As Eid approaches we turn our thoughts to travel and begin to make plans. With the likes of Athens, Petra, Mumbai, and Beirut all but a short flight away we look at luxe and less-travelled options to maximise the potential of cities well designed to be explored or relaxed in, in a short time-frame.
By Laura Beaney
Where: Muscat (and around), Oman
How: Drive or Fly
Best for: Local Luxury
The Chedi
Grand and gorgeous, The Chedi sets the standard for luxury resorts across the Gulf. A first of its kind in the region; the low-lit, minimalistic design bears a stark contrast to the surrounding city of Muscat, rich with Arabic flavor, sights and smells and set against the striking Al Hajar mountains. With six dining options on-site including award-winning fine dining option, The Restaurant, The Chedi is the type of resort where you can happily lose days in deep relaxation.
Highlights:
Powerful rain showers are made all the more memorable with the addition of Aqua Di Parma bathing products.
The Long Pool. The 103m black-tiled marvel is the largest of its kind in the area with spectacular views of the sea and private beach.
Best for: A Unique Location and Incredible Views
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Nestled amongst Oman’s looming mountains, two and a half hours drive away from the heat and hustle of Muscat lays the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort. The location is truly unique and the climate a little cooler than the Capital. Striking views are aplenty and the authenticity goes down to design level – the contemporary structure was built using traditional Omani materials and design techniques.
Highlights:
Spa Alila’s menu combines ancient Asian healing techniques with natural, high-quality ingredients. The staff are well versed in anatomical physiology, massage and meditation and are able to consult on health and organic nutrition.
Where: Beirut, Lebanon
How: 4 hour flight
Best for: To See and Be Seen
Le Gray
Situated in the pulsing heart of downtown Beirut, Le Gray is Beirut’s first design hotel, offering a contemporary vantage point for old-world discovery. Overlooking the city with stunning 360-degree views, the achingly modern set-up is under the umbrella of Gordon Campbell Gray, known for the likes of Dukes in London and Carlisle Bay in Antigua. Experience the sensation of swimming in the sky with the hotel’s heart-racing, lilac-tiled infinity pool or shop your favourite labels in the neighboring Solidere.
Highlights:
Bedrooms are individually decorated with 500 original artworks by Arabic, Cuban and French artists.
Best for: A Taste of Paris
Villa Clara
Bringing Parisian flair to the leafy streets of Mar Mikhael, Villa Clara is a small family-run, boutique hotel and restaurant. With just seven guest rooms each brimming with Parisian antiques and richly coloured floor tiles the 1920s- style villa offers an intimate insight into old-world charm.
Highlights:
Restaurant Villa Clara - Villa Clara’s Parisian owner, chef, Olivier Gougeon serves traditional bourgeois French cuisine utilising locally sourced, organic ingredients such as fresh za’atar.
Where: Athens, Greece
How: 5 hour flight
Best for: Lovers of 20th Century Design
AthensWas
Just a stone’s throw away from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis is the sleek and design-focused AthensWas hotel. After opening its doors in 2015 the contemporary accommodation has attracted the young and hip in search of the perfect spot from which to explore Athens’ vast history. Inside, the decidedly Mod-ish décor takes the bedrooms to the 20th century with key pieces by Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray and Warren Platner.
Highlights:
The rooftop bar offers rare, unobstructed views of the Acropolis
Best for: Fans of Literature and History
The Grande Bretagne
More than just a hotel, The Grande Bretagne is a piece of literary history, appearing on the pages of spy novels by Agatha Christie and Eric Ambler, the impressive venue oozes old-world affluence. The stone building first opened its doors to the striking Syntagma Square back in 1874; the idealistic location places guests in the heart of Athens’ historical quarter - right next to the Greek Parliament and the Acropolis. Take to the rooftop garden to take in the Parthenon and Parliament whilst enjoying delicious Mediterranean fare.
Highlights:
Guest rooms feature sumptuous marble baths and are furnished with restored antiques as standard. For those who wish to further indulge, the Royal Suite is a regular choice for Heads of State and celebrities alike. The plush 400m space is adorned with original artworks and exquisite pieces from Christie's and Sotheby's and boosts iconic views of Athens, including Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, the Parliament and Lycabettus Hill.
