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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The 8 Best Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East of 2025
Travel + Leisure readers spanned the region as they selected their favorite city hotels and resorts in North Africa and the Middle East. While Dubai was a popular resort destination, readers loved city hotels in Doha, Cairo, and Marrakesh. Location, service, and style were all considered when votes were cast, and there were several mentions of on-site amenities such as top restaurants. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. The exterior of the Four Seasons Hotel Doha. T+L readers' favorite city hotels in North Africa and the Middle East are split between three places this year: Doha, Cairo, and Marrakesh. And one particular brand did very well: the Four Seasons snagged three of the top five spots. As you might expect, location was a factor in how readers rated city hotels in this region. One said of Marriott Mena House, Cairo (No. 2): "Great location, a nice respite from the busy city." Style and design also proved important, with readers praising the architecture of Marrakesh's La Mamounia (No. 3)—also on the list in 2024—and its 'beautifully maintained grounds'. Four Seasons Hotel Doha: Doha, Qatar The Four Seasons Hotel Doha lobby. 'The best hotel in Doha,' wrote one T+L reader about this year's winner and World's Best Awards newcomer, Four Seasons Hotel Doha. The beachfront property, in Qatar's capital, was popular with readers for its location and service—one wrote about a lengthy immigration wait that had led to the hotel manager streamlining their check-in process and taking extra care of them during their stay. Another reader mentioned the 'extraordinary Nobu restaurant' on site. The hotel also has nine other restaurants and lounges, plus a private beach and a spa. 1. Four Seasons Hotel Doha: Qatar Reader Score: 95.44 2. Marriott Mena House, Cairo Reader Score: 91.56 3. La Mamounia: Marrakesh WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.13 4. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: Cairo Reader Score: 86.80 5. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: Marrakesh Reader Score: 82.67 Interestingly, this year's list of top resorts in North Africa and the Middle East is completely different from the 2024 list—though some properties have been featured in prior years. One common thread for this year's winners? Location. A favorite resort destination for T+L readers, Dubai has all three hotels, including both Atlantis properties (The Palm at No. 4 and The Royal at No. 2). When it comes to why they voted for these resorts, it's clear readers valued aesthetics—one noted 'everything was new and shiny' at the Atlantis The Royal. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Waterside dining at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort T+L readers picked Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort as their top resort in North Africa and the Middle East this year. Readers praised its broad appeal for families and couples, as well as beachy staycations for Dubai residents. On the Palm Jumeirah island off Dubai, with its own strip of private coastline, the hotel launched the United Arab Emirates' first overwater villas, and has three pools, a spa, and six restaurants and lounges, including its signature Asian restaurant, Mekong. 1. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reader Score: 98.67 2. Atlantis The Royal: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reader Score: 97.26 3. Atlantis, The Palm: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reader Score: 93.67
Times
02-07-2025
- Times
Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
Morocco makes an ideal short-haul holiday destination for families, couples and adventure seekers alike. There are direct flights from several UK airports and with a journey time of under four hours, and there's no jetlag to contend with. The capital Rabat offers plenty of culture, while Essaouira is a top choice for surfers. And then there's Marrakesh, an all-rounder for first time visitors and the gateway to the Atlas mountains. Morocco is hundreds of miles away from both Israel and Iran, but conflict in the Middle East has raised tensions there. On June 13, after Israel attacked Iran, the UK Foreign Office updated its guidance to state: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.' This advice remains in place after the US launched an attack on Iran's nuclear sites on June 21 and since Israel and Iran agreed a ceasefire that has held since Tuesday, June 24. The agreement followed twelve days of fighting that closed down airspace across the Middle East and disrupted flights and travel plans. Aaprt from conflict in the region, there are other safety concerns to bear in mind when visiting Morocco. Here's what you need to know. • Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco, although it updated its guidance on June 13 in light of the situation in the Middle East. It stated: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.' Although a ceasefire has held since June 24, this advice remains in place. More generally, it states that terrorists are 'very likely' to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, noting that there is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Islamic State and other extremist groups. Places highlighted as being at potential risk include crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather. • Best hotels in Morocco• Best hotels in Marrakesh Morocco is far from Israel — further than Italy and Greece, for example — so geographically has not been affected by the conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran. However, amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, the Foreign Office recently updated its guidance to warn that hostilities could 'pose security risks for the wider region'. Morocco signed the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, normalising relations with Israel in a move to strengthen ties. However, there is also significant support for Palestinians within the country, and rallies and protests have taken place. The Foreign Office advises that visitors avoid any kind of political protests; you should stay informed by following local news, and obey instructions from security officials. • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? While the Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco, it raises some general safety considerations to bear in mind. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft are common in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas such as historic quarters and beaches. There have also been occasional reports of violent crime, where weapons such as knives have been used against tourists in street attacks and burglaries. The Foreign Office advises avoiding quiet areas (especially after dark) and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you. You should also watch out for scams, which are common. These can include credit card fraud as well as bogus tour guides offering their services. If you do use a guide in the medina quarter, make sure they have an official to the Foreign Office, British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism for up to 90 days (to stay for longer than this, request an extension at a local police station). Travellers visiting for other reasons should check with the Moroccan Consulate General in the UK about visa requirements. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after the day you enter Morocco. It should not be damaged, otherwise you may be refused entry. You should also make sure your passport is stamped on arrival, or you may experience difficulties leaving. • Best villas in Morocco• Best riads in Marrakesh Morocco is generally considered safe for female travellers, especially in holiday resorts. However, if you're travelling alone, you may receive unwanted attention from men. The Foreign Office advises wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest. • What can women do to stay safe while abroad? Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, although the country remains a popular destination for LGBT travellers. The Foreign Office advises against public displays of affection, which may cause offence and lead to prosecution. • Safest countries for LGBT travellers• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Married At First Sight's Jamie Marinos lands surprise new show after turning down appearance on UK series
Married At First Sight's Jamie Marinos is set to return to screens. The popular bride, 29, who was matched with caulker Dave Hand on the 2025 series, will host a new dating show alongside TikTok star Olan Tekkers. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the series titled Love At First Scent, sponsored by Lynx, will see one blindfolded contestant going on dates with three options. 'Three guys, one fragrance each. A blindfolded queen. She sniffs. She quizzes. She eliminates,' the insider explained. 'Then it's two steamy live dates, one big final pick, and a face-to-face reveal that could lead to fireworks… or a hard pass.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the series, sponsored by Lynx, will see one blindfolded contestant going on dates with three options It is understood that the series will be broadcast live on YouTube and across social media platforms. The news comes just weeks after Jamie reportedly turned down an offer to appear on a new version of SAS:UK due to contractual obligations with Channel Nine. Daily Mail Australia revealed that six 'Aussie celebrities' arrived in Marrakesh, Morocco to film an 'all-new version' of the hit survival series. Dubbed SAS Hotel, the hush-hush series is said to be unlike anything fans have seen before. Described by insiders as part military boot camp, part luxury mind game, the series is slated to air in the UK first but could very well land on Channel Seven late next year. Among the stars spotted arriving in Morocco are 'reality Queen' Jessika Power, singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte, and Neighbours legend Ryan Maloney. All chosen for their recognisability in both the UK and Australia. 'It's a wildcard version of SAS with a twist,' one well-placed source said. The news comes just weeks after Jamie reportedly turned down an offer to appear on a new version of SAS:UK due to contractual obligations with Channel Nine. (Pictured with her on-screen 'husband' Dave Hand) It comes after Jamie shutdown romance rumours with co-star Eliot Donovan. 'Eliot and I are really good friends. He's been such a great support system, always makes me laugh and I'm super grateful to have him around,' she wrote. 'We are both single, and focusing on ourselves at the moment - But who knows what the future holds.' The pair have fuelled romance rumours for weeks after attending Daily Mail Australia's reunion party in April. Eliot spoke highly of his relationship with Jamie and said their friendship had grown since meeting during filming last year. Eliot said it was when MAFS began airing they each started to understand each other as they watched their respective marriages play out on television.
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE New SAS series cast leaked as stars jet out to Morocco to film remake - but will Ant Middleton make a return to the reality show after he was cut from The Amazing Race?
