From laidback yacht rides and the UAE’s first Dior Spa to a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious train journey through Java, here is our selection of top Eid ideas
Join us as we explore everything from new city hotels and beachside resorts in the region to sleep rectifying programmes and everything in between.
Dorchester debut
The Lana, Dubai
The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai has opened in a waterfront location on the Marasi Bay Marina, the tenth Dorchester Collection hotel and the first new opening for the group in more than a decade.
The Lana, Dubai offers 225 rooms and suites and eight new dining concepts; including four that have been created with three of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
It will be home to the first Dior Spa in the UAE (set to open in April 2024).
The 30-storey building with its striking interconnected design features a central podium – The Lana Promenade - for retail and restaurants, as well as an infinity rooftop pool with views over the cityscape and desert landscape beyond. The Foster + Partners architecture affords sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa. Interiors by the famed Parisian duo, Gilles & Boissier boast a carefully curated selection of more than 50 art pieces, commissioned by local and global artists. Commenting on the opening, Christopher Cowdray, president of Dorchester Collection, said: “As Dorchester Collection welcomes its first guests in the Middle East, we are entering a new era in our company history. The Lana is one of the year’s most anticipated hotel openings, and we are certain it will be celebrated for its remarkable design, superb location in one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a dining scene that will undoubtedly attract much local and international attention.” Journey through Java Amanjiwo The cultural heartland of Indonesia, Java is studded with ancient treasures engulfed by pea-green paddy fields and rainforests lined with pristine white beaches. The capital of Jakarta buzzes with modern dynamism while elsewhere, overlooking the Unesco-protected site of the Borobudur temple, Amanjiwo awaits, named ‘Peaceful Soul’ for the serenity, privacy and beauty of its setting. Experience the many facets of the island - from city to sanctuary - with Aman journey; a train voyage through Java to Amanjiwo in partnership with luxury rail operators, PT Kereta Api Pariwisata on selected dates throughout 2024. With dedicated carriages adorned in the Aman style, the journey is designed to offer timeless elegance in the utmost comfort, and is accompanied by Amanjiwo’s resident anthropologist, Patrick Vanhoebrouck, who shares the region’s historic and cultural highlights. Perfectly placed for further exploration of the region, the Ed Tuttle-designed resort offers panoramic views of the Kedu Plain and Mount Merapi on the horizon. Reclaimed from the jungle in the 19th century, Amanjiwo’s 36 thatched-roofed suites lie in two perfect crescents below the central rotunda – most with individual swimming pools opening onto private, tranquil gardens. With three-nights to experience this inspiring location, guests can fully-immerse themselves in Amanjiwo’s sacred roots, continuing their journey through Java. Just two-kilometres away, the temple of Borobudur - a 9th-century marvel with 504 life-size Buddha statues – reveals ancient secrets, while trekking through the lush surrounding landscapes to local villages unearths an entirely new way of life. Luxury yachts Rayna Tours Renowned for its diverse range of activities, including desert camps, dhow cruises, balloon flights, paramotor adventure, and a fleet of vehicles, leading DMC Rayna Tours has elevated its water sports offerings by introducing two new luxurious vessels - a 42ft yacht and a 50ft yacht, expanding its current yacht fleet in Dubai. Designed to provide unparalleled luxury and comfort, the yachts are available for a variety of activities, catering to both locals and tourists alike. Guests can now embark on unforgettable sightseeing cruises, indulge in deep-sea fishing adventures, celebrate special occasions (such as Eid!), plan romantic proposals, host birthdays, organize gatherings, and even enjoy a delightful BBQ party while cruising along the mesmerizing waters of Dubai. “We are thrilled to introduce our latest addition to the adventure and leisure portfolio: Luxury Yachts. With sleek design and unparalleled comfort, we are setting a new standard for high-end maritime experiences. Join us as we redefine luxury on the open seas.” said Senthil Velan, CEO, at Rayna Tours. Sleep Dreams Como Hotels and Resorts If all you want to do during the Eid break is to catch up on a month of disrupted sleep, look no further than Sleep Dreams, an initiative launched at the new COMO Metropolitan Singapore to better your sleep quality. Interior architect Koichiro Ikebuchi has worked with COMO’s calming, natural colours to create serene, cocoon-like havens to promote healthy sleep-wake cycles. The hotel features SleepHub technology, which uses neuroscience and psychoacoustic sound technology to gently steer the minds through optimal sleep cycles. The property also features two AirPod hydroxy mild hyperbaric wellness devices. COMO Shambhala’s aromatherapy-based product line now includes COMO Shambhala Sleep