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MIDDLE EAST WOW FACTOR HOTELS DESTINATIONS


Book it: Three nights’ half-board in a Superior Room costs from £639 with Travel 2, valid for stays May 13-June 12, with KLM flights from Heathrow. travel2.com


6


ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR, OMAN Wow factor: The mountain setting.


The lowdown: When it comes to stop-in-your-tracks scenery, nothing beats this place. Perched on the edge of a canyon 2,000m above sea level – making it the highest five-star in the Middle East – it offers breathtaking views over the Hajar Mountains. Those looking to make the


most of its unique setting can opt for a private dinner at Diana’s Point, a mountain-edge platform named after the princess, who visited in 1986, or head out for a hike with photo opportunities ranging from cascading waterfalls to colourful indigenous plants. But it’s the Canyon View Villas


that give this place its greatest appeal, according to Nikki Hain, Middle East product manager at Premier Holidays. “Each features a private plunge pool which gives


Each villa’s plunge pool gives the illusion of dropping right off the side of the canyon – a real wow factor


the illusion of dropping right off the side of the canyon,” she says. “That was the absolute wow factor for me.” Book it: Premier Holidays offers three nights at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar from £675, including half-board and private transfers from Muscat, valid for travel May 16-June 21. trade.premierholidays.co.uk


7


EMIRATES PALACE, ABU DHABI Wow factor: The design. The lowdown: Few hotels


in the world can make your jaw drop quite as dramatically as this palatial masterpiece, where Swarovski crystal-encrusted door handles, Rolex clock faces and dancing water fountains meet a marble-domed lobby bedecked with colourful palm trees. Its exterior is no less impressive,


ABOVE: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman


LEFT: Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara in the Burj Al Arab, Dubai


64 travelweekly.co.uk 15 March 2018


with Arabian-style architecture and perfectly manicured grounds telling passers-by this is no wilting flower. It’s not just about the appearance: a sweeping activity programme spanning camel riding to yoga classes, alongside two pools and a kids’ club, make it a hit with families, while its spa, marina, beachside location and 14 restaurants bring couples flocking too. Book it: Kuoni offers three nights’ half-board in a Coral Room at Emirates Palace, with BA flights from Heathrow and transfers, from £849 per person, based on two adults sharing in September. kuoni.co.uk


8


BURJ AL ARAB, DUBAI Wow factor: The views. The lowdown: No list would be complete


without this show-stopping,


sail-shaped behemoth, which soars 321m into the sky, making it the third-tallest hotel in the world. Eclectic cocktails are served up with panoramic views over the glittering Gulf at its futuristic Skyview Bar, while chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces and helicopters are on hand for those wanting to arrive or depart in style. Guests can even hire a Ferrari or Lamborghini to whizz around town. Those wanting to stay closer


to earth (physically, at least) can sunbathe on the terrace, which juts out into the jade-coloured sea and boasts a pool, restaurant and beach alongside private cabanas. Or head to Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, one of the city’s most-acclaimed seafood restaurants, themed on the underwater world.


It doesn’t disappoint on the things-to-do front either, with Wild Wadi water park right on the doorstep and a string of other activities on hand. The only downside is the price tag, but you pay for what you get, right? Book it: Caribtours offers five nights at Burj Al Arab from £3,115 per person, based on two adults sharing and including breakfast, return scheduled flights, private transfers and lounge passes. caribtours.co.uk


PICTURES: GERRY O’LEARY; PAUL THUYSBAERT


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