Latest news with #OurHabitas
What's On
01-07-2025
- What's On
7 experiential stays in the GCC you need to check out in 2025
Travel is no longer just about the hotel room and buffet dinner — it's about immersive, experiential stays that help you disconnect from routine, reconnect with yourself, and create memories that last long after checkout. Across the GCC, travellers are seeking meaningful escapes that offer a sense of place, purpose, and personality. Think curated adventures, authentic local flavour, and the kind of hospitality that feels more like home than hotel. And the best part? These experiences are right on your doorstep — no long-haul flights, no complicated logistics. Just easy-to-plan summer stays that are close to home, close to heart, and rich in discovery. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Where: Nizwa, Oman Why: Breathtaking views of the Omani mountains, full immersion into local culture Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is touted as the Middle East's highest five-star resort, perched atop the peaks of this magnificent mountain range. The resort sits just one hour away from the Nizwa Fort, and property itself is constructed like a traditional Omani fort, and the whole experience is designed to immerse you into local culture completely, from a welcome marked by the rhythmic beats of traditional drumming and the rich aroma of Omani coffee and dates, to majlis courtyards, advanced mountain climbing, ziplining and the stillness you'll find in few places. What's not to like? @anantarajabalakhdar Our Habitas Ras Abrouq Where: Ras Abrouq, Qatar Why: Luxury on the Qatari coastline, disconnect from city life Our Habitas Ras Abrouq is situated on the Arabian Gulf at the edge of the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve, and offers a slice of dune-laden, Qatari coastline you need to see to believe. With a wide range of villas draped in raw, rustic look and feel, this is one spot you can go to and completely disconnect from city life. While there, you'll be immersed in the nature, exploring the sand with their safari experience, eating at their farm-to-table restaurant and living the best of the Qatari music music, art and cultural scene. Of course, wellness is a vital part of the Our Habitas brand, and here you'll find tailor-made experiences. @habitasrasabrouq Desert Rock Where: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Why: Built into ancient rock formations, sweeping desert views A stunning shift from the overwater villas that the Red Sea coast is all about right now – Desert Rock takes the land, honours it and offers you an experience so raw, so rugged and so earthy, it's unlike anything you've ever seen. The resort is built within the rock formations and blends into the cliffs as if a part of the landscape, and the design is no different. Smooth, ancient lines, raw textures and unparalleled luxury. The experience is also built around the terrain, with villas built into caves, private pools carved from the rock, ziplining and abseiling take place in volcanic valleys, and lantern-lit canyon walks. @desertrockresort Six Senses Zighy Bay Where: Musandam, Oman Why: Omani coastal charm, fishing town history, aquamarine waters Six Senses Zighy Bay will transport you into a most perfect harmony of Omani landscape, both the rugged mountains and the shimmering waters. Located just off the UAE border at Dibba, in the Musandam Peninsula, it's been named after a quiet fishing town right next it, and will push you into an experience that brings that far-flung historic world to life. This is luxury personified, the Omani way. It's perched right at the coast, featuring 82 Omani-style pool villas and a spectacular view of aquamarine expanse – just what you'll need to disconnect from hectic everyday life this summer. @sixsenseszighybay Our Habitas AlUla Complete with 96 villas dotted across the vast desert landscape, rooms at Habitas AlUla are set between manmade dunes for optimum privacy, and many feature epic mountain views from their private terraces. The best way to get around is on an electric bike, and there's something truly freeing about whizzing through the valley that way (although there's buggies too for those looking to give their legs a rest). From yoga and mindfulness, to date seed body scrubs and herbal aromatherapy, Thuraya focuses on centuries-old practices to help clear the path to self-discovery and awaken focus on both our physical and energetic bodies. @habitasalula The Ned, Doha Where: Doha, Qatar Why: All the art and culture, championing female creatives Spotlighting Middle Eastern female creatives, The Ned in Doha is housed inside Qatar's former Ministry of Interior. Inside, art enthusiasts can find themselves in the presence and power of over 350 artworks by over 100 Middle Eastern artists, most of them women. The collection is sprinkled across the hotel and is permanent. The collection has been curated by Wadha Al-Aqeedi and Elina Sairanen, the co-founders of Mathqaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. On