IHG Holidays_Apr'11
description
Transcript of IHG Holidays_Apr'11
IHG My Weekend Cover January.indd 1 4/27/2011 10:37:10 AM
crowneplaza.com
Getaway for the weekendStay at one of the UAE’s most exciting destinations
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island is set along Yas Links Abu Dhabi and is just a five minute walk from the exciting Yas Marina Circuit and the new Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park.
Combining this with our stylish rooms and suites, superb fitness and kids club facilities and our delicious variety of dining options overlooking the turquoise Arabian Gulf, we have the perfect ingredients on offer for a memorable weekend getaway.
For bookings and more information, contact us on +971 (0)2 656 3030 email [email protected] or visit www.crowneplaza.com/abudhabi
A B U D H A B I Y A S I S L A N D
Untitled-1 1 4/27/2011 10:58:23 AM
1
Summer fun for all the family...With so many exciting family holiday destinations close by, what could be better than a special offer to visit them?
2 BahrainWater parks and sailing.
4 EgyptAncient wonders revealed.
7 JordanHistorical treasures abound.
11 KenyaMasai markets and hot air balloon rides.
13 KuwaitCool souks and designer- label shopping.
14 LebanonBuzzing nightlife and ancient sites.
16 MauritiusBeautiful beaches, diving and golf.
18 OmanStunning natural beauty.
20 QatarIslamic art and Oryx farms.
21 Saudi ArabiaShopping and The Red Sea.
22 The UAESkiing, shopping and more. 24 Choose your hotelThe perfect base.
With the summer almost upon us, now’s the time to sit back, relax and plan that perfect family holiday. But where to start? Happily, InterContinental Hotels Group have made it easy for you – not only do they have fantastic hotels in all of the region’s most exciting holiday spots, but this summer they’re offering an incredible 25% discount on the price of rooms when you stay for seven nights or more. So what sort of things will you be spending your extra holiday money on? That PADI
course you’ve always fancied so you can really explore the Red Sea? A once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya? How about driving round the world’s best F1 track in Abu Dhabi or a round of eighteen holes at one of Dubai’s outstanding golf courses? In order to help you decide, we’ve compiled the need-to-know recommendations of what to do, see and experience this summer. Which means all you have to do is turn to p24 and choose where to stay for your 25% discount...
Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com
1
IHG MAY (john).indd 1 4/28/2011 10:39:28 AM
1
Summer fun for all the family...With so many exciting family holiday destinations close by, what could be better than a special offer to visit them?
2 BahrainWater parks and sailing.
4 EgyptAncient wonders revealed.
7 JordanHistorical treasures abound.
11 KenyaMasai markets and hot air balloon rides.
13 KuwaitCool souks and designer- label shopping.
14 LebanonBuzzing nightlife and ancient sites.
16 MauritiusBeautiful beaches, diving and golf.
18 OmanStunning natural beauty.
20 QatarIslamic art and Oryx farms.
21 Saudi ArabiaShopping and The Red Sea.
22 The UAESkiing, shopping and more. 24 Choose your hotelThe perfect base.
With the summer almost upon us, now’s the time to sit back, relax and plan that perfect family holiday. But where to start? Happily, InterContinental Hotels Group have made it easy for you – not only do they have fantastic hotels in all of the region’s most exciting holiday spots, but this summer they’re offering an incredible 25% discount on the price of rooms when you stay for seven nights or more. So what sort of things will you be spending your extra holiday money on? That PADI
course you’ve always fancied so you can really explore the Red Sea? A once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya? How about driving round the world’s best F1 track in Abu Dhabi or a round of eighteen holes at one of Dubai’s outstanding golf courses? In order to help you decide, we’ve compiled the need-to-know recommendations of what to do, see and experience this summer. Which means all you have to do is turn to p24 and choose where to stay for your 25% discount...
Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com
1
IHG MAY (john).indd 1 4/28/2011 10:39:28 AM
www.crowneplaza.com
Switch on the Summer.Switch on amazing offers with delicious food promotions and soothing stays.
AED 400 Restaurant vouchers per stay.Kids eat and stay for free.50% bounce back in June in our selected restaurants.Discounts in our selected restaurants as high as the temperature in July.
For more information or bookingsCall: +971 (4) 305 4444
Toll free from UAE: 800 4642 Email: [email protected]
Untitled-2 1 4/27/2011 10:59:24 AM
2
Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
BahrainYour perfect week in...
Start the day with an intriguing sight;
the Tree of Life. Stood in complete
isolation, the green, centuries-old tree
has not a single living plant around it
for miles on end. After, reflect while
laying by the Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s
pool. And if you’re still not feeling
relaxed make for the hotel’s health
club and recline in a bubbling Jacuzzi.
With warm Gulf waters all around
it, the island of Bahrain is perhaps
best explored by sea. Go to
the Bahrain Yacht Club (www.
thebahrainyachtclub.com) and
partake in a family RYA Sailing
Course which will earn you basic
proficiency and the ability to take to
the seas with confidence.
If day six didn’t wear out your
newfound sea legs, why not indulge
in more ocean pursuits before the
off? At the Bahrain Yacht Club
holidayers can also undertake a PADI
diving course but, if that doesn’t float
your boat, why not try windsurfing
lessons or learn how to drive a
powerboat? Fun guaranteed.
Best for kids
‘Spend a leisurely morning with a stroll through the traditional (and equally charming) Manama Souk.’
Day 1The Lost Paradise of Dilmun (www.lpodwaterpark.
com) is a great way to make a splash on your
arrival in Bahrain. The massive waterpark will
be a surefire hit with kids, while you’ll love the
therapeutic spa pool – the ultimate chill-out spot –
leaving them to surge down over-sized slides.
Spend a leisurely morning with a stroll through the
traditional (and equally charming) Manama Souk. If
you have teenagers in tow they’re sure to love the
trinkets that sparkle from each stall and few can
resist the market’s silver jewellery. If you’re after
gifts keep an eye out for authentic knick-knacks.
Day 2
Get pulses racing with a trip to the fantastic Gulf Speed
One, a go-kart track in Manama (www.gulfspeedone.com)
that both girls and boys can enjoy. On arrival you can hire
turbo-charged single or twin-engine machines before taking
off around the track at speeds of up to 65kph. Kids can
compete too, so it’s a family race to the finish line!
Day 3
Manama’s Bahrain National Museum covers over six millenia
of history, making it the ideal place for the whole family to
discover all you-need-to-know about Bahrain’s ancient nation.
Dilmun is one topic of interest – the ancient civilisation of
legend is thought to have been based in Bahrain (as well as
its more recent history) and makes for a fascinating read.
Day 4
2
IHG MAY (john).indd 2 4/28/2011 10:39:35 AM
www.crowneplaza.com
Switch on the Summer.Switch on amazing offers with delicious food promotions and soothing stays.
AED 400 Restaurant vouchers per stay.Kids eat and stay for free.50% bounce back in June in our selected restaurants.Discounts in our selected restaurants as high as the temperature in July.
For more information or bookingsCall: +971 (4) 305 4444
Toll free from UAE: 800 4642 Email: [email protected]
Untitled-2 1 4/27/2011 10:59:24 AM
5
Start off a day in Cairo with a visit to the excellent Egyptian
Museum where your kids will derive great pleasure from
checking out the display of ancient royal mummies. After
seeing a sample of the museum’s 120,000 other exhibits,
take a trip to the Citadel, an ancient fortress dating from
the 1100s, where you can get wonderful views across the
city. Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple
of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market
which sells excellent souvenirs, jewellery and spices – just
don’t forget to haggle – and a spree at The Stars Centre,
which packs in over 600 boutiques.
Day 4
Day 5
‘Plunge into The Red Sea and you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white sands and vibrant coral reefs’
If you’re staying at The Palace Port Ghalib Resort (00
20 65 336 0000) head over to the Wadi Gemal nature
reserve where, in addition to watching ibexes, turtles and
gazelles at play, you’ll be able to get up close to dolphins.
It’s a fascinating place with a great diversity of habitats
which you can explore at leisure. But for a real memorable
experience, take a tour with the Ababde tribespeople, who
will act as your guide. All that walking will have helped you
build a healthy appetite, so once back at the resort head
for dinner at The Olive Restaurant, where a vast, Arabian-
inspired menu suits all tastes.
5
IHG MAY (john).indd 5 4/28/2011 10:40:48 AM
4
Day 1
Day 2
EgyptYour perfect week in...
The Red Sea is known throughout the world for its
fantastic snorkelling and diving. Take the plunge and
you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white
sands and vibrant coral reefs bursting with tropical
fish, turtles and sometimes even dolphins. Be sure to
get rash vests for the kids as it will stop their backs
from getting burned in the intense sun. Take PADI
diving lessons if you’re a novice – you’ll start out early
morning in a swimming pool to perfect your underwater
breathing, before heading out to sea with an instructor
in the afternoon.
If your family loves adventure and the great outdoors,
you’ve probably already been on snowboarding and
wakeboarding trips. But have you ever enjoyed the
special thrill of sandboarding? We’re not talking going
down a little hill on a tray – this is serious business: take
your family out to the dunes in the Western Desert,
some of the biggest in the world at up to 300 metres
high, and get them fully kitted out with boards and
boots. You can then spend a day zipping down the
dunes, stopping only to enjoy a barbecue dinner. Given
the lack of chair lifts, it’s pretty exhausting, but also
brilliant fun.
You’ve just flown in and you’re feeling a little weary, so
ease in to your Egyptian trip with a relaxing day at the
InterContinental Abu Soma resort in Hurghada (00 20 65
326 0700). This charming property is set on the idyllic Red
Sea coastline, where hundreds of palm trees are dotted
around the surrounding twin bays and the enormous
free-form swimming pool, complete with cave shelters, is
perfect for a spot of wallowing if your family can’t quite
muster the energy to walk to the private beach. For true
indulgence, the adults in your party should book up a
treatment or two at the hotel’s spa while the children
make new friends at the kids’ club. In the evening, head to
Il Portico for family-pleasing trattoria-style antipasti and
pizzas fresh from the brick oven.
Day 3Fun for kids
4
IHG MAY (john).indd 4 4/28/2011 10:40:42 AM
5
Start off a day in Cairo with a visit to the excellent Egyptian
Museum where your kids will derive great pleasure from
checking out the display of ancient royal mummies. After
seeing a sample of the museum’s 120,000 other exhibits,
take a trip to the Citadel, an ancient fortress dating from
the 1100s, where you can get wonderful views across the
city. Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple
of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market
which sells excellent souvenirs, jewellery and spices – just
don’t forget to haggle – and a spree at The Stars Centre,
which packs in over 600 boutiques.
Day 4
Day 5
‘Plunge into The Red Sea and you’ll experience crystal-clear waters, powder-white sands and vibrant coral reefs’
If you’re staying at The Palace Port Ghalib Resort (00
20 65 336 0000) head over to the Wadi Gemal nature
reserve where, in addition to watching ibexes, turtles and
gazelles at play, you’ll be able to get up close to dolphins.
It’s a fascinating place with a great diversity of habitats
which you can explore at leisure. But for a real memorable
experience, take a tour with the Ababde tribespeople, who
will act as your guide. All that walking will have helped you
build a healthy appetite, so once back at the resort head
for dinner at The Olive Restaurant, where a vast, Arabian-
inspired menu suits all tastes.
5
IHG MAY (john).indd 5 4/28/2011 10:40:48 AM
77
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Spend your first day in the Jordanian capital of Amman: as
well as being an excellent base from which to explore the
northwestern parts of the country, the city is filled
with glorious sights in the form of the Roman
amphitheatre and the citadel. Shop-loving families will be
in their element – as well as the souks and street stalls of
the central downtown area (Balad), there are malls galore
(our top recommendation is the excellent City Mall). In
the evening, head for a wonderful family dinner at Indu at
the InterContinental Amman (00 962 6 464 1361) which
features dishes from different Indian regions each month.
It’s time to get out of the city and find a truly unique way
to keep the kids entertained, in the form of a real live
chariot race. Head to the hippodrome at Jerash (about 50
minutes’ drive from Amman) and you can wander around
the 6,500-year-old Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad
legionnaires roam the walkways and mingle with the
tourists. A trumpet blare proclaims the beginning of the
pre-race fight, and Roman soldiers emerge and battle it
out in gladiatorial contests, hurling spears and crossing
swords in a scarily convincing manner. Next, decide which
team to support and watch from the edge of your seat as
four horse-drawn chariots zoom through their seven laps.
Unmissable – see www.jerashchariots.com for details.
What could be more relaxing than bobbing around in the sea
without even having to tread water? Head to the Dead Sea,
the lowest point on Earth, and you and your family can do just
that, due to the exceedingly high salt content of the water. It’s a
bizarre sensation and a hilarious one – your kids will love trying
to dive beneath the surface, and floating along on top. When
evening falls it’s time to indulge yourselves with a carnivorous
family meal – Below 393 at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea
(00 962 5 349 5555) does a great line in soft-as-butter steaks.
Great for
action
‘Amman is a city with glorious sights in the form of the Roman amphitheatre and the citadel’
JordanYour perfect week in...
IHG MAY (john).indd 7 4/28/2011 10:41:00 AM
6
‘Shopaholic members of your family will love a couple of hours in the Khan Ali-Kalili, a huge open-air market’
Day 6To experience something off-the-beaten track during your
stay, why not head to the Sahara’s Western Desert where
you can witness the majesty of an oasis with your family, a
memory you will cherish forever. There are four main oases
to check out: Siwa, Baharia, Farafra and Dakhla. The 80km-
long Siwa is peppered with limestone outcrops, mineral
springs and two salt lakes, and its abundant date and olive
trees make it feel like a real haven. Dakhla is so verdant you
could almost forget you’re in the desert; tranquil Farafra is
ideal for couples seeking solitude; and Baharia is accessible
by road so it’s ideal if you don’t want to make a major
excursion of it.
Day 7If you’re staying at InterContinental Taba Heights, ask your conciege to
help arrange a visit to Pharaoh’s Island. You’ll get there via a short criuse
from the mainland and once disembarked you’ll be able to marvel at
the island’s 12th century fortress. It boasts a fascinating history and
there are expert guides on hand there to detail much of it. If that gives
you a taste for exploration, spend the afternoon at Coloured Canyon,
an extraordinary, other-worldly spot made up of technicoloured rock
formations – perfect for capturing on camera. If, however, you’re staying
in Cairo, round off your holiday at the city’s famous Light & Sound Show
at the pyramids which, though old and a tad clichéd, remains charming.
6
IHG MAY (john).indd 6 4/28/2011 10:40:52 AM
77
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Spend your first day in the Jordanian capital of Amman: as
well as being an excellent base from which to explore the
northwestern parts of the country, the city is filled
with glorious sights in the form of the Roman
amphitheatre and the citadel. Shop-loving families will be
in their element – as well as the souks and street stalls of
the central downtown area (Balad), there are malls galore
(our top recommendation is the excellent City Mall). In
the evening, head for a wonderful family dinner at Indu at
the InterContinental Amman (00 962 6 464 1361) which
features dishes from different Indian regions each month.
It’s time to get out of the city and find a truly unique way
to keep the kids entertained, in the form of a real live
chariot race. Head to the hippodrome at Jerash (about 50
minutes’ drive from Amman) and you can wander around
the 6,500-year-old Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad
legionnaires roam the walkways and mingle with the
tourists. A trumpet blare proclaims the beginning of the
pre-race fight, and Roman soldiers emerge and battle it
out in gladiatorial contests, hurling spears and crossing
swords in a scarily convincing manner. Next, decide which
team to support and watch from the edge of your seat as
four horse-drawn chariots zoom through their seven laps.
Unmissable – see www.jerashchariots.com for details.
What could be more relaxing than bobbing around in the sea
without even having to tread water? Head to the Dead Sea,
the lowest point on Earth, and you and your family can do just
that, due to the exceedingly high salt content of the water. It’s a
bizarre sensation and a hilarious one – your kids will love trying
to dive beneath the surface, and floating along on top. When
evening falls it’s time to indulge yourselves with a carnivorous
family meal – Below 393 at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea
(00 962 5 349 5555) does a great line in soft-as-butter steaks.
Great for
action
‘Amman is a city with glorious sights in the form of the Roman amphitheatre and the citadel’
JordanYour perfect week in...
