With Eid Al Adha holidays most likely coinciding with a weekend this year, everyone is packing their bags for a break from everyday routine. Our holiday ideas range from a newly opened Ritz-Carlton in Astana, Kazakhstan and Jumeirah’s experiential packages for its Mallorca property to a relaxing staycation in the iconic Gulf Hotel Bahrain.
LIVE MALLORCA WITH JUMEIRAH Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca has unveiled a new Unique Experiences programme, so guests can discover the secrets of Soller and bring home stories to last a lifetime. Thrill seeking guests can take to the sky and enjoy a helicopter tour of the island, to see the Tramuntana mountain range, a Unesco World Heritage site, from the air. The trip is rounded off with lunch in a local restaurant, boasting spectacular sea views. Adrenaline junkies can also experience the best of Mallorca on a Harley Davidson island tour; or head over to Menorca in a private sea-plane. For those living life at a more leisurely pace, the walking tour through the vineyards takes guests through some of Mallorca’s finest scenery, with plenty of opportunities to try the local wine along the way. Foodies can also indulge in an ‘orange fields’ experience where they will visit a nearby orchard and learn about more than 50 different types of fruit trees grown in the Soller Valley. As the sun sets, night owls can take to the water and enjoy a sunset boat cruise. The crew will lay out a romantic dinner for guests to enjoy under the stars. During the day, the hotel can also arrange luxury sailing experiences, which include lunch at a local seafood restaurant or private boat tours to the Cabrera National Park. Culture vultures can embark on an authentic journey to discover a mix of Mallorca’s modern and traditional art on a full day tour. From larger, more renowned galleries, to private studios in Palma, this experience is an art lover’s paradise. Guests can also venture along the rugged northern coast of Mallorca by foot with an experienced guide, who will point out the nesting sites of native and migratory birds, including the critically endangered black vulture, the largest bird in Europe. YOUR OWN PERSONAL SHOPPER Hotel Café Royal has launched ‘Fashion Now’, an in-room wardrobe service and personal shopping experience in partnership with Matchesfashion.com. Exclusive to residents of Hotel Café Royal, the new ‘Fashion Now’ service was initially created for guests who have had the disservice of lost or delayed luggage to eliminate the immediate need for panic buying. Guests will have access to a selection of key pieces available across three tiered levels – Activewear; Men’s & Women’s Business Tailoring; and Men’s & Women’s Party or Evening Wear all delivered within 90 minutes of ordering following a call from the hotel’s concierge with sizing information. As part of ‘Fashion Now’, guests staying in the hotel’s suites will be able to request an additional specialised in-suite personal shopping experience. After a telephone consultation with a MatchesFashion.com stylist, the agreed curated wardrobe, chosen from over 400 brands will be delivered to the resident’s room accompanied by an expert stylist to work through the choices. A savvy solution for budding fashionistas or those who are simply time poor, updating one’s wardrobe can now be done from the comfort of their hotel room. The in-room wardrobe service can also be pre-booked to allow for an array of designer clothing to be waiting in the hotel room ready for when guests check-in. As a suite guest of Hotel Café Royal, not only will residents have use of their in-room wardrobe service during their stay, they will also have private access to Matchesfashion.com’s flagship store in Marylebone, entitling them to a global team of styling experts, who will provide a seamless and personalised shopping service in-store. Francois Xavier Shoeffer, hotel manager for Hotel Café Royal, comments, “Travelling can be full of surprises, whether it’s mislaid luggage or simply the desire to try something new. In an era of experiential luxury, we aim to provide an exceptional level of service for our guests and ‘Fashion Now’ offers residents the luxury of a shopping trip without ever having the need to step foot outside the hotel.” Both synonymous with impeccable style, Hotel Café Royal has chosen MatchesFashion.com as its first retail partner to offer a one-of-a-kind wardrobe service for hotel residents in this leading fashion capital. This unique partnership showcases the hotel’s continued commitment to provide the highest level of luxury service to its guests. ROTANA TURNS 25 Travellers still planning their summer holidays or staycations are in for a range of themed discounts with Rotana. As the hospitality brand turns 25 this year, Rotana is offering 25 per cent off best available room rates, dining experiences and much more until September 3 this year. Members of Rotana’s loyalty programme, Rotana Rewards, are in for more surprises, with the option to redeem 25,000 points for a complimentary night at any Rotana property. Rotana Rewards Exclusive members will also receive a $25 voucher for every $100 spent at any F&B outlet, while Rotana Rewards Select members will enjoy a 25 per cent discount at all F&B outlets when dining with a group of up to six people. Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 100 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, with an aggressive expansion plan in place. BOOT CAMP IN AQABA Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba has enhanced its wellbeing experience, with the addition of a boot camp, jogging track and yoga area. They complement the resort’s health complex, which also features the award-winning ZARA Spa Tala Bay and an extensive fitness centre. A new shape, sculpt and relaxation programme designed by the resort, makes use of the 250-metre jogging track. It commences with a powerwalk or jog and a cardiovascular warm-up. This is followed by muscle-toning activities in the gym, which are supervised by the resort’s physical fitness instructor. Routines include working out with machines for weightlifting, muscle-building and endurance elevation. The boot camp – comprising eight obstacle courses in the great outdoors – offers a combination of cross-fit and circuit exercises. Along with facing suspension trainers, agility ladders, monkey bars and battling rope, participants run through tyres, climb over a wooden wall, crawl under a net and flip tyres. An inspiring seaside setting adds extra motivation while working out. In the new yoga area, guests have an opportunity to relax in mind, body and spirit. The secluded garden supports peaceful meditation and cool-down stretches in a natural green environment. ZARA Spa Tala Bay’s hydro pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam and tranquillity room are nearby to ease muscle tension and aid relaxation. “People have become more health-conscious for several years now, with a focus on engaging in alternative activities that promote wellbeing,” says Dan Benzaquen, general manager. “They are also more selective in their food choices, which is something that we cater for. Holidays at our resort are always pleasant, and the expansion of our fitness facilities allows our guests to add ‘healthier’ to that equation too.” Along with its improved health complex, the five-star Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba offers a 150-metre private beach, three large swimming pools, dive centre and water sports. The 306 rooms with balconies offer views of the Red Sea, mountains, gardens or pools. A BAHRAINI BREAK The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa, Bahrain’s legendary five-star hotel is all set to beat the heat, with its exclusive summer suite offers. Discover the maze of the labyrinthine alleyway of the famous Block 338, with its graffiti displayed and street art features with numerous cafes providing authentic and exotic street food. Offering the hotels lavishly appointed Superior, Deluxe, Luxury, Grande Deluxe Rooms and suites available at a starting rate of BD50++ ($133++). The Gulf Executive Residence offers distinctive modern luxurious furnishings, with a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, at a starting rate of BD 65++ ($173++), with exclusive access to the stunning lagoon style swimming pool with waterfalls, whirlpool, health club and two-tiered decking, beautifully surrounded by the perfectly manicured landscaped gardens. With a total of 16 restaurants, Cafes and lounges, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain offers an outstanding choice of international and local cuisines prepared by our award-winning chefs. Each restaurant takes its own identity offering authentic and exotic menus and interior deco with professional and friendly service. What’s more, this summer guests at the outlets can earn 20 per cent of their total bill for spending on their next visit. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa offers world-class features and amenities, 361 luxurious rooms and suites, 16 fine-dining restaurants, lounges and bars as well as a selection of premium recreational facilities. FAMILY TIME IN ABU DHABI Located at the heart of Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel merges authentic Arabian hospitality and over a hundred years of bespoke St. Regis traditions to become the social epicentre for the connoisseurs in the art of living. The iconic hotel offers 283 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, a myriad of sumptuous experiences with distinctive culinary venues, and over 3,000 square meters of ultra-modern health-club facilities. Sample one of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s unparalleled suites to enjoy the Suite Temptation Package. Anticipate St. Regis signature butler service, full access to the exclusive Nation Riviera Beach Club, and daily breakfast in award-winning restaurant, The Terrace on the Corniche. For the ultimate relaxation, the Suite Temptation package also features a 60 minute, Remède Spa signature massage, fully customisable with speciality products that include aromatherapy blends and warm paraffin for enhanced rejuvenation. Price starts from Dh1,950 ($531). The St. Regis Abu Dhabi welcomes families to gather and enjoy this summer, offering a 50 per cent saving on a second room with its value-for-money Summer Stay – Value Package. Families can anticipate St. Regis signature butler service, full access to the exclusive Nation Riviera Beach Club, including the fun-filled, supervised Treasure Island Children’s Club, and daily breakfast in award-winning restaurant, The Terrace on the Corniche. Save 50 per cent on every second room booked with Superior Rooms, from Dh707 ($193). LUXURY IN ASTANA The Ritz-Carlton has opened the doors of its first hotel in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, making it a bit more accessible to luxury tourists. “We are excited to be launching The Ritz-Carlton in this flourishing capital and can’t wait to help our guests discover what made The New York Times call Astana one of the 52 places to visit in 2017,” said Hervé Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “With the highly anticipated international exposition, Astana EXPO-2017, expected to draw three to four million visitors to the city this summer, there is no better time to introduce The Ritz-Carlton, Astana and showcase this as a destination with a bright future.” Located in the Talan Towers, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana, owned by Verny Capital Group, joins an elite business centre and luxury shopping gallery to create the city’s first high-end, mixed-use complex, creating a new type of lifestyle and luxury experience in the region. With a unique yet graceful design, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana is also a natural extension of the square around the nearby Bayterek Tower, a monument and symbol of modern Astana. The Ritz-Carlton, Astana features 157 guest rooms, including 32 suites, and 27 residences, all of which offer panoramic city views, thoughtful design that celebrates the beauty of the capital city, and spacious layouts. A Club Lounge on the 14th floor provides guests with an additional sanctuary, private check-in, dedicated Club Concierge, and culinary presentations throughout the day. REVISITING ICONIC CAIRO The iconic Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino, a city landmark for more than four decades, has reopened after extensive renovations to reveal modern interiors, refreshed public spaces and innovative dining concepts. Perched on the West Bank of the River Nile, it enjoys a prime location, in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Opera House and the iconic 70 storey Cairo Tower. “Sheraton Cairo was our first Sheraton hotel in Africa and has been a local icon since it’s opening in 1971,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “The reopening of this hotel is a milestone in our journey as it not only showcases our transformation efforts around the Sheraton brand, but also reinstates our commitment to Egypt as a strategic growth market.” The hotel’s 326 fully renovated rooms and suites feature a harmonious blend of modern design with a warm palette offering unmatched comfort and the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. Sheraton Club rooms offer exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a private space located on the 26th floor providing spectacular views of the city, where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day. Leisure facilities include an extensive fitness centre with cutting edge equipment available 24 hours a day for in-house guests, a luxurious pool and a fully equipped wellness centre. Six distinctive restaurants and bars create an enriching culinary voyage and offer authentic and unique experiences.