the outside, the architecture will take you back to the brutalist design of the 1970s. Art, inside and out. @theneddoha Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Where: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Why: Overwater villas, the Ritz-Carlton brand of luxury Now this is an escape – set on the remote Ummuhat Islands, Nujuma is a vision of raw, tranquil escapism, the kind one pictures when beach escapes with flowing waters and fresh, sweet air are mentioned. The 63 villas – twenty overwater, the rest nestled along the beach – fuse Saudi touches with that sort of organic island design, with shell-like curves, handcrafted accents, and private infinity pools overlooking the water. The resort immerses you completely into the nature, offering days spent exploring coral reefs, diving excursions led by marine experts, or cycling along the resort's pathways. Conservation House brings the culture, showcasing Saudi traditions through art, books, and design. @nujumareserve Images: Social Media
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
19-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Why The ‘Our Habitas Ras Abrouq' Camp Is Our Ultimate Quiet Travel Trend Destination
The world of travel has taken a quiet turn for all the right reasons, so switch off your devices and try a travel option of a different kind Approximately 80km west of Doha among an expanse of white sand dunes, adventurers are met with a remarkable sculpture by the American artist Richard Serra. East-West/West-East consists of four steel plates, each more than 14 metres tall, arranged in a linear pattern stretching more than a kilometre. Some say it represents the passage of time. For others, it's a symbol of hope. Whatever its meaning, it invites a moment of quiet contemplation. Those making the pilgrimage are likely to make their base at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, a recently opened luxury camp 20 minutes' drive from the sculpture. Hot on the heels of Our Habitas AlUla, a game-changing eco-friendly enterprise in Saudi Arabia's Ashar Valley, Ras Abrouq located in the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve invites guests to unwind where the desert meets the sea. The founders have gone all in on the 'quiet travel' trend. Forty-two villas range from one to four bedrooms, each with its own private pool and vast outdoor deck delivering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Then there are the activities to consider: guided meditations through the desert, sound ceremonies conducted under the stars, vibroacoustic massage. Guests are invited to try ancient traditions such as the clay pottery, calligraphy and Al Sadu weaving. 'With the world getting louder, it's increasingly hard to find corners of quiet – and it's increasingly important,' says general manager Mohammed Wazir. 'What we offer at Ras Abrouq is a secluded sanctuary that encourages guests to step away from everyday distractions and embrace a slower, more purposeful way of being.' Search for the term 'quiet travel' and you'll find entire websites devoted to the detrimental effects of noise and the healing benefits of quiet. The quiet travel trend is in direct alignment with the 'digital minimalism' movement, which is gaining traction internationally thanks to the American computer science professor and author Cal Newport. In his book Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, Cal argues for more intentional use of technology – removing apps that are not crucial tools and only picking up your smartphone when it's absolutely essential. The quest for quiet hasn't gone unnoticed by the luxury travel industry. More and more hotels are advertising 'no TVs in rooms' and 'no Wi-Fi in communal areas.' 'We have definitely seen a rise in demand for 'quiet trips' among our HNW clients,' says Aurelia van Lynden, head of travel at Pelorus, a travel company specialising in bespoke remote adventure. 'Time is a precious commodity and this style of trip allows people to disconnect from their day-to-day and reconnect not only with the ones they are travelling with but also with themselves – and their surroundings. Our world is loud with endless pings and chatter. We help our clients cut through the noise, whether that be a private camp in the middle of nowhere, hiking untouched paths basking in the scenery or on board their own private yacht exploring remote islands.' Silent safaris, off -grid Nordic adventures, Antarctic voyages and sleeping under the stars in Oman are among Pelorus' most popular offerings. Tom Barber, co-founder of Original Travel, says: 'There's been a lot of emphasis of late on dark sky destinations, where there is no light pollution and you can appreciate the wonders of the night sky, but we're also seeing growing demand from clients who want to avoid noise pollution. For this reason, Original Travel launched a 'pin drop collection' of places where you can literally hear a pin drop. Speaking from personal experience, Tom says: 'I will never forget the sound of silence in the NamibRand desert