Essential Oil, Balm and Linen Spray. The product range includes the COMO Shambhala habutai silk eye pillow, an on-point Sleepytime Tea and meal recommendations to get that perfect shuteye. Beachfront resort in Fujairah Naäma Beach Villas & Spa Naäma Beach Villas and Spa, a new luxury retreat in Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast, is expected to open this month. With its idyllic location opposite Jazirah Al Aqqa, or Snoopy Island as it’s more popularly known and set against the backdrop of the breath taking Hajjar mountains the resort is ideal for couples or groups. Enjoy access to world-leading wellness brand ESPA facilities, ‘exceptional’ food and beverage at Aseela restaurant and Amara Bar, beachfront leisure with water sports, padel tennis and plentiful outdoor adventure. The property comprises 44 independent pool villas, starting from 325sqm for the one-bedroom pool villa to the 1,050sqm for a four-bedroom pool villa located on the beach front. With options of single and double storey accommodation choices, each villa comes with dedicated butler service, in-room technology and luxurious, calming décor designed to maximise guest relaxation, from the warmth of earthy and pantone colours to the meticulously chosen art pieces around the villa, every detail is crafted to convey a sense of a secluded getaway that feels like a private space where every guest need is anticipated and cared for. New hotel in Dubai’s Jewel of the Creek Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences Situated on the shores of the storied Dubai Creek, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences is the first opening within the much-awaited Jewel of the Creek development, a prominent project in the Deira neighbourhood by Dubai Developments. A newly built tower comprising 180 fully serviced hotel and residence units, it features a choice of studio hotel apartments, one and two-bedrooms and a three-bedroom duplex penthouse with breathtaking views of the city skyline and a glimpse of the old and new Dubai. Guests and residents have full access to the building’s fitness centre, featuring an indoor gym, steam sauna, and indoor jacuzzi, while a sun-soaked spacious outdoor pool overlooking Dubai’s beautiful skyline, complete with a pool bar and a kid’s pool offers an ideal setting for sun lounging. Strategically located amidst Dubai’s residential and lifestyle heartbeat, the location offers convenient access to major attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Frame, and is easily accessible from the International Airport. Amalfi-inspired beach lounge Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, opens a lounge inspired by the breathtaking Amalfi Coast in Italy and offering laid-back elegance, handcrafted beverages, Mediterranean flavours, and magnificent views of sunsets over the Khor Al Maqta creek. Exuding a vibrant charm, Amalfi Beach Lounge creates the perfect setting for connection and socialisation. Comfortable seating within a cheerful atmosphere, curated with turquoise and white shades and accented by hints of yellow and orange, evokes beachside beauty. Taste a menu featuring fresh flavours from Charcoal Grilled Octopus and Fried Anchovies to Porcini Mushroom Arancini and Amalfi Lemon Tart amongst other delicacies. An eclectic beverage menu features expertly crafted drinks including classic selections and innovative cocktails, inviting guests to sip and savour some of the finest blends to excite the palate. Ahmed Issa, Complex General Manager, Shangri-La and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi mentions, “Amalfi Beach Lounge is an invitation to our guests to embark upon a relaxing journey, where they can experience innovative beverages complemented with flavoursome dishes while they unwind and socialize in a stylish beachside ambiance.” Safari hotel debut Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Radisson Hotel Group has opened its first safari hotel in Africa: Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, its 11th hotel in South Africa. Tucked between two renowned nature reserves, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the hotel is located 2km outside of Hoedspruit in the heart of the grasslands in the Limpopo province and just 20 minutes from Eastgate Airport. Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, the property is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities. Guests can take part in bucket-list safari adventures to spot local wildlife such as lions, rhinoceros, and elephants, go trekking on horseback, or take in the sprawling landscape from a hot air balloon. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit offers a range of room types from standard rooms with garden and mountain views to Premium Suites featuring their own private pools and relaxing outdoor seating areas to take in the natural landscape. With a contemporary Scandinavian design, the hotels 138 rooms and suites provide a calming setting with natural materials, wooden details and rich, earthy colours that pay homage to its African surroundings. The property features three F&B outlets, including a thatched roof restaurant with South African and Lebanese-inspired cuisine; an adults-only swimming pool; a planter roof and inspiring views of the surrounding grasslands; and a tranquil and rejuvenating spa.