Four international Eid getaways from the UAE

Next week, the Eid Al Adha holidays will be upon us. It’s most likely going to be a four-day weekend here in the UAE. That should be all you need to know before you go ahead and book yourself an international hotel stay. Here’s some inspiration for where you can head to for the holidays.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

If the heat’s your best excuse to hotfoot it out of town, head straight to Anantara’s outpost in Oman’s rugged Jabal Al Akhdar located 2000 metres above sea level where the temperature’s around 10 degrees lower than Dubai.

It’s a family-friendly resort where you can leave the children under supervision while you head out to explore the surroundings which include historic forts, cliff-edge hiking trails and even undertake an after-sunset vehicle tour to spots around the resort like the gardens of HM Sultan Qaboos.

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Some of Anantara’s famous guests have reportedly included Anthony Bourdain and Friends star Matt LeBlanc. There are private two-bedroom Pool Villas and three-bedroom Royal Mountain Villas. While there are several restaurants on the property, you can opt for an in-villa dining experience 24 hours a day. Midnight meat cravings, anyone?

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman. From Dhs2,570. anantara.com/en/jabal-akhdar 

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

The 46-villa Randheli is an LVMH property and as such you can expect top-notch service from something that belongs to the world’s largest luxury conglomerate.

There’s a 5-star PADI Dive Center that offers diving courses and activities like snorkelling and fishing as well. On the culinary front, there’s a 9-course tasting menu at French restaurant Le 1947 and a more casual dining experience at the overwater alfresco Mediterranean restaurant The Deelani.

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Each villa has cathedral ceilings and done up with naturally-sourced materials like bamboo, coconut shells and teak. If you want a private island to yourself, there’s the Cheval Blanc Private Island four-bedroom villa which is located three minutes away from the main island. You get a dedicated staff to yourself and a private spa, swimming pool and a beach that you don’t have to share with any other guest. Cast away.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives. From Dhs7,934 per night. chevalblanc.com/randheli/en

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, Indonesia

Thailand could be a tourist trap best avoided during the peak holiday season. Instead, head to Indonesia which is only a few hours away from Thailand. The Seminyak in Bali is offering a three-night Eid ‘Villa Indulgence’ package. There are options for both a Garden Pool Villa or an Ocean View Villa. The package includes daily breakfast and afternoon tea served in your villa, Besides, you also get one complimentary lunch and dinner laid out in your villa too. Guests can also indulge in a spa treatment at the Kahyangan Spa as part of the package.

The Seminyak Resort & Spa. From Dhs1,971. theseminyak.com

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai

If it’s the far east where you want to jet off to for the extended weekend and you feel the need to be within a mega metropolis rather than far away from it, the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai is where you should be at. While there are several room options, one of the best suites is the 115-square metre Club Premier Suite Two Bedroom. Before you make your ways to the suites, the staff can take you on a complimentary Lobby Art Tour which explains the Feng Shui elements incorporated into this Arata Isozaki-designed property. Good vibes all around.

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai. From Dhs725. jumeirah.com