in Namibia. I was driven out to a beautiful viewpoint and left there to soak up the panoramic views and total absence of sounds with a cool bag of drinks. It's places like these that make you realise just how much noise most of us are bathed in especially in urban environments. There's rarely a moment of silence. For me, that makes the occasional stay somewhere off -grid, where the only thing deafening is the silence, so special.' Solitude is the subject of Lonely Planet's latest book The Joy of Quiet Places. A comprehensive guide to the world's most serene places, it offers expert guidance and travel tips. In his foreword, the Norwegian explorer Erling Kagge, the first person to reach the South Pole solo and author of Silence: In the Age of Noise: A Meditation on the Importance of Silence in a World Filled with Noise and Distractions, writes: 'Silence contains a quality more exclusive and long lasting than the more ordinary luxuries.' 'Quiet is not a luxury – it is a human necessity,' argues acoustic ecologist and co-founder of Quiet Parks International, Gordon Hempton. Having spent the past three decades roaming rainforests, coastlines and deserts in order to record the sounds of nature, he's one of the world's leading experts on the subject. 'Taking a break from noise is essential for your health. In quiet places, stress levels decrease, one can think more clearly, problems appear less complex, people score higher on cognitive tests and they also become more creative and successful at home and work.' Dr Laura Walton, a clinical psychologist and PADI Instructor, who has dedicated her career to studying the psychology of deep-sea diving is in firm agreement. 'Descending into the depths on a scuba dive, one can only hear bubbles. The silence hushes the noise in our heads. Mind chatter reduces and we can focus on the present, paying attention to our dive and the environment around us. Many say diving is their therapy.' Safari outfits are jumping on the bandwagon too. 'We've noticed growing demand for spa safaris and meditation safaris, which put the emphasis on wellness,' says Julian Carter- Manning, founder of Yellow Zebra Safaris, a travel company specialising in tailor-made expert-guided safaris across Africa. 'We are increasingly steering clients towards quieter, less crowded destinations and activities that align with the quiet travel trend.' At the more extreme (and colder) end of the spectrum, you'll find White Desert, a carbon-neutral luxury camp outfit in Antarctica (accessible via private jet). Here, guests not only enjoy the privilege of total quiet (snow absorbs sound better than anything else), they get to experience what it feels like to be the only people on the planet. Let's not overlook the exhilarating daily excursions, six-course gourmet meals and one-on-one sessions with an on-site biokineticist. Prices start from Dhs252,000 per person for a six-day tour. Not convinced? Let me leave you with this thought. In a truly quiet location, it's possible to listen to more than 1,000 square miles at once. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it?
National Geographic
28-05-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
Need to unwind? This new travel trend adds a twist.
In today's fast-paced and tech-dominated world, people are plugged into the conveniences of modern day life, but they're as disconnected as ever, overlooking the simple joys of nature and the wellness benefits it can offer us. You could say that the more high-tech we become, the more nature we undoubtedly need. The practice of forest bathing to cultivate relaxation and ward off the effects of stress and anxiety is well-established, but next-level nature therapy involves spending time in the company of wildlife. When we stand before something wild—like locking eyes with a lion, the effortless flight of a bird, or the synchronized movement of a herd—science confirms what we feel in our bones. According to neuroscientist Karina Del Punta, founder of neuroXnature, it is a shift that rewires our minds, restores our wellbeing, and deepens our connection to nature. Ahous Adventures offers numerous wellness experiences, from relaxing in hot springs to nature tours. Photograph by Alex Talmaan via Ahous Adventures Nimmo Bay in Great Bear Rainforest is a family-owned wilderness resort in British Columbia. Photograph by JEREMY KORESKI 'In that moment, we are hit with a sense of awe that cracks us open,' she says, 'shifting our brain activity, expanding awareness, and strengthening our bond with the living world.' When we step into the wild, our body responds: The heart rate slows, stress hormones drop, the mind clears with sharpened focus, and a deep sense of calm takes over. Wellness-centric travel has long been a popular trend across all pockets of the globe, but a new evolution of the trend sees wildlife at the center. (Nature really is good medicine. Science can explain why.) The rise of the wellness safari Situated in the heart of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve within Kruger National