As lockdowns in the Middle East gradually lift over the summer, the entire travel and tourism industry is prepping up for domestic travellers eager for a break or a staycation in their own country or city.
We’ve picked out some cool staycation ideas to get your clients back on board. ASCOTT’S REGIONAL OFFER The Ascott Limited has launched its latest ‘Family Staycation’ promotion valid until September end, offering residents 25 per cent off across Ascott’s 11 properties in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Turkey. Residents in the UAE can avail the promotion at Ascott Park Place Dubai and Citadines Metro Central Dubai. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the offer is valid across Riyadh, Al Khobar and Jeddah in Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah and Spectrums Residence Jeddah. In Oman, the deluxe residence Somerset Panorama Muscat offers staycations, while Bahraini locals and residents can stay at Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain. In Turkey, Somerset Maslak Istanbul, Ascott’s first iconic establishment in the country, is situated in Europe’s largest lifestyle development, Maslak 1453, the property is an oasis of calm within the city. To ensure the safety and well-being of all guests and staff, Ascott has implemented stringent hygiene and cleanliness standards as well as safe distancing through its global programme ‘Ascott Cares’. The comprehensive protocols are in compliance with the World Health Organization standards and local regulations, and has been rolled out globally since June 2020. Future holidaymakers planning to rediscover travel can take a step forward to their next vacation with the brand’s new Ascott Points Purchase promo. The loyalty programme allows travel planners to charge up their ASR points or gift them to their loved ones while availing amazing privileges which include no cap, no minimum redemption and no blackout dates. The Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) promo can be availed until the end of August. JORDANIAN LUXURY Newly renovated rooms and suites bring a fresh look and heightened guest experience to one of Amman’s best-loved luxury hospitality addresses - Four Seasons Hotel Amman. Inspired by the local landscape and Jordan’s intersection of Arabic, Islamic, and Western cultures, the renovated rooms and suites encompass local colours, textures, and materials that have been specially selected to reflect the character and heritage of this charming destination. Located on Amman’s highest hill since opening its doors in 2003, the hotel enjoys a long-established reputation as one of the finest in Jordan, and is considered a leading social venue among the city’s elite. As part of an ongoing drive to further elevate the guest experience, its spacious accommodations are being modernised to reflect the contemporary influences of today’s Amman. Carlo Stragiotto, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Amman, says: "We are delighted to unveil our newly designed rooms and suites, each of which has been reimagined with the goal of taking the guest experience to new heights. The results are truly inspiring; local artisans have been engaged to create bespoke design elements that draw heavily from Jordanian history and traditional craftsmanship, capturing the essence of this wonderful destination. We look forward to welcoming both local residents and international visitors to our beautiful Hotel, which offers the perfect retreat for those who wish to explore the many wonders of Jordan." BAHRAINI DENIZENS This summer, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain wants you to explore lazy summer days by offering exclusive packages designed to prolong your beach mood. Create memorable experiences with your family a world of fun discoveries through the eyes of your children, or simply perfecting your tan relaxing in one of our beach cabanas. Combining summer fun and adventure, the city resort also offers water sports and private boat trips to the exotic Jarada Island with a picnic basket straight from the chef’s kitchen. Bonvoy Rewards members may also enjoy room upgrade and BD20 ($53) hotel credit for dining and resort experiences. Enjoy a staycation with free upgrade from BD99++ ($263++) or a daycation which includes a Deluxe room from 9 am to 6 pm, as well as full access to beach and resort facilities for two persons from BD 75++ (200++). Take to the sea on Pearl 1 for daily boat excursions to explore hidden enclaves, cruise the kingdom’s coastline, watch dolphins, and more. Tours are available for 3 to 6 hours, for up to 6 passengers and include your choice of a picnic lunch, along with bottled water and soft beverages. Trips are subject to weather and tidal conditions and advanced reservation is required. Price starts from BD150 ($399) per trip. AJMAN SPLASH With a starting rate of Dhs229 ($63) inclusive of breakfast for two, guests can avail an overnight stay in Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, plus access to a private beach club where they can relax and watch the sunset by the sea. For added fun and adrenaline rush, guests can opt for the staycation + water sports package, which are all inclusive of stay in a sea view room and breakfast for two adults. With the starting rate of Dhs299 ($82), guests can enjoy have a 15-minute jet ski ride; for Dhs349 ($95) the use of two water sports amenities, while the Dh449 ($123) package entitles them to an adventure spree with the use of all amenities which include banana boat, kayak, donut boat, and stand up paddle board, on top of the 15-minute jet ski ride. BRUNCH IN CAPITAL CLOUDS The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Suite, extending over 1,120 sqm