From the emerging luxury travel spots in the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia to the old favourite Salalah in Oman, tourism has grown exponentially in the Middle East in the last five years. Apart from the list of travel destinations from around the world, we wanted to give our international readers a taste of much-talked about Arab culture and hospitality, and focus on the jewels of the Middles East.
QATAR
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is the perfect embodiment of Qatar – opulent yet classy. The understated elegance combined with the tasteful artwork and the extremely courteous staff is perhaps what won this hotel several awards, including one for being the third best city hotel in the world.
Eager to test out that claim, the Life N Style team headed to Qatar and we did not come away disappointed.
Set on a private island, the city hotel envelopes you in a resort-like feel as you are surrounded by breathtaking views as diverse as the Marina, the sweeping Arabian Gulf, the buzzing, iconic Lusaii City and the luxurious Lagoona mall.
The first thing that strikes you when you enter the hotel, apart from the smiling faces of the staff, is the sheer grandeur of the iconic Viennese Baakowitz Chandelier which has over 2000 individual crystals and is one of the 264 chandeliers that light up The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. This mammoth light feature sets the tone for what one can expect
Built in 2001, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has the appeal of a much younger hotel and that is probably because every year, one part of the property gets a facelift. A couple of years ago, a private beach was added to the list Their outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, the city’s largest semi Olympic indoor basin and an array of whirlpools and plunge pools are a vacationer’s paradise. It is also the only hotel in the city with a large private island exclusively to host large-scale events like weddings.
The 374 refurbished rooms are cozy yet sophisticated with white and gold being central themes plus a splash of colour. However, the real jewel in their crown is the thoughtfully renovated VIP suites. The four Grand Amiri suites, each with its own theme and design are the epitome of luxury and elegance. This includes the cream & white-hued Ivory Suite which has a touch of European flare with black and gold accents. The Katara Suite channels the city’s rich heritage with its name derived from the most ancient name given to the Qatar Peninsula. The Quartz Suite features translucent quartz and black onyx interiors along with regal tones of bronze and silver. The Cobalt Suite is an homage to the nation’s love for motorsports. The leather wall panels, reminiscent of high end car interiors, are accented with bold cobalt blue.
Fine dining is elevated to a gastronomic experience here under the masterful eye of Executive Chef David Dahlhaus. Apart from the outlets he manages (we will come to them in a minute), Chef David is perhaps most proud of the garden and farm that have blossomed on the property. It makes for an excellent educational part of the Ritz Kids program that the hotel runs.
We started our culinary journey with the Italian night at the Lagoon All Day Dining, Chef David made his favourite Spaghetti in an authentic Parmigiana Reggiano cheese wheel. As his team tossed pizzas for the camera, we could not help but be amazed at their skills, the authentic Italian taste and two behemoth ovens that hold a place of pride in the centre of the outlet
The French brasserie, Sel & Mel, offered a quintessential Parisian breakfast experience, though nothing prepared us for the sight of the gigantic croissant that was a part of the offerings.
Lunch at the Pan Asian B-lounge by Buddha Bar was a revelation, the vistas were stunning. It looks out onto the vast blue expanse that is the Arabian Sea and the Marina. They are begging to be enjoyed perhaps in more clement weather. Our favourite here were a mocktail called ‘I left my bag in Tokyo’, which came in a transparent plastic bag tied with a jute string and tasted heavenly. It was the same with each course that was brought out, from Sushi to Thai curry and the litchi dessert – the presentation and the flavours always tied into one another beautifully.
The STK Steakhouse is renowned for its exceptional service, with servers offering expert guidance to create a delightful culinary journey. Apart from serving the best cut steak the restaurant also has the best view of the city and is an experience not to be missed.
SAUDI ARABIA
When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists, it stunned the world with its natural beauty. From the shimmering swathes of the desert of Rub’ al Khali to the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites at Al Ula and the pristine turquoise sea and coral reef of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia sealed its reputation as a premier tourist destination. Over 60 million tourists visited Saudi Arabia in the first half of 2024. Even for us, residents of the Middle East, a vacation to this multifaceted land has become a must.
The Giga Red Sea global project captured our imagination with its rapid expansion. Among the first luxury brands to grace its shores is the St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Untouched and unspoiled, its pristine waters teeming with marine life are are its undeniable allure.
The St. Regis sits on one of the Ummahat islands, 22 kilometres offshore from the Saudi mainland and can be reached by amphibious seaplane from Red Sea International Airport, or a speedboat transfer. Its 90 villas are split between the Dune Villas on the beach and Coral Villas which are perched above the shimmering Al Wajh Lagoon, with the resort’s restaurants, spa, water sports centre, main pool and beach in the centre.
Shaped like spiralling seashells, these villas start from 79 square metres of indoor space, with a further 99-square-metre sundeck featuring sun beds, parasols, a dining table and an overwater plunge pool. The Coral Villas have a hypnotic view, from the floor-to-ceiling windows revealing unobstructed views of the sky and the sea. With three top-tier restaurants, a beach club and bar, there are a plethora of fine dining options.
BAHRAIN
Bahrain holds a special place in our hearts as Life N Style’s home. We are excited to share with you the places that make this ultimate island getaway a must visit on your travel itinerary. The Pearl of the Gulf boasts of a rich history that goes back almost 4000 years. It existed as a strategic trading hub between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilizations, a status it still hold, as the gateway to the Middle East. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Qala’t Al Bahrain or Bahrain Fort, The Pearling Path and the burial mounds of Dulmun, as well as the Bahrain National Museum, offer a deeper look at the past while, trendy areas like Adliya and Seef offer world-class dining options. The Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain International Karting Circuit and Gravity – the indoor skydiving arena is ideals for those seeking adventure. Luxury hotels and resorts with private villas, white-sand beaches, spas, water parks make it perfect for families on staycations. Couple this with the warm Arabian hospitality of the beautiful people of the island, who go out of their way to be helpful and yo have the recipe for the ultimate island vacation.
