Middle East

The most popular resort destinations in the Middle East can be found in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, all offering a wide range of resort locations, but without a doubt Dubai has become one of the more popular destinations for travellers from all over the world. Its growing number of luxurious hotels and facilities it has become the most sought after destination.

DUBAI - United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Sometimes called the "city of gold" the liberal nature of Dubai, coupled with unprecedented investment and year round sunshine has turned the emirate into a popular tourist destination as well as an essential place to do business.

Dubai is the second largest Emirate in the United Arab Emirates and probably the most well known. Under the guidance of Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashid bin Maktoum, it has forged a reputation as one of the most important and vibrant cities in the Middle East.

Dubai’s cosmopolitan flavour is matched by the city’s many restaurants and entertainment venues, which provide a truly international array of choices for the visitor. Split down the middle by a creek which runs through the centre of the old part of town, the creek is the lifeblood of the area, the focal point for traders in the city. Some of Dubai’s landmark buildings can be found in Deira, including the famous Bank of Dubai structure, and the Etisalat tower, which houses the United Arab Emirates’ telecommunications company.

South of the creek is Bur Dubai. This is again a largely urban area - although as you head closer to the coast a more upmarket feel takes hold as the low rise apartment buildings give way to spacious villas and hotels.

Dubai resort hotels are primarily located in the beach area of Jumeirah. The most famous of course being the Bur Al Arab Jumeirah, acknowledged as the "best hotel in the world". The hotel is over 300 metres high and resembles a sail which billows towards the sea and at night the sight is simply unforgettable. The hotel is a all suite concept and from being picked up at the airport in a chauffuer driven Rolls Royce to a private check in, the highly trained number of butlers for every floor will make a stay here a totally luxurious experience. Of course prices match the high standards.

Dubai offers a range of hotels to cater to all travellers. From the very best to moderately priced hotels, Dubai is a city built for tourism.

The luxurious Grand Hyatt Dubai is a fabulous hotel and can have very reasonable rates during certain times of the year. It towers majestically on the edge of the famous Creek and is set in 37 acres of landscaped gardens giving the feel of a resort within a city location.

Almost every brand name hotel is represented in Dubai. Sheraton, Meridien, Hyatt, Rotana Hotels and many excellent independent boutique style properties, but for the resort hotels you cannot beat the famous Jumeirah Beach Hotel which was built to resemble a breaking wave and has a prime position on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. With its own private beach this award winning hotel offers the best in luxury, service and facilities in a beach side location.

BAHRAIN

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. The country was once named Dilmun by ancient Sumerians, considered an island paradise in which there was no disease, death or suffering, and where gods resided. Although modern Bahrain has not retained such mythical status, many still flock to frolic in its heavenly shoreline, and many still perceive the country as blissful respite from less lenient Islamic countries.

A popular resort in Bahrain is the Al-Bander located in Riffa. Al Bander has been a popular destination not only for couples and families but also for businessmen who plan to combine business with pleasure. Offering chalets and cabanas, 5 restaurants as well as a marina with full boating service the resorts boasts 10 swimming pools, diving and may outdoor leisure activities.

For sheer luxury the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa a luxury seven-storey resort, with 245 newly renovated rooms and suites, is located within a 20-acre urban resort complex on the seafront of Manama. Only 11 kms from the airport, 3 kms from the Manama City Center and just across the road from Bahrain International Exhibition Center the hotel is ideally located for all travellers. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Villas & Spa offer panoramic ocean views at this luxury beachfront retreat overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Comprised of 23 elegant and spacious villas strategically located along the beach and tucked into lush greenery, the villas provide the ultimate in privacy.

In Manama the Novotel Al Dana a 4 star deluxe hotel featuring 172 rooms located in the heart of Manama is close to the diplomatic area and business centre, and only 5km away from the international airport. Built in local architecture, the hotel offers a variety of restaurants and bars. plus a private beach, watersports, swimming pool, fitness center and 24 hours room service.