IHG MAY (john).indd 7 4/28/2011 10:41:00 AM
9
One of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is absolutely
spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without
seeing it. Best recognised for its role in Indiana Jones, Petra
was entirely carved into the stone of the red-rocked mountains
in 100BC and remained undiscovered by the western world
until 1812. Its fortress-like construction was a smart move, as
it was built on a major trade route passed through by those
travelling between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba and Leuce Come
on the Red Sea, and the area contained a perennial stream
which essentially turned the city into an artificial oasis. It’s an
enormous area to explore so make sure you wear comfortable
walking shoes.
Other examples of historical treasures can be found throughout
the black basalt desert, to the east of Amman. Here you’ll
find myriad desert castles, which are widely considered to be
standing testaments to the birth of Islamic-Arab civilization.
Why these fascinating monuments were built during the
Umayyad Dynasty nobody knows for sure – theories range
from them being centres for agricultural exploitation to serving
as luxury desert retreats for princes – but today they simply
provide a fascinating sight, with many (like the World Heritage
listed Qusayr Amra) containing incredible fresco paintings
which depict scenes of hunting and dancing. Head there early
morning while the temperature is still fairly cool.
Day 6
Day 7
‘Petra is absolutely spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without seeing it’
9
IHG MAY (john).indd 9 4/28/2011 10:41:07 AM
8
Jordan’s best diving is found in Aqaba, where a
well-preserved reef makes for excellent scuba action,
alongside other water sports. Your kids will love
snorkelling their way over the multicoloured banks of
coral, where brightly coloured fish dart about in schools
– once they’re tired out, take them on a sunset cuise or a
glass-bottomed boat ride. And when it comes to dining
you’re spoilt for choice – but at the InterContinental
Aqaba (00 962 3 209 2222) we heartily recommend the
marvellous Lebanese spot, Burj Al Hamam.
Day 4
Day 5
‘Jordan’s best diving is found in Aqaba, where a well-preserved reef makes for excellent scuba action’
You haven’t seen a wadi until you’ve seen Wadi
Rum. Soaring dramatically above the desert sands,
the vast sandstone and granite ridges that flank the
valley have been eroded over thousands of years by
fresh water springs, leading to it becoming a handy
meeting point for caravans and Bedouin tribes,
some of whom inhabit the wadi to this day. The
breathtaking beauty of sunset and sunrise at Wadi
Rum has to be seen to be believed.
8
IHG MAY (john).indd 8 4/28/2011 10:41:03 AM
9
One of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is absolutely
spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without
seeing it. Best recognised for its role in Indiana Jones, Petra
was entirely carved into the stone of the red-rocked mountains
in 100BC and remained undiscovered by the western world
until 1812. Its fortress-like construction was a smart move, as
it was built on a major trade route passed through by those
travelling between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba and Leuce Come
on the Red Sea, and the area contained a perennial stream
which essentially turned the city into an artificial oasis. It’s an
enormous area to explore so make sure you wear comfortable
walking shoes.
Other examples of historical treasures can be found throughout
the black basalt desert, to the east of Amman. Here you’ll
find myriad desert castles, which are widely considered to be
standing testaments to the birth of Islamic-Arab civilization.
Why these fascinating monuments were built during the
Umayyad Dynasty nobody knows for sure – theories range
from them being centres for agricultural exploitation to serving
as luxury desert retreats for princes – but today they simply
provide a fascinating sight, with many (like the World Heritage
listed Qusayr Amra) containing incredible fresco paintings
which depict scenes of hunting and dancing. Head there early
morning while the temperature is still fairly cool.
Day 6
Day 7
‘Petra is absolutely spectacular; a trip to Jordan would be incomplete without seeing it’
9
IHG MAY (john).indd 9 4/28/2011 10:41:07 AM
11
KenyaYour perfect week in...
Best for kids
‘Make for Nairobi’s enchanting Giraffe Centre, where kids will delight in the chance to feed and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its gentle and beautiful giants.’
Day 1If you have little ones in tow, make for Nairobi’s
enchanting Giraffe Centre (www.giraffecenter.
org) where they’ll delight in the chance to feed
and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its
gentle (and beautiful) giants. As you’re already
in the heart of town, why not feed kids a helping
of culture with a visit to the National Museum
of Kenya? It’s home to a mindboggling array of
artefacts. If art’s more their thing (or yours), next
make for the colourful Watatu Art Gallery, where
classic Kenyan art is on full show – and well worth
a look. And, if they’re still full of energy a walk in
the Ngong Hills (southwest of the city) should tire
them out in time for tea.
Day 2For more animal magic, head for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, (www.
sheldrickwildlifetrust.org) where you can learn all about its black rhino
and elephant conservation programme (they’re known for hand-rearing
rhino orphaned carves). Between 11am and mid-day is the best time to
arrive when resident orphan elephants can be seen up close. (If you really
fall for the big-eared beauties you can even adopt one for your own). But
don’t leave without a look at the trust’s baby rhinos and elephants – truly
adorable. When daylight fades, feed your appetites at InterContinental
Nairobi (00 254 20 320 0000), its Bhandini restaurant is a firm favourite
with families who flock there for its hearty, North Indian cuisine.
Day 3Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture with a trip to Ngomongo Villages
(www.ngomongo.com), a cultural park where you and your family can
learn about nine different rural tribes. There, a homestead native to each
tribe is on show, giving an insight into their daily lives from the crops
they cultivate to the animals they keep (in some cases even crocodiles!)
and the food they eat (why not try some while you’re there?). Best of
all, you can chat to the local tribespeople about their traditions and, if
you’re game, take part in one of the tribe-specific activities – hook-fishing,
pounding rafting or forest-walking, anyone? One day that makes for a
truly memorable experience.
11
IHG MAY (john).indd 11 4/28/2011 10:42:04 AMUntitled-2 1 4/28/2011 11:04:47 AM
11
KenyaYour perfect week in...
Best for kids
‘Make for Nairobi’s enchanting Giraffe Centre, where kids will delight in the chance to feed and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its gentle and beautiful giants.’
Day 1If you have little ones in tow, make for Nairobi’s
enchanting Giraffe Centre (www.giraffecenter.
org) where they’ll delight in the chance to feed
and even plant a kiss on the cheek of one of its
gentle (and beautiful) giants. As you’re already
in the heart of town, why not feed kids a helping
of culture with a visit to the National Museum
of Kenya? It’s home to a mindboggling array of
artefacts. If art’s more their thing (or yours), next
make for the colourful Watatu Art Gallery, where
classic Kenyan art is on full show – and well worth
a look. And, if they’re still full of energy a walk in
the Ngong Hills (southwest of the city) should tire
them out in time for tea.
Day 2For more animal magic, head for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, (www.
sheldrickwildlifetrust.org) where you can learn all about its black rhino
and elephant conservation programme (they’re known for hand-rearing
rhino orphaned carves). Between 11am and mid-day is the best time to
arrive when resident orphan elephants can be seen up close. (If you really
fall for the big-eared beauties you can even adopt one for your own). But
don’t leave without a look at the trust’s baby rhinos and elephants – truly
adorable. When daylight fades, feed your appetites at InterContinental
Nairobi (00 254 20 320 0000), its Bhandini restaurant is a firm favourite
with families who flock there for its hearty, North Indian cuisine.
Day 3Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture with a trip to Ngomongo Villages
(www.ngomongo.com), a cultural park where you and your family can
learn about nine different rural tribes. There, a homestead native to each
tribe is on show, giving an insight into their daily lives from the crops
they cultivate to the animals they keep (in some cases even crocodiles!)
and the food they eat (why not try some while you’re there?). Best of
all, you can chat to the local tribespeople about their traditions and, if
you’re game, take part in one of the tribe-specific activities – hook-fishing,
pounding rafting or forest-walking, anyone? One day that makes for a
truly memorable experience.
11
IHG MAY (john).indd 11 4/28/2011 10:42:04 AM
13
Day 6
Day 7
If sharks and weird and wonderful sealife appeals to
your kids, take them to the Scientific Centre in Salmiya
(www.tsck.org.kw). Its huge aquarium is home to a
1.5-million-litre tank filled with sea creatures, while the
shark-feeding sessions are not to be missed. IMAX
cinema also shows kid-centric films like Under The Sea.
Take a drive into the desert (ask your concierge to arrange
a guide, or try tour operators www.nuzhatours.com) and
behold honey-coloured dunes as far as the eye can see. But
that’s far from all; the whole family can spend a fantastically
active day of 4x4ing, buggying, camel or horse-riding and
sand-boarding, too. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the
ground, hosts can also arrange a volleyball match and, to
round it off, a barbecue dinner under the stars.
