Seasonal getaways
CONNECTOR lists the top travel destinations whether you are looking for a family trip, short weekend or feel like camping with the weather cooling now.
Brunch and stay
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island has set new standards for weekend brunch, with its new Brunch & Stay promotion. Starting from Dhs 650, guests can turn their afternoon brunch into a weekend of relaxation with a night’s stay at the hotel including breakfast and late checkout until 5pm. Kids between six and 12 years pay half price and kids below six enjoy the brunch for free. Call 07-2030000 or visit www.Marjanislandresort.doubletreebyHilton.com.
Spring offer
Enjoy the Spring weather at Tilal Liwa Hotel, situated on the edge of Rub Al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, with a special promotion for Spring offering room stays starting from Dhs 349 that include breakfast, quad biking and 20% discount on massage and food and beverages. The offer is valid for GCC/UAE national and residents for two adults and two children under 12 years. Email tilalliwa.danathotels.com and enter the promotional code ‘SP-DSG’ to avail the offer.
Extend your weekend
With a public holiday on Monday 24th April, it’s a great time to plan a weekend away and with ‘Resort Weekenders’ from Hilton Hotels & Resorts there’s a wealth of choice. Hilton Fujairah Resort has rates starting at Dhs 499 per night, at Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch in Egypt rates start from Dhs 661 per night, DoubleTree Resort & Spa by Hilton Hotel Seychelles – Allamanda starts from Dhs 1,325 per night, and Hilton Avisford Park in the UK starts at Dhs 389 per night. Rates are based on two adults sharing. Visit www.hilton.com.
A rosy outlook
Secluded in Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort offers an array of experiences from mountain top yoga and trekking to star gazing, archery and mountain biking. And from now until May, guests can witness the full blooming and heady aroma of the Damask roses cascading down the mountain slopes, transforming the terraces of Jabal Akhdar into a riot of colour. The Rose Water of Al Jabal Al Akhdar package is priced at Dhs 1,755 per person and includes two nights’ accommodation, breakfast, upgrade to next room category (subject to availability), a signature cocktail/mocktail, 20% off dining, and 20% off massage for two. Email reservations.aaja@anantara.com or call +968 2521 8000.
Spring retreat
If health and fitness are part of your agenda, then the Alma Retreat in Ras Al Khaimah is just the place to help keep you on track. The UAE’s first retreat of its kind, The Alma Retreat is an all inclusive luxury Bedouin tented camp dedicated to all things wellness and with special offers, a membership programme and an exclusive location rental package launching this Spring, there are even more reasons to book a stay. Starting in March, the special wellness weekend rate of Dhs 749 per person or Dhs 999 per room includes accommodation, food and all activities. Wellness weekends include one night’s accommodation and two days of mind and body activities plus all meals and refreshments courtesy of their partners Detox Delight. Transfers to and from Dubai are available at Dhs 300 each way. Visit www.iamalma.com.
Beirut bound
Named as one of the top ten spas in the Middle East and known as the city’s most luxurious and minimalistic spa, PureGray Health & Spa at Le Gray, Beirut invites GCC travellers to spoil themselves with a range of signature treatments all designed for the ultimate wellness weekend break. For more information, visit www.legray.com.
Driving experiences
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brand, and Italian super sports car maker, Automobili Lamborghini, have announce new dates for the 2017 Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences. Launched in 2014, these experiences offer guests the exclusive opportunity to test drive and view some of Lamborghini’s newest models, including the Huracán RWD Spyder and Aventador S.Coupé. To learn more, visit www.waldorfastoria.com/drivingexperiences or call 1-800-WALDORF (1-800-925-3673).
Beachfront chalets
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort announces the opening of its 24 newly-built beachfront chalets, and with the introductory offer of Dhs 899 you can enjoy the resort’s facilities and services including 20% off dining and spa experiences. Families travelling with young ones get two children below the age of six staying and dining for free while enjoying the various activities offered by the resort. This special introductory offer is available for a limited time period and is valid only for UAE and GCC residents. Call 02-8012222 or visit www.danathotels.com.
Morocco-bound
Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort in Morocco has rolled out its special summer offer with stays starting at Dhs 2,200, valid until 30th June 2017. This is for a minimum stay of three nights for the price of two nights only. Email reservations@mazaganbeachresort.com.
A taste of Paris
Mandarin Oriental Paris has a host of Easter-themed activities including an afternoon tea, Easter brunch, and a traditional egg hunt in the hotel’s beautiful gardens. The ‘Easter Treats in Paris’ package is priced from Euro 975 and includes accommodation in a deluxe room with a complimentary fourth night, and afternoon tea, and is valid until 30th April 2017. Visit www.mandarinoriental.com.
2 for 1 beach days
Take advantage of 2 for 1 pool and beach days at the Waldorf Astoria RAK until the end of 2017. Enjoy the adult only infinity pool, cool off in the main pool with swim up bar, and relax on the private beach for Dhs 100 (weekdays) and Dhs 150 (weekends) for two people. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, some black out days apply, and no reservation is required. Call 07-2035555.
Desert walks
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers the enriching experience to discover a wide range of unforgettable excursions which will enable you to learn more about the wildlife and culture, as well as the history and traditions of the UAE. Located in the Liwa Desert in the Western region, Qasr Al Sarab is a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, and a three-hour drive from Dubai. Desert Walks during sunrise and sunset are offered on a daily basis and are priced at Dhs 130 per adult and Dhs 85 per child. Night Desert Walks and Full Moon Desert Walks are priced at Dhs 190 per adult and Dhs 130 per child. Call 02-8862088 or email activitiesqas@anantara.com.
On your bike
After a successful debut last year, Fairmont Ajman is pleased to announce their continuous sponsorship of the inaugural cycling competition, Ride Ajman which will take place on Friday 7th April. The hotel is also pleased to sponsor #TeamAngelWolf, a CDA licensed non-profit entity committed to encouraging inclusion of people with disability and for society to embrace their own health. During the race weekend, Fairmont Ajman is offering special rates for all participants, their friends and family to further encourage people to join Ride Ajman. Visit www.aws.passkey.com/event/49006971/owner/14365078/home.
Improve your golf
The new Male Golf Tuition Programme at The Academy by Troon Golf at The Address Montgomerie Dubai is perfect for anyone looking to learn golf or improve his existing game. The next eight-week term commences on Sunday 12th March with prices starting from Dhs 975 per person. Alternatively, the Troon Junior Fit supplemental sessions to the Junior Golf Development Programme offers classes to junior members with the next term teeing off on Tuesday 14th March and prices starting from Dhs 800 per person. Call 04-3631241 or e-mail Academycourse.tamdh@theaddress.com.
The Liwa Tour
Take a five-hour tour from Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara to the Liwa Oasis and discover the historic Liwa Fort that emerges like a mirage within the Empty Quarter. Amidst the dry desert landscape, this verdant oasis symbolises the energy of life in a captivating romantic surrounding. Visits to palm tree, vegetable and camel farms are included in the trip. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is located 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi in the middle of the Liwa Desert, and the tour is offered daily and priced at Dhs 520 per adult and Dhs 365 per child (under 11 years). Call 02-8862088 or email activitiesqas@anantara.com.
From runway to the closet
Numaish’s Summer Fashion Extravaganza features over 70 stylish designers in its 17th edition. Presenting a mix of recurring and debuting designers from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Hong Kong and UAE; and showcasing the current collections in designer apparel, jewellery and accessories. The exhibition runs in Friday 28th April and Saturday 29th April at the Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel.