historical Uhuru Gardens,

from the outdoor Safari Bar

an abundance of tour operators,

where you’ll come face-to-face

(interContinental Nairobi, 00

like Opulent Africa (opulentafrica.

with a huge monument of a dove

254 20 320 0000) where swaying

com). If you prefer, leave the 4x4

perched upon a pair of embracing

palm trees compliment its relaxed

behind, get your walking boots on

hands; signifying peace. An even

platters – perfect for two.

and head out to the soaring Ngong

more wistful setting exists on

Hills of southwest Nairobi – an

Lamu Island, home to Kenya’s

be transported to during a meal

outstanding place for trekking.

oldest town and a place that

at Bhandini (interContinental

Alternatively, set off to Africa’s

will transport you to a bygone

Nairobi, 00 254 20 320 0000) –

second tallest peak, Mount Kenya,

era. There you’ll discover Shela

expect high-end cuisine, prepared

where you can stretch your legs

Beach, a truly relaxing stretch of

in a see-through kitchen.

over its glacial ridges. Water-

powder-white sands. If you want

lovers, meanwhile, can take to the

a complete escape from all the

EAT OUT

sea for deep-sea fishing or visit

outdoor activities, book a massage

for red meat on a large-scale, head

the national parks of Malindi or

at InterContinental Nairobi’s spa

to Carnivore (City square, Nairobi

Watamu and swim among a flurry

(icshotelsgroup.com) but don’t

00 254 20 600 5933) where all

of fish while snorkelling on the

leave without experiencing its

meats are roasted over hot charcoal

Indian Ocean coast.

brilliant Turkish bath.

and carved at your table.

You’ll get a real Kenyan flavour

Northern india is where you’ll

You’ll want to visit the National Museum which is home to a treasure trove of Islamic art

place to take kids. There’s an extensive aquarium with a 1.5 million litre tank filled with exotic sealife – don’t miss the regular shark-feeding sessions – and an IMAX cinema showing kid-centric

Kuwait

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

embark on a journey of discovery in kuwait, a country packed with exciting things to see and do...

exhibits which showcase scientific

FOr COUpLes

spot is split into ten glass-lined

special ‘Explainers’, there are

Kuwait boasts a first-class

‘aquaria’, each dedicated to specific

computerised puppet shows

shopping scene, with lavish malls

brands – including high-end names

each day, which bring home

where couples can immerse

like Prada, Yves Saint-Laurent and

environmental messages to

themselves in some serious

Gucci – with a couple of multi-

children. You may also be lucky

weekend browsing. Marina Mall and

brand areas thrown in where you’ll

enough to be there on a day when

Souk Sharq, both on the Gulf Road,

find the likes of Evisu, Seven For

the Starlab Planetarium is in action:

are good starting points. Follow

All Mankind and Antik Denim. For

it’s an entertaining and inspiring

up with a trip to The Avenues (the-

a more traditional retail session,

experience for adults and little

avenues.com), Kuwait’s biggest

meanwhile, you should hit the Souk

ones alike.

mall, a high-ceilinged, futuristically

Al Mubarakiya, which is particularly

designed, palm-dotted space with

good for gold jewellery.

ideas and principles. In between hands-on play and talks from

FOr CULtUre To get an overview of Kuwait City,

dozens of designer brands. Round off your visit with a few hours in

FOr FaMiLies

head to the iconic Kuwait Towers in

Villa Moda in Shuwaikh, Kuwait

The Scientific Centre in Salmiya

Sharq, and climb up to the Viewing

City (villa-moda.com). This modern

(tsck.org.kw) is a wonderful

Sphere in the first tower, where

KuWaiT you can get 400-foot-high vistas

of soccer but on a highly slippy

of the city and have a cold drink as

surface covered in soap suds.

the platform rotates around, giving

They also have go-karts on offer

you a 360-degree perspective on

plus, naturally, some high-speed

this hyper-modern city. If you’re

water slides, and wave pools. It’s

let the chefs at Crowne Plaza

hungry you can enjoy a bite to

a brilliant place to go for a day of

Kuwait’s Viaggio (00 965 247 5

eat in the restaurant in the lower

activities in the sun.