welcomes all food connoisseurs to experience a one of a kind, rare and bespoke brunch. Set over 220 metres above sea level, with amazing unobstructed 360 degrees views over the Arabian Gulf and the capital city’s skylines, Brunch in the Clouds is now available every second Friday. Moustafa Sakr, Area General Manager of the Luxury Brands Abu Dhabi at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, says: "Brunch in the Cloud is a bespoke and sophisticated experience created at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi to highlight not only the level of excellence and service, but also the unique memories we craft for our valuable visitors and guests. We provide an opportunity at 40 diners to enjoy brunch in private rooms, respecting discretion, space and quality in our most exclusive suite, The Abu Dhabi Suite. We are very content to re-introduce this experience and we very much looking forward to welcoming all food connoisseurs back in the "clouds"." The Abu Dhabi Suite has created, especially for the Brunch in the Clouds, four additional private dining areas, allowing guests to enjoy brunch at their own privacy and comfort. The team will assist and escort guests at their table explaining the process of "served to table brunch". An individual bar corner has been set up in all private dining rooms respectively, while our hosts will always be ready to assist and anticipate any requests. The menu has been totally revamped to satisfy all discerning palates, including seafood selections, lobster and oysters, a vast variety of sushi combinations, tasteful meat courses all formed in creative recipes and an innovative collection of desserts and chocolates. Brunch in the Clouds starts at 12noon, is exclusively for adults over 21 years and is available at Dhs345 ($94) per person inclusive of soft drinks or Dhs595 ($162) per person with bubbly and alcohol drinks. CLEAN UP NICE With renewed focus on balancing mental wellbeing, maintaining self-care and allowing small luxuries in life, a new range of treatment packages has been launched by one of the most innovative spas in town. Award-winning wellness concept, Qua Spa located within Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, has created a suite of treatments which focus on alleviating stress and boosting immunity, tapping into the exact needs of UAE residents coming out of lockdown and starting to seek out ways in which they can soothe anxiety and build their immune systems. Featuring first of its kind treatments in the UAE such as the Iyashi Dome and the ground-breaking Psammo Concept Quartz Bed, a thermal therapy for mental and physical relaxation, the spa is a must for wellness connoisseurs. Wellbeing Treatments by NEOM include the balancing and uplifting Happiness Treatment, which uses mandarin and lemon essential oils for a head to toe scrub, followed by a trigger point massage on the back, shoulder, face and scalp. The Energy – Immune Boost and Invigorate Treatment starts with meditation focused on breathing and reflexology. Through an invigorating full body scrub and massage, cool oil is massaged into the skin to relieve tension and stimulate the mind. The ultimate wellbeing treatment, packed with zesty essential oils, is perfect for those hot summer days or when you just need a re-charge. KUWAIT FAMILY FUN In preparation for the reopening of their doors and the return of their guests, Kuwait headquartered Safir Hotels & Resorts has announced the SAFER @ SAFIR initiative, a comprehensive programme of newly implemented standard procedures and equipment, to provide a Covid-19 safe environment. Working in close coordination with partners Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Bureau Veritas, the hotel management company assures both guests and colleagues that they are closely aligned with the latest industry insights and technologies. The SAFER @ SAFIR initiative encompass three main goals: limiting contact, enhanced cleaning, and enhanced safety. In addition, the company is receiving Safe Guard Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label certification from global authority in compliance, Bureau Veritas, for its properties across the region. Safir Hotels & Resorts Corporate Marketing Manager Layla Al-Ghawas elaborates: "We are aware that while doors are reopening, things will not be entirely the same as they were before. We face a new reality, one where we are hyper vigilant in protecting the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and community and therefore, ourselves. For this reason, we’ve spent the last few months preparing and updating our already stringent cleaning protocols to ensure that you can be even safer during your stay at Safir." Overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf, five-star Upscale business & leisure hotel Safir Fintas Kuwait grants proximity to Kuwait’s oil and gas district and southernmost commercial hub. Located in the heart of the vibrant, up-market shopping district of Salmiya and within walking distance of Marina Mall, Marina Hotel Kuwait is a boutique, five-star, upper-upscale beachside property pairs lush, jewel-toned interiors with panoramic sea views. Both properties now offer the Family Stay promotion whereby children aged 12 years or below get special treats: in addition to discounts on food & beverage and more, one extra bed per room is provided so they'll have a place of their own to rest their head after a long day of adventure. There is complimentary breakfast for 2 children under 12 years (if sharing parents’ room), complimentary extra bed, 10 per cent discount on food & beverage (including mini-bar); 10 per cent discount on additional rooms for family members; and complimentary late check-out till 3pm.