Catch some rays with a stroll along the Corniche. Its 10km
length gives way to beaches, parks and coffee shops and is
a prime location to stop and watch a desert sunset. At night
try Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait’s Centro II (00 965 1 841
000) for fresh-baked pizzas and the creamiest risottos.
Day 1
Day 5
Get to grips with your surroundings by whisking the
entire family to the iconic Kuwait Towers in Sharq. There
you can climb up to the first tower’s Viewing Sphere and
stand in awe of 400-foot-high vistas, revealing the entire
city. In fact, the viewing platform rotates so getting a
360-degree of this hyper-modern city couldn’t be easier.
The Rib Eye Steakhouse
Best for kids
KuwaitYour perfect week in...
Get your family’s hearts’ racing with an outdoor game of paintball
at Kuwait Aqua Park (www.aquaparkkuwait.com); just the thing
for active kids of all ages. After all that running around you’ll all be
in need of a satisfying bite, so make reservations at Holiday Inn
Kuwait’s Rib Eye Steakhouse (00 965 2 576 0000) for juicy steaks.
Day 4
Glamorous malls provide an epic spot to shop, whatever your taste.
Indulge in some serious browsing at Marina Mall and Souk Sharq
(you’ll find both along the Gulf Road) and, if that doesn’t feed your
shopping fancy, make next for The Avenues (www.the-avenues.
com), Kuwait’s biggest mall.
Day 3
Day 2Take a walk on the wild side by spending a day at the
Zoological Park. Located on Airport Road, the sprawling
park is home to all manner of creatures (and some 129
species of bird) including mighty lions and tigers, gentle
giraffes and zebras.
13
EXTEND THE SKY
‘Go to Nairobi’s Village Market on a Friday and discover an al fresco market with arts and crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople.’
IHG MAY (john).indd 13 4/28/2011 10:42:19 AM
12
It would be a shame to leave without a momento from
your stay – so how about a shopping trip to snag some
souvenirs? Nairobi’s Village Market is the place to visit
– home to over 150 stores it also has water slides and
bowling to keep kids occupied. Go there on a Friday and
you’ll discover an al fresco Masai market with art and
crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople. But
whatever you buy, be prepared to haggle for it!
Perhaps the best experience of all can be had at Kenya’s
tremendous Masai Mara National Reserve. Start in the
small hours with a hot air balloon ride over the park – the
best place from which to drink-in the expansive wilderness
– and then go on safari. You’ll see all manner of wildlife
at play, from ostriches and hyenas to zebras, lions and
mighty elephants. If you’re really lucky you may be privy to
the famous Wildebeest migration, when tens of thousands
charge the plain in search of water. Breathtaking.
For more wild sightings, spend an idle day in the sun at
Mida Creek in Watamu. The myriad mangroves which
surround the water are a bird-watchers paradise with eye-
catching breeds like the yellow-billed stork and malachite
kingfisher, to name just two. If you’re feeling active, make
for the mouth of the creek – a popular spot for snorkelling
and suba-diving – and see what lays beneath...
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 4For some truly mesmerising sights (and fantastic
photos), take a road trip out of Nairobi, towards
Naivasha. There you’ll come face to face with some of
the world’s most amazing vistas. Don’t miss Great Rift
Valley, where two-kilometre-high walls descend
to a rich valley floor, dotted with volcanoes; a real stop-
and-stare sight. Go accompanied by a guide and you
can head out into the countryside for an active hike.
Afterwards you’ll be in need of dinner, so book a table
at The Signature Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Nairobi
(00 254 20 274 6000), where you can tuck into tasty
grills of steak and juicy seafood.
‘Go to Nairobi’s Village Market on a Friday and discover an al fresco market with arts and crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople.’
12
IHG MAY (john).indd 12 4/28/2011 10:42:09 AM
13
Day 6
Day 7
If sharks and weird and wonderful sealife appeals to
your kids, take them to the Scientific Centre in Salmiya
(www.tsck.org.kw). Its huge aquarium is home to a
1.5-million-litre tank filled with sea creatures, while the
shark-feeding sessions are not to be missed. IMAX
cinema also shows kid-centric films like Under The Sea.
Take a drive into the desert (ask your concierge to arrange
a guide, or try tour operators www.nuzhatours.com) and
behold honey-coloured dunes as far as the eye can see. But
that’s far from all; the whole family can spend a fantastically
active day of 4x4ing, buggying, camel or horse-riding and
sand-boarding, too. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the
ground, hosts can also arrange a volleyball match and, to
round it off, a barbecue dinner under the stars.
Catch some rays with a stroll along the Corniche. Its 10km
length gives way to beaches, parks and coffee shops and is
a prime location to stop and watch a desert sunset. At night
try Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait’s Centro II (00 965 1 841
000) for fresh-baked pizzas and the creamiest risottos.
Day 1
Day 5
Get to grips with your surroundings by whisking the
entire family to the iconic Kuwait Towers in Sharq. There
you can climb up to the first tower’s Viewing Sphere and
stand in awe of 400-foot-high vistas, revealing the entire
city. In fact, the viewing platform rotates so getting a
360-degree of this hyper-modern city couldn’t be easier.
The Rib Eye Steakhouse
Best for kids
KuwaitYour perfect week in...
Get your family’s hearts’ racing with an outdoor game of paintball
at Kuwait Aqua Park (www.aquaparkkuwait.com); just the thing
for active kids of all ages. After all that running around you’ll all be
in need of a satisfying bite, so make reservations at Holiday Inn
Kuwait’s Rib Eye Steakhouse (00 965 2 576 0000) for juicy steaks.
Day 4
Glamorous malls provide an epic spot to shop, whatever your taste.
Indulge in some serious browsing at Marina Mall and Souk Sharq
(you’ll find both along the Gulf Road) and, if that doesn’t feed your
shopping fancy, make next for The Avenues (www.the-avenues.
com), Kuwait’s biggest mall.
Day 3
Day 2Take a walk on the wild side by spending a day at the
Zoological Park. Located on Airport Road, the sprawling
park is home to all manner of creatures (and some 129
species of bird) including mighty lions and tigers, gentle
giraffes and zebras.
13
EXTEND THE SKY
‘Go to Nairobi’s Village Market on a Friday and discover an al fresco market with arts and crafts from hundreds of traditional Masai tribespeople.’
IHG MAY (john).indd 13 4/28/2011 10:42:19 AM
15
If you want to cement your place in their good books, take your
kids to Waves Aqua Park in Mar Roukoz (www.wavespark.net).
They’ll love it here for its brilliant wave pool, two kilometres
of flumes (including a fantastic four lane racing slide) and
winding lazy river. If you manage to tear them away from their
aqua adventure, another big family favourite is Jeita Grotto.
Comprised of two interconnected lage-old limestone caves
which you can explore – a little train takes you to its heart – to
take in some truly magical natural sights, including the world’s
largest stalactite.
Having two extra days gives you a chance to make the most of the
country’s myriad adventure activities with your family. Why not go
offroad in an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in Faraya or take a biplane over
the countryside? (Both can be arranged through www.guidetolebanon.
com). Another great option if you have teenaged children is to take
an easy trip from Beirut to Hermel to go rafting on the Orontes river:
join up with a group of six or seven people, put on your lifejackets
and helmets and head 10 kilometres downstream through rapids and
waterfalls – when the pace slows down you’ll be able to take in the
attractive countryside all around.
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5It’s time to make the most of Lebanon’s
excellent weather with a day at the beach.
There are a few beach clubs in Beirut, but
they tend not to be that good – you’re better
off getting out of the city and exploring the
coastline yourself. Your kids will love the
beautiful Damour, where the beach tapers down
from banana groves to the sea. Here you’ll find
multiple cafes and restaurants to retreat to
once the sun slips away for the night. Another
great place is Tyre, where there are also ancient
sites (the Roman Hippodrome is splendid) with
mosaic-lined streets.
Today starts off with a road trip through the attractive
Lebanese countryside – hire a car and point it in the
direction of the Bekaa Valley, where you’ll find the ancient
city of Baalbeck. It’s a great place to visit with kids, who
can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and
monuments to their hearts’ content. And if you happen
to be in the country during the Baalbeck festival (www.
baalbeck.org.lb) in the summertime (usually in July-
August) then you’ll be in for fun, as hundreds of big-name
singers, dancers and artists from across the globe descend
on the town to perform.