7775) satisfy your appetite with

PErfECT DiNNErs EAT IN if you’re in the mood for italian,

their Tuscan-style cooking.

sphere – perhaps after watching

Belissimo!

the sun set over the city. You’ll also

FOr reLaxatiOn

want to visit the National Museum

One of the simplest – and best

on Arabian Gulf Street in Safat,

– ways to relax while here is to

Shabestan (Crowne Plaza Kuwait

Kuwait City, which is home to a

take a stroll and catch some sun

00 965 247 5 7775).

treasure trove of Islamic art from

in the beautifully-maintained

the Al-Sabah collection, alongside

Kuwait Municipal Gardens in Fahd

inn Kuwait, 00 965 2 576 0000)

displays on more recent areas of

Al-Salem Street. You’ll also love

specialises in expertly-cooked

Kuwaiti history.

the Kuwait Musical Fountain on the

Lebanese dishes, so head here for

First Ring Road, a light and water

great grills and superb salads.

indulge in classic iranian bites at

The Ayam Zaman (holiday

FOr adventUre

spectacular, featuring scores of

For some serious action to get your

spouting water jets, which kicks

EAT OUT

heart racing, sign up for a game

into action from 6pm each night.

for a taste of the real Kuwait, try

or two of paintball at Kuwait Aqua

Another restful way to spend an

the Palm Palace (salmiya, hamad

Park (aquaparkkuwait.com). The

afternoon is to pay a visit to the

al-Mubarak st, 00 965 571 5 283)

aqua park is also home to the little-

Zoological Park on Airport Road,

where bread is made in a stone oven,

known but highly fun game of Soap

home to 129 bird species plus

coffee is served up on pillows and

Football – you play a regular game

tigers, lions, giraffes and zebras.

the scent of shisha fills the air.

COLOUR CODE after a cab? spot taxis by their orange license plates – and be sure to agree a fare before the off. SMALL PACKAGES With around only 18,000 square kilometers of land, Kuwait is one of the smallest countries on the planet. LOCKED DOWN The word ‘Kuwait’ derives from ‘Koot’, the arabic word for fortress. Opposite page, left to right: Kuwait Towers; Viewing gallery at Kuwait Towers; Philae; View out towards Kuwait City; Souq Sharq.

Lebanon

From the Mediterranean shoreline to the snow-capped hillsides, you’ll love this country... FOr COUpLes

life and works of the much-loved

across the globe descend on the

Just 15 miles outside of Beirut

Lebanese philosopher and artist

town to perform. If you’re looking

you’ll find the extraordinary Jeita

Khalil Gibran. You’ll also have a

for a more active break, then

Grotto, an underground network

great time wandering around

your kids will love swimming and

of caves filled with stalactites

the neighbourhoods of Beirut

sandcastling on the beaches which

and stalagmites and beautifully

– check out Verdun, Hamra and

ring the Lebanese coast – the one

lit throughout. Couples will love

Achrafieh, all of which have lovely

at Tyre is particularly fine.

taking a boating cruise through

architecture and great shopping. FOr CULtUre

these ancient caverns – don’t forget your camera. Another

FOr FaMiLies

When it comes to culture you’re

great day trip is to Bcharre, near

Out in the Bekaa valley you’ll find

absolutely spoiled for choice.

the Kadisha Valley, where you’ll

Baalbeck, a great place to visit

There’s the ancient town of Byblos,

with kids, who can race around

just along the coast from Beirut,

the film set-like ancient temples

where you can spend the day

and monuments to their hearts’

marvelling at the wonderfully

content. And if you happen to be

intact Roman ruins, before heading

in the country during the Baalbeck

down to the shorefront for some

find an ancient grove of age-

festival (baalbeck.org.lb) in the

barbecued fish, freshly caught a

old cedar trees as well as the

summertime (usually during

stone’s throw away. Then there’s

splendid Al-Omari Mosque and

July-August) then you’ll be in for

the exquisitely preserved sites at

the Gibran Tomb and Museum,

fun, as hundreds of big-name

Tyre, where there are mosaic-lined

where you can find out about the

singers, dancers and artists from

streets, ancient public baths and

Out in the Bekaa valley you’ll find Baalbeck, a great place to visit with kids who can race around monuments

LEBaNON Opposite page: Aerial view of Beirut. This page, clockwise from left: Bacchus temple at Heliopolis; Tyre; Snowy ski slopes.

OLD TIMER The country’s capital, Beirut, is one of the oldest populated cities in the world. PARTY PEOPLE The Lebanese are known for their love of life, warm natures and wild spirit. Don’t expect to head to bed before dawn. LIGHT FANTASTIC Lebanon is also known as the ‘Paris of the East.’

PErfECT DiNNErs EAT IN There’s a delicious mix of local cuisine served up at interContinental Mzaar Lebanon’s

a huge hippodrome. The palace at

FOr reLaxatiOn

Le Refuge, (00 961 9 340 100),

Beiteddine to the south of Beirut

Beirut is a walkable city,

where you can dig into fondue at the

is also wonderful, a beautiful 18th

particularly in the centre. The new

foot of snowy ski slopes.

century mix of Arabic and Italian

heart is the Downtown area, where

architectural styles.

you can saunter around admiring

tower is Eau de Vie (00 961 1 369

sitting atop the Phoenician

the wonderful 19th century French-

100) – Phoenicia interContinental

FOr adventUre

inspired architecture, popping

Beirut’s exquisite french eatery.