Park, Londolozi Healing House Retreat serves as a wellness safari to bring people closer to the natural world. From the grounding power of direct contact with the earth to the morning light resetting circadian rhythms, the sound of running water calming the nervous system, and the presence of wild animals awakening primal connections, these elements are integrated into every aspect of the retreat experience. Our Habitas Namibia provides guests with daily activities, from movie nights to guided bush meditations to wellness treatments to open-air painting sessions. Photograph by Kleinjan Groenevald via Our Habitas The wellness concept at Our Habitas Namibia is located on a sprawling 51,000-hectare nature reserve in the Kalahari Desert. Immersive programs include freestyle open-air painting, guided bush meditations, traditional bush braai cookouts with local dance performances, movie nights, and wellness treatments highlighting tribal traditions, punctuated by daily nature game drives. Guests can also expect to spot giraffes, impalas, zebras, and other wildlife right from the yoga deck with its expansive panoramic views. In partnership with BreathQ, guests can opt for a seven-day safari that combines ancient breathing practices and cutting-edge science with sound healing, silent bush walks, and daily game drives. In Kenya's Highlands, Wildlife & Yoga has designed a retreat guided by the rhythms of nature, with movement, rest, and exploration woven into the safari experience. At a tented camp in the 5,000-acre private Enasoit Camp, daily game drives yield encounters with an epic array of wildlife. Grit & Grace Adventures, catering exclusively to women, curates a transformative journey through Botswana's untamed landscapes that are home to the largest elephant population on Earth, with an itinerary that is a harmonious blend of mindfulness and wilderness. The journey starts at Munga Plains, a wellness-centric safari camp nestled in the wild expanse of Chobe National Park, before transitioning to a mobile safari in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Located within within Kruger National Park, the Londolozi Healing House Retreat serves as a wellness safari to bring people closer to the natural world. Photograph by Amanda Ritchie via Londolozi Game Reserve Relaxing into the rhythms of coastal rainforests Known for its varied landscapes, British Columbia boasts an expansive rugged Pacific coastline that is a haven for wildlife. The location is the perfect setting to unlock one's blue mind—a term for the semi-meditative state induced by being in or near water. Tucked away in the heart of the province's Great Bear Rainforest, the intimate family-owned wilderness resort Nimmo Bay offers ample opportunity to relax into the pulse of nature with endless wilderness to discover. The area is brimming with wildlife, with black bears and grizzly bears frequently seen near the resort, and an array of marine mammals such as harbor seals, Pacific white-sided dolphins, orcas, and humpback whales within a 30-minute boat ride. (Whale watching is booming. Here's how to do it responsibly.) Guests can spend an afternoon at the floating sauna, find stillness with a sound bath in the bay, or enjoy a soak in a cedar hot tub at the base of a rushing waterfall or on a roving dock. At Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, a remote tented camp on Vancouver Island, guests can choose their own adventure by exploring the pristine wilderness of the Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With 25 luxury safari tents set among the region's old-growth rainforest offering front row access to unfiltered wilderness, guests can relax into nature and connect with its abundant wildlife. Marine charters led by experienced and eco-conscious nature guides allow guests to observe whales and bears. Restorative activities like outdoor yoga, glacial plunging, and waterfront massage nurture guests' body, mind and spirit, while body treatments harness the healing properties of native ingredients such as Canadian glacial clay and local Pacific seaweed. Ahous Adventures, a Tofino-based eco-marine tour operator owned and operated by Ahousaht First Nation, leads guests on wildlife tours that honor cultural traditions and the long-standing spiritual relationship with the natural world and its wildlife, reinforcing a profound connection to Ahousaht's past and present. On whale watching tours, guides share stories of survival, stewardship, and sacredness passed down by generations. A growing trend is combining wellness-focused experiences with nature and wildlife. Photograph by Volcanoes Safaris Traveling in pursuit of a feeling In response to a growing desire for emotion-driven travel, travel operator Black Tomato invites travelers to plan their journeys based on a feeling rather than a destination, with a newly minted platform known as The Pursuit of Feeling. Notable journeys include an adventure through the untamed wilderness of Patagonia tracking the native puma, horseback riding across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, a nocturnal safari through an ecosystem of luminous frogs and kaleidoscopic chameleons in Madagascar, and an opportunity to join the Indigenous Sámi in the great reindeer migration in Norway. Volcanoes Safaris has been at the forefront of gorilla ecotourism offering expertly curated wildlife safaris that incorporate sustainable conservation and community projects across five lodges. 