Day 4
‘Baalbeck is a great place to visit with kids, who can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and monuments’
Bhandini
Best for
adults
15
IHG MAY (john).indd 15 4/28/2011 10:42:25 AM
14
LebanonYour perfect week in...
Day 1Your trip begins in Beirut, where you and your family will have
a great time wandering around the different neighbourhoods
– check out Verdun, Hamra and Achrafieh in particular. The
new heart is the Downtown area, where you can saunter
around admiring the wonderful 19th-century, French-inspired
architecture and pop in and out of the boutique and big
name stores which line the boulevards. The real joy, though,
is in snagging a seat at one of the roadside cafés on Maarad
Street, and settling in for an afternoon of people-watching. In
the evening, make reservations for a family dinner at Top 21 at
the Crowne Plaza Beirut (00 961 1 754 755).
Day 2Spend the morning at the palace at Beiteddine to the south
of Beirut, a beautiful 18th-century mix of Arabic and Italian
architectural styles. Then in the afternoon, make your way to
the ancient town of Byblos, just along the coast from Beirut,
where you and your family can spend the afternoon marvelling
at the wonderfully intact Roman ruins, before heading down
to the shorefront for some freshly-caught, barbecued fish,
just a stone’s throw away. Alternatively, spend the afternoon
at the extraordinary Jeita Grotto, 15 miles outside of Beirut,
an underground network of caves filled with stalactites and
stalagmites and beautifully lit throughout.
Day 3
Back in Beirut, head out in the morning for a trip on the Beirut Balloon,
based on Allenby Street – up to 30 passengers at a time go up in this
sky-scraping beauty which takes you 300 metres up in the air for fantastic
vistas over the city. If your family know how to dive, take them out under
the water in the afternon with a scuba session courtesy of Lebanon
Divers (www.lebanondivers.com). The shores off Beirut have an incredible
number of shipwrecks – including freighters, submarines and flagships
– as well as ancient Roman and Phoenician ruins. Finish the day with a
sunset coffee at an al fresco café at Pigeon Rocks in the Rawcheh district,
overlooking the waterfront.
14
IHG MAY (john).indd 14 4/28/2011 10:42:23 AM
15
If you want to cement your place in their good books, take your
kids to Waves Aqua Park in Mar Roukoz (www.wavespark.net).
They’ll love it here for its brilliant wave pool, two kilometres
of flumes (including a fantastic four lane racing slide) and
winding lazy river. If you manage to tear them away from their
aqua adventure, another big family favourite is Jeita Grotto.
Comprised of two interconnected lage-old limestone caves
which you can explore – a little train takes you to its heart – to
take in some truly magical natural sights, including the world’s
largest stalactite.
Having two extra days gives you a chance to make the most of the
country’s myriad adventure activities with your family. Why not go
offroad in an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in Faraya or take a biplane over
the countryside? (Both can be arranged through www.guidetolebanon.
com). Another great option if you have teenaged children is to take
an easy trip from Beirut to Hermel to go rafting on the Orontes river:
join up with a group of six or seven people, put on your lifejackets
and helmets and head 10 kilometres downstream through rapids and
waterfalls – when the pace slows down you’ll be able to take in the
attractive countryside all around.
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5It’s time to make the most of Lebanon’s
excellent weather with a day at the beach.
There are a few beach clubs in Beirut, but
they tend not to be that good – you’re better
off getting out of the city and exploring the
coastline yourself. Your kids will love the
beautiful Damour, where the beach tapers down
from banana groves to the sea. Here you’ll find
multiple cafes and restaurants to retreat to
once the sun slips away for the night. Another
great place is Tyre, where there are also ancient
sites (the Roman Hippodrome is splendid) with
mosaic-lined streets.
Today starts off with a road trip through the attractive
Lebanese countryside – hire a car and point it in the
direction of the Bekaa Valley, where you’ll find the ancient
city of Baalbeck. It’s a great place to visit with kids, who
can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and
monuments to their hearts’ content. And if you happen
to be in the country during the Baalbeck festival (www.
baalbeck.org.lb) in the summertime (usually in July-
August) then you’ll be in for fun, as hundreds of big-name
singers, dancers and artists from across the globe descend
on the town to perform.
Day 4
‘Baalbeck is a great place to visit with kids, who can race around the movie-set-like ancient temples and monuments’
Bhandini
Best for
adults
15
IHG MAY (john).indd 15 4/28/2011 10:42:25 AM
17
Mauritius is awash with excellent golf courses. Head to the
fine, mountain-flanked fairways at the Tamarina Golf Estate
(www.tamarina.mu) – the first course on the island
unattached to a hotel – which is wonderfully welcoming to
visitors and a real joy to play. And when you’ve got your
round in you might like to take a ten-minute drive to Flic en
Flac, and kick back on what’s arguably the best public beach
on the island. In the evening, indulge in some fine Asian
fusion food at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) in a modern space
that looks out to a beautiful beach.
With your extra two days, you’ve got the time to explore
some of the intriguing satellite islands which ring
Mauritius, which can be visited as part of a wider fishing,
diving or pleasure-cruising trip. Off the north coast you’ll
find Coin de Mire, which is an amazing spot for diving and
snorkelling, While off the east coast is Ile Aux Aigrettes,
an unspoilt island which is becoming popular with eco
tourists for its incredible birdlife.
If you want to head home truly rested we recommend
you spend the first few hours of your final day in the
beautiful Angsana Spa at InterContinental Mauritius
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200). Once suitably
relaxed – massages here are the best on the island –
spend the afternoon soaking up the sun before having the
hotel arrange a private table on the beach for a goodbye
dinner beneath the stars. Bliss.
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
‘Flic en Flac is arguably the best public beach on the island’
It’s time to show the kids a little bit of the island’s history at
L’Aventure Du Sucre (www.aventuredusucre.com), a museum
devoted to sugar, the island’s chief export. You’ll learn of
epidemics and refineries, slavery and sugar booms in a well-
thought-out and surprisingly entertaining museum for kids
and adults alike. Another attraction providing an overview
of the island’s past – largely through old maps, paintings,
etchings and the like – is The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.
You’ll find it next to Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, and it
houses two of the most famous and expensive stamps in the
world, the Penny Stamps. The stamps were originally issued
in Mauritius then bought back after they had left the island’s
shores for the princely sum of $2 million. In the evening,
book a table at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) and savour their
outstanding Asian dishes.
17
IHG MAY (john).indd 17 4/28/2011 10:42:42 AM
16
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
MauritiusMauritius is a wonderful place for a family holiday,
especially if you share a love for the great outdoors.
Start out at the Casela Nature Park (www.casela
yemen.mu), where you can watch or even touch lion
and cheetah cubs in their enclosure, before hitting the
super chutes at Le Waterpark (www.maurinet.com/
waterpark), a small but always fun affair where, chutes
aside, adults can squeeze themselves into rubber rings
and bob along a lazy river while kids can clamber
aboard a pirate ship complete with water-firing
cannons. When evening falls, enjoy a brilliant family
dinner in the garden-side Indian restaurant Veda at the
InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort (00
230 261 1200).
Your perfect week in...
‘In the morning, take a bird’s eye view of Mauritius via a helicopter tour for up to four people’
In the morning, take a bird’s eye view of Mauritius via a helicopter
tour for up to four people. The tour takes only 15 minutes, but
in that time you’ll see mountains, jungles and beautiful swathes
of coastline. If that isn’t enough to satisfy your head for heights,
how about a heart-racing walk along a cable-thin wire, which is
suspended 30 feet above a river? You can book both of these
adventures through White Sand Tours (www.whitesandtours.
com). To keep your adrenaline up in the afternoon, climb onto
a quad bike and speed through the mountains at Domaine
de l’Etoile, also with White Sands, where you can expect to
encounter deer, wild boar and monkeys.
This tropical island offers postcard-perfect views around every
corner and the best place for you and your family to drink-in
its charms is from the deck of an outsized catamaran. You can
hire one of these from White Sand Tours (www.whitesandtours.
com), crew included, for a private cruise across the island’s
colourful waters, gliding past striking mountain ranges and
jungle terrain. If you’re looking for a really eye-opening
experience make sure you book your cruise to depart just
before sunset, so you can watch the sun slip into the ocean as
its rays take a last dance atop the water.