Lebanon has long been famed

in and out of the many boutique

Expect modern cuisine and

as the place where you can hit

stores which line the boulevards.

breathtaking Med views.

the beach in the morning and

The real joy, though, comes

spend late afternoon at the

ski in the afternoon. The skiing is

with snagging a seat at one

Crowne Plaza Beirut savouring

wonderful – up in the mountains

of the roadside cafés on the

a sumptuous high tea (amidst

outside Beirut you’ll find a series of

pedestrianised Maarad Street,

tropical gardens) at The Falls

excellent resorts, including Mzaar,

where you can settle in for an

Lounge (00 961 1 754 755).

The Cedars and Bakish. Once

evening of fruit-flavoured shisha,

you’ve tackled some Lebanese

outstanding food and, of course,

red runs, you might like to head

people-watching. Another great

in the mood for seafood? saunter

over to the coastline down from

place for shopping is the town of

down to Casablanca (rue dar El-

Tyre, where you can head out on

Tripoli, where you can meander

Mreisseh, Quaddoura building, 00

snorkelling or scuba-diving trips

among the souks and pick up

961 369 334) – an old Lebanese villa

and get to explore sunken ruins of

gorgeous Lebanese sweets and

with Mediterranean sea views – for

ancient cities.

olive oil.

outstandingly fresh catches.

EAT OUT

Mauritius

This is the Indian Ocean’s most exquisite island: get set for turquoise waters and heart-tugging scenery... For Couples

For Families

Mauritius offers postcard-perfect

There’s a whole heap of great

views around every corner and the

family activities in Mauritius,

best place to drink in its charms

especially if you share a love for

is from the deck of an outsized

the great outdoors. Start out at the

catamaran. You can hire one of

Casela Nature Park (caselayemen.

these from White Sand Tours

mu), where you can watch or

There’s a whole heap of great family activities in Mauritius, especially if you love the outdoors

This page, from top to bottom: Aerial view of Mauritius; Boat sits on turquoise sea; InterContinental Resort Balaclava Fort Mauritius. Opposite page: Local lobster. 14

even touch lion and cheetah cubs in their enclosure, before hitting the super chutes at Le Waterpark (maurinet.com/waterpark), a small but always enjoyable affair where,

(whitesandtours.com), crew

chutes aside, adults can squeeze

included, for a private cruise across

themselves into rubber rings and

the island’s colourful waters,

float along a lazy river while kids

gliding past striking mountain

can clamber aboard a pirate ship

ranges and jungle terrain. If you’re

complete with water-firing cannons

looking for a little romance, make

– great fun. Finally, hop aboard a

sure you book your cruise to

glass-bottomed boat – arrange this

depart just before sunset, so you

through Fragawills (fragawills.com)

can watch the sun slip away into

to see fantastically-hued tropical

the ocean.

fish dart below your feet.

MAuRITIus For Culture

were originally issued in Mauritius

your adrenaline up, climb onto a

Sugar cane has long been a chief

then bought back after they had

quad bike and speed through the

driver of the Mauritian economy

left the island’s shores for the

mountains at Domaine de l’Etoile,

and the sweet stuff is ingrained

princely sum of $2 million.

also with White Sands: expect to see deer, wild boar and monkeys.

in the very fabric of the country. As such, L’Aventure Du Sucre

For adventure

(aventuredusucre.com) is a great

Take a bird’s eye view of this

For relaxation

place to go if you want to swot up

beautiful island via a helicopter

Mauritius is awash with golf courses

on the history of the island. You’ll

tour. The choppers seat up to

where you can swing your stress

learn of epidemics and refineries,

four people and there are various

away. Head to the fine, mountain-

slavery and sugar booms in a

helipads dotted around the island

flanked fairways at the Tamarina

well-thought-out and surprisingly

where you can hop aboard. The

Golf Estate (tamarina.mu) – the first

entertaining museum for kids and

tour takes only 15 minutes, but in

course on the island unattached

adults alike. Another attraction

that time you’ll see mountains,

to a hotel – which is wonderfully

providing an overview of the

jungles and beautiful swathes of

welcoming to visitors and a real

island’s past – largely through old

coastline. If that isn’t enough to

joy to play. And when you’ve got

maps, paintings and etchings – is

satisfy your head for heights, how

your round in (under-par, of course)

The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.

about a heart-racing walk along a