'Gorilla tracking encompasses a rollercoaster of intense emotions in a very short time period,' says Praveen Moman, founder of Volcanoes Safaris. A golden monkey seen during a safari with Volcanoes Safaris. Photograph by SHAUN S RITCHIE via Volcanoes Safaris The experience starts with some fear and trepidation, and as you set off on the journey into the forest it all goes by very quickly, like a meditative green blur, until you are finally crouching in the undergrowth sensing the gorillas nearby. 'The adrenaline is pumping as you take in the many sights, sounds, and smells of the gorillas. It's exhilarating and overpowering, and before you know it, the hour with the gorillas is up,' says Moman. (7 places to see wildlife in the U.S. this spring) At the Ikirunga Spa & Sauna at Virunga Lodge, the Umugongo massage helps after an arduous day of trekking. The name 'Umugongo,' which means 'the back' in Kinyarwanda, emphasizes the importance of caring for the back and spine, particularly for those engaged in physically demanding tasks. Finding wellness in experiences that have a positive impact According to Del Punta, taking action to restore and care for the Earth—whether through hands-on conservation efforts or scientific study—sparks the brain's reward circuits, reinforcing positive engagement, reducing stress, and fostering a lasting sense of purpose, connection, and wellbeing. Each year in Mexico's Juluchuca, thousands of olive ridley turtles and dozens of endangered green and sea leatherback turtles come to the shores to lay their eggs. To help protect threatened sea turtle species, regenerative hotel Playa Viva supports the on-site sanctuary La Tortuga Viva, with an all-volunteer crew led by dedicated marine biologist Larissa Hernandez who relocate eggs to the safety of their hatchery, out of reach from the dangers of predators and poachers. Hotel guests are invited to participate in various conservation activities, including morning release of hatchlings, night patrol in search of nesting turtles, and adopting a nest as a way of establishing a personal connection to a clutch of future hatchlings. Catering to travelers who want to connect with nature and create lasting change while deepening their experience when on holiday, Responsible Travel has curated a robust catalogue of philanthropic trips, including the opportunity for travelers to work alongside professional conservation teams and feel like a real researcher as they help track, monitor and collect data on a variety of endangered species. (How to see Katami's famous brown bears up close—and stay safe) Victoria Malloy is a freelance environmental journalist whose work has appeared in TIME, Vanity Fair, Vogue Business, Fast Company, and more. You can find her on Instagram @victoria_malloy
Hospitality Net
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Ennismore Accelerates Growth of Branded Residences with New Concept for Our Habitas
Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, announces a new branded residential concept for cultural-defining brand, Our Habitas, accelerating the group's global growth in the segment. As with its hotels, Ennismore brings its creative design expertise and ability to create a genuine sense of community through unique programming, carefully curated F&B elements, and exceptional services. With over 45 residential projects launched and under development across 20 countries, including the US, Spain, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, Ennismore's expansion in the branded residence market underscores its commitment to redefining lifestyle, bringing its globally renowned brands, including Mondrian, Hyde, Rixos and now Our Habitas, to homeownership. Ennismore has seen significant growth in its branded residences, having recently signed and launched flagship standalone properties, including 25hours Heimat Dubai, SLS Madrid Infantas Residences, Rixos Financial Center Road Dubai Residences, Rixos Tersane Istanbul Residences, Hyde Residences Dubai Hills and SLS Residences at Palm Jumeirah. Our Habitas residences will be designed for those seeking meaningful connections, holistic well-being, and curated experiences, transforming traditional living into an inspired lifestyle. Drawing on the brand's signature ethos, each space will be thoughtfully crafted with warm, natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship, blending contemporary luxury with soulful design to create a vibrant living environment that epitomises effortless luxury. Our Habitas residences will extend an invitation to a lifestyle where luxury and authenticity coexist, with spaces that flow effortlessly between indoor and outdoor. Each