Best for kids
Great for
nature
16
IHG MAY (john).indd 16 4/28/2011 10:42:29 AM
17
Mauritius is awash with excellent golf courses. Head to the
fine, mountain-flanked fairways at the Tamarina Golf Estate
(www.tamarina.mu) – the first course on the island
unattached to a hotel – which is wonderfully welcoming to
visitors and a real joy to play. And when you’ve got your
round in you might like to take a ten-minute drive to Flic en
Flac, and kick back on what’s arguably the best public beach
on the island. In the evening, indulge in some fine Asian
fusion food at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) in a modern space
that looks out to a beautiful beach.
With your extra two days, you’ve got the time to explore
some of the intriguing satellite islands which ring
Mauritius, which can be visited as part of a wider fishing,
diving or pleasure-cruising trip. Off the north coast you’ll
find Coin de Mire, which is an amazing spot for diving and
snorkelling, While off the east coast is Ile Aux Aigrettes,
an unspoilt island which is becoming popular with eco
tourists for its incredible birdlife.
If you want to head home truly rested we recommend
you spend the first few hours of your final day in the
beautiful Angsana Spa at InterContinental Mauritius
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200). Once suitably
relaxed – massages here are the best on the island –
spend the afternoon soaking up the sun before having the
hotel arrange a private table on the beach for a goodbye
dinner beneath the stars. Bliss.
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
‘Flic en Flac is arguably the best public beach on the island’
It’s time to show the kids a little bit of the island’s history at
L’Aventure Du Sucre (www.aventuredusucre.com), a museum
devoted to sugar, the island’s chief export. You’ll learn of
epidemics and refineries, slavery and sugar booms in a well-
thought-out and surprisingly entertaining museum for kids
and adults alike. Another attraction providing an overview
of the island’s past – largely through old maps, paintings,
etchings and the like – is The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.
You’ll find it next to Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, and it
houses two of the most famous and expensive stamps in the
world, the Penny Stamps. The stamps were originally issued
in Mauritius then bought back after they had left the island’s
shores for the princely sum of $2 million. In the evening,
book a table at Noble House at the InterContinental Mauritius
Resort Balaclava Fort (00 230 261 1200) and savour their
outstanding Asian dishes.
17
IHG MAY (john).indd 17 4/28/2011 10:42:42 AM
19
Fill your camera with snapshots of Oman’s awe-inspiring
scenery. A great way to soak them up is while travelling on
the coast, so book a day cruising the country’s fjords. You
can head out on a big family adventure via Muscat Diving
and Adventure Centre (www.holiday-in-oman.com) who
offer fully-crewed, soft-carpeted dhows for private hire, led
by professional local sailors. Be sure to snap the Musandam
Peninsula’s mountain ranges as you sail – arguably one of the
finest natural sights in the Gulf.
Round off your final day in Oman with a standout family meal
and spend hours reminiscing about your favourite experiences
over a great feed. Señor Pico at the InterContinental Muscat
(00 968 2468 0000) is a lively Mexican restaurant that’s
sure to serve as a fitting finale to your stay (as well as some
seriously tasty food).
Spend an entire sunlit day at sea scuba-diving or
snorkelling. Oman is home to some truly breathtaking
dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area
where countless quaint bays provide gentle, clear
waters and overall underwater visibility is notoriously
good. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself
swimming among turtles while you’re there – a
heart-warming experience. For more details visit the
website www.musandamdiving.com
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 6
‘Oman is home to some truly breathtaking dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area’
If you still haven’t had your adrenalin fix, Muscat’s
Xtreme Sports (www.xtremesportsoman.com)
should do the trick. Go there for a playful morning
at its state-of-the-art paintball ground and after
wash off the paint and take a trip to the foot of the
Jabal Shams – the highest point in the whole of
Eastern Arabia. Once there you can test your nerve
by entering Al Hoota Cave, a spooky spot that kids
will love. After a day of excitement wind down with
a big family feed at the ever-popuar Al Ghazal at
InterContinental Muscat (00 968 24 680000) – it has
a menu of homely food guaranteed to appease all.
19
IHG MAY (john).indd 19 4/28/2011 10:43:04 AM
18
Day 3
OmanYour perfect week in...
The Sultanate’s finest historic destination is widely
regarded as Nizwa Fort. To get there, take an hour’s
drive out of Muscat and behold the its ancient
form, built over 500 years ago to protect Oman’s
coastline from potential invaders. Luckily, these
days it only attracts tourists after a glimpse of
its architectural ingenuity. Afterwards, spend the
afternoon in Musandam where you can hop aboard
an authentic dhow and set sail in Omani waters.
Ask the captain to take you out to where wild
dolphins leap in and out of the ocean, a fantastic
spectacle you’ll all enjoy.
Ready for an adventure? You’re in luck; Oman is a hot-bed of
activities for all tastes. Thrill-seekers should spend the day at
Snake Canyon where you can tip-toe across spine-tingling
high wires suspended up to 100feet above ground-level. If
that doesn’t tick your activity box, have a go at canyoning
– a mixture of trekking, climbing and swimming (visit www.
holiday-in-oman.com). Through the same website you can also
arrange less daunting pursits, like quad-biking, sailing or even
sand-boarding amid mammoth dunes. Alternative you can get
pedalling with a popular moutain-biking excursion.
‘At Snake Canyon you can tip-toe across spine-tingling high wires, suspended up to 100feet above ground-level’
Day 1Start your break in the heart of Oman; the
intriguing old capital of Muscat. The jewel in
the city’s crown has to be the stunning Sultan
Qaboos Grand Mosque, a spellbinding start to
the day. Next be sure to visit Muttrah Souk where
Frankincense, the nation’s signature scent, is still
sold from open sacks. If you’re after a keepsake,
the souk’s also known for its beautiful silver goods.
Come nightfall, make for Siraz Persian restaurant
at the Crowne Plaza Muscat (00 968 2466 0660)
where you can feast upon tasty, traditional food.
Our tip? Book a table on its idyllic terrace – a truly
lovely spot to while away the evening. Day 2
18
IHG MAY (john).indd 18 4/28/2011 10:43:00 AM
19
Fill your camera with snapshots of Oman’s awe-inspiring
scenery. A great way to soak them up is while travelling on
the coast, so book a day cruising the country’s fjords. You
can head out on a big family adventure via Muscat Diving
and Adventure Centre (www.holiday-in-oman.com) who
offer fully-crewed, soft-carpeted dhows for private hire, led
by professional local sailors. Be sure to snap the Musandam
Peninsula’s mountain ranges as you sail – arguably one of the
finest natural sights in the Gulf.
Round off your final day in Oman with a standout family meal
and spend hours reminiscing about your favourite experiences
over a great feed. Señor Pico at the InterContinental Muscat
(00 968 2468 0000) is a lively Mexican restaurant that’s
sure to serve as a fitting finale to your stay (as well as some
seriously tasty food).
Spend an entire sunlit day at sea scuba-diving or
snorkelling. Oman is home to some truly breathtaking
dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area
where countless quaint bays provide gentle, clear
waters and overall underwater visibility is notoriously
good. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself
swimming among turtles while you’re there – a
heart-warming experience. For more details visit the
website www.musandamdiving.com
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 6
‘Oman is home to some truly breathtaking dive sites, including the unspoiled Musandam area’
If you still haven’t had your adrenalin fix, Muscat’s
Xtreme Sports (www.xtremesportsoman.com)
should do the trick. Go there for a playful morning
at its state-of-the-art paintball ground and after
wash off the paint and take a trip to the foot of the
Jabal Shams – the highest point in the whole of
Eastern Arabia. Once there you can test your nerve
by entering Al Hoota Cave, a spooky spot that kids
will love. After a day of excitement wind down with
a big family feed at the ever-popuar Al Ghazal at
InterContinental Muscat (00 968 24 680000) – it has
a menu of homely food guaranteed to appease all.
19
IHG MAY (john).indd 19 4/28/2011 10:43:04 AM
21
Day 1
Day 2Day 3
In Saudi’s second city of Jeddah you’ll be welcomed by
friendly locals and blessed with fine weather even in
summer, thanks to an ever-present, cooling sea breeze.
The sweeping Corniche is the place to head to become
quickly acquainted with the city and it’s there that you’ll
see the world’s tallest fountain (800 feet) in action.
