KEMPINSKI HOTEL, AQABA, JORDAN
Located on the Red Sea, this relatively new property is modern and elegant. If you’re looking for a beach break, Kempinski Hotel Aqaba has a huge stretch of private beach with pure white sand. The hotel’s spa is rated number one in the country, so be sure to book in for a treatment during your stay. Choose from five restaurants and bars covering cuisines from all around the world. If you have time to explore, the surrounding area is stunning. Bathe in the dead sea, take a hot air balloon ride or embark on a trip to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
ALILA JABAL AKHDAR, OMAN
Situated 2,000 metres above sea level, this picturesque resort is located in the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman. Just 200km from Dubai the serene peaceful hotel is a welcomed escape from city life. Each room comes with a panoramic view of the mountains, making you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are looking for complete relaxation you can unwind in the mountain top spa which comes with spectacular views, or if you’re more of an adventurer there’s plenty to see and explore. The temperature is much cooler and is consequently a welcome escape from the desert heat.
ZAYA NURAI ISLAND, UAE
Off the coast of Abu Dhabi you’ll find Zaya Nurai Island. After arriving at the uber-stylish and modern resort by boat you will feel more like you’ve flown to the Indian Ocean than the coast of the UAE. Surrounded by water, the island features standalone villas with floor to ceiling windows, private infinity pools and luxurious, modern décor. Dine at one of the resorts restaurants or if you wish make use of one of the private dining experiences including a private BBQ or beach picnic. Experience the outdoor cinema, sunrise yoga or try your hand at some water sports. If you are looking for some serious me-time, the resort spa can create tailor-made wellbeing programmes to meet your individual needs.
SIX SENSES, ZIGHY BAY, OMAN
Peaceful, picturesque and private are the three words that come to mind when describing Zighy Bay. Each of the luxury traditional Omani style villas comes complete with its own private pool and secluded terrace. So private in fact that you won’t see another sole during your stay if you wish. Behind the resort is mountains and in front of you; serene sea. After relaxing during the day time take a sunset dhow cruise on-board a traditional Omani boat and experience culinary delights in the resorts hilltop restaurant.
CONSTANCE PRINCE, MAURITIUS
If you want to travel slightly further afield, Constance Prince in Mauritius is the ultimate in luxury and is only around a six-hour flight from the UAE. The hotel is everything you want from a quiet vacation; secluded, intimate and an attention to detail. Peaceful and picturesque this resort comprises of 64 junior suites 12 family suites and 12 ‘floating’ villas, all inspired by Feng Shui, to create eth perfect sense of harmony. The in-house spa U Spa by Constance overlooks the Indian ocean and will take you away from it all. In the evening dine in Archipel – the on-site restaurant.
NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA, DUBAI UAE
For a stylish break that isn’t too far to home visit the Nikki Beach Resort and Spa. While the beach club is known for its parties, the hotel at the resort is calm, quiet and soothing. With 117 and 63 villas the hotel is spread over a large area in the secluded corner of Pearl Jumeirah. The sea here is great for swimming, and you’ll even spot some surfers a little further along the beach. The interiors of the hotel are incredibly stylish and the rooms offer unique features including MyBar, mood light system and oversized bathrooms. Some will even benefit from private pools and decks. The spa is contemporary and stylish and includes various outdoor and indoor relaxation areas. If you’re hungry the recently opened Key West restaurant offers laid back beachside dining.
ZANZIBAR WHITE SAND LUXURY VILLAS, TANZANIA
Just a six-hour flight from the UAE and you will be in the natural beauty of Zanzibar. The White Sand Luxury Villas resort is a boutique destination located on Paje Beach, on the east coast of the island. In the day time try out water sports or a boat trip, and at night relax at the beach side bar. Each of the spacious luxury villas has it own pool, while the main hotel area features a rooftop lounge, beach bar and spa. The hotel is designed to embrace the beautiful natural surrounding with an open plane, beach front design. Feel as though you are wandering around a traditional village as you take in the lush green vegetation and pristine white beaches.
HERITANCE KANDALAMA, SRI LANKA
If you’re looking for a break from beach holidays head to northern Sri Lanka. Situated amongst dense green forests you’ll find Heritance Kandalama. This stunning and completely unique resort is at the heart of nature so expect to find birds singing outside your window and monkeys hanging from the ceiling. The Panoramic rooms have breathtaking views across the hills of Dambulla and the exclusive dining options are like nothing else. The hotel can arrange private candle lit dinners inside caves, picnics amongst paddy fields – you name it they can do it. When you’re done exploring relax in the spa which comes complete with a view to die for.
THE RITZ-CARLTON AL HAMRA BEACH, RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE
The recently opened Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra beach offers escapism from the city in only an hour’s drive. The resort blends natural beauty and timeless luxury to create and intimate experience. With just 32 tented villas, the resort is small and private. Each villa features its own pool and direct beach access. The Al Naseem Villas feature local design elements inspired by traditional Bedouin architecture, and offers an elevated level of seclusion. While the Al Bahar Villas include open views and private beachfront access. Guests can visit the spa which offers holistic treatments, inspired by the local oceans and prepared with flowers and native spices. The Shore House restaurant showcases luxury dining with fresh catches from the sea and local produce.
SAADIYAT ROTANA RESORTS AND VILLAS, ABU DHABI, UAE
Abu Dhabi’s newest hotel Saadiyat Rotana is set on a 9km stretch of white beach on Saadiyat Island. The hotel features modern Arabic architecture with 327 rooms and suites and 13 beach villas. The villas have their own plunge pool and terrace directly facing the sea. The hotel features seven dining options to choose from so you will never get bored. If you want to relax visit Zen The Spa which offers specialised treatments including Turkish and Moroccan Hammam and Himalayan treatments.