The majestic Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa is our recommendation for an unforgettable vacation in Bahrain. Set on the tranquil beaches of Bahrain’s west coast, the resort is often called a secluded oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Its large suites and villas are perfect for a big family vacation. The theater, infinity and kiddy pools, seven dining options, and luxurious spa facilities, are great for a break from the hectic city life. An added bonus is the proximity of some of Bahrain’s top attraction, the Bahrain International Circuit, Gravity, Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark, Al Dana Ampitheater are a mere 20-minute care ride away. “Yallah Habibi, come to Bahrain!“
UAE
UAE is not a destination that one can visit once and mark it off your bucket list. You simply can’t! It’s always buzzing with new adventures – be it new luxury resorts, Michelin Stars restaurants, or pulsating nightclubs. From the thrilling extreme sports, vibrant theme parks, exquisite mosques and museums, soaking in the culture with a desert safari and a night under the starts – the list of things to do is as exhausting as it is endless. And did we mention the shopping? With that said – we’ll just focus on the places to stay in UAE that intrigued us, starting with Abu Dhabi.
As a luxury magazine, we cannot talk about the sheer world of opulence that is the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi. Dwarfing even Buckingham Palace in its sheer scale, this eight-story behemoth stretches over a kilometer, a monument to architectural ambition. But its grandeur extends far beyond its size.
With over 6,000 jaw-dropping square meters of 22-carat gold leaf shimmering from every surface, the gold is a leitmotif, echoing throughout the palace. 1000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers amplify its brilliance. And then there are the domes! We cannot forget the 14 meticulously crafted domes. Considered some of the largest in the world, they claim the title of the world’s grandest, with a majesty that rivals St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The whole experience makes you fell like Middle Eastern royalty.
What makes it worth a visit this summer is that until 30 September 2024, hotel guests can dive into the adventure with exclusive tickets to a collection of theme parks and attractions in Abu Dhabi.
Our other hotel recommendation is from Ras Al Khaimah and gives one a taste of French Polynesia except one is not stuck on an island.
It is the Anantara Mina Al Arab. The resort’s overwater pool villas, the first in Ras Al Khaimah, fan out across the lagoon, offering privacy and uninterrupted views of the surrounding mangroves. From admiring flocks of migratory birds at dawn, cooling off in the infinity-edge plunge pool, and dining under the stars with every detail seen to by the Villa Host.
Located on a private peninsula surrounded by ocean and lagoon, the resort’s suites, spacious at 95 sqm, are light and breezy with charming views from private balconies extending over lush greenery, the calm of the lagoon, and then the Arabian Gulf.
This summer Anantara invites guests for weekday staycations of two nights or more offering 35% savings on accommodation; with promotions on dining as well as the spa. Children aged 10 and under get complimentary stays and dining and are well looked after with kids’ and teens’ clubs, a dedicated kids’ pool and a babysitting service.
OMAN
Oman defies summer stereotypes and is an oasis of greenery even when it is hot. We are talking of the magical land of Salalah which transforms into a lush paradise with cool temperatures during the Khareef seson (from June to September) making it a perfect escape from the Middle Eastern heat. Flourishing valleys, waterfalls and misty morning s create an atmosphere that is ethereal. Here, you can explore ancient ruins, trek through the wadis, or simply laze by the beaches without a care in the world.
Our stay recommendation is a popular award-winning one – the Six Senses Zighy Bay. The resort has an intimate charm. Stone pool villas, reminiscent of a traditional Omani village, exude a timeless elegance. Rough-hewn walls and reed ceilings create a war ambience, illuminated by flickering lanterns. Each villa boasts a private pool fringed by swaying palms. For those who prefer beachfront living, there are villas nestled directly on the sand.
Dining options cater to every palate. From Bedouin-style dining with lamb cooked in an underground oven – or wagyu beef fritters with the unparalleled view whilst perched high in the scenic peaks. To add an adrenaline rush to your vacation you can paraglide down a mountain, go snorkeling, learn how to crab hunt and even take Arabic lessons.
Six Senses Zighy Bay isn’t just a resort; it’s a timeless haven where every detail whispers luxury and whispers عمان (Oman) in your ear.
KUWAIT
Kuwait, like most other Gulf countries, is transformed into a delightful escape after the sun sets, bathed in a warm glow and a gentle breeze that invites exploration.
Travellers can delve into the heart of Kuwaiti culture by wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Souq Al-Mubarakiya. For history buffs, a visit to the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque is a must. Its intricate mosaic tiles and towering minarets offer a glimpse into Islamic art and architecture. Alternatively, head to the iconic Kuwait Towers, a trio of futuristic structures that have become synonymous with the city skyline.
Beyond historical landmarks, Kuwait caters to the modern traveller with malls and local boutiques creating a shopper’s paradise. Beautiful beaches like Failaka Island or Al-Kout offer a haven for relaxation.
Our hotel recommendation is the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. It’s an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers unparalleled luxury and spacious accommodations – the largest guest rooms in the city.
Soak up panoramic cityscapes from soaring rooftop restaurants, indulge in refreshing dips in the sparkling infinity pool nestled amidst private cabanas, or stroll through the lush parkland that graces the hotel’s doorstep. Unwind in the chic ambience of Al Soor Lounge, an oasis for sweet treats known as Kuwait’s La Chocolaterie or embark on a culinary adventure with a variety of world-class restaurants at your fingertips. It’s your gateway to an unforgettable stay in the heart of Kuwait City.