The SAS franchise is in the midst of a major makeover, with a slew of stars now touching down in Morocco to begin filming the new season. Daily Mail Australia can reveal six 'Aussie celebrities' have secretly arrived in Marrakesh to film an 'all-new version' of the hit survival series. Dubbed SAS Hotel, the hush-hush series is said to be unlike anything fans have seen before. Described by insiders as part military boot camp, part luxury mind game, the series is slated to air in the UK first but could very well land on Channel Seven late next year. 'It's a wildcard version of SAS with a twist,' one well-placed source said. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It's still brutal, still physically and mentally demanding but with an added psychological edge that really messes with the recruits. 'It's Who Dares Wins meets The White Lotus.' In a spicy twist, this elite showdown pits six Aussies against six Brits, with challenges designed to test national pride as much as endurance. Among the stars spotted arriving in Morocco are 'reality Queen' Jessika Power, singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte, and Neighbours legend Ryan Maloney. All chosen for their recognisability in both the UK and Australia. 'There's a definite strategy here, everyone has to be a big name in both markets,' the insider reveals. 'It's all about building a format that can travel globally.' Jamie Marinos from this year's season of Married At First Sight was also reported to have turned down a spot on the show. She has confirmed the series would be outside the bounds of what her current contract with Channel Nine would allow. Questions have also swirled around the involvement of former SAS frontman Ant Middleton, who has helmed both the UK and Aussie versions of the show. While he was once the face of the franchise, his recent antics while filming The Amazing Race Australia may have tarnished his appeal. Brendan Fevola had Ant and his brother Dan disqualified from the Celebrity Edition of the show following an off-camera incident overseas. The drama unfolded during a day off from filming when Dan allegedly got into a heated argument with TikTok stars Luke and Scott O'Halloran. Dan reportedly yelled at the brothers and used inappropriate language late at night when most of the cast had already gone to bed. Ant was not directly involved in the incident but was disqualified along with his brother. Brendan, who was competing on the show with his daughter Leni, is reportedly said to have confronted Dan over the behaviour. He allegedly gave producers an ultimatum: remove the Middleton brothers or he and Leni would walk. Shortly after, Ant and Dan were sent home and cut from the series. SAS Hotel location sources say Ant has not appeared in Morocco and therefore it would be fair to say he is not a part of the project. Meanwhile, sightings of sports stars, TV personalities and actors from the UK have been seen coincidentally arriving on the same day. The official list will be announced in the coming weeks. Filming is expected to wrap in just four weeks, with stars returning home by August 2 – win or lose. And if SAS Hotel strikes a chord with British audiences, insiders say it could pave the way for a full SAS Australia revival - with a whole new look and feel. So, with the cat now officially out of the bag, the pressure is on for our Aussie celebs to fly the flag and survive whatever this mysterious SAS Hotel throws at them.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
People praise 'genius' hack to avoid paying for extra luggage
A new travel hack for those looking to avoid splashing out on cabin baggage fees when flying is going viral online. And all that's needed is a common travel accessory. In a video on TikTok, Nina Edwine (@nina_edwine) shared her ingenious trick to stuff an empty neck pillow with items that would otherwise force her to pay for additional baggage. And despite the small size of the travel pillow, Nina was able to pack in 10 items of clothing, including a bra, tops and a dress. The video, captioned 'rat technique to avoid paying €50 for cabin baggage', has already been viewed 2.6 million times on TikTok. It's also attracted almost 2,000 comments. The tactic has been dubbed both 'genius' and 'legendary' by those users of the video-sharing app. However, some people are unsure whether this will actually work. 'I was traveling with Ryanair last Thursday and if you only have a small luggage you can't have nothing else,' wrote @kot_w_glowie1. 'The lady by the gate told EVERYONE to put the pillow in their bag or throw them away.' Another user, who claimed to work at an airport, said: 'As a gate agent, we still notice and we'll still charge you that.' Sharanjit Shokar said that they 'did this with a normal pillow and Ryanair staff at Marrakesh were not having it'. Others joked that Nina Edwine was giving away a secret that low-cost airlines will now clamp down on. 'You lot are exposing this and when we get to the gate about to hop on a Ryanair flight, they will want to check everything,' wrote @kima_ziora. Some users shared their own tips for avoiding airline fees. 'Buy any item at duty free get a bag to go and you can put your clothes etc in that bag,' read one comment, with another user replying that they've 'done this so many times, works every time'. Another tip was to use 'one of those Uniqlo cross body bags', and to 'wear it under your coat with a scarf round your neck to disguise the strap'. A landmark court ruling in Spain last month decided that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel and should not be subject to extra fees. The passenger involved in the case will be reimbursed £124 (€147) by Ryanair for hand luggage costs charged on five flights between 2019 and 2024 following the judgment. But an aviation legal expert warned that as a result of the case, budget airlines could charge higher 'all inclusive' fares.