residential project will be a true sanctuary - a distinctive, thoughtfully curated space that reflects the rich character and vibrant diversity of its surroundings. More than simply places to live, Our Habitas residences will foster a sense of belonging, creating a dynamic community where kindred spirits come together to share inspiration, forge meaningful connections, and embrace a life of purpose and possibility. We have always been about creating spaces where people come together in meaningful ways, and Our Habitas branded residences are a natural extension of that vision. With Ennismore's proven expertise in curating lifestyle hospitality experiences and innovative approach to branded residences, we are confident that Our Habitas will set a new benchmark in the market, offering something truly unique and transformative. Ennismore's growth in the branded residential market over the last couple of years has shown a genuine desire for beautifully designed spaces and exceptional programming, which are at the core of our lifestyle brands. With Our Habitas, we look forward to introducing a new type of luxury lifestyle to the market, centred around wellness and community, where our residents can create meaningful connections with each other or their surroundings. We are exploring projects located beside the hotel concept and standalone in communities. Louis Abi Abboud, Regional Head of Lifestyle Collective MEAIT at Ennismore The branded residential market is one of the fastest-growing sectors in real estate, and lifestyle is the fastest-growing category in hospitality. According to Savills, the branded residential market has grown by 160% in the last decade and is set for double growth by 2030. Lifestyle-branded residences appeal to a new generation of homeowners seeking design-led brands with unique personalities that celebrate modernity, creativity, compelling food and drink offerings, and extraordinary experiences, combined with providing top residential management services delivered with hospitality expertise. ABOUT ENNISMORE Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. It curates and manages unique properties and experiences in some of the most exciting destinations worldwide. Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, Ennismore and Accor entered a joint venture in 2021 to create a new autonomous entity, with Accor holding a majority shareholding. Creating the world's fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, it brings together Ennismore's know-how in building brands with creative storytelling, design, and authentic experiences, with Accor's wealth of knowledge in delivering scale, network growth and distribution. Under Sharan Pasricha, Founder & Co-CEO, and Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO, Ennismore comprises 14 brands - with over 100 operating properties and a further 140+ in the pipeline - and a collection of over 190 culturally relevant and diverse restaurants and nightlife destinations. Ennismore puts innovation at the center of everything it does, with four dedicated in-house specialist studios, which obsess every guest touchpoint, including Carte Blanched – a fully integrated F&B concept platform; a creative studio of interior and graphic designers; a digital product and tech innovation lab, and a partnerships and collaborations division. Ennismore has been included in Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies lists in 2020 and 2021; ranked#29 in FT1000: Europe's Fastest-Growing Companies; and is part of FT Future 100 - the UK's fastest-growing businesses that are shaping the future of their sector. The Ennismore brands: 21c Museum Hotel, 25hours Hotels, Delano, Gleneagles, Hyde, JO&JOE, Mama Shelter, Mondrian, Morgans Originals, SLS, SO/, The Hoxton, TRIBE and Working From. Marcos Eleftheriou VP of Corporate Communications, Ennismore Ennismore
Emirates Woman
21-02-2025
- Emirates Woman
7 otherworldly resorts within a short flight of Dubai that don't feel real
Life by Alice Holtham-Pargin 1 min ago If you're thinking about jetting off for a mini-break, you don't have to go to far-flung destinations for a hotel stay with endless wow-factor. In fact, right on the doorstep of the UAE there are some seriously awe-inspiring resorts just waiting to be discovered. And no – these aren't AI images: Just 7 dreamy resorts ideal for short-haul trips from the UAE. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman This unique resort nestled in a private bay in the Musandam peninsula in Oman is the perfect escape for retreating somewhere worlds away from city life. Rooted in Six Senses' wellness-driven DNA, the resort is laid out like a traditional Omani village, laced with luxury touches. Think villas with private pools, a spa that serves as a healing wellness sanctuary inspired by local traditions, and experiences that range from private dining by the sea or atop or a mountain to paragliding or scuba diving. Room rates from AED3,786. Shebara, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shebara (@shebara) One of the world's most exciting tourism destinations lies just three hours via direct flight from Dubai. In Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, a growing-number of luxury island and desert resorts are becoming total Instagram fodder, with their dazzling villas, gourmet dining options, and focus on sustainable luxury tourism. The crowning jewel is Shebara, a futuristically-designed resort where guests stay in spaceship-like villas on the beachfront or over shimmering azure waters. Bucket list experiences include snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and rejuvenating wellness experiences at the beautiful spa. Room rates from Dhs9,105. Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Qatar View this post on Instagram A post shared by OUR HABITAS (@our_habitas) From humble beginnings as a community-driven event in Tulum, Mexico, Habitas has paved the way for a new genre of experiential hotel rooted in connection and community. The brand's expansion across the Middle East first saw the introduction of a duo of Saudi hotels, and now you can also find the boho-luxe hospitality brand in Qatar, an hour flight and then an hour drive from Dubai. Here in a remote part of the desert, Our Habitas Ras Abrouq weaves local creativity and soul into a resort of gorgeous villas with private pools, a stretching swimming pool and farm-to-table dining. Room rates from AED2,328. Memories Aicha Wadi Rum, Jordan View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranita (@travelwith_rani) From historic Petra to incredible diving in Aqaba and the foodie capital of Amman, Jordan is a great destination for a long weekend from Dubai. Located just three hours away from the UAE, if you're looking to live like you've travelled to another planet, the flame-hued Wadi Rum in Jordan's south is where to go. Also known as 'the valley of the moon' this dramatic desert landscape spans 280 square miles, and is home to a handful of luxury camps that make you feel like you're living on Mars. Check-in to Memories Aicha for dome tents with panoramic views in a secluded valley, where experiences include jeep tours, Bedouin-inspired dinners, and horse riding. Room rates from AED1,295. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur While it might be located in the heart of bustling Jaipur, a three-hour, short-haul flight from Dubai, this former aristocratic palace turned five-star hotel is set in 18 acres of landscaped gardens, so you still feel worlds away from the city. Adorned in feminine shades of cream and pink, it's a pretty backdrop for a regal stay that allows you to explore the rich cultural and culinary scenes of Jaipur. The hotel itself, part of Taj Hotels, features an inviting outdoor pool, garden pursuits and dining that ranges from grand afternoon teas to romantic private dinners. While on the doorstep, guests can discover the breathtaking architecture of local forts, palaces and the historic bazaar's. Room rates from AED5,525. Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia The historic AlUla desert is a destination of diverse natural heritage, packed with fascinating historical and archeological sites. For Centuries it's served as historic and important meeting point, and now just a three-hour flight from Dubai, it's more accessible than ever for fans of history, culture and luxury hospitality. Stay at Banyan Tree AlUla for Bedouin-inspired luxury, where you can take a dip in the rock pool carved between the mountains, enjoy wellness treatments inspired by timeless local practices, and journey off-site for helicopter tours, jeep drives, art-led tours, and fascinating heritage walks led by expert guides. Room rates from AED 2,645. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman For those looking to embrace the great outdoors, the mountainous backdrop of Alila Jabal Akhdar is the luxe retreat your travel lust list needs. Perched 2,000 meters above sea level and accessible via a 2-hour drive from Muscat (a 40-minute flight form Dubai) this sensational mountain retreat pairs five-star luxury with jaw-dropping nature. Fans of exhilarating experiences can look forward to rock climbing or scenic hikes, while those looking to drop-and-flop can enjoy a jaw-dropping pool and pampering wellness experiences. Room rates from Dhs2,865. Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan A first-of-its-kind boutique eco-lodge, this hidden retreat is found at the bottom of Wadi Dana on Jordan's west coast. What it lacks in accessibility (it's found a 20-minute drive from the nearest road) it makes up for in off-grid wow-factor, with 26 individually-designed guest rooms, a restaurant serving local Arabic flavours, and a panoramic rooftop terrace that gazes over the stretching desert. You can spend days exploring the vast local scenery with hikes and mountain biking, or immerse in the local culture with cooking classes, stargazing, or spending days with residents to learn more about the fascinating way of life for locals. Room rates from AED780. @feynanecolodge Lead image: Banyan Tree, @ Our Habitas