JORDAN

Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East, Northwest of Saudi Arabia, South of Syria, Southwest of Iraq, and East of Israel and the Palestenian National Authority. Jordan has access to the Red Sea via the port city of Aqaba, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Jordan offers a range of attractions catering to all interests. From holy sites, the historical sites, natural sites and the Red Sea via the Port town of Aqaba.

Petra is located about 3-5 hours south of Amman and 2 hours north of Aqaba on the fringe of the mountainous desert of the Wadi Araba. The city is surrounded by towering hills. The Moevenpick Resort Petra is located at the entrance to the famous Petra Site this 5 star hotel is one of the most notable hotels in the Middle East.

Another good choice is The Moevenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea which is on the northern shores of the Dead Sea and just 70KM from the international airport in Amman and 55KM from city centre of Amman. Again a 5 star property designed around a traditional stone village and decorated throughout with an impressive collection of antiques and art works, the resort benefits from a superb range of facilities and modern amenities.

The Janna Spa & Resort at Ma in Hot Spring is 30KM from the "mosaic " city of Madaba and 50 KM from Queen Alia International Airport. A stunning 5 star resort the hotel has rooms with balconies featuring either mountain or spring views. Not to be missed when travelling to Jordan.

Marriott Jordan Valley Resort is located on the Dead Sea just 35 miles from Amman. Luxurious surrounding and majestic views and incredible sun sets best describe this resort. Tucked between the mountains and the Dead Sea, near ancient and sacred sites such as Mount Nebo and the Jordan River, what more could a discerning traveller wish for. With 3 swimming pools and a vast range of fantastic restaurants this hotel is too good to miss.

Finally the 5 star Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Resort which opened in May of 2007 has apart from stunning guest rooms, villa style accommodation with balconies overlooking the sea, plus the many pools and luxurious surroundings make this a "must visit" site in Jordan.

KUWAIT

The State of Kuwait s a small constitutional monarchy country on the coast of the Persian Gulf , enclosed by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north. The name is a diminutive of an Arabic word meaning "fortress built near water." The booking economy has allowed many international hotel to be built in recent years. Some are still under construction but the following hotels offer superior hotel accommodation and facilities in and near Kuwait City, the capital.

Hilton Kuwait is an idyllic beach front location promoting a relaxed holiday atmosphere and on 15km from the city centre. The resort combines a enhanced level of luxury with international hospitality expertise. This is the first integrated business leisure and lifestyle resort ever built in Kuwait. Residential villas and apartments are also part of its unique features.

Kempinski Hotel Julaia is probably more of a business hotel but does feature the many additional facilites most 5 star luxury hotels feature such as Spa, outdoor pools, recreation activities etc. Worth checking out for a more city centre location.

The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa Safat is a true 5 star resort located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and close to all the major attractions of Kuwait City. Set within a authentic middle eastern theme and spread over 25,000 sq.m. of stunning landscaped gardens, including a unmatchable stretch of coastline and all within 10 minutes of the city.

OMAN

Oman borders the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE and is a stunning contrast of deserts, mountains and beaches with all the comforts of a bustling metropolis. Muscat, the capital city of Oman and often described as Arabia's Jewel lies sparkling white, topped with golden minarets in the middle of a maze of brown pleated mountains reaching down to the Arabian Sea. There are many luxurious resorts in Muscat. The Shangri-La Resort and Spa offers pristine beaches and unspoiled surroundings with a private bay and a wide range of activities including water sports. Nestled between jagged mountains and the tourquoise sea the 124 acres of landscaped gardens ensure a relaxes and enjoyabled visit.

Salalah: For most of the year, the unspoiled beaches of Salalah are ideal for scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing and diving. The marshy khawrs along the coast line are sanctuaries to a broad variety of migrating birds turning the region into a bird watchers paradise. But during the summer Salalah is easily Oman's coolest destination to visit during the Khareef with its crisp unpolluted air, cool misty clime, high rolling seas and leafy ambiance.

The Crowne Plaza Salalah is one of the finest resorts. Located on the stunning white sandy beaches of Salalah, right on the Indian Ocean. The resort is set in 45 acres of lush greenery and coconut groves is a tropical getaway.

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