Balad Souk is the perfect place for the whole family
to soak-up a flavour of pre-oil Saudi Arabia. But, you’ll
need to hone your haggling skills to land the best-priced
buys. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the historic
buildings constucted from coral – they provide a real sense
of history.
Fancy a shopping spree? You’re in luck. Saudi Arabia
takes its shopping very seriously and, as such, it’s a
hot-bed of modern stores and stroll-worthy areas.
Tahlia Street, in the heart of Jeddah, offers the best
retail therapy in town with a bountiful boulevard lined
with the likes of Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani.
‘When you’re ready for a bite make a beeline for the Fish Market at the InterContinental Jeddah, where all ages can appreciate its fresh seafood’
Saudi ArabiaYour perfect week in...
Unpolluted waters, exotic flurries of
fish and beautiful coral makes Jeddah
a must-go destination for diving and
snorkelling. Head to the hotel’s dive
centre where you and your family
can get kitted out with flippers and
masks before making for the ocean.
Don’t forget your underwater camera
– you’ll be able to capture fantastic
memories of your trip.
Like golf? Then you’ll love to swing
your way around one of the Kingdom’s
best courses at Durrah Golf Club,
just 40 kilometres north of Jeddah in
Durrat Al Arus. The nine-hole course
can prove quite a challenge whatever
your handicap, but if you want a real
test of your golf skills, make for the
Sand and Oil course by King Abdulaziz
International Airport.
Day 4
Day 7
If your kids are real water babies, they’re
in for a treat: Jeddah’s biggest family
attraction is its watersports. Sailing,
banana-boating, jet-skiing, paragliding,
windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, water-
skiing and even more are all at your
disposal in the warm and clear waters
of the Red Sea. To get started, see
InterContinental Jeddah’s leisure team
who’ll be happy to arrange the pursuit
of your choice.
Don’t waste your final day; rise and
shine in the early hours (at 5am, to
be precise) and you can experience
a great slice of daily life; the
morning catch auction at Jeddah’s
frenetic fish market. There, the Red
Sea’s riches are laid out for all to see
and, on a good day, there can be up
to 50 species, from squid and parrot
fish to hammerhead sharks.
Day 5 Day 6
21
IHG MAY (john).indd 21 4/28/2011 10:43:17 AM
20
Day 1
Day 3
QatarKick off your stay with a stroll along Doha’s Corniche
to soak-up the local atmosphere. On arriving at its
cluster of dhow boats (by the Balhambar building)
take a step off dry land and cruise across the bay. In
the afternoon, take the kids to Circusland (00 974 487
6333), where they can make the most of rides and
games, or head to Jungle Zone (00 974 469 4848),
an indoor theme park chockfull of rides.
Your perfect week in...
‘Qatar’s deep-sea fishing is brilliant fun and you may even hook yourself a whopper...’
Make for the Museum of Islamic Art (www.mia.org.qa)
in Doha. Regarded as the most content-rich museum in
Arabia, it makes for a seriously fascinating morning. On
arrival you’ll be struck by its exterior, but its real gems can
be seen inside; over three centuries’ of Islamic art. What’s
more, entrance is free.
With its wide open waters Qatar presents
plentiful opportunities for family adventures. Hire
a boat from Regatta Sailing Academy (www.
regattasailingacademy.com – those in-the-know can
sail it themselves or head out with an expert – and go
deep sea-fishing; it’s brilliant fun.
Pick up a present or two for loved-ones
back home with a more authentic
shopping trip at Souq Waqif. The
market is bubbling with barters and
you can snap up a bargain in the form
of glittering Indian or Arabian trinkets.
Look out for the Oriental spices, too,
which come in pretty presentation
boxes (great for gifts).
Doha is home to a superb
championship course at Doha
Golf Club (www.dohagolfclub.
com) – home of the Qatar Masters.
What better place to spend a day
perfecting your swing? After a day
on the course make your way to
InterContinental Doha’s (00 974
484 4444) famous Fish Market.
Travel out of town with Gulf
Adventures (www.gulf-adventures.
com) to see one of the country’s most
striking natural features, Khor el Daid
or ‘The Inland Sea’. This expanse of
eerily still water is flanked by soaring
sand dunes, providing a truly unique
spot for a picnic and an awesome
location to see the stars at night.
Day 4
Day 5 Day 7Day 6
Take your kids to get to know the Arabian Oryx – Qatar’s
national animal. The bi-horned creature was once hunted to
the point of extinction before being rescued by international
protection agencies and finding favour in Qatar; the first
country to set up breeding farms and manage its population.
Spend a morning with the graceful animals at a sanctuary,
which you can book through Net Tours (www.nettours.
com.qa). Afterwards you can get a glimpse of another local
animal with a visit to a camel farm just outside Doha., before
making your way back to Paloma at the InterContinental Doha
(00 974 484 4444) for a juicy steak or flavoursome fajitas.
Day 2
20
IHG MAY (john).indd 20 4/28/2011 10:43:07 AM
21
Day 1
Day 2Day 3
In Saudi’s second city of Jeddah you’ll be welcomed by
friendly locals and blessed with fine weather even in
summer, thanks to an ever-present, cooling sea breeze.
The sweeping Corniche is the place to head to become
quickly acquainted with the city and it’s there that you’ll
see the world’s tallest fountain (800 feet) in action.
Balad Souk is the perfect place for the whole family
to soak-up a flavour of pre-oil Saudi Arabia. But, you’ll
need to hone your haggling skills to land the best-priced
buys. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the historic
buildings constucted from coral – they provide a real sense
of history.
Fancy a shopping spree? You’re in luck. Saudi Arabia
takes its shopping very seriously and, as such, it’s a
hot-bed of modern stores and stroll-worthy areas.
Tahlia Street, in the heart of Jeddah, offers the best
retail therapy in town with a bountiful boulevard lined
with the likes of Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani.
‘When you’re ready for a bite make a beeline for the Fish Market at the InterContinental Jeddah, where all ages can appreciate its fresh seafood’
Saudi ArabiaYour perfect week in...
Unpolluted waters, exotic flurries of
fish and beautiful coral makes Jeddah
a must-go destination for diving and
snorkelling. Head to the hotel’s dive
centre where you and your family
can get kitted out with flippers and
masks before making for the ocean.
Don’t forget your underwater camera
– you’ll be able to capture fantastic
memories of your trip.
Like golf? Then you’ll love to swing
your way around one of the Kingdom’s
best courses at Durrah Golf Club,
just 40 kilometres north of Jeddah in
Durrat Al Arus. The nine-hole course
can prove quite a challenge whatever
your handicap, but if you want a real
test of your golf skills, make for the
Sand and Oil course by King Abdulaziz
International Airport.
Day 4
Day 7
If your kids are real water babies, they’re
in for a treat: Jeddah’s biggest family
attraction is its watersports. Sailing,
banana-boating, jet-skiing, paragliding,
windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, water-
skiing and even more are all at your
disposal in the warm and clear waters
of the Red Sea. To get started, see
InterContinental Jeddah’s leisure team
who’ll be happy to arrange the pursuit
of your choice.
Don’t waste your final day; rise and
shine in the early hours (at 5am, to
be precise) and you can experience
a great slice of daily life; the
morning catch auction at Jeddah’s
frenetic fish market. There, the Red
Sea’s riches are laid out for all to see
and, on a good day, there can be up
to 50 species, from squid and parrot
fish to hammerhead sharks.
Day 5 Day 6
21
IHG MAY (john).indd 21 4/28/2011 10:43:17 AM
23
In the morning, take your family out to explore Abu Dhabi’s
natural side from the perspective of a kayak. The land
surrounding the UAE capital is riddled with mangroves which
play host to crabs, fish and birds, and Noukhada Adventure
Company (www.noukhada.ae) will take you out on a fun
guided tour as well as loaning fishing equipment if you want
to land some dinner. In the afternoon, it’s time for a round of
golf at the wonderful Abu Dhabi Golf Club, before a family
dinner at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s (00 971 2 666 6888)
simply brilliant Chamas, a Brazilian Churrascaria.Day 6
Day 7
Day 4
Day 5
Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, a nature reserve where your kids will come face to face with white lions and tigers’
Take a day trip to Fujairah, on the UAE’s east coast, and go
canyoning in Wadi Wurrayah. Hire a guide to show your family
the best and most entertaining route (try www.adventure.
ae). Water levels in the wadi will vary depending on the time
of year but if there has been recent rainfall, your kids will love
wading waist-deep through pools. Don’t leave Fujairah without
snorkelling by Snoopy Rock – it’s simply excellent.
Make your last day a sporting one. Start off with an
early round at Al Badia Golf Club (www.albadiagolfclub.
ae), a magnificent course by the Creek. And then drive
down Sheikh Zayed Road to Yas Marina Circuit (www.
yasmarinacircuit.com), where you can swap your car for
an Aston Martin GT4 (sadly, it’s not a permanent trade),
and enjoy a hair-raising spin around the awesome F1 track
here. End with a fantastic family meal at Stills in Crowne
Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (971 2 656 3000).
Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (www.awpr.ae), a nature
reserve where your kids will come face to face with indigenous
species from across the Gulf as well as animals from further
afield, including white lions and tigers. And while you’re in Al
Ain, don’t miss a trip to Hili Fun City, a heritage-focused theme
park with a carnival atmosphere where your kids will race
around enjoying the rollercoaster, laser dome and fairground-
style rides.
Best for
adults
23
IHG MAY (john).indd 23 4/28/2011 10:44:01 AM
22
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
The UAEStart your family trip off with a bird’s eye view of
the country, courtesy of a fun and fascinating hot
air balloon ride. You and your kids will be collected
from your city base by Balloon Adventures (www.
ballooning.ae) and taken into the desert first thing in
the morning, before sunrise. As you rise into the air
the astounding beauty of the surroundings will take
your breath away as your kids compete to spot the
camels and gazelles that leap about the terracotta
dunes. In the afternoon, head to a Dubai beach – there
are numerous excellent beach clubs which are geared
up to cater for families, and where you’ll find great
watersports. Your kids will get involved with banana-
boating, kayaking and more while you soak up the
sunshine with a nice cold drink at your side...
Your perfect week in...
‘Don’t leave Fujairah without snorkelling by Snoopy Rock - it’s simply excellent’
As well as the myriad beaches on the tranquil coastline, there are two fantastic
water parks in Dubai. Aquaventure is best for older kids, with a near-vertical slide
which plunges through a shark-infested lagoon, while Wild Wadi offers plenty for
tots and teens. If snow’s your family’s bag, head to Ski Dubai (www.skidxb.com),
which boasts the world’s first indoor black run as well as tobogganing. Finish
the day with dinner at the Crowne Plaza Dubai (00 971 4 331 1111). If you’re in the
mood for fun, book a seat at the teppanyaki table in Sakura and watch the chefs
cook up a storm. The food here is excellent.
As you’re surrounded by sea, take the chance to get your
family out onto the ocean and survey the City of Gold from the
luxury of a yacht: there are plenty of operators who’ll take you
out to sea, but we can recommend Dusail (www.dusail.com),
a husband-and-wife venture with just a few immaculate boats.
They set off from Dubai Marina and take visitors on a tour
around the Palm Jumeirah, and the other manmade islands
that dot the ocean close to shore. You’ll have an exhilarating,
splash-happy trip which your children will adore.
22
IHG MAY (john).indd 22 4/28/2011 10:43:28 AM
23
In the morning, take your family out to explore Abu Dhabi’s
natural side from the perspective of a kayak. The land
surrounding the UAE capital is riddled with mangroves which
play host to crabs, fish and birds, and Noukhada Adventure
Company (www.noukhada.ae) will take you out on a fun
guided tour as well as loaning fishing equipment if you want
to land some dinner. In the afternoon, it’s time for a round of
golf at the wonderful Abu Dhabi Golf Club, before a family
dinner at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s (00 971 2 666 6888)
simply brilliant Chamas, a Brazilian Churrascaria.Day 6
Day 7
Day 4
Day 5
Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, a nature reserve where your kids will come face to face with white lions and tigers’
Take a day trip to Fujairah, on the UAE’s east coast, and go
canyoning in Wadi Wurrayah. Hire a guide to show your family
the best and most entertaining route (try www.adventure.
ae). Water levels in the wadi will vary depending on the time
of year but if there has been recent rainfall, your kids will love
wading waist-deep through pools. Don’t leave Fujairah without
snorkelling by Snoopy Rock – it’s simply excellent.
Make your last day a sporting one. Start off with an
early round at Al Badia Golf Club (www.albadiagolfclub.
ae), a magnificent course by the Creek. And then drive
down Sheikh Zayed Road to Yas Marina Circuit (www.
yasmarinacircuit.com), where you can swap your car for
an Aston Martin GT4 (sadly, it’s not a permanent trade),
and enjoy a hair-raising spin around the awesome F1 track
here. End with a fantastic family meal at Stills in Crowne
Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (971 2 656 3000).
Head to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (www.awpr.ae), a nature
reserve where your kids will come face to face with indigenous
species from across the Gulf as well as animals from further
afield, including white lions and tigers. And while you’re in Al
Ain, don’t miss a trip to Hili Fun City, a heritage-focused theme
park with a carnival atmosphere where your kids will race
around enjoying the rollercoaster, laser dome and fairground-
style rides.
Best for
adults
23
IHG MAY (john).indd 23 4/28/2011 10:44:01 AM
Untitled-11 1 3/28/2011 5:34:29 PM
24
Bahrain (80000 880)Crowne Plaza Bahrain
Egypt (0800 44 333 220)InterContinental Abu Soma ResortInterContinental Cairo Citystars InterContinental The Palace Port Ghalib Resort InterContinental Taba Heights ResortSemiramis InterContinental Cairo Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port Ghalib ResortCrowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port Ghalib ResortHoliday Inn Citystars Cairo
Jordan (0800 22 666)InterContinental Aqaba Resort InterContinental Jordan Crowne Plaza Resort PetraCrowne Plaza AmmanHoliday Inn Amman Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, Jordan
KEnya (0800 999 136)InterContinental Nairobi
KUWait (2473 2100 Ext. 6233)Crowne Plaza KuwaitHoliday Inn Downtown Kuwait Holiday Inn Kuwait
LEBanon (01) 426 801 aSK at&t opErator to ConnECt (866 866 7556)Le Vendòme InterContinental BeirutInterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort & Spa Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut
Crowne Plaza BeirutHoliday Inn - Dunes
MaUritiUS (0800 999 136)InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balacalava Fort
oMan (0800 97 1234) InterContinental Muscat Crowne Plaza MuscatCrowne Plaza Sohar Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah
Qatar (00800 97 1234)InterContinental Doha
SaUdi araBia (800 89 71 456)Al Ahsa InterContinental Dar Al Hijra InterContinental MadinahDar Al Iman InterContinental MadinahInterContinental Al Jubail InterContinental Al Khobar InterContinental Jeddah InterContinental Riyadh InterContinental Taif Crowne Plaza JeddahHoliday Inn Minhal Riyadh Holiday Inn NajranHoliday Inn Olaya Riyadh Holiday Inn Yanbu Holiday Inn Hafr Al BatinHoliday Inn Riyadh-Izdihar Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Qasr Holiday Inn Al KhobarHoliday Inn Resort Half Moon BayHoliday Inn Jeddah-Al Salam Holiday Inn Al Khobar – Corniche
UaE (800 4642)InterContinental Abu Dhabi InterContinental
Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza DubaiCrowne Plaza Abu DhabiCrowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha Holiday Inn Downtown DubaiHoliday Inn Sharjah Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park Holiday Inn Express Dubai-Jumeirah
ZaMBia (0800 999 136) InterContinental Lusaka
Choose your hotel...
24
IHG MAY (john).indd 24 4/28/2011 10:44:03 AM
Untitled-11 1 3/28/2011 5:34:29 PM
A Very Suite Offer frOm interCOntinentAl Abu DhAbi.
Get a lot more out of your next trip to Abu Dhabi with our exclusive Suite Promotion for GCC residents and citizens. For every night you book a suite, you will also be given a complimentary deluxe connecting room for the same night. You will also receive a voucher worth AED 200 to spend at nearby Marina Mall including free transportation in our shuttle bus!
Offer valid till 31st October 2011. Terms and conditions apply.
In over 170 locations across the globe including Cairo • aMMaN • Beirut • DuBai
For further information and bookings please contact your travel agent or the hotel directly at intercontinentalabudhabi.com, or call +971 2 6666888
Untitled-2 1 4/27/2011 